Jim's wife Kathy Gornick handled the business end from the very beginning, and did so rather well! Jim's brother Tom was an instrument builder was involved early on in the cabinetry, but left some time ago. Jim and Kathy' s daughter Dawn was involved in the business end as well. The economy and market conditions (Jim died in 2009) were getting more challenging just as Jim's health began deteriorating. Jim was a uniquely talented man, and as time has proven not easily replaced.
More Bad News AT Thiel
According to Ted at Strat-Ta-Gee.com Thiel is on the verge of closing. According to the Chief Engineer who was let go Dennis Crosson Thiel is done. Upper management has denied this and stated they are planning to move into the next phase. Very confusing. Looks like Classe all over again. Very interesting article on what's going on.