Wendy makes a face. “You know what I mean. This place is fantastic, and what a wonderful corporate image for SERF.”
“So you love it as much as I do?”
“Yes of course I do. Have Sean or Jessica been here yet?”
Bonnie shakes her head, looking out the window. “No, just Charlotte Evans, and she reacted about the same way you did.”
“Why has Charlotte seen this place before Sean and Jessica?” Wendy asks, surprised.
“Just timing. I had lunch with her to let her know she has my support as CEO of Global Metal Refining. I wanted to bridge that gap, since we got off to such a rough start and it was just after I signed the lease. Charlotte is going to recommend Global Metal Refining transfer its financial support from Mother Earth Cooperative to Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund to the tune of one million dollars a year for the next nine years,” Bonnie says, smiling.
“You never cease to amaze me with your persuasive powers,” Wendy says, grinning.
“Well, let’s just hope those powers hold out long enough to sign Skip and Jim this weekend,” Bonnie replies, her tone shifting to slightly nervous.
“I’m sure if these two gentlemen are right for this organization they will be working here very shortly.”
“I hope you’re right. Now, let’s get you settled before our hectic schedule begins,” Bonnie says, taking Wendy’s arm as they leave the building.
***
As they arrive at the house Bonnie receives a call from Sean confirming the times Skip and Jim are to arrive and their hotel accommodations.
“Thanks, Sean, that’s wonderful,” Bonnie says.
“I’ll also make sure my staff will get them settled in their hotels before bringing them to the restaurant,” Sean replies. “The agendas for tomorrow are set and everything is in order. When is Wendy joining us?”
“She’s here with me in the car. We’ll meet everyone at the restaurant at seven. Will you please let me know if there are any last minute changes to the schedule?” Bonnie asks.
“Of course. We’ve got this covered though,” Sean says.
Bonnie breathes a sigh of relief. “You’re so great for pulling all the details together. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Jess and I will meet you at the restaurant at seven with Skip and Jim in tow.”
“Terrific. See you then,” Bonnie replies, and they hang up.
When Bonnie and Wendy arrive at Bonnie’s house, Wendy slips into a bikini and heads poolside.
Bonnie stares in disbelief. “Do you ever stress about anything?”
“Absolutely. Why do you ask?”
“I’m frantic, worried about everything, and you’re in a bikini soaking up rays by the pool.”
“Why are you frantic? The high priced cabana boy just told you everything is under control and he’ll let you know if a glitch occurs. Besides you are the one in control this weekend. Skip and Jim are interviewing for a job you’re offering, not the other way around. Relax and enjoy the adventure.”
“Only you refer to Sean Green as a high priced cabana boy, and I wouldn’t advise letting him hear you refer to him in that manner.”
Wendy smiles up at her. “You know me. I have no problem calling Sean on his bullshit. Besides, I bet he would get a kick out of it if I said it in private while sipping cocktails.”
Bonnie rolls her eyes and flops on a lounge chair. “You’re probably right, but I would hate to hear what he would call you my dear!”
Wendy chuckles. “I’m sure it would be something close to a bloodletting wailing wall that listens to everyone’s problem, asks them how they feel about it, lets them solve their own issues, and then charges them outrageous fees.”
“You two have a very weird relationship.”
Wendy shrugs. “We just understand each other better than most, that’s all. All kidding aside, I just want you to know how proud I am of you, and I’m sure Mark would be, too. I’m humbled by your willingness to establish Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund as a way of honoring his work and professional reputation.”
Bonnie starts to cry and Wendy gets up and hugs her, allowing her to sob and release the pent up, stifled emotions. Together they hold one another with tears streaming down their cheeks, neither realizing in the moment the totality of the healing taking place for both of them.
***
After spending the afternoon together relaxing by the pool, Wendy and Bonnie arrive at the restaurant before everyone else. When Jessica arrives she is flattered to see Wendy and Bonnie looking gorgeous in the latest designs from Beauty Boutique Clothing.
“You two look fantastic,” Jess says, beaming.
“Thanks to you and your fabulous designs,” Wendy replies.
“Au contraire, it is the models the clothes are on that showcase the designs,” says Jessica, hugging each of them.
Bonnie looks past Jessica and motions to Sean, Skip, and Jim to join the reunion. When Wendy turns to look at them she is immediately struck at how incredibly attractive the younger gentleman is and assumes Jim Bush is the amazing hunk of eye candy. Sean quickly introduces Skip and Jim to Jessica and Wendy, then makes sure he seats Jim next to Wendy at the table. When Wendy makes eye contact with Sean, he winks, and she mouths a thank you that no one else sees. He smiles, comprehending he is once again correct in his assessment of Wendy and her personal preferences.
Almost immediately Wendy becomes distracted by how amazing Jim smells. “Wow, you smell fantastic,” she says, leaning closer. “What is that?”
Jim jerks his gaze to her, momentarily caught off guard. “I believe its Mankind by Kenneth Cole.”
“Hmm. I like it. It’s not only masculine but also subtle and appealing.”
He smiles at her. “Thank you. I recently purchased it, and you’re the first woman to comment on it.”
