Most of the people who lived in The Environment worked for the businesses that were started by Bob's patients within the community. I explained in previous posts (here and here) how Bob assumed control over these businesses. As a result, the extent of his control over his followers broadened significantly.
The way this manifested in the design company was particularly disturbing.
Most employees worked 60-80 hour work weeks for years on end. If they were lucky, they received minimum wage. In fact, there were some who received zero pay.
Meanwhile...
- Tam Firestone, having been installed as President, drew a healthy salary despite having no qualifications whatsoever, and despite that she worked part-time.
- Bob used the company bank account as his personal slush fund. The company covered his (and Tam's) exorbitant travel expenses even though the travel was unrelated to business.
- Susan, a core member of Bob's inner circle, drew a healthy salary despite that she did absolutely nothing -- there wasn't even a pretense.
Business as usual in the Bob cult.
2 comments:
Bob was masterful at getting us to work for nothing. He'd say things like, "The businesses need to be successful in order to support our lifestyle. The building, the travel, the boats, they all belong to you! You're fortunate to have a vehicle to give something back to the community."
A select few drew large salaries from the businesses. They formed a “Robin Hood fund” to dole out to the needy. If the worker bees couldn't afford to go on vacation or didn't have the means to pay for a dental procedure, they were directed to seek charity from the fund. I believe it was Bob who controlled the purse strings.
It was humiliating to grovel for money from wealthy co-workers, Bob's favorite ladies and their well-off children, then be expected to express gratitude for their kind generosity.
I was a good friend and roommate of Anne B., who managed the Glendon Assoc. and much of the cult's finances.
Anne had considerable responsibility in the group, however, she apparently received a modest salary, for she rarely went on vacations, dressed inexpensively and drove an ancient car. She was serious, circumspect and definitely not a gossip,
After I returned to teaching after taking a 3 year break during which I slaved for Design One, I had my summers free and often worked - free - for the Glendon Assoc. with Anne. One day she seemed uncharacteristically
upset. I asked her why and she blurted out that Bob, who was on vacation in the Mediterranean, had phoned, asking her to write a check for "thousands of dollars." "It's for SUNGLASSES!" Anne said. "He's bought all his girlfriend's designer sunglasses!"
Mot out of his own pocket, but with the group's money.
A small example of Bob appropriating our hard-earned money for his private slush fund.
GMC
Post a Comment