Thompson points to the important role of mentors in his own life.”I had the belief that if I could produce good results, the rest would take care of itself. But along the way, I also was fortunate enough to have support from some really well-placed people who took an interest in my career…..Success is a combination of hard work and a good support structure that helps to get you going, but it’s determination along the way that keeps you moving along. I had enough of all of those to get you going, but it’s determination along the way that keeps you moving along I had enough of all of those to get me where I am today.” With his own future secure, Thompson is spending more of his time encouraging young African Americans to pursue engineering careers. He takes this responsibility, personally inviting young talent to his home and treating them to a barbecue. Periodically he also coaches students at Florida A&M University, his alma mater