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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 24
They'd convened the board meeting following Jace's request.
Brad and Royce had come to dinner with the express intention of attending the meeting.
It had been delayed slightly whilst Jace and Mel settled eight children into their respective beds.
Mel, and Tame sat in as non participants.
Jace explained the proposal presented to them by Douglas Goodwin, the expressions around the table were easy to read, this was incredulous, a gold mine opportunity, but Jace brought them all firmly back to earth.
"I realise you've all grasped the potential, but setting up a completely new division would need it's own floor at Corporate House, I can do that in about three weeks, but should I?".
He saw the completely baffled looks when he paused.
"Are we putting too many eggs into one basket?, this new devision would be a major tenant, it would be a big gamble, an infant division, what if it lost that contract?", If I allocated a whole floor to it, am I putting the rest of JBJ at risk?".
There was silence, they all appeared to be thinking it through, but Billy broke the silence.
"I don't think that's something we should dwell on, it wouldn't matter who you lease that floor to, any business could have a multitude of reasons why they need to vacate, okay this is an infant company, but I don't believe we couldn't weather a failure, if it came to it".
Mel offered to speak, saying.
"I realise I'm neither a director, nor even employed by JBJ, I don't want to interfere but I believe I can offer something of real value to this discussion".
Again it was Billy who responded, saying.
"It's true, you are not a director or employee of JBJ, but indirectly you give us a valuable service, you and Tame successfully operate JD, thereby allowing Jo and David to concentrate on growing JBJ Adjusters, so if you think you have something to say which is relevant, then you are most welcome to have the floor".
Mel smiled lovingly at her father in law before explaining.
What you're talking about setting up is my world, it's where I have most experience, on the the claims side, I can organise it for you, I can pull in the right staff, I have the contacts, I can establish it, ensuring it has the best chance of success, I could then continue to oversee it until such time as we find a competent manager to take it forward, please don't misunderstand me, I don't want it as a permanent position, I love JD more than anything, but I'm prepared to do it for you, there is one condition, I would only do it if Tame agrees to me leaving JD short term".
Tame had been sitting in like Mel, her offer had surprised and saddened him, but he replied to her.
"I so desperately want to give you a negative response, I'm forecasting a forty percent increase in business for JD this year, that's heavily dependent upon you bringing new business our way, I have to be conscious of how your absence will impact our performance, but despite that, and being a great believer in opportunity, I'll say yes, but only for a limited time, I'll give you twelve months then I want you back, you're far too valuable at JD for us to lose you permanently".
Brad spoke next with Jolly, Jay, Royce and Billy nodding their approval.
"I have every faith in Mel to set up and staff the new division, so Jace, it's all on you now, as CEO of Corporate you have to approve the lease or it doesn't happen".
Jace was being serious when he answered.
"As owners you five could overrule me".
Royce answered him this time.
"You know that's not how it works Jace, you hold the title CEO Corporate for a very good reason, we all trust your judgement, we've operated successfully all these years employing this system, we can't change it just because we might not agree with your decision, your parents and Brad never once challenged my decisions, so if you feel ready to give us a decision now okay, if you need more time to investigate the matter, then ask for an adjournment".
Jace looked around the table, at almost anxious faces, but he didn't prolong his decision.
"You have my approval to take the vacant floor, and, subject to your approval, I agree, with Mel at the helm, it gives me confidence the new division will be successful, but what name do you have for it?".
Every head around the table swung back and forth looking for someone to answer, but no one could because they'd never given any thought to a name, it was Mel who finally decided for them.
"JBJ Claims Management, it states what the division does, just as the name of every other division name does".
Jay questioned.
"Why not JBJ Motor Claims Management?".
Mel was quick to answer.
"Because there's much more potential here than has been discussed around this table, at JD we handle a large amount of Travel Insurance Claims, as well as small to medium business claims, but we don't actively pursue the claim, we only build it, thereafter the policy holders have to chase their own compensation, it would be a bonus for JD if we could eventually offer to hand that claim off to a company we had confidence in, a company with the expertise to manage it through to completion, similarly there is a market stream in Personal Injury Claims, a totally different skilled set of employees, so in answering your question, I've also told you what I will be working towards".
