Chapter 23

GUY

Although Guy’s life was very full at that time, he could not help wondering what was going on with Technotics’ management. Damon had still not reappeared, but there had been no announcement of any kind. Over three team meetings and a visit to Jenny’s, Madelyn had said nothing work related.

When he received a phone call from a consultant representing Hanford Manufacturing, a highly regarded local firm, he decided it would be prudent to cultivate a possible alternative. When the caller wanted to set up an immediate meeting, Guy tried to put it off until he could prepare a resume. He was completely blown away when the caller stated they knew much more about him than could fit in a resume, and they preferred to get all of their information face to face.

When he found out the position was COO, it put Technotics in a tough bargaining position. There were some concerns, however. Hanford was considerably smaller. While Technotics had been doing consistently well for many years, Hanford was viewed as in a down cycle. It was private, so financial information was not as easily obtained, but Guy did some intensive digging. Obviously, he would ask some serious questions if there was a followup interview, but he wanted to come in well armed with any information he could dig up.

He knew, of course, that any job change well into a career cost something at the back end. Still, the compensation package that was roughly described was very attractive.

After several hours of digging and a number of phone conversations, Guy was able to come up with the key piece of information on his own. The company had recently been bought out by an arm of the Magnuson Foundation.

Guy waited until after work to call Madelyn. When he hinted at why he wanted to talk with her, she insisted on coming to Guy’s house immediately. As she was stripping in the entryway, Madelyn told him “I’m glad you waited until after work. Talking about this is highly unethical for me, but it is way too late to worry about that.”

When Guy just looked at her with a puzzled expression, she told him “Get us both a coffee and I’ll meet you at the kitchen table after I greet the kids.”

Before taking her first sip, she told him “The last time we were at Jenny’s, I saw Warren Magnuson in the background. I know him from a few charity events. Let me tell you, being exposed like that to someone who knows you professionally is a jolt, at first. Well, he wanted to greet me, so he got Jeff to let me know.

“I knew he was very involved with Transformations, but honestly, he acted like our little class was the most significant thing I could ever do. I tell you, that man is a true, true believer in what they do.

“Anyway, he admitted he did not know where I worked. When I told him, he immediately started asking about you. Turns out that is why he was there - to see you in action. Well, when I told him a little about your current situation, he kept asking for more and more detail. I’m afraid I divulged some company confidential stuff, but he is hard to deny. When he heard how your trouble started, he could not stop smiling.”

“So you finally admit I’m in trouble?”

“No, no! I honestly know no more than you do. We both know that in the corporate world no news is generally not good news,” Madelyn protested.

“I wonder why stripping and teaching a bunch of naked young mothers would attract his attention?”

“Well, you must know that you are pretty much a star around Transformations,” Madelyn teased.

“Just because I’ve probably showed my dick more than most Rejuve husbands? Tell me if you can, Madelyn; are there any signs that Damon’s little auto industry fiasco is a warning of other problems?”

“Let me just say this, Guy; if you find you need an HR VP, I will take it for less money in a minute.”

“That’s a pretty sobering assessment, Madelyn. What has happened? How has Technotics gone off the rails, if it has?”

“You’ve seen the notices about stock purchases? Well, that has caused the makeup of the Board to change. A lot of stock is behind ideas that differ from the previous long term strategies and practices.”

“So, Damon was pushing the new ideas, huh?”

“I don’t know if he was encouraged by the board,” Madelyn told him.

“Damn! I really don’t want to deal with a career change right now. But it’s better than letting someone else dictate it.”

“You’ve decided just like that, Guy?”

“I think you know from our talks that I have loved working there despite the fact that I don’t get the recognition I think I deserve. Well, it sounds like the other factors that made me like it there are under attack. So, somewhere else is offering me recognition and a challenge. What would you do?”

“My advice is clouded by how much I’ll miss you,” she admitted.

“Maybe not. I have a feeling our little course could be permanent. Besides, you are undoubtedly high on Magnuson’s list, too, if he values Transformations so highly.”

“Oh! Do you think they are pretty much cleaning out the old management?”

