Satisfied With Love Ch. 03

Author's Notes: It will behoove the reader to start with Satisfied With Love Ch. 01 to get all the background information and the beginning of this novel.

Keep the comments coming. I read each one. I do hope you enjoy the novel.

MDSW

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Brad is feeling pretty damn good as a result of his meeting with Packard Records and maintains a smile on his face. He also feels the employees appreciate his effort to protect and support them. He has no expectations for the next company, not wanting to expect something that may not be reality.

The visit at the next company, Packard Publishing, went unexpectedly similar to the Packard Records visit, except no-one got fired. The meeting with the CEO and Editor-in-Chief went well.

The CEO, Ms Jackie Griffin, is a 45 year old with an uncanny business sense. The Editor-in-Chief, Mr Ronald Brady, is a 38 year old with a huge thirst for knowledge. This time, they discuss the information about the company that he didn't get at Packard Records because of the distraction.

Saving it as the last topic to discuss, they ask why he fired the VP. Brad explains the main reason why he did so and talks about relationships. Jackie and Ron listen intently and seem to be showing a sincere interest. As Brad continues, they show interest in what Brad has to say about human interaction and relations, something that is reasonable, but they're currently not practicing it.

When Brad finishes, he asks Kristi to contribute, like he did at Packard Records, but again, she has nothing to add. Jackie and Ron are astonished that Brad is so knowledgeable about relationships and are favorably impressed with the new boss.

The manager's meeting also went well. The discussion that follows remains about the goals of the company, the processes in place and some ideas employees have passed on to management. Again, the last topic to discuss is the fired VP and they ask about that incident as well. Brad replies saying literally the same thing he said to Jackie and Ron, using a different group of words, and the managers also listen intently and show interest.

It seems to Brad the fired VP story is going to be a hot topic for the other Packard Empire companies. As a result, he figures all the remaining companies he visits will likely ask about it.

At the employee meeting, Brad is on a roll, in his normal jovial fashion, as he answers questions from them. He is expecting them to ask about the VP, and they did not disappoint.

The question came to him asking, "Mr Weber, would you please explain the circumstances surrounding the firing of the Vice President at Packard Records for us?"

Brad replies, "You heard about that? I'm totally surprised," he said with a smile, getting a few laughs. "Actually, I was wondering if you would ask...."

Brad paused, knowing he has to say this with the same information he told the CEO and Editor-in-Chief or he will be in trouble with the troops, just as Kristi warned. He takes a deep breath, organized his thoughts, then continues.

"As you might expect, there's an investigation in progress and I also expect the fired VP to sue Packard Records so I can't say much about the incident itself," Brad told them.

He pauses again, deciding if he should say what he wants to say, then speaks.

"However, saying nothing is not fair to you because that incident affects you as well as Packard Records. To be fair, it affects every company in the Packard Empire. As far as I'm concerned, you have a right to know the truth about things that affect you as employees, especially if a young, ignorant owner is involved in the incident. So, I will say this."

"At Packard Records, I became acquainted with the VP first hand. He had no respect for anybody in the company, not even the CEO.... or my staff.... or myself. It was literal hell for employees to work there. I learned very quickly who was responsible for creating that work environment."

"I know what the employees were feeling and what it does to them. I lived that myself, to a degree, but the VP left me with no choice. I had to put an end to the literal hell the employees were in, and I did. The CEO also filed an attempted assault charge against his ex-VP on my behalf. Because of all that happened, I made my second major decision as an owner. In my opinion, the VP received a just and fair resolution to the situation he put me in."

"I don't want Packard Empire companies to operate based on fear of management and that is just one reason why I fired the VP.... Also, I don't want employees to work because of their fear of the unknown."

"However, that isn't the full story behind why I did what I did. There are several other contributing factors for my decision and, until the investigation is complete and the situation resolved, that is all I'm willing to say specifically about that incident at this time."

"However, in my own defense, I did not fire a Vice President. What I did do, is fire an extremely bad attitude, and therefore, the person it possesses. I have never before seen an attitude as bad as that."