Mel paused to give them time to digest what she'd said so far before continuing.
"What I'm now going to explain is more for Jace's benefit than anyone else's, I wouldn't be setting up a division with a single revenue stream, it would be my intention to have multiple revenue streams, Motor, Travel, Personal Injury, and Small to Medium Business, if any referring source decided to withdraw their patronage, it wouldn't be catastrophic, we would have several other revenue streams to keep us buoyant whilst we work on replacing the lost business".
Mel could now see Jace beaming as he replied.
"Now I'm happy, but I'm thinking, a single floor at Corporate House won't satisfy you for long, add to that the fact that Will is reaching capacity at Brokers, we might need to think about purchasing another building, I'll investigate that possibility, expect an update at our next meeting".
Jolly now spoke up.
"Okay it's time to formalise what we're doing, I propose we vote to offer Mel the position of CEO, JBJ Claims Management, Jace will work with Mel to establish a start up budget, but Mel has overall control of every aspect, except contracts, which will still sit with Corporate, can we have a second?".
Royce shot his hand into the air saying.
"I'll most definitely second that proposal".
The vote carried without objection, and so a new division was born.
Jace and Mel, sweating, gasping for breath, lay spooned after a bout of intense lovemaking, when she could finally speak, Mel said.
"That wasn't fair".
Jace, still gasping for breath replied.
"You set the rules, I complied, it nearly killed me, but my god I enjoyed it, and I repeat, I complied".
Mel said playfully, maybe we should have a best of three result".
Jace almost giggled.
"I think you're definitely trying to kill me".
The bet had been for Jace to bring Mel to orgasm three times within thirty minutes, if he succeeded she would accept a start up budget of eight million dollars, rather than the ten million she had been asking for.
Then they cuddled, drifting off to sleep holding each other in a loving embrace, knowing the morning would bring a host of little people, swarming all over them, it was their favourite time of the day".
The first three arrivals were always Ary, Bobby and Dillon, when the nannies brought the babies in, they took one each.
Everyone, Ary and Bobby included, thought Dillon might be a problem when the babies arrived, their surprise couldn't have been greater, instead of balking at losing Ary and Bobby's individual attention, Dillon changed dramatically, he became quieter, less fractious, and given the presence of the babies, he was positively loving, he'd become a responsible caring child almost overnight.
Well before the office space was available Mel had a short list of Motor Claims Handlers she wanted to offer positions too.
Similarly, Personal Injury Handlers, although that wasn't her field, she had contacts supplying her the names of who to headhunt.
Business was the easiest, she and Tame had a whole host of names to pick from.
Travel was a slight worry, but she was given one name several times, as someone who was definitely worth pursuing as a manager for that department.
The fact that the name had come up several times from reliable contacts intrigued Mel, so she asked for a meeting.
On a Thursday lunchtime she'd been sat in the same little Bistro where she'd once met Tame, waiting for her lunch guest.
Tanya Forrester had looked decidedly nervous when she was greeted by Mel, and she'd said.
"If my employer new I was meeting you, they'd probably use it as a reason to bin me, god knows, they grasp at any and every straw as it is".
She'd settled and, realising Mel was waiting for her to go on, she explained.
"I go completely against what they expected when they hired me, don't get me wrong, I'm damned good at my job, but I don't fit in with the management boys club".
Mel liked her immediately, but she couldn't understand what it was that caused her so much problem in her present employment, and she said so.
"Okay, I understand you don't have a willie, that's a given, you're a woman, but what exactly sets you against the boys club?".
And as soon as she'd asked the question, Mel knew, and she started laughing.
"Oh my god, you're the ultimate threat, you're a lesbian, now that really bloody irritates me
Tanya was visibly surprised.
"It doesn't faze you?".