“I was told the President’s slot was being left open and I would be competing for it. The people I interviewed with introduced themselves as consultants, but I’ll bet they were Magnuson people. Doesn’t that sound like rebuilding from scratch? Madelyn, the status of HR will be my first question at the next interview.”

She hugged him instinctively, taking a moment for the naked contact to register and cause her to pull back.

Instead of the second interview he expected, he received a personal call from Gerald Magnuson to set up a meeting in his office.

After a quick handshake, Gerald told Guy, “I would have preferred a lunch at Lindsey’s. However, since you are technically not supposed to be clothed in the complex, I decided this will do.”

“With an office like this, why do you prefer Lindsey’s?” Guy asked. He had decided that he would do his best to ignore Gerald’s status and be open, honest, and aggressive.

“You know, I have never been asked that before. What do you think my answer would be?”

That was an unexpected return shot. “I can only answer for myself, but I believe we share some important values,” Guy began. “I think anywhere at the Tee provides a kind of montage of everyone’s life struggles and triumphs. Lindsey’s is the most publicly accessible part of the Tee. This,” and he waved at the surrounding luxury, “could tend to insulate you from everyday reality.”

“I will remember that and use it if your question ever comes up again. I guess I would add that being at the Tee ‘centers’ me. That goes very well with what you said. OK, philosophy taken care of, what would you like to know about Hanford?”

“Can I assume that this is a turnaround? A rescue?” Gerald nodded.

“Is the purpose to, uh, flip it? Or is it to rebuild an enduring enterprise?”

“Before I answer that, what difference would it make to you?” Gerald challenged.

“I see a big difference in building for thirty or forty years versus, say, five. If you are managing for resale or arbitrage, you focus on a perceived point in time value. It appears that is what is now happening at Technotics. No rescue is needed, but it looks like the planning focus may be shortening drastically.”

“I take you do not like that approach.”

“With Hanford, successfully building for an IPO could leave a lot of shareholders wealthy. Retirement is not an immediate goal of mine. I would be proud of what an IPO windfall could afford my family, but there would be little professional pride because of what could happen after going public.”

“You’re not against going public, are you?”

“Of course not, but the reason should be the need for rapid expansion capital, not just so principals could cash out,” Guy stated. “How much of the current management would you expect to replace and have any replacements been hired already?”

“We started at the top,” Gerald answered. “Firing and hiring management would be your job.”

“What is your assessment of the reasons for today’s current poor performance?” Guy asked.

“Complacency and nepotism,” Gerald said quickly. “A classic evolution problem for family owned private enterprises.”

“So business model and operating staff are OK?”

“Hmmm.” Gerald paused for thought. “No business model is ever static, so that is hard to answer. There are a lot of capable, loyal employees. The main employee problem may be entrenched habits and ideas. Oh, and expectations.”

“Too benevolent and paternalistic for the profit level?” Guy asked.

“Guy, I did not see a business degree in your CV,” Gerald remarked. “But you seem to know a lot of the language and issues.”

“A couple of decades at a fairly successful company should be better than an MBA if you pay attention,” Guy commented.

The discussion went on for almost another hour. Finally, Gerald told him “Guy, the offer is now changed. I am offering you the President’s job. I don’t have the package details at hand, but you can assume a significant increase from the COO offer.”

“I never saw any exact numbers. I’m sure I will not be disappointed. That is quite a jump in responsibility for me.”

“Let me tell you one of my biggest problems finding management people, Guy. Classical business training is too focused on responses to situations. You have shown me that you have firm ideas on how things should be done at the management level. That is more rare than the ability to react after the fact. Also, it is clear that you have been held two steps below your capability at Technotics.”

“I think my capability has changed a lot since I took my pants off at the Tee,” Guy quipped.

“That is certainly the opinion of your admirers there,” Gerald agreed. “When can you start?”

Guy let out a little laugh. “I don’t even have a direct superior to take my resignation to. I’ll let Madelyn get it to the right person. I’ll give two weeks notice and state that I am taking it in accrued vacation. Depending on what kickback I get, I could be ready to start in less than a week. I have a feeling my resignation will cause more relief than consternation. Who will handle my arrival?”

