The “Y” fork in my career road offered the usual two options. To the right looked too mundane for me and my lifestyle. Let’s roll the dice and travel down the left path. Directing traffic at that corner was this flamboyant entrepreneur wearing Gucci attire from head to toe. That did capture my eye. Not a K-mart tag on this man’s body.
I am sure most men in my position would make the same decision; I thought at the time. My rational was swayed when “Gucci Man” wrote me a cheque for one million dollars. It was not dated and ready to take to the bank, but a promise for the future if I joined this young and aggressive company manufacturing private label and generic products. The “Gucci Man” now held my career life in his hands, those hands that naturally showcased a Gucci sapphire watch and topped off with a Gucci gold bracelet and of course a Gucci ring.
Company Cadillac limousine drove me to the airport. Company Cessna flew me to my destination. I’ll just bet my old pal and ex-business partner is jealous of my new life, not to mention the other sales reps I used to work with. I was now a member of the Royal Family of sales people. So, I guess I won this round, old pal.
Life was good. No, even a step above good. How long can this go on?
Two years and three months was the answer to that question. The executive dream ended with a company bankruptcy. I never did hear if the company owed money to Gucci. Does growing too big and too fast fit in this picture?
The corporate plane was grounded, and so was I.
For an indefinite period of time I became a recluse. I was hurt, but my actions and attitude were now hurting my family and those around me. My best friend was now my small vegetable garden and my dog. If I remember, they were my only source of conversation.
As I reflect on these dark days I wonder how my marriage lasted. Bell “let’s talk days” were not an option back then. You were a little late coming along Ma Bell. Thank God for Ma of my two boys. She literally got me to pull up my socks and face the world outside with self-assurance and a smile.
It worked, and I was back. Was I wounded or damaged goods? The next few years of my life would surely tell. I am certainly not going to tell my old pal about my life now. Why should I? Besides we haven’t talked for years. So, I guess he just won this round.
The first new position had potential, but new hires were generally looked down on by the family that owned the firm. Keep sending out those resumes.
Bingo. A large company, in the familiar private label business, offered me a great position. I was back. Now you know I have just won this round old pal.
