Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2023 20:40:58 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 388

I wasn't surprised that Kyle immediately said Mike, Dillon and Jordan
and I wanted this meeting but ultimately as I am the CEO this is my
meeting. Mike, the three of us have been working closely together and a
lot has happened in the past 10 days some of those are business
development and some are personal issues. Mike, there hasn't been a day
in 2 weeks where the three of us have left here before 6:30. Let me be
clear, that is not a complaint. It's just a bunch of things came to a
head all at once. Mike, one of the business issues we will discuss later,
which is very beneficial, was the result of something you did. What
Dillon, Jordan and want to do this evening is to bring you up to speed on
a number of decision we would like to implement. We would like your
support before there is a public announcement. Mike, there was no agenda
provided as it was a work in progress until a few hours ago.


Mike none of this is uncomplicated but let's start with Personal. First,
Dillon and I met with your dad and he has said that he understands our
position and while he is around and will on occasion make a suggestion he
has no intention of getting in our way. Should we need something all we
need to do is ask. The next issue is Jack and Riley, they have both asked
that their leave be extended 6 months. Mike, that involved a meeting with
Maggie. I laughed and said, thanks for sparing me that pleasure. Mike, we
would like to deny both requests. Maggie feels that we can't keep
dealing with them as it is unlikely Jack will be back. They will both
receive a copy of their employment contracts and we would ask Tim to
accompany that with a reminder of the con-compete. Jack needs to
understand the issues with the drone technology. Mike, we will eventually
fill the vacant COO position and I have asked Dr. Paul De to be director
of robotics and drones. We have applied for 5 patents for our drone
technology and Tim has Bill from his office heading that. Tim looked at
me and nodded. Mike that finishes the Personal portion, do you have any
questions or issues? Kyle, I'm good with all that.


Mike, a location for the drones and robotics is an issue. If we gut our
old location and spray paint the inside, that would take two months and
be cheap. I just shook my head and asked what are the other options?
Dillon said Mike the old place in Harmerville or a temporary building in
the vacant land. Well Dillon, I don't know what you decided or have in
mind but I don't want to go back and I would like something here.
Something simple and disposable. Besides we will be doing that building
first but let's think about it for a day or two. Mike the next thing is
that we closed 8 grade book deals, none of them local and we have asked
Standard Properties to reconfigure a portion on the the second floor so
that we have a team of 7 to work on modifications. It's like our
inventory program, tell us what you want and we will design it. Mike
there are now 20 proposals pending. That is the reason in the spike in
expenses that I'm sure you have noticed. We have the people to run
that.


Mike the last thing has to do with something you did in Orlando. You and
Mr. Palmer filmed a commercial and each of you filmed an individual on.
When you finished you thought yours was all bull shit and wouldn't sell
anything. They had you film one without a script, just you talking. Well
two days later they showed the commercials to a focus group and your
commercial with you just sitting on the stairs to the jet and talking was
a hit. Two days later they ran a bunch of commercials and while they
haven't closed a deal yet they have had a substantial increase in calls
and interest. Mike, they are a major international company and they like
dealing with us and we are in the process of finalizing a deal for a
software program that will manage inventory at a number of their
operations to help manage their supply chain. They want to diminish their
their inventory and have stuff delivered as it is needed. It will result
in a lot of fussiness over a very long time as as we are discussing a 5
year deal with 2 options for 5 more years each. Mike, that's all we have
thanks for the support.


I looked at Tim and asked, so who owns the old place? Tim smiled and said
Mike, your dad owns it an the company paid him rent. I laughed out loud
and said well that was Adam's work and I would bet dad will be surprised
he owns it. So let's negotiate an 18 month lease agreement and have Mike
Sr. get it useable for our needs. There is no need to build something
that we will throw away and Harmerville is too far. Guys I appreciate all
the work you did on these things. It was a great job and took a lot of
shit off my plate. Extra points as I didn't have to meet with Maggie.
Kyle shook his head and asked, so Mike you didn't know your dad owned
the building and that the company didn't. Kyle, dad had Adam, an
attorney and college friend, deal with all the legal stuff and he
eventually took over and there were a lot of things dad was unaware of.
As for me I was busy dealing with Adam and the Trust. Eventually I proved
to dad that Adam was running his company and wasn't consulting with him
at all. It was complicated and ugly. Then there was Brian, who was my
attorney at first and he handed me off to Tim as he became the company's
attorney. Again complicated and now I rely on Tim to keep me and the
company legal. I should have known that but it was something I paid no
attention to.


While we are all hear, I have a few things I need to discuss with the
three of you. I am in the process of collecting information and need to
know what the company is worth, if I decide I need out. Then I am
exploring what is required to take the company public. As of now, I have
no intention on acting on any of that. However, I'm sure those
possibilities will have you upset. You are, as you just demonstrated,
running this place and are capable of making well thought out decisions.
I want to protect you and at the very least give you options. Each of you
have an identical employment contract. Those contracts limit your ability
to compete with MJS Technologies for a period of time. What I am
proposing is that if there is ever a substantial change in ownership and
you decide you need to leave that the non-compete portion of your
contract be voided. Should you decide to go elsewhere you will be
provided with 2 years salary and would be free to go anywhere you choose.
That option would be available to you for 90 days from the ownership
change. What I am doing is protecting you from having no options. Should
you stay the new ownership will talk with each of you. I am asking you to
trust me that there is nothing planned and that I am very pleased with
how things are going. Oh, I will personally pay for this collection of
information. I assure you that is all it is and have backed it up with
financial security in the event things change. Any questions?