“That will be one of your first problems. The HR department was stacked with relatives, mostly incompetent. Most are taking their money and running.”

“Perfect. I have the solution to that,” Guy proclaimed.

“Madelyn?” Gerald suggested to Guy’s nod. “Good. You will at least have one firm supporter to help with the cleanup.”

“Has a changeover severance plan been worked out, yet?” Guy wondered.

“Madelyn’s first task,” Gerald answered. “There is an estimated budget item, though.”

Just like that, Guy became a company president. What amazed him as he drove home was how calm he felt about the change. That must mean he was ready. What excited him most was the chance to tell Ginny and the kids. And Cilla.

There was just a slight concern about Ginny’s reaction to Madelyn moving with him. Ginny had never shown any jealousy that he could recall, so it should not be an issue. He would tell Ginny and make sure she told no one else until it was a fact.

Apparently the Tee Info Network was even better than Guy had suspected. Before he even got home, Ginny called him and babbled out her joy. She also ordered him to come to the Tee immediately because she desperately needed to fuck him. He at first thought he had better get home first, but then laughed at himself. No way could the teens be called kids any more and there was nothing special planned that evening.

Guy was still filled with emotion every time he made love with Ginny at Rejuve. Within days of enrolling and before she had lost any significant weight, She was back to the lover he remembered and treasured. He now realized just how much the excess pounds had dragged her down.

It was evident early on that everyone reacted to Ginny’s personality. Everything had been rearranged so she was waiting for him in one of the rooms reserved for meeting family. She insisted that his shower wait until after the first time. For a while, he was not certain he would survive for a second round.

Ginny had only one comment about Madelyn when they finally got around to talking about her possibly joining him at Hanford. “Just in case you didn’t realize it, she’s in love with you.”

“So, I shouldn’t hire her?”

“Of course you should. It sounds like she is the best person to do what you need,” Ginny replied quickly. “All the women who love you respect our marriage.”

“All?”

“Honey, you know who. Ellie, Cilla, Caroline, and Madelyn.” His face showed shock and Ginny caught it. “Oh, come on. None of those can really surprise you.”

“It’s just ... Cammie said...” and he replayed Cammie’s comments.

“You know,” Ginny said pensively, “the idea of multiple wives doesn’t seem as ridiculous after living here.” If she had sensed shock before! “Living full-time with some great women is a new experience. I never realized how much more we can share. Oh, I don’t mean you and I don’t share, it’s just...”

He was able to chuckle despite the shock. “Darling, I do realize that women communicate with each other in a way I can’t hope to duplicate. But multiple wives!”

“I know it can never happen, and I don’t really want that,” she said, “but I think we women are more willing to share something we treasure.”

“Like a husband?”

“Welllll, since there’s only one of these, maybe that’s not such a good idea.” That was said as she attempted to revive him for one more go.

Arriving home thoroughly wrung out, Guy was surprised to find Cilla there with Pen and the three girls. Pulling him quickly into the study, Cilla told him “Madelyn called me and asked me to get you an urgent message. She could not risk any personal contact with you. Guy, do not under any circumstances resign. She is almost certain that at least you and the president will be terminated tomorrow. The thing is, you will get the normal Directors severance. With your years of service, that will be a nice check.”

“Wow! I’d better call Gerald Magnuson.”

“Why?”

“I verbally accepted the position of President of Hanford Manufacturing from him this afternoon.” Cilla had conformed to the dress code when she arrived, and Guy feared a rerun of their previous intimacy when she hugged him joyously. It was probably a good thing he had not had a chance to undress.

“Oh, Guy! I’m so thrilled! It’s what you deserve. Technotics were fools to keep you stuck as a director. So, Magnuson owns Hanford? I thought it was an old family company.”

He nodded. “That is going to make the changeover interesting. At least there is no remaining family stock to cause Board problems. He insisted on a complete buyout.”

“Madelyn?” He nodded. “I can’t imagine anyone better. Unfortunately, she is going to have some tough duty.”

“She was at Technotics when you joined, wasn’t she?”

