A Humbling Two Weeks

I’m going undercover... at my own company. This should be interesting.

My brothers and I thought it would be beneficial to have one of us work at a lower level at Ledger’s Distillery & Reserve for a while to find ways that we can strengthen our business practice. Considering I’m the youngest and I always lose our childish game of no nose goes, I’ll be going to work today as a new bartender – in one of our tasting room. And yes, we use no nose goes to make executive decisions; we like to keep things fun.

I haven’t been here at least a year. Once Ledger’s fully took off, we let Grady, the man who practically raised us run the show here. He always keeps us updated on everything, so there’s really no need to ever step foot in this place. Plus, the three of us live in the city about an hour away.

I climb out of my car and make my way inside. When I enter, I find Grady sitting at his desk, working diligently on the computer. I tap my knuckles lightly on the door to let him know I’m here.

“Hey kid,” he beams wildly at me. “Long time no see. Ready to take on your new role? You’ll love the manager here.”

I rolled my eyes so hard, I thought they were going to fall out of my head. He always likes to give us a hard time about not seeing him more often. Since our lives have gotten so busy, it's become a tradition for my brothers and I to have dinner with Grady once a month, but we all make sure to call him on a weekly basis. We wouldn't be where we are today without him. And wait, “did you just say manager? Grady, you’re the manager here.” I say, but he waves me off likes it’s no big deal.

Just then the back door slams shut and Grady smiles, “She’s here, perfect timing.”

She? Did he fire Blake?

A fierce brunette storms into the office with us, capturing both of our attentions. “Blake,” Grady greets her. “This is,” he looks at me trying to find the right words.

Helping him, I reach out my hand out to shake hers, “I’m Eli...” I decide, not wanting to use my full name.

“I don’t care who you are. What I care about is that you show up, you do your job and you do it well. Grady and I have worked tremendously hard the last year to make this place even more successful. I trust Grady’s judgement, but he always gives me the final say. So don't fuck up,” and in one fell swoop, she's out of the office heading towards the bar.

Once I pick my jaw up off of the floor from the absolute audacity of that woman, I turn to Grady who is stifling a laugh behind his hand. Something tells me this is going to be a very, very long two weeks.

***

At the end of the first week, I understand why Grady thinks so highly of