Something happened the other day that got me thinking about the experience that I had over a decade ago pulling my father’s company out of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy or “Reorganization” as he liked to call it. He had been in this situation for 4 years when I joined his company. I thought I was joining his company to work as an outside sales representative. I felt that if I could boost revenue that the other challenges he was having would eventually subside. However, he had different plans.

Unbeknownst to me, I was soon introduced as the new payables clerk! I had never worked with creditors and this was to be a great learning experience for me. Things had taken a definite turn for the worse at the company. We needed to get a handle on some persistent problems or boosting revenue would be of no consequence. (more…)

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how my experience has been different from my sons, both of whom work for larger companies. My son Brad is a manager for a national office supply retail chain, the other, Jeff, for a large locally based national carrier. My son Jeff has recently changed jobs and it has been very interesting for me to watch this process from afar. I am somewhat familiar with the circumstances surrounding the family that owns the company he recently left and the family that owns the company where he is headed.

As I watched this process unfold, I was dumbfounded at how arrogant Jeff’s former company behaved. They acted as though they were his only option. Even though he had learned quickly and progressed as far as he could within the local office (unless he was made branch manager) in just 7 ½ months, they thought no one else would have him. He was made to feel that, “Thank goodness for us (the proud and ponderous corporation) or you would be, homeless, starving in the streets!”

This company began what they called a “Boot Camp.” (more…)