Seven years an accounts manager, and today, passed over for a fifth time for a supervisor position, Roger was finally questioning his future with Allied Industries.
“Got problems, buddy?”
“What?” Roger didn’t know anyone was behind him.
“Sounds like you’re going nowhere, and not even heading there very fast. I’m Charlie, by the way. I don’t work here anymore.”
“Uh, okay, Charlie, glad to meet you. Roger here. Sorry, but I’m not having the best day.”
“I gathered that. I quit here three years ago.”
Roger ran a hand through his thinning hair. Then what are you doing here?”
Charlie dug a business card from his pocket. “Yes, better pay and benefits, even time to visit old friends. Here’s my card. Give me a call, maybe we can work something out.”
“Uh, thanks. I just might do that.”
“Your elevator is here. Going down.”
When the elevator doors closed, Charlie dug out his cellphone and dialed.
“Hooked one.”
After forty minutes, Charlie left the building and was walking across the parking lot when his phone rang.
Roger was on the line. “You have any openings?”
Charlie smiled. “I like you, Roger, and yes, there is an opening for an Accounts Supervisor, but we need to know what you are working on and the extent of your clients. This is a pretty big job and we have to be certain you are up for it.”
“I can email a file of my client list and current projects to the address on your card later today.”
“That would be excellent, Roger. I like a man that is confident and decisive.”
Roger gave a little half smile. I’ll send the complete company client list and projects. That should demonstrate my value.
Charlie looked at the file that arrived on his phone, saved it, then dialed.
“Gold mine.”
The voice on the other end asked, “How many client names did you get?”
“All of them, and the current projects. I need five times the money we agreed on.”
“Take four times the money?”
“Done. Burn the website. I’ll ditch the burner phone. Good doing business with you.”