Mel was still laughing as she answered.
"Not one bit, but I can see why you've been sidelined, a lettuce licker in the boys club, I bet that mortifies them, I'm sorry, that was very crassly put".
Tanya had wrongly assumed Mel found her deficient, or wanting, and she retaliated.
"Yes I'm a lesbian, I have a partner who dotes on me, just as I do on her, but I don't think it's a laughing matter, I achieve better results than all of those so called straight guys, even though some them, I know for a fact, have liaisons with rent boys on a regular basis behind their wives backs".
Mel quickly realised her folly.
"Please, don't be offended, I'm not laughing at you, I don't give a shit what you do in your personal and private life, I want you as a manager, so it begs the question, are you up for a challenge?".
Tanya was taken aback.
"You'd still hire me, knowing I'm a lesbian, wouldn't that put you in a difficult position?".
Mel smiled to show her answer was genuine.
"All it puts me in is a position where I've got someone who is rated widely as an extremely competent manager, like I said before, your private life is exactly that, it's no one else's business, I want you for your management abilities, one thing I do expect is that you will treat your staff in the way I'm treating you, without discrimination on any front, other than their ability to perform the job they're hired for".
Tanya was now smiling in disbelief as Mel continued.
"So, let's have lunch, my treat, and I'll explain what it is I want from you".
Whilst they ate, Mel explained, she had the staffing of the other departments under control, but Travel really wasn't her forte, in fact she knew virtually nothing about it, therefore, if Tanya accepted Mel's offer, she would also need to accept, the difficult job of recruiting staff would be entirely down to her.
Tanya had been fairly quiet, listening intently as Mel outlined the job requirements, how the set up would work, the budget allowance for salaries, and a loosely expected number of referrals in the initial stages.
When Mel fell silent, looking directly at her, she spoke.
"I still think I need to pinch myself, I'm having trouble believing I could be so lucky, I accept your offer, I'll tender my resignation immediately to my employer, I suspect I'll be suspended straight away on garden leave, mainly because I want to shout out that you have faith in my abilities, even if they don't, but that's going to tell them where I'm going, and that they certainly won't like".
She stopped to take a sip of the wine spritzer in front of her.
"As far as staffing goes, that's not a problem, for me the problem will be explaining why, to the all those who I can't take with me, so you'd best be prepared for the travel department to grow substantially, and in a relatively short period of time, because I'm going to be issuing promises, within twelve months, I'll try to have them all onboard, and I'm not being cocky when I say this, but I suspect when certain insurers know my team and I are with you, they will be beating a path to your door, begging you to deal with their claims on an outsourcing basis, so I'll try to have the costing information ready for you early on, because when it comes, it will come like a tsunami".
Again she stopped to sip her drink, but Mel urged her to go on.
"Insurers are a fickle bunch, by experience you already know that, nothing spurs them into action quicker than finding out another insurer has found a way to acutely drive down, and control, the cost per individual claim, they'll always want to be on an equal footing, otherwise they're not competitive, either their premium costs, or their shareholder dividends have to suffer".
Looking at her watch, Tanya stood and offered her hand to Mel, saying.
"I have to go now, I might not like my employer, but I won't abuse my position, I can't thank you enough for having faith in me, here and now I'll make you a solemn promise, Travel division will always give you extremely pleasing results".
After she'd gone Mel settled the bill and sat for a moment, realising, she'd just met someone who, like when she first met and worked with Tame, could actually match her own energy and enthusiasm level.
At the first quarterly board meeting of JBJ Corporate Holdings, three months after the new Claims Management Division had been rolled out, Billy surprised everyone, except the current shareholders.
Mel hadn't been the only one excited about the results posted for first quarter.
As he said he would, Jace had found and purchased a new ten storey building.
Will had immediately moved JBJ Brokers out of the existing Corporate Building, freeing up two floors.
It had become critical for Will, the amount of new business coming through the door had put them at capacity, in fact the lack of further office space had been holding them back, they'd taken four floors in the new building.