Wendy cocks her head. “So do you always buy your fragrances to elicit comments from women?”
“Yes,” Jim answers, then quickly says, “I mean no. I have to enjoy it as well.”
“I see,” she says, chuckling.
Bonnie and Jessica quickly exchange a glance then Bonnie says, “Skip, why don’t you tell everyone about yourself and why you’re interested in this particular chief financial officer position.”
Skip nods. “Well, to start with, I always purchase my cologne to satisfy myself. But that’s probably because I’m much older, and prior to my wife’s passing I hadn’t bought any cologne for quite some time.” Everyone around the table chuckles, and Skip continues, “I’m sorry I couldn’t resist the jab.” Then he begins with a brief educational history, including his bachelor’s degree in business, MBA in finance, CPA, certification as a forensic accountant, and ending with qualifications as an expert witness in magistrate, district, and U.S. District courts in forensic accounting.
“I’ve had an extremely successful career working for two separate fortune 100 companies as their chief financial officer,” he says proudly, “I’m a widower, and my only child is attending Stanford University in Palo Alto. I don’t get to see her as often as I would like to, and I don’t like being away from her this much. I fully recognize it won’t be long before she is off making her own life dreams come true, and I need to create my own life dreams again. So Bonnie, when you telephoned and explained what your plans are for SERF, who is involved, and the impact you want the organization to have on environmental mining restoration worldwide, I knew immediately this was an opportunity I had to pursue. I also suspect for at least the next five years it won’t be as hectic or stressful as my current position. Also, I like the organization’s mission statement, and I’d like to make a difference in the world through my participation in this startup endeavor. I know the organization is adequately capitalized so many of the initial start-up concerns aren’t a factor in whether this company is successful or not, and that makes this a very appealing offer. Finally, I believe I have a lot to offer through practical experience and professional expertise.”
Skip stops, allowing the group to absorb all he has said. Then, he turns to Jim and says, “I suspect it’s now your turn to answer the same question.”
Jim smiles. “I suspect you’re right. Let me begin with how excited I am to be considered for this position, but my goals are vastly different from Skip’s. Unlike Skip, I’m single and hoping to distinguish myself as the premiere authority in the business development arena. I see this organization as providing a clear path for achievement of this career goal. I have a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in political science. I have worked for three separate fortune 500 companies but never in the non-profit world. I have tremendous corporate resource connections, and I see SERF as having the potential, with my help, to be the leading authority for corporate responsibility in the environmental realm. What better industry to accomplish that feat than the mining industry, which has had the reputation of raping and pillaging the environment for decades?” He turns to Wendy then. “I broke off an engagement, hence the new cologne. I dislike Illinois because it’s so cold, and I’m an avid outdoor thrill seeker. I enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, hang-gliding, and I want to get into spear fishing and free-diving, maybe even surfing. California seems to have all the opportunities for me to experience the things I thrive on. I work hard and I like to play hard.”
There’s a moment of silence as Wendy and Jim have an apparently silent conversation. Addressing the rest of those at the table he continues, “I see the possibility of making this business development position into a position I have always craved, and in doing so also establishing a niche not only for SERF but also my own career. In short, my professional goals are just as lofty as Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund goals.”
“How so?” asks Wendy, slightly playfully.
He glances her way again. “Well, I want to be known and recognized for my innovation, creativity, and ability to achieve any goal set either for me or the organization. I believe that’s also an important goal for SERF.”
“What do you see as the most pressing goal facing SERF?” Bonnie chimes in.
“Branding, although I think Sean is much more suited than I to accomplish that segment. The most significant challenge I see in my realm of expertise is the immediate necessity to develop adequate, sustainable funding sources for SERF in order to have the impact the organization intends within the mining industry worldwide. The largest threat to that success, from my perspective, is time.”
“How is time the biggest threat?” Jessica asks.
He turns his attention to her and explains. “In most instances time is on the side of the developing organization but, in this instance, the sooner SERF establishes an algorithm for developing sustainable funding mechanisms the greater the organization’s approval ratings and impact for environmental restoration. The longer the organization takes to demonstrate its ability to attract corporate partnerships the weaker its impact will be. By establishing mutually beneficial corporate alliances within the mining industry separate from Global Metal Refining, we’ll establish more credibility. With immediate credibility comes the ability to attract additional funds and demonstrates the viability and necessity for the organization’s existence.”
Jessica considers his answer for a moment, but Wendy interrupts. “But hasn’t SERF already established its viability with the billion-dollar capitalization from Bonnie?”
“No I don’t believe it has. I think it’s demonstrated adequate start-up capitalization, but without the industry leaders rallying behind the cause the organization’s sole survival would be dependent upon Bonnie’s continued support and the sole support of Global Metal Refining, an organization in three of you at this table wield enormous control over. This is a great setup but, without mining industry corporate alliances, SERF could be viewed as a vehicle used by Global Metal Refining to avoid potential tax consequences in the United States. By establishing the corporate sponsorships, SERF demonstrates its viability and the necessity for mining industry practices to change worldwide.”
