How I Got My Ass Chewed!
May 28, 2021 18:45:20 #
It was in the 1980’s during the oil boom and I had accepted the position as V.P. Marketing and Sales Manager for Warren Automatic Tool Company in Houston. The vacancy I was filling had been occupied by a younger man who had believed that passing out fifths of scotch and bourbon was how a sales manager gained and kept business. So, he was fired when it became obvious the tactic alone did not work.
My first and greatest challenge was finding and hiring enough experience and competent technicians and salesmen for the eight different branches. Befitting the office and level of my position, I put in a request for a new Oldsmobile 98 as a company car. I also went to the Galleria to an upscale luggage store and purchased an Atlas leather briefcase for around $300.
Things sped along at a hectic pace for the next couple of months and the president initiates a cost cutting and savings program. It was at about he same time as my American Express charge for my brief case arrived. I hardly had time for the meeting, but I was scheduled for one with the president and general manager and put on the rack about this ‘outrageous’ and extraordinary expensive brief case. So, I must sit through an extensive ass chewing about this exorbitant expense, when a cheaper one would have done just as well.
I responded that ‘yes’ I could carry my papers around in a paper bag or a grocery sack, but that since I was dealing with the presidents and chief executives of drilling companies, I did not think such would create the proper impression of our company. Things got a little heated and I wound up telling them they could fire me, but I believe I was doing the correct thing in forming the correct image of our company. If they wanted someone to foster a ‘fly by night’ reputation, then get someone else to replace me!
I think they just wanted to try and slow down spending. Had I known this was coming, I would have deferred any such expensive purchase, but what was done, was done. I was often the face of the company in negotiations with drilling company presidents and chief executives and wanted to do everything possible to create the best possible impression. I and my team were bringing in business hand over fist and I alone had signed a single more than one million dollar/annual deal, so I believe what I was doing was the correct path.
In short, I believed they should have been trying to support me, rather than the ration of crap they were dishing out over a brief case. Let me get on with doing my job! I suppose being an arrogant bastard comes with the job! ¬Just Sayin…RJS
My first and greatest challenge was finding and hiring enough experience and competent technicians and salesmen for the eight different branches. Befitting the office and level of my position, I put in a request for a new Oldsmobile 98 as a company car. I also went to the Galleria to an upscale luggage store and purchased an Atlas leather briefcase for around $300.
Things sped along at a hectic pace for the next couple of months and the president initiates a cost cutting and savings program. It was at about he same time as my American Express charge for my brief case arrived. I hardly had time for the meeting, but I was scheduled for one with the president and general manager and put on the rack about this ‘outrageous’ and extraordinary expensive brief case. So, I must sit through an extensive ass chewing about this exorbitant expense, when a cheaper one would have done just as well.
I responded that ‘yes’ I could carry my papers around in a paper bag or a grocery sack, but that since I was dealing with the presidents and chief executives of drilling companies, I did not think such would create the proper impression of our company. Things got a little heated and I wound up telling them they could fire me, but I believe I was doing the correct thing in forming the correct image of our company. If they wanted someone to foster a ‘fly by night’ reputation, then get someone else to replace me!
I think they just wanted to try and slow down spending. Had I known this was coming, I would have deferred any such expensive purchase, but what was done, was done. I was often the face of the company in negotiations with drilling company presidents and chief executives and wanted to do everything possible to create the best possible impression. I and my team were bringing in business hand over fist and I alone had signed a single more than one million dollar/annual deal, so I believe what I was doing was the correct path.
In short, I believed they should have been trying to support me, rather than the ration of crap they were dishing out over a brief case. Let me get on with doing my job! I suppose being an arrogant bastard comes with the job! ¬Just Sayin…RJS
May 28, 2021 19:09:06 #
May 28, 2021 19:17:42 #
May 28, 2021 19:19:33 #
You know, they never said a word about the car. And they certainly didn't complain about the $100,000 a month revnue from one contract.
Just Sayin...RJS
Just Sayin...RJS
May 28, 2021 19:30:05 #
Anyone where I worked after retiring from the the Air Force who was signing or asking people to sign contracts were told upon hiring 'go downstairs and buy ( on the expense account) a Mont Blanc fountain pen and never bring anything less to a meeting with potential customers'. First impressions counted!
May 28, 2021 20:21:10 #
You did the right thing by trying to put your Company's image first! There is rarely a "second" opportunity to make a "first" impression. Sometimes the "higher ups" understand these things...and as you well know...sometimes they do not! Hopefully your career span with them was rewarding and beneficial to you for your diligent efforts that were extolled on their behalf!
May 28, 2021 20:32:42 #
Stuff
Loc: South Shore Ma
My friend had a 1970 Olds 4-4-2 He didn't get any commissions!! but it had a great Hurst 4 speed transmission!!!
Just (Speeding!!) saying... Thanks RJS
Off topic but brought back memories!!
Stuff
Just (Speeding!!) saying... Thanks RJS
Off topic but brought back memories!!
Stuff
May 29, 2021 15:30:22 #
Stuff wrote:
My friend had a 1970 Olds 4-4-2 He didn't get any commissions!! but it had a great Hurst 4 speed transmission!!!
Just (Speeding!!) saying... Thanks RJS
Off topic but brought back memories!!
Stuff
Just (Speeding!!) saying... Thanks RJS
Off topic but brought back memories!!
Stuff
Stuff: That is part of what 'storytelling' is all about! It stirs up forgotten memories in the minds of the hearers! Glad you mentioned that. Just Sayin...RJS
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