Mel had immediately taken both of the vacant floors for the rapidly expanding JBJ Claims Management.
Tanya's prediction had become a reality very quickly, except, it hadn't been confined to Travel, every section had experienced a wave of insurers wanting to place referrals with JBJ Claims Management.
Mel had been swamped with the influx of referral requests, insurers truly were beating a path to their door.
In each case Mel had the responsibility of costing a plan which needed to be presented to Jace at Corporate for approval before a contract could be discussed with the individual insurers.
It had been Tanya who had come to her rescue, whilst expertly managing her Travel section, she had offered to take the strain of building cost plans for every section and working hand in hand with Jace at Corporate.
Jo and David hadn't escaped the onslaught either, the natural raising of JBJs profile brought more work their way, with insurers believing their findings far exceeded the results their own 'Risk' departments were achieving in identifying fraudulent claims.
Jolly, Jay, Billy, Brad and Royce had met separately to discuss several topics.
In order that no one could get wind of what they would be discussing, they'd announced a short holiday together, then booked into a spa retreat in a neighbouring state.
After three days they'd left the retreat to return home, since their return, the company's attorneys had visited the house in Barrington Hills several times, a point not missed by Jace, as he'd said to Mel one evening.
"I don't know what they're planning, but it's something big, I have a feeling, they're about to do something monumental involving the company.
As everyone prepared to put their quarterly results to the board Billy took the wind out of their sails.
"The board have asked me to convey their absolute sense of pride in each and every division, having seen without doubt the best set of results this company has ever produced".
He paused for a moment.
"I know you are all chomping at the bit to give us your forward plans, and I realise I'm going to disappoint you by what I say now, but I'd urge you all to bare with me, especially you Jace, I see that worried look, trust me son, there is absolutely no reason to be worried".
Jace smiled at his Poppa, then Billy went on.
"A long, long, time ago now, Jolly, Jay and I, set up JBJ, it was a pleasure, not like working, more like pursuing a hobby, we all wore constant expressions of happiness, revelled in what we were doing, today, as I look around the faces here, I see exactly that same expression on your faces, a set of Divisional CEOs, all so proud, itching to extol the virtues of their teams, you can't possibly know how proud that makes us".
After another short pause he continued.
"When we took the decisions to bring Brad and Royce on board, we believe that set the seal of absolute success on this company".
He didn't so much pause as simply draw breath.
"You might have worked out, Jace I think certainly cottoned on to the fact we were working on something which would affect the company going forward, we had a particular project to discuss, but ultimately, that gave us a quandary, we couldn't entirely carry out what we wanted without we did something else first, and that something gave us a lot of soul searching, you see it was something we had already visited and decided previously would be morally and ethically wrong, so we were at something of an impasse, hence why we went away, too be completely focused on the problem".
After his next pause his words gave Jo and David a real surprise.
"Jo, David, you have offered JD to us more than once, we in turn have refused you, for the reasons I've stated, we have always been in complete agreement, it would be morally and ethically wrong to take it from you, to benefit from how successful it has become, through your hard work, JD was born because some of us, your family, caused you such hurt, you felt the only course of action left was to walk away from JBJ, from the family, I know we learned our lesson, and eventually mended the broken fences, but I believe it doesn't do any harm to voice the facts from time to time, in the earnest hope we would never repeat our failings".
Apart from the board members, there was obvious confusion in the expressions around the table, it was clear no one had worked out where this was leading, they were all riveted as Billy continued.
"Jo, David, we are now formally asking if you will agree to sell JD to JBJ?, at this point I cannot divulge why our collective stance has changed, other than to say, it forms an important part of other items we want to bring to the table".
Everyone was surprised, but by far it shocked Jo and David the most.
David looked at Jo who nodded, giving David the go ahead to make the decision for both of them.
David studied Billy's face carefully, for several minutes before he spoke.
