FORTY ACHIEVERS UNDER FORTY: Brad Foster

Brad Foster

Foster Electric Corp.

Position: Owner

Age: 39

His great-grandfather mined gold in Cripple Creek. Bradley A. Foster struck gold with Foster Electric Corp., but not without sacrifice, determination and an industrious work ethic, Foster cred its the success of his $4 million company, started in the mid-'80s economic drought, to his employee philosophy:

"Treat your employees at the highest level. Offer training and educational programs in order to attract the best in the business. Say what you mean and do what you say."

Foster Electric is a merit shop, which means that all 40 employees are rewarded based on their experience, training and performance. "Unions had their day in this country," says Foster, "but, in present times, I am definitely an advocate for the right-to-work state."

Foster's great-grandfather was a county commissioner of Cripple Creek. That "political blood" must have seeped through the genetic pool because Brad Foster spends a lot of his time on the steps of the state Capitol building. Foster is active with initiatives and bills that affect right-to-work issues and independent trade businesses. "There is a lot of wheeling and dealing that goes on in politics, but you need to be active if you truly believe in something," says Foster. He adds, "I am an independent thinker, and my passion about work issues comes from being a worker. Employees should not have to join a union (it should be their choice); federal and state laws protect them." Foster's independent thinking has led to a common-sense approach to the social problems we face in this country.