“If what we both think is happening there is true, she will not want to be there,” he assured her. “She knows the downside of a mid-career change as well as anyone. I’m thinking of making her EVP of Admin to increase her responsibility and her pay.”

“Guy, do you worry that her feelings for you are skewing her judgement?”

“She must realize that we can never be more than coworkers and friends. She is too intelligent not to consider that,” he protested.

“Hon, I’m all for equality and all that, but from my experience it is not that simple. Women just have more trouble factoring out the emotional aspects. It’s biology.”

“So you think it would be a bad move for her?” he challenged.

“No. Not at all. I mean getting into the Magnuson orbit is generally a good career move. Same goes for you,” she counseled.

“Well, I will need someone very strong in HR. Her record is impressive.”

“You only attract strong women, don’t you?” she teased.

“Why is everyone suddenly talking like I have a harem?”

Madelyn proved to be correct and it happened the next day. He never saw Damon or the sales exec who had tried to squeeze him out. It was actually Madelyn who delivered the termination notice, both to him and to the President. The severance package did indeed conform to the policy on rank and years of service.

He had an idea for using the unexpected financial windfall. He would have to talk it over with Ginny, but expected that she would be all for it.

As she was discussing his termination, he told Madelyn about the President’s position. “I have my resignation all prepared,” she told him. “As soon as you sign the contract, I’ll resign here. Did you mention to Gerald that I might join you.”

“He guessed that and was all for it.”

It took just two days for Guy to officially become President of Hanford Manufacturing. As he sat down in his new office, he called Madelyn at work. “I have an offer sheet for you as VP of Administration for Hanford.” He summarized the package.

“How ... how did you come up with so much?”

“Madelyn, besides HR, you will have the CFO, IT, and Admin Services under you.”

“Oh, Guy! I don’t have experience with financial or IT.”

“So, you find the right people who have that experience and you never mention how much you don’t know. Believe me. That’s what I will be doing,” he counseled.

“Do you really think I can do that?”

“Look, Madelyn, we are in a turnaround situation. A lot of the company’s problems seem rooted in attitudes. I believe you and I share the same values and attitudes. I need that kind of support and help to correct what’s wrong.”

“Well, I don’t like what is happening here. Damon is back as if nothing happened. I’ve heard that Stan Spencer may be in trouble. I don’t mind telling you, Guy; I’m not feeling confident about all of that new responsibility.”

“How do you think I feel? I’m an engineer, but I’m going to be playing president. I’ll tell you what our biggest advantage is. We both have seen lots of good and bad management, and we’ve been paying attention. Say, do you think Stan would be receptive. I consider him the best manager at Technotics.”

“Hard to say, Guy. What position would you offer him? Say, do you even know what positions are open?”

“Gerald has a temporary management team running things, waiting for us to take over. There is no one left from previous management at the incentive level. They all cashed out.”

“Were they all family?” she wondered.

“I believe so,” he answered. “Back to Stan.”

“I have always liked dealing with him. Let me give you an opinion, Guy. Stan is head of operations, now. That is your strength, too. I think our biggest need will be sales and probably financial. Of course, Magnuson probably required an extremely thorough audit, so there should be no financial issues right now. We could even contract for financial services. I don’t think you should try to cover sales yourself. You know, there might be some stars on the sales staff who have not had a chance. How long can we hold out without a sales VP?”

“Have you been listening to yourself, Madelyn? This is exactly why I want you to join me. I need that kind of advice. No one has a better chance to analyze the entire organization than HR.”

“Oh. I’ll try to find someone I can give my resignation letter to.” She laughed. “Can you imagine that? What a mess it is here! What time should I meet you at our office in the morning?”

“I’ve got a key card and I’m calling from my new office. I will be here at seven. I am going to monitor arrival times and make a point to meet the early arrivals.”

“That’s a great idea, Guy. Should we meet at the Starbucks just up the street at six-thirty?”

“Perfect.”

While Guy was still talking with Madelyn, Barbara Ventri, Manager of Rejuve, found Ginny working out. “Ginny, get your stuff together. At a time like this, Guy needs you home. There is no doubt you will reach your weight goal within a few weeks. We’ll refund the last two weeks.”