"We, meaning my sisters and I, don't consider ourselves to be a conventional boss. You will learn what that means in the future, but now is not that time...."

"Also, when I speak of myself, I'm also speaking for my sisters because we seem to think alike for some strange reason. One of these years, I'm going to figure out how to fix that," he said with a smile.

The group laughs and is getting in tune to Brad the more he talks.

"And, because of your thirst for knowledge about the new owners, I will also tell you this, pretty much because I can," Brad said and got a multitude of laughs. "Fourteen days ago, I wasn't thinking about being an owner of a multi-billion dollar corporation. I didn't know I was adopted as a child. I didn't know my birth Father is Danny Packard. I didn't know my mother passed away in a car crash with a drunk driver. Nor did I expect to be a boss. And way beyond my wildest dreams, I didn't expect to become an instant billionaire."

The room turns deathly quiet as Brad reveals himself to company employees. Brad is telling them something the employees want to know.... the truth about the new owners.

"This job, and the death of my Mother and Father, was thrown at me suddenly, with no advanced warning whatsoever. It was a major shock to me. It didn't take long for my life to become a twisted, screwed up train wreck. The same happened to my sisters."

"And, the farthest thing from my mind, was to be here today talking to you as an owner of the Packard Empire. That's how fast my life has changed. But.... I know you're not concerned about my life, nor do you have to be. You're more concerned about your own, and whether or not you have a future here at Packard Publishing. Can't really say I blame you either."

"Today, my sisters and I are filling our Father's shoes. Our hope is to make the most of it by making positive changes in the lives of everyone employed by Packard Empire companies."

"For us to accomplish those things, we have to man-up and take on the challenges and the responsibilities associated with ownership. Believe it or not, being owners is a huge burden on us, but the more we learn, the better equipped we become to make it happen for you folks."

Brad pauses and gets somber.

"The VP I fired this morning called me a 23 year old kid.... I was surprised to hear that, at first.... But, maybe I am. I understand I am young.... through no fault of my own, might I add."

Giggles came from the group.

"Sometimes, I feel kinda dumb, especially when compared to the staff I work with."

"Sometimes, I'm ignorant and I know it. Unfortunately for me, so does my staff."

"Sometimes, I want to get things done faster because I want things to happen faster."

"Sometimes, I act because I know what I'm doing."

"Sometimes, there's this huge weight on my shoulders and maybe.... just maybe.... I don't deserve to be an owner of the Packard Empire...."

"But sometimes.... shit happens. That, is my reality.... Today, as I stand before you, I'm absolutely proud that shit happened to me and my sisters."

Some smiles grow on some faces in the crowd. Most are listening closely, quietly and intently.

"Fourteen days ago, I sat where you are now sitting. I learned a lot about office politics while in that position. I hated most of it. Now that I have this job, I kinda enjoy it for the most part. But, there are times when I don't. Firing the VP was one of those times."

"As a general rule, I don't like firing people. But, when given no choice, I will not hesitate to do what has to be done to protect the company and its employees. That is part of our job as owners and we have accepted that responsibility. If this or any Packard company is attacked by insiders or outsiders, the owners are also being attacked. It's what our parents expect from us. It's what I expect from myself. Same for my sisters."

"Why don't I like firing people, you ask?.... Well, I'm kinda glad you asked that question actually...." he said, getting a few giggles. "Employees are the life blood of a company. Everyone that works here wants to be respected, from the bottom to the top of the ladder, maybe even higher."

A few giggles break the silence in the room. Brad continues to be on a roll and he appears to be having a one-on-one with the employees.

"Work gets done more efficiently when respect is the rule. As a supervisor, manager or executive, you can't go wrong if you respect your employees. But, that also goes for employees. Respect goes both ways. It is not something that is given to you, it must be earned by your job performance and attitude, up and down the ladder."

