America 1982-Chapter 214 - 76: My Days at the Fraternity Have Just Begun_2
A book sold for twenty-five US dollars, and the author got 15%. As subsequent sales volumes increased, this percentage would also rise. Based on the 15% cut, it meant that for every book sold, Tommy would earn three US dollars. Then people saw that in addition to software, books could also be sold on television. This guy went around various TV direct sales programs peddling motivational stories written by others, selling to those eager to emulate Tommy’s path to success. He sold nearly three hundred thousand copies, earning a fortune while also conveniently snagging the title of a bestselling author for himself.
"This time, we’re not discussing the issue of my commitment to completing my education; there’s no value in discussing that," Tommy didn’t answer Holly’s confusion but looked at the people in front of him: 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦
"Today, for the last time as the CEO of Actor Corporation, I announce some internal decisions of the company. I’ve already communicated with Mr. Benjamin Rosen and Jerry Xius, two members of the board, and he has no objections, so it doesn’t matter that he’s not here. First order of business, Holly Kina will take over as the Chairman and CEO of the company, Jason needs to focus on other matters, as he’s the founder of EFF, and there’s a lot to handle over there. He can’t attend to Actor Corporation, so like me, he’ll retain his board position but no longer be involved in the day-to-day management."
Everyone had already mentally prepared for Holly Kina to take over Actor Corporation; it was just that Tommy had not formally announced it. Compared to Tommy Hawk, who was always all talk, Holly indeed was the busiest person at the company. She had to make real all the things Tommy said, the boasts he made, and she continuously acted as the spokesperson for Actor Corporation, liaising with all sectors. Her taking the reins of Actor Corporation, no one was surprised; it was something the blonde beauty had earned through hard work and capability.
"Tommy, I really appreciate your trust in me, but I think you should stay on for a while so I can learn more about comprehensive thinking from you, I..." Although Tommy had already told her that Actor Corporation would be her responsibility, Holly still felt nervous when the moment actually arrived, feeling subconsciously insecure in front of Tommy.
After all, the feats of Tommy Hawk had been so dazzling, who could have foreseen those wildly imaginative and boundary-breaking tactics?
From the day of its birth, Actor Corporation had been in the eye of the storm, eventually taking out its competitors. Tommy Hawk was like a composed and shrewd captain, firmly manning the helm of Actor Corporation’s little boat through the tumultuous waves, standing tall at the crest.
From starting with nothing to now receiving a total investment of thirty million from two major companies, Compaq and AT&T, taking a twenty percent stake, this indicated that Actor Corporation was valued at one hundred fifty million. Future growth was clearly anticipated.
The defeated Lotus Corporation, with substantial software sales, was only valued at one point two billion dollars. Actor Corporation hadn’t done much but had already reached a valuation of one hundred fifty million just by giving away copied software to amass over six hundred thousand users and winning a legal battle against Lotus Corporation. All of this was accomplished by Tommy Hawk. Whether it was himself or Jason, although much work was done, they had never anticipated such astonishing returns. With a market value of hundreds of millions, his original thirty percent stake in Actor Corporation, though diluted by investments, was already worth tens of millions. With each subsequent round of investment dilution, its value would only increase.
Taking over Actor Corporation, there was no way she could achieve more spectacular results than Tommy. The most shining moments of Actor Corporation, with Tommy Hawk’s decision to step down from the daily management, would never be replicated.
"Have confidence in yourself, Holly, and besides, I’ve already discussed with you some ideas for the future development. If you encounter any problems that you feel need to be discussed or are difficult to handle, you can call me privately to arrange a meeting. Just buy a box of Trojan in advance; I am very willing to offer you some advice. Thinking can’t be learned, it’s honed through continuous contemplation and trial," Tommy approached Holly, touched her meticulously made-up cheek and said:
"You have to learn to think through problems comprehensively on your own. This is a great opportunity; you can use the investments from Compaq and AT&T to develop the company while improving yourself. This is a valuable opportunity that even Harvard Business School can’t teach you. You can waste money but not opportunities. If it weren’t for our deep friendship, even if you paid me, you wouldn’t get this chance, understand?"
"I understand," Holly said, looking directly into Tommy’s eyes and nodding.
"Good," Tommy turned around and said to the others:
"The second issue is about income. Everyone has worked hard for so long, and apart from Mark and Susan receiving a weekly salary of two hundred dollars each, no one has taken an official salary from the company. The main reason being that we didn’t have the money. But now, the storm has passed, and Actor no longer lacks funds. It’s about time to turn the company’s money into our own."
When it came to income, everyone’s gaze turned to Tommy. Tommy first looked at Jason and Holly:
"Shareholders should also receive a salary for their work. I made a point of asking about the salary issue for shareholders of several other companies for reference. Seymour Rubinstein from MicroSurgery told me he gives himself five thousand a week for pocket money. Steve Ballmer, a small shareholder at Microsoft, has a weekly salary of two thousand. Benjamin Rosen takes only a sad annual salary of two hundred thousand from Compaq. So, Holly, as CEO, will have an annual salary of two hundred thousand, and Jason, just assign any position at Actor Corporation besides shareholder to him, with an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand. Also, get him a medical insurance that includes treatment for frigidity. I’m afraid one hundred fifty thousand may not cover his treatment costs. That’ll do."