Kyle immediately asked Mike, where does this money come from? Kyle it
will be negotiated in the sale, no games and we will put it in writing if
you wish. Then Dillon said Mike I have a request. I just waited and he
finally asked I would like it included that if the company ever goes on
the market that the three of us, or any of us, be given first opportunity
to buy the company. I looked at Tim and he nodded and I said done. What
else but I would suggest that you take the time to think about it and
consult with an attorney. Talk amongst yourselves but I will be starting
the process of collecting that information within two weeks. Jordan
remained quiet and the others had nothing more at this time. Tim said, I
have changes to make and you will have the revised contracts tomorrow
before noon. Then Kyle said Mike, I need 5 minutes just the two of us.
There was no reaction from the other two and I said sure. I have as much
time as you need. I took at Tim and said thanks, I'm good.


Once we were alone Kyle said Mike, this has nothing at all to do with
either of the meetings but I have to say that I would have taken you at
your word about you looking at options down the road. However I do
appreciate the gesture. I got a strange email  today from a guy, whom I
assume is you high school principal. Apparently you gave him the COO job
description and my card. I have to admit that I thought it was strange,
especially since you didn't mention it. Kyle that happened this morning
and I had no idea he would react so fast. I'm not vested in this. If you
think he fits fine and if not that's fine as well. He runs a large high
school, deals with budgets and the renovated the place just before I got
there. He has advanced degrees and is personable. Then there is the grade
book thing and he might be good at that. If I were you I would have Tim
check him out and see what happens. All I would want is you to get back
to him even if it is to tell fuck off, well nicely. I want nothing
further do do with this and I apologize for the lack of a heads up. Mike,
how does Tim check out people. I laughed and said I asked and he told me
I didn't need to know that and I left it at that. Kyle he has checked
out a lot of people for me and there has never been any blowback. Trust
Tim but always verify and always read anything he asked you to sign.
That's how I work with him and it works. With all that done we both went
to our offices. I shut down my laptop and collected a few papers and
apparently Kyle didn't have much more to do as we met at the elevator.
It was a quiet ride down and we were quickly through security. Once we
were outside and by design our parking space were next to each other Kyle
said Mike, I bet you lunch that you dad knows that he personally owns
that building. I laughed and said Kyle that's a bet as I'm sure he is
clueless. I got in the car and was glad that Kyle set the terms of the
bet.


I pulled into the driveway a few minutes before 8:00. I was tired, I was
hungry, I had a shit load of work to do for school and yet I had to talk
with dad. I went inside said hello to Megan and went to dad's office. He
was on the phone but waved me in.  He was quickly off the phone and
asked, what's up? Dad I just have a question, who owns the old building?
Dad was quiet and he finally said Mike, I have no idea it was bought a
long time ago and it was our first major purchase, why does it matter, it
has to be paid off. Dad, we need it for the new drone program and it is
either you or the company. Mike back in a day there was no difference
between me and the company. Dad when the company was incorporated you and
the company were legally two different people. Mike then the building was
purchased after the company was incorporated as that happened very early.
So dad, Adam took over the purchase, is that correct? Dad you have to
know. Mike, calm down. Dad, who is paying the taxes and the other  shit?
Mike based on that the company owns the building. Dad, breaking news, Tim
maintains that you own the building and the company pays rent. Dad
shrugged and said I'll call Adam in the morning and see what he has to
say. I just shook my head and said goodnight. As I was about to open the
door and I turned and said dad, you really need to keep Alan out of you
finances. He might be a friend but he is a second rate attorney who only
looks out for himself and you are footing the bill. Before he could reply
I simple left and closed the door. I said a quick good night to Megan and
went to my place.


I immediately started on my "homework" and the history was easy and it
was actually a bunch of reading and I was sure it was AP test prep and it
took me a pit over an hour. I reached for my phone to call Winnie but
decided to call JJ. We made plans for the morning run and the afternoon
workout that I needed to do as it helped me relax and also I was feeling
a bit more than flabby. I was about to call Winnie when there was a knock
on the door and dad walked in. I just shook my head and said dad, this
better be important as I still have English to do. Dad sat down and said
Mike, I just talked with Adam and you are correct I own the building and
the company pays rent. The only thing is that when things moved to the
new building the rent went to $100 a month and it gets deposited in one
of my accounts. So if you want to rent it for robotics the rent goes back
to a very reasonable $2,000 a month plus utilities. I just shook my head
and said well you need to talk with Tim and Kyle and that conversation
better not include Adam. Besides you should have sold it by now. Mike,
Adam is still my personal attorney so he is involved. I just shook my
head and said well that complicates things as I refuse to be in the same
room with him. Dad laughed and said well trust me if something happens to
me you won't have a choice. I laughed out loud and said, well like you
say there is always a choice. The only problem is that I have already
chosen. Dad laughed and said Mike, thankfully I won't be around for
that. Then he said I'll have Adam call Tim first thing in the morning
and he turned and went back to the house.