"Surprised, that would be something of an understatement, I, we, know why you rebuffed our offer in the past, the very same reasons you cited again only a few minutes ago, and I feel it's also worth noting, we, both Jo and I, feel those fences only needed popping back in place after a rather strong storm, they were never going to be damaged beyond fixing, I don't believe that would be possible in this family, but I digress, I'm sorry, in answer to your enquiry, I can't work out what's prompted the shift in your position, but if you remember, Jo and I made you a promise when we came back to JBJ, we told you JD would be available should there come a time when you chose to bring it under the JBJ umbrella, that promise still stands, therefore, our answer, is yes".
There came an audible, collective, sigh of relief from the other board members, as Billy continued.
"Thank you, our attorneys are primed and ready to incorporate JD into JBJ, subject to your approval of the financial side, I will possibly surprise everyone here when I say, even after incorporation, it will remain as JD, we are all agreed, we categorically refuse to change its name, it will be the only company under the JBJ umbrella not prefixed by JBJ, and everyone is free to explain the reason why".
After a short pause where everyone expressed their approval of bringing JD on board, Billy continued.
"I see your position as family worrier is under threat Jace, looking at Tame's expression I think you have competition, please Tame, don't be concerned, the transition will be painless, and your position remains unchanged, we're not fools, we know how crucial your leadership is for the continued success of JD".
Tame smiled guiltily at Billy, before Billy called for a short break.
"I suggest we take thirty minutes for refreshments, then, when we resume, I'll outline our other proposals".
The refreshment break was almost like torture for the non board members, in particular Tame, as he said to Will.
"Now I'm totally flummoxed, at first I didn't understand why I'd been asked to attend, I sort of get it now,but I still don't think I needed to be here just to hear that JD was transferring ownership".
Will had just shrugged, admitting he was as much in the dark as Tame.
When they resumed Billy stood up, going to a white board on an easel which they could all see easily.
Flipping the first sheet he revealed the company's first quarter figures, which caused a collective gasp, no one could have guessed what he would reveal.
"Were we a public listed company, rather than a privately owned one, our stock value would have just jumped by around double, each and every person around this table should be immensely proud of their achievement in the first quarter, in recognition of this achievement, we decided to make available a pot of cash to be awarded as one off bonus payments, initially, the majority of that pot was destined to be yours, as a thank you from us for bringing in these figures, but as usual, Royce shot us down".
Everyone laughed openly, Royce was famous for listening, then convincing the speaker there was a better way to proceed, even Royce laughed, Billy then continued.
"Royce called in Woody, well the result was that we saw exactly where Royce was coming from, you are employees, just like every other employee, doing a job, benefiting from an agreed salary, if we award a bonus it should be to every cog in the machine, so, wait for it,..........as of today we had exactly two thousand and eight employees, that includes JD, the pot available will amount to two million and eight thousand dollars, that's one thousand dollars for each employee, I hope this will tell every one of them how grateful we are for their hard work, further, we are setting this as a benchmark, the level of profit achieved each quarter means the bonus pot will be calculated accordingly based on this result, that does not preclude there being a totally separate annual bonus pot at year end, enjoy taking that out to your individual teams".
Around the table there was universal agreement, this would spur further achievement.
Billy called them all back to order.
"The final proposal is possibly the most radical, but none the less important than anything else we have discussed today".
His pause was only momentary.
We, Jolly, Jay and I, decided a long time ago, that we needed to give one very important person a good enough reason to never consider leaving JBJ, initially we split the company from three parts into four and made Brad an equal partner, later, in recognition of his part in growing the company, we did the same again to bring Royce onboard".
This pause almost caused hearts to stop, most had now worked out where this was heading.
Billy realised they'd worked it out.
"Yes, you have it, recognition, in our own way we want to say thank you, for growing the company so fantastically, as of midnight tonight, we, the five current owners of JBJ Corporate Holdings, have jointly agreed to reconfigure the company ownership into eleven equal parts, every person around this table becomes an equal partner and board member of JBJ Corporate Holdings, welcome aboard".
