“I know, I know—all those charity events they do at firm cost only. Not very smart those two, you know.”
I bit the inside of my lip and turned away from my long-time friend and occasional business partner. The guy loved to see small businesses fail, especially ones working towards the interest of others. And people thought I was the ruthless one.
Regardless of how Donovan felt about the small business, he still offered to have Starr-Bright Events throw a last-minute anniversary party for his wife, Elaine.Verylast minute. And I knew why he did it too. To try and prove to me they’re not up for challenge—which would mean they will ultimately fail when I move in and start telling them how they need to run their business.
The fact that he was using a forgotten anniversary to do it… that was one I wasn’t going to touch with a ten-foot pole. I was the last guy in the city to offer advice or criticize someone with regard to their romantic gestures.
Part of their outstanding reputation was the fact that they were one of the few firms that provide their services for zero-profit when it was for a good cause. There weren’t many in the city that still did that.
“They didn’t have to plan this rubbish party for you by the way. They could have turned you down.”
“It’s Elaine’s surprise anniversary party,” Donovan reminded. He stood from his chair and went to sit on the sofa. “Besides, it’syouthey wouldn’t turn down.”
“They could have. It wouldn’t have changed my mind.”
“Then why did you ask?” Donovan prodded with a smirk.
I took a breath and shook my head. I wasn’t sure why I asked. I guessed it was to please my old boss who had helped me throughout the years to become one of the most successful venture capitalists in Manhattan.
Hayes Enterprises focused mainly on real estate investments, which sometimes meant Donovan buying out small businesses and their properties in order to help the big dogs get their space. Back when I worked for the man, I’d taken comfort knowing that these businesses had at least been suffering and a buy-out was their best option.
Now when there were firms that Donovan would take little interest in, he’d bring me along to handle in my own way—which was to save them from ultimate destruction and offer funds to help with growth or recovery for a piece of the profits once they have.
More recently, I was looking to take on another firm. Partner with Starr-Bright Events and provide them with business strategies to support their success rather than let them sink in their inevitable failure at the rate they were going. I reviewed their business plans, income and expenses, and payroll increases while services offered remained at a fixed rate. Those two were definitely doing something wrong.
“How’s that going by the way?” Donovan finally asked when he didn’t receive a reply on his last question.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. Let’s find out.” I walked over to Donovan’s desk and dialed on speaker.
The other end answered after two rings.
“Dean Levy,” a busy voice answered.
“Dean, it’s Scott.”
“Scott, how are you?” The voice turned more prominent and aware.
“Listen—I’m here with Donovan Hayes, the client for the event you’re planning this weekend.”
“Assuming I’m on speaker then—Mr. Hayes, how are you? I know we haven’t had a chance to speak yet and I wanted to thank you for putting your trust in us to handle your event.”
Donovan rolled his eyes and took a sip of his whisky.
I ignored the rudeness. “Dean, we're calling to see how the planning’s going.”
“It’s going great. We’ve got our best on the job.”
“Where is this happening anyway? Have we got a venue yet?” Donovan called from halfway across the room.
I heard vigorous typing in the background before Dean answered, stretching every word. “As a matter of fact, we do. We just bookedThe Square Landing. It’s right on the water with impeccable views.”
“Yeah no, I’ve heard of it...it’s not a bad spot.” Donovan rubbed his jaw and glanced at me. “We couldn’t getThe North Plazahuh?”
“Actually Mr. Hayes, the North is limited on their accommodations no matter when you book your event. They haven’t updated their menu in years, or their decor. And I imagine it’s rather burnt out with some of the guests you’re expecting,” Dean replied, rather confident.
“Uh-huh...and uhh, the guest list, nothing’s gone out yet as far as invitations?”
“We don’t send any details out to guests until every last aspect of the event is booked, solid and vendor deposits are made. Once that happens, changes are nearly impossible. Your planner has sent out a save the date email to everyone on the guest list. With a ‘details to be provided’.” More typing on the other end of the line. “Which my…updates are now telling me…should be sent out by Saturday morning.”
