“Mr. Rockwell,” Stephen’s voice was controlled and calmed as he began to speak, his view of Rockwell obstructed by the afterglow of the sunspot still reflecting in his vision. “Mr. McDowell is someone who gave me an opportunity also. When his company closed I was pretty upset. I didn’t treat him well at our last meeting and given the chance, I’d make it right with him. But however he feels about me, which is probably very justified, I still respect him and have a great deal of admiration for him as a businessman and also as a friend.”
Rockwell remained near the window but turned to face Stephen. Without even acknowledging Stephen’s mea culpa he continued, “Next year we are expanding from twenty five acres to seventy five acres of titled land as we increase our square footage to 1.2 million square feet.”
“You’re expanding?” Rockwell had shot another curve ball at him and Stephen was perplexed at the disconnect between hard times and the idea of more acquisitions.
“Yes. Aggressively. I don’t believe the talk about this being the new normal. It’s a strong correction and it’s done a lot of damage, but there’s usually opportunity among chaos and I plan to go after it, hard.”
“But what about… what you just said about the funding?”
“I said our banks were out. That doesn’t mean I am. People think the commercial real estate market is going the way of residential. Stephen, I am not one of those people. Furthermore, neither are the people who are partnering with me to fund a series of joint-venture acquisitions.”
“Lenders?”
“Not lenders, partners. We won’t borrow a cent. And these aren’t venture capitalist who will expect my dedicated attention until they look for an exit in three years. These are investors who will be active for the long term. If we have capital issues then we’ll pause and just shift to smaller, more nimble developments. We won’t be one of those companies that sit on a partially built property while having to make payments.”
“So you’re acquiring new properties but still cancelling appraisal contracts?” Stephen’s voice disclosed a glimmer of hope that there might be an opportunity in all this new information.
“Yes, that’s correct. We have an aggressive plan so we can’t be held up while vendor companies deal with their own industry and personnel issues. We’re going to internalize those operations. Rockwell Development needs people who are completely committed to the growth of our company and the only way to guarantee that is if we do it ourselves.”
“So you’ll hire appraisers instead of using contractors?”
“Yes, several. Appraisers will be a large part of a newly formed acquisition division organized specifically for the purpose of positioning Rockwell Development for the future.” Rockwell followed Stephen’s thought process and knocked it off the tracks before the train went too far. “But Stephen, I don’t want to hire you as a commercial appraiser.”
Right back to the same point.
The curve balls, plentiful as they were, didn’t seem to matter as Stephen was still going out of business. But his sense of peace was a blanket comforting and shielding him from the relentless cutting of anxiety.
“The reason I called McDowell earlier the other week wasn’t to catch up with him. It was to talk about you, Stephen.”
Confused and somewhat taken aback again, yet calm in spirit and becoming more relaxed, Stephen was still having a very difficult time keeping up with Rockwell’s pace.
“George told me the hardest thing he had to do when his company went under was let you go. You weren’t just his best appraiser, he said you built a culture in that company that allowed it to become the success it was. He thinks very highly of you, Stephen. And like I said, I trust George McDowell’s word emphatically.”
Without waiting for a response, Rockwell continued, “I believe George’s exact words were, ‘Stephen Lantz had been more than instrumental, but critical at turning vision into a reality’. Well, Stephen. I’ve got a new vision for Rockwell Development. That vision needs leaders to make it a reality. So what do you say? Will you be my new vice-president of property acquisitions?”
Stephen, head lost in the vortex, wanted to respond but couldn’t put the words together quick enough for James Rockwell.
“If you do this, I realize it will mean closing your appraisal business. I understand that is a difficult consideration. I can appreciate the freedom of being a business owner but we both know it has a down side. Financially speaking, I’ve reviewed our contracts with your company. Your salary will equate to a little more than three times the amount of our current relationship. It is my expectation that your new salary would compensate you for not having other contracts besides Rockwell. If it’s not, let me know. I’m pretty determined to bring you on board so I’m content to discuss it further.”
Calm. Steady. Moving from resting to hopeful. Take it in before speaking.
“I’m also aware of your daughter’s health. Hailey, right? George mentioned her. How old is she now?”
“Yes, Hailey is our thirteen year old.”
“I understand she’s gotten better, is that right?”
“Yes, sir. The cancer is still in remission but she’s having complications.” Stephen’s brain was racing and he still struggled to connect his words.
“Complications?” Rockwell’s voice expressed a heartfelt concern to hear more.
“Um, complications from prior treatments. She has some vision problems and some of the medicines impacted the development of her joints in her legs so sometimes she needs to use a wheelchair. But she’ll grow out of that as her body catches up. She’s… she’s a fighter.”
“Well, I’m very sorry to hear that she has to fight. But I have no doubt she’s as persevering as you are.” Rockwell’s sentiments came across genuine and even compassionate, despite his direct pace and reserved use of words.
“Stephen, we have an excellent benefits package which would include medical benefits to cover any of the treatments Hailey needs. We’ll make sure she gets the best treatment. If you’re working for Rockwell, Hailey becomes part of this family as well. And Stephen, I personally make sure we take care of our family.”
Stephen could tell James Rockwell’s words were the commitments he never heard while growing up. The determination in his voice expressed a very intentional change from his father’s view of family and there was no doubt he would absolutely follow through for the people in his company.
“Thank you.”
“This is a lot for you to consider, I realize that. But I need to let you know we’re moving pretty fast. Would a week’s time be enough to discuss this with your wife and get back to me? If you two decide we’re all on the same page then we can talk about a timeline to get you in the door.”
His mind attempted to balance a whole new range of emotions as Stephen tried to digest the feast of information Rockwell had hurriedly placed before him. “Yes, a week would be plenty of time. Yes, thank you.”
Wait. What just happened here?
Mile 26
The ping of the elevator signaled his arrival to the lobby level. Stephen could barely recall the final moments of his meeting. After being extended the job opportunity, Rockwell had wrapped up their time together with a brief encouragement about the future.
“What just happened?” he reiterated to a vacant elevator as it revealed the active hallway and foyer.
Stephen hovered through the lobby in a daze and out the glass doors into a brilliance of sunlight. Walking down the limestone stairs he attempted to flip through a mental checklist.
Need to put validation stickers on garage ticket. Need to buy a new suit. Does Rockwell need a resume? Did he even ask for one? Need to finish outstanding appraisal work. Need to call Sarah first, talk to her about closing S&S. How do you even close a company down? Did I say I would call him or email him with an answer?