I just sat there and my phone buzzed and it was Winnie. Mick, you were
going to call me, what happened. Winnie, it's been a long day and dad
just left and I was just going to call you. How you feeling? Mick,
somewhat better and I'll be in school tomorrow. Oh, don't forget Friday
is Senior skip day, I wouldn't want you to be the only senior there that
day. I laughed and said well I would have figured it out but I'm not
there enough not matter. She laughed and said that's correct. We talked
about our day and finally I said well I still have to get through some
English and I'm sure I'll get loaded with science work as Doc. Johnson
had me with a school board jerk third period. She laughed and said well
you and I are doing something Friday so figure that out. I laughed and
said working on it already. Which that I hung up and started on English
and it was midnight and I was about three fourth done and I simply went
to bed.


The run with JJ was great and we pushed each other and then settled on
meeting up at the gym. School was good and there was no more work piled
on and I wasn't dragged out of class for anything. Things at the office
were different as as soon as I got off the elevator Tim was there and
said Mike, you better get some coffee as I'll need you right now and
I'll do my best to keep it to an hour. I thought shit and immediately
got back on the elevator and found the coffee. I wasn't gone 5 minutes
when Kyle stopped me on the way to the office and said Mike, Dillon and I
need to talk with you, let us know when you and Tim are finished. I went
to my office and Tim was sitting in a club chair and I found it odd that
there were no papers. As soon as I sat down me said Mike, I'm sure you
know that asshole Adam called me this morning about the rent for the old
space. I shrugged nd Tim said well I put Clark, my new guy on it but I
will watch over the entire thing and make sure every T is crossed and
every I is dotted. I also had a long talk with Jordan and he actually
knew the details but wasn't opening that Pandora's box. He really wants
us to do something different. I laughed and Tim said I told him that he
gets what he gets and next time open his fucking mouth. I laughed at that
nd then Tim said Mike, he should not be your financial advisor as he has
his hands full as it is in keeping the finances of Technologies and
Enterprises separate. He works hard and does a great job and no one wants
him to get frustrated and leave. Besides, I need to know what's going on
as my job is to keep you from having too many conflicts. I looked at Tim
and said dude, I trust you but I'm not signing anything unless I read it
and completely understand it. Tim smiled and said, I wouldn't have it
any other way. So Tim who do you have in mind? Mike, I'm thinking you
and I can meet with him for lunch on Sunday at Oakmont. I laughed and
said, so I need to impress him? Tim shook his head and said yup. Then w
went over the contracts for the Big Three and Tim laughed when I read the
entire contract. Tim said that he gave it to them around 10:00 this
morning. Then Tim asked Mike, why is Kyle checking on your high school
principal? I shrugged and said possible job offer. Tim, the guy is
retiring and I thought Kyle might find a spot for him, that's all. I'm
out of it. Mike, how deep should I check on the guy? Tim, I don't need
to know just get Kyle what he needs to know. Tim shrugged and said, not a
problem. Thanks for the time and not making me wait in line. I laughed
and said sure. As he was leaving I asked if he could let Kyle know, I'm
available. He simply walked out and I knew it would be done.


It wasn't 5 minutes later when Kyle arrived and Dillon was about a
minute behind him. The both set the contracts on the table in front of
me. Kyle smiled and said, we would be idiots not to agree to those terms.
However, both of us would have trusted you. Then Dillon said but the
added opportunity to own this place is a definite plus. Thanks guys, I am
serious as there are no plans to change things. There was no mention of
Jordan and I didn't expect one. The reality was I could change the CFO
but I couldn't lose either of these two. They said thanks and went about
their business. I was astonished that things were concluded in such a
timely matter. I went to my desk and picked up my office phone and called
Heffern Tillinson. When the receptionist answered I said this is Mike
Simmons and I would like to talk with Mr. Tillison. Mr.Simmons, what
company are you with? I'm with MJS Technologies. Please hold and I'll
see if he is available, I said sure and thought, he will be available.
All most immediately he was on the line and asked is this personal or
business? I laughed and said it's business and I'm not asking for your
permission to marry your daughter. He laughed out loud and said, well how
can I I help you? Well I need a few things related to my company. Would
you be available to discuss that at lunch some time soon? He was quiet
for a minute and then he said well since this is business let's star
away from the usual places and Thursday would work. I said great how
about 12:30 at Oakmont Country Club. There was quiet again and he said
well then let's make it 12:45. I said great and we hung up.


With all that done I fired up my computer and started to review things
and at 4:15 I picked up my things and headed to meet JJ at the gym.


Thanks for reading and I'm sorry for the delay, again, family wedding
out of town and was gone all week.


PLEASE REMEMBER TO SUPPORT NIFTY, THEY CAN ALWAYS USE THE HELP AND IT IS
ACTUALLY IMPORTANT