Edward Saul was searching for a backer for just a day or two, but he struggled to find anyone suitable.
In every corner of the globe, there are countless people unable to locate the temple gate marked by a pig's head. They are not just a rare few; they are the majority.
Edward was wary of unreliable groups that might not even grasp the nuances of the industry. The powerful politicians he sought partnerships with were already aligned with others, leaving him, a mere small fry, out in the cold.
Newark and its surrounding regions fall under the shadow of New York City, where numerous large construction firms operate, all hailing from the metropolis. Local New Jersey companies often compete for small projects, typically utilizing leftover materials. The construction market is riddled with loopholes ripe for exploitation. As Sean noted, these practices are the easiest to navigate, and many companies exploit government and legal avenues. For Edward's modest firm, survival was increasingly tough.
Initially, Edward had emerged as a standout truck driver, leveraging his sharp mind and persuasive speech to launch a construction business. He primarily relied on the Truck Drivers Union for work referrals. However, he soon hit a bottleneck. Small jobs yielded minimal profit, and he was unable to take on larger projects like Sean's.
In truth, the small military base project Sean mentioned was hardly lucrative. The buildings were standardized and lacked technical complexity, making them unattractive to local contractors. Edward wished to keep his workers busy but was reluctant to take on such unappealing tasks.
All of this changed after Sean made a forceful statement.
First, when the Sean Fitness Club opened, news outlets reported that Police Chief Wells and Congressman Johnson were in attendance. This indicated Sean's strong ties with Newark's political elite—a valuable asset.
Second, Sean's security firm had been granted authorization to use light weapons. While firearms are legal in the U.S., obtaining the necessary permits, especially for security companies, is a daunting task. This suggested Sean had connections in legal circles.
Third, although Sean commanded a significant presence among the local underground forces, the actual gang families in Newark, like the Jonas family, indicated that his influence was more strategic than direct, symbolizing his intellect and resourcefulness.
These factors clearly positioned Sean above the typical gangsters. However, there were risks involved, potentially overwhelming for someone like Edward.
Contemplating this, Edward realized seeking venture capital seemed unnecessary. It wasn't that venture firms couldn't replicate Sean's model or that they were altruistic; investing was simply more advantageous than starting a company from scratch.
Seeing Edward nod enthusiastically, Sean felt a pang of frustration. Why hadn't he listened when Sean spoke calmly?
What a cheap shot!
Edward laughed, but inwardly, he was bewildered. For someone like Sean to brew coffee himself seemed absurd, and the prospect was intimidating.
As Sean took charge, he decided to steer the conversation away from this insult to his image.
"Let's discuss something important," he said, his tone polite yet assertive. "For any enterprise to thrive, it cannot solely depend on external forces. It must possess its own unique characteristics and core competitiveness. Does your construction company have that?"
Edward fumbled for words. "Uh... no. We're just a small firm without any technical expertise. There are plenty of companies like ours, and if you're looking to collaborate, there are many options."
"Then let's proceed with my plan. From now on, your company's motto will be 'Fast'!" Sean illustrated a frame with his hands. "All employees will undergo internal evaluations. I'll have PricewaterhouseCoopers redesign your company's framework and adjust the salary structure."
To expedite progress, Sean emphasized the need for efficient workforce management. Tasks lacking technical requirements could be filled by the large population of hardworking, low-wage Chinese workers. They were willing to work longer hours for less pay, unlike the current workforce.
"Capitalism isn't about exploiting workers. It's about optimizing resources," he added, suggesting the introduction of internal competition to invigorate the workforce.
Sean proposed installing large-scale lighting on job sites, redistributing tasks, and implementing a three-shift system to ensure round-the-clock operations. "We need a legal and rational salary structure to enhance efficiency and project timelines."
"Just remember: 'Fast,'" he reiterated.
Edward nodded vigorously, excitement lighting up his face.
Did he truly grasp all this? Yes, he understood that his employees were often lazy, delaying project progress, and he recognized the value of hiring diligent Chinese workers. However, he was fearful of the repercussions—whether from trade unions or other organizations—in a landscape where hiring and firing could lead to significant backlash.
With Sean's backing, hiring Chinese for low-skill jobs seemed feasible. The Construction Workers Union wouldn't take issue with such low-level positions, especially given Sean's reputation.
Edward realized that Sean was not just a brute force but a strategist who understood the unspoken rules of the business world. He felt fortunate to be on this path.
The notion of sharing 60% of his company shares seemed trivial compared to the potential benefits. If word got out about the opportunities Sean was offering, other struggling companies would flock to him like moths to a flame.
Little did Edward know, Sean was oblivious to his thoughts. If he had any inkling of Edward's internal dialogue, he might have found it amusing, perhaps even infuriating.
"Let's put this plan into motion," Sean said, his tone resolute. "We'll implement these strategies quickly. I want you to organize a meeting with your team to discuss these changes. Make it clear that we're moving in a new direction."
Edward nodded again, the excitement bubbling within him. He felt a surge of hope. With Sean's influence and guidance, maybe his company could rise above the challenges that had held it back for so long.
As they wrapped up their conversation, Edward couldn't shake the feeling that he had stumbled into something monumental. Sean was not just a backer; he was a force of nature, someone who could transform his struggling business into a thriving enterprise.
"Let's get to work," Sean urged, a glint of determination in his eyes. "We'll show everyone what we're capable of, starting now."
With renewed purpose, Edward felt ready to embrace the changes ahead. He was no longer just a small-time operator; with Sean's mentorship, he had the chance to make a real impact in the construction industry.
As they parted ways, Edward couldn't help but think that this was the turning point he had been waiting for. The road ahead might be fraught with challenges, but with Sean by his side, he felt equipped to tackle whatever came next.