While everyone is considering the implications of what Jim has said, but before anyone can continue the conversation, they are interrupted by the server arriving to take their dinner orders.
CHAPTER 5
interviews
Bonnie clears her throat and stirs everyone out of their deep thoughts. “Shall we focus the rest of the evening on casual, fun conversation? We’ll have plenty of time over the next two days for everyone to explore philosophies, experiences, and goals. Tonight is designed to allow everyone to get to know each other on a more personal level.”
Jim chuckles. “My apologies for getting so passionate about my beliefs.” He turns his attention to Jessica. “Tell me about yourself. I’ve researched Sean, Bonnie, and Wendy because of their association with Global Metal Refining. In comparison, I know very little about you and your company.”
Jessica sips her drink. “I’m an open book. I grew up in Los Altos, then went on to earn a business degree from Dartmouth University and a graduate degree in fashion entrepreneurship and innovation from the London College of Fashion. I really enjoy fashion design, and started a small clothing company, Beauty Boutique Clothing, here in San Francisco. With help from Bonnie and SGM, we recently went international with a production factory in Brazil. Bonnie and I have been lifelong friends, and I met Sean through the insistence of Mark and Bonnie.”
As Jim continues getting to know Jessica, Skip says to Wendy, “I know a little about you through your participation on the Global Metal Refining Board of Directors, but do you have other business interests?”
Wendy smiles at him and replies, “I received my PhD from the University of California San Diego and have a private counseling practice in San Diego.”
“Impressive. What type of counseling or clientele?”
“My practice is centered exclusively on victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.”
“Wow, you must be an extremely tough woman to deal with those issues day in and day out.”
Wendy inclines her head. “Not really. I do it for the victims. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing them become survivors.”
Jim squirms in his seat a little, appearing uncomfortable, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Wendy. She glances at him, “I don’t analyze anyone who isn’t a client, and everyone already knows that about me except you two, so you both can relax. I’m not psycho-analyzing either of you.”
Skip chuckles. “But you are evaluating each of us.”
“True, but only as far as your business acumen, not your mental health,” Wendy replies with a wink.
“Well that’s good to hear,” Jim adds.
Dinner arrives and the rest of the evening is spent enjoying the food and saké, with light casual conversation. The agenda for the following days is given to Skip and Jim, and Sean tells them the limousine will pick them up at seven o’clock the next morning and drive them to the SERF offices in Sausalito. Interviews will begin at eight and will continue throughout the day, lunch will be catered, and then they will be on their own for dinner tomorrow. Sean promises them both they will back at the hotel by five-thirty. Turning to Skip, he asks, “Will you need a ride to Palo Alto for dinner with your daughter or is she coming into the city?”
“She’s driving into San Francisco with her new boyfriend to take me to dinner, so I’ll be fine, thank you.”
“Very well,” Sean says, and continues with the agenda, “Sunday morning you will be back at the SERF office until noon and then each of you will be taken to the airport for your respective flights home. On Sunday the dress is casual since you both have fairly long flights ahead of you.”
After everything is in place for the next couple of days, the group enjoys after dinner drinks and then goes their separate ways.
***
Jim and Skip arrive in Sausalito on time. Bonnie gives them a quick tour of the facility and ushers them into the conference room for coffee, bagels, fresh fruit, and quiche. The facility is decor
ated in elegant furnishings and exquisite artwork yet still fully functional as executive offices.
While everyone enjoys a light breakfast, Sean presents an overview of Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund, its vision and mission statements, and the preliminary outline of SERF’s first year goals.
“Clearly, these goals are merely an outline from which further discussions will be launched in each of your areas of expertise,” Sean says. “Jim, Skip, you will each be interviewed initially by teams of Bonnie and Jessica, and Wendy and me. Then you’ll both undergo individual interviews which should conclude the day. After you return to your hotel, the Board will compare and contrast notes, and by noon tomorrow each of you will know where you stand regarding your respective interviews. At that point, if appropriate, we’ll give you details on the position offered, including the wage and benefit packages. We’ll expect you to accept or reject any offer you may receive by the end of the work week. Are we all in agreement at this point?”
Both Skip and Jim acknowledge acceptance with head nods and the group breaks apart, with Jessica and Bonnie interviewing Skip first and Wendy and Sean speaking with Jim.
After the customary general questions, Bonnie asks Skip,” How would you view your role of CFO at SERF?”
“Well initially, I see the need to establish transparency within our corporate donor relationships and ensure donors have a timely and accurate project management tracking mechanism of SERF’s projects. This mechanism should focus on outlining funding deadlines, segment completion deadlines, and work progress in orders to allow corporate executives the ability to track onsite progress of restoration projects remotely, in as close to real time as possible. This would require end of the day, or end of shift, reporting if the project was around the clock. Monthly reconciliation reports need to be available on the first business day of each month with outstanding balances,” Skip replies.
Jessica follows up by asking, “So do you see this as your role to complete or are you assuming a certain sized staff to maintain that type of program?”
Unrestrained Behavior: The Pleasure and Risk of Choice (The 'Un'missable Series Book 3) Page 5