There was absolute pandemonium as everyone tried to ask questions, finally Royce banged the table loudly.
"This is a board meeting, not a rugby scrum, kindly show some respect for the chair, a simple hand in the air will suffice to show you have a question".
There was immediate silence and a host of hands shot up.
There were a multitude of questions but only one needed some further action, as Billy explained.
"Normally, as Chairman, my position would remain unchanged, however, in this case there is such a monumental change in the board structure, we felt it warranted a decision from the new full board, therefore we will reconvene tomorrow evening with just that one item on the agenda".
The following evening there was less of a sense of urgency, everyone knew it was just a formality, one of them would propose Billy as Chairman, another would second the motion and it would be done.
So there we go again, forgetting about 'Life's Illusions'.
The atmosphere was relaxed as Jay spoke first.
"Our Chairman, Billy Thorn, has asked that I lead us into this meeting, I would ask that you still respect the Chair if you have any questions, however I will explain".
He took a moment to collect his thoughts.
"Because of the extreme change in structure our board has experienced, there is a need to elect a new Chairman, I had intended to propose that the role be held, as it has since JBJ was born, by Billy Thorn, however, before I formally raise that motion, I have to tell you, Billy has stated privately to me that he will not accept the position if the motion is raised in that form".
Now there was surprise around the table, it was plain to see the confusion on most of the faces, this was supposed to be a simple process, a motion to propose Billy as Chairman, someone seconds it, they all vote, done and dusted, now every face was staring at Billy, waiting for him to explain.
"Don't be alarmed, I have my reasons for telling Jay that I wouldn't accept a proposal where the burden of Chairman fell solely on my shoulders, it's too much, the responsibility increasing constantly as the company grows".
As Billy paused, Jace raised his hand to speak, Billy nodded his approval, he knew his son wouldn't waste time with senseless questions.
"Poppa, I understand and sympathise with what you have said, but that doesn't change the fact that we need a Chairman, I'm assuming you have a suggestion for resolving this matter going forward?".
Billy smiled, thinking, that's my boy, then he replied.
"I do have, but first I need to know if anyone wants to change the nomination, put another name, or names, forward".
There was silence around the table, so Billy continued.
"In that case, I want to ask a question, Royce, would you consider sharing the role with me, as Joint Chairman?, I know it's a surprise, but it's something I would be really comfortable with, in truth, not many people are aware of the amount of decisions which have come about as a result of your corrective advice over the years, I can't think of anyone else who could give me the confidence to continue in this role".
Royce was just staring at Billy, it was as if he couldn't quite process what Billy had said, until Brad nudged him, he squeaked in shock, then falteringly replied.
"Why?, I couldn't ever do as good a job as you've done over the years, I'm not saying no, but do you honestly think I could help you?".
Billy smiled.
"Royce, I'll challenge you to look at your calendar, go back as many years as you like, pinpoint controversial changes in the company's structure, operating methods, divisional management, then look to see that you had lunch with me somewhere around three, four, or possibly five days prior to the board voting that change through, I never made a decision of any magnitude without I'd gotten your take on the situation, and in a good many cases, you altered both my perception and understanding, leading me down a completely different path to the one I would have chosen without your input, so yes Royce, I don't just think you can help me, I think it's about time you were recognised for the role you've been doing in the background for years, so I'll ask again, would you do it?"
It was almost inaudible, little more than a whisper.
"Yes, it would be an honour".
Billy now nodded to Jay who again addressed them.
"Okay, I'm glad I don't have to explain that to you, as you were all privy to the whole exchange, so the proposed motion is, to elect two Chairmen, who will act in a joint capacity, the joint names are Mr Billy Thorn and Mr Royce Carpenter, the proposed members will please leave the room before I ask for a second".
Billy and Royce stood and left the room, allowing Jay to continue.
"Can we have a second for the motion as proposed?".
Jace's hand preceded several others.
The motion was carried unanimously, JBJ now had its new board and Chairmen.
TBC ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.