I asked Matt if he could get food trucks to set up at the 123 Wilton site on Monday. “How many men work on the site?” I asked Jon, the site manager.
“Average day, there are five-hundred and twelve souls here.”
“Better arrange at least four trucks. There is enough room around the building for them to park and let security know they are coming so they can get in. Plan on them being here for at least three hours, giving them enough time to get everyone fed.” Matt said he would take care of it, and I was confident he would.
“Call me before you finish up for the day. I have a few things to discuss.” I agreed and hung up the phone.
“Okay, that’s arranged. Let your men know they can bring their families down if they want. Give them a long lunch, and I'll cover the costs.”
“Thank you, Mr. Gentry, that’s very nice, and the men will be thrilled. I heard you bought the place next door. Have you decided on a crew yet?” I looked at him thoughtfully.
“Please call me Aaron. We’ve been working together for five years. Regarding the crew for 121 Wilton, I had a crew already in mind.” He looked discouraged. “I assumed you would continue to run the teams on these buildings. Jon, your job here is secure. If it ever looks like I don’t have work for you, I will give you plenty of notice. I’ve never even considered anybody else.”
“Thank you, Mr. Gentry. It’s just the guys get nervous and like me to confirm with you so they can tell their families.”
“Well, tell them we have a few more years here when you invite them to lunch. Remember the BBQ next month out at the winery.”
“Yes, Mr. Gentry, the families love those get-togethers. Let me send a group text about a meeting this morning.” He chuckled to himself. “They are going to think it’s something bad. I’ll tell them about Monday and the BBQ next month.”
“Let’s go through the building and see how it’s coming along.” We started walking while Jon pointed out things we had discussed previously and how they were coming together. Gentry had alreadycompleted the exterior of the building. All the work now will be on the interiors. We were installing fixtures, appliances, and flooring.
We had completed the first floor when I was happy with all the designs; this allowed the realtor to show the four options that would be available for sale.
“We have ten floors done,” Jon said, smiling. “It’s gotten easier over the years because our guys know your standards. It never hurts to be working with quality materials, too.”
“That’s great! We will be finishing about a month ahead of schedule. You know Janice is going to want to kiss you again.” Jon’s eyes opened wide.
“Oh no! My wife was not impressed. When she gets mad, she yells, ‘Go spend the night with your realtor girlfriend.’” We all laugh. The memory of when Janice ran up and kissed Jon at the grand opening of the last building was a classic. There had been a look of terror on his face, which was priceless.
We finished, and I shook Jon’s hand, reminding him about the food trucks and the BBQ, and then we headed back to the parking lot.
“I took a bunch of notes. Do you want me to email them to you?” I looked at him.
“I’m impressed. Yes, please email the list you made to me.”
“You know chrome appliances aren’t as popular as they used to be. We should offer black as a choice.” It was a good suggestion. “Also, with our volume, we should consider getting exclusive fixtures made. That might make it feel even more luxurious.” I stopped walking and then looked at him. I grinned, then started walking again.
“You’re good at this.” He blushed.
“One more thing. I know you use a wholesaler for materials, but why don't we work directly with the manufacturers? Our volume is high enough, I am sure.”
“I would need a full-time buyer to manage something like that, but you are right. It would make better financial sense.” He grinned at me. I knew I was looking at the answer. Sarah was going to be so mad at me.
When we got back to the office, I filled Sarah in about the tour and lunch and that the units were ahead of schedule. She was happy about it all. “You do good sis. Before we start the next building, I want you to take a vacation. Tell me where you want to go, and I will make it happen.”
“I might take you up on that. Melissa wants a break from her husband and kids. We could go on a cruise.”
“Sounds good to me. Just tell me what you want. I heard the Alaskan cruises are amazing.” It made me think of River. I wanted to take him on a trip, just the two of us away from everything.
I sent a quick message to Matt.
Thanks for the help with the food trucks. Did you get everything scheduled, OK?
Matt: Five trucks will be there at 11 a.m. on Monday—various foods.
You’re the best. Can you get a check cut for North Woods University? Tell them it is for Carlita Rodriquez to pay for the entire school year, find out the cost of books, and send her a check directly.
Matt: I’ll get it done. Are you making her sign a letter of intent for after college?
