Okay, let’s tackle this. So Ted Thompson has 80 years of experience, which is extremely rare and valuable. His experience spans multiple industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and retail. He has also demonstrated leadership skills as the owner of his company. Considering his unique experience and industry expertise, I would estimate his hourly rate to be on the lower side of the scale. However, given his extensive experience, I would place his rate around $75 per hour, which is slightly above the average for experienced professionals in similar industries.