"Showing respect for someone isn't the same as respecting someone and I know you understand that. I also understand what's going through your minds. The new owners have control over your future here at Packard Publishing and you have no idea what they will do to this company. That is currently your unknown fear."

"As I already said, I don't want fear to rule this company. It kills moral, and therefore, production. I would rather you are happy to work here and happy with management. But, I also want management to be happy with employees.... As strange as that may sound to you, that is what the new owners desire not just for Packard Publishing, but for all Packard Empire companies."

"I'm no different than any of you. I still dress myself everyday, more times than I would have liked on several occasions.... I still walk into doors, occasionally.... I still trip over my own feet, once in a while.... I still put my foot in my mouth, though it seems to be happening more often these days.... I still run a comb through the mop on my head to make me look presentable, but even that's debatable."

Throughout that whole exchange, giggles and/or laughter erupt after each point he makes.

"I still know how to jump into swimming pools, and I have by the way.... In fact, there is a rumor floating around I might have taken a wrong step and fallen off the pier into the ocean when I greeted my sisters the first time, but I'm not telling.... That was not embarrassing at all...."

They laugh with him again. Kristi laughs and nods her head, verifying the story.

"But.... I'm not able to leap over tall buildings with a single bound, nor am I faster than a speeding bullet.... unless, maybe, it gets a ticket."

Intense laughter breaks out amongst the employees, then ceases as Brad continues.

Brad is appreciating the response he gets from the group. He's also expecting there will be questions after he's done which he may not want to answer at this time.

"I'm still just an average Brad, but I have learned a few things since becoming part of the corporation."

"I learned I became an instant billionaire, but I don't really feel like one. Actually, I'm not sure what a billionaire is suppose to feel like.... yet."

"I learned that being a billionaire isn't all its cracked up to be, but I also learned it does have its advantages.... and disadvantages...."

"I learned that being an owner of a large corporation isn't every person's dream...."

"I learned I want to be treated as an adult, even if I am just a 23 year old kid."

More laughter erupts from the employees.

"Because I never had my own staff before, I learned the relationship we share is important to them, but I didn't understand how important it is to me, until recently. They have taught me so much about life with big bucks and life with big business in the last two weeks. Thank you for that ladies," he said as he looks at his staff then returns his attention to the group.

"I also learned I can't snap my fingers and make things happen. Believe me, that was seriously disappointing," Brad admits, shaking his head.

That causes a round of applause and more laughs. As Brad continues on his roll, Kristi and Jeni are happy for him. Jackie and the Ron are listening and becoming very interested in what he's saying and happy he's saying those things. Kristi is experiencing deeper feelings for Brad, maybe infatuation, but still isn't facing them, but Brad wishes she would.

"But, most important to me, personally, was.... I learned I became a brother, a role I'm not familiar with. I've been an only child my whole life. As of thirteen days ago, I have two sisters. I'm still learning how to be a brother, but learning that as an adult has its trials and tribulations, as it turns out. Most siblings know they have siblings at a very young age. We weren't allowed that honor."

"I still have things I want to accomplish along that line and I work on it daily.... and my sisters volunteer to help me hourly. I can't say it's been all fun, but it is rewarding," Brad reveals.

"Sorry, I digressed.... I came to this area to become familiar with each company owned by the Packard Empire. I had no intentions to fire anyone, but because I did, the future of Packard Records will change for the better, and I'm pretty sure you understand why."

"Our job, as owners, is to push all companies in the Packard Empire forward, kicking and screaming if necessary, not leave them behind. I expect to focus on that project very soon."

"I don't profess to be some kind of genius on this or any other subject. It's just what my life experience, however small, has taught me and I still believe it today. I still live it today as well."

"So, as a parting comment, don't you dare think this company will be left in the dust. Packard Publishing is too good for that. You are, after all, a Packard Empire company.... See you soon," Brad said with a smile, then walks away from the podium toward Jackie and Ron.

The message left a lasting impression on the employees and they give him a standing ovation, including screams and whistles, as he departs. Of course, that word spread fast as well.

