Tom Foster

Outbound Air: Levels of Work in Organizational Structure Tom Foster

Publisher Marketing: With lingering pangs of seller's remorse, Jim Dunbar felt, in the end, that he made the right decision to sell his company, Outbound Air. Everything Jim worked for, during the better part of three decades, was about to go sideways. He pushed open the door to the conference room and instantly became the center of attention. At the head of the table sat the new CEO, Al Ripley. On either side were minions of suits. Jim could smell the starch of white shirts in the room. Crisp, striped neckties reinforced the odor of formality. Al Ripley believed for every management problem, there was a management consultant. His purpose was always the same, cripple the adversary in front and drive them to their knees, even if the conquest was over a nickel in the company football pool. In this tale of deceit and corruption, Ripley creates systemic dysfunction that leaves Outbound Air to twist in the wind. Survival is optional. Outbound Air is a fictional account of a regional airline acquired by an investment group. The story illustrates the adolescent pains of organizational growth as the new CEO takes one mis-step after another. Outbound Air's return from the brink of destruction is a vivid tale of how organizations work. Contributor Bio:  Foster, Tom E. Thomas Foster Jr., Esq., (Tom) is National Spokesperson for The Hartford's corporate retirement plans business. Foster, who is an ERISA attorney, works directly with The Hartford's financial advisor and plan sponsor clients to educate them on 401(k) plans and other qualified plan products. Tom travels extensively around the United States and has lectured to trade organizations such as LOMA (Life Office Management Association), SPARK (Society of Pension Administrators and Record Keepers) and the American Institute of Banking. He has also conducted a series of accredited legal, certified public accounting and financial planning seminars in 48 states. Tom has been quoted and/or published in trade and business journals such as "Pensions & Investments, National Underwriter, Smart Money and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. He has also appeared on Bloomberg Television."" "Todd D. Thompson is a regional sales director for The Hartford's corporate retirement plans division for the state of Wisconsin. In this position, he is responsible for sales and marketing of corporate retirement plans through key accounts, as well as developing marketing materials and seminars for use by the National Sales Force. Thompson also serves as spokesperson for The Hartford's corporate retirement plans at national and regional meetings for broker-dealers, industry associations and corporate meetings.