Kristi and Jeni follow him as he heads to the SUV, walking as they talk to Jackie and Ron, who thanks Brad for the visit and looks forward to more talks with him and his sisters. Brad has the same feeling he did when he left Packard Records, a sense of satisfaction that he has accomplished something good.

After the SUV departs, heading for dinner, both Kristi and Jeni get mushy with him again. They tell him he made a lasting impression on the employees, including the Jackie and Ron. He's glad to hear that.

Then Jeni said, "Brad, that was truly a great speech. The employees learned a great deal from it, but you still had another ten minutes you could have spent there. Why did you cut yourself short?"

"Good question. I did that because what I said left me open for to many follow-up questions about the past and future I don't want to answer at this time so I had to avoid them, for now anyway. It will take time before I'm willing to do so."

"What questions?" Kristi asks.

"Not necessarily just questions, Kristi. The time it takes to act on what I told them."

"Oh.... That makes sense."

"It will make dollars when we accomplish it," he said smirking.

"Good point!" Kristi said, smiling and hugging her boss. "I see you have been thinking ahead Brad. Care to fill us in?"

"I haven't really been thinking about it. It just came to me today as I was speaking to them. I know that's a bad thing to do, but it just flowed out exactly as I wanted to, a small miracle at best. I have to talk to my sisters, but this is what I desire the focus of corporate to be from now on. What I told them is what I want to achieve with all companies in the Packard Empire."

"The good news is, the employees we have addressed so far like it, but I would like management to act on what I've told them, not just agree with me. I also have the support of my team so we can't go wrong. Remember, actions speak louder than words."

"Right you are, an enthusiastic supporting team. Thanks Brad," Jeni adds.

Brad smiles at Jeni.

"Today has drained me ladies. I am so tired from all the attention and the pressures of the day. Firing the VP took a lot out of me. I just want to eat, go home and relax the whole weekend," Brad reveals.

It's Friday and they're done for the week, with two days off. Even though Brad has fired an island manager and a VP, he still feels a good deal of accomplishment as a result of his actions and speeches.

They go to dinner at a nice restaurant to relax. Then they go home, get in the hot tub and forgot the days events for a short period of time.

Kristi and Jeni continue to keep the conversation going, hoping Brad will say something else unexpected. They have little knowledge about what's going on in his brain and Brad isn't revealing it, just to tease them, and to keep them on their toes.

By the end of the first work day in LA, Brad is happy he survives, but wonders if it will get any worse. The questions he may face in the coming companies may be a challenge for him.

He spent the weekend relaxing and talking to Kristi and Jeni about the events of the week. Brad did remember to talk to Craig again so that is done. He feels good about himself, and the Packard Empire. Kristi and Jeni are also feeling good about his accomplishments.

Brad has several video conferences with his sisters, exchanging the challenges of the day and they learned they had mostly the similar experiences, with the exception of firing someone.

********

At the next companies visited during the week, the VP incident wasn't brought up, which Brad is very grateful for. He doesn't want confrontation with another executive. But, he is also puzzled by the lack of questions from employees in each company. No company asked about the fired VP either.

It's the middle of the week and the majority of the companies have been visited by Team Brad. His speeches have struck a cord at each company and he's still on a roll. Brad is turning a lot of heads in the companies he visits and winning over management and employees alike. His speeches are growing popular with those people that are interested in their future and employees are waiting patiently for the future of their company to begin.

Nights with Kristi are filled with sex. It seems she gets horny when they finish at a company and takes it out on him at night. It could be worse, he thought.

Brad is dedicated to pleasing his girlfriend so he escorts her to his bed and tenderly takes her clothes off and stares at her figure. Kristi is watching him and wants some action so she removes his clothes to speed things up. She's ready for anal, but Brad is sticking to her pussy tonight.

He positions her on her back, puts her legs on his shoulders, enters her slowly and watches her facial expression change as his cock disappears into her pussy and her eyes disappear into her head. She moans her pleasure to him, hoping he will fuck her the way she likes it, and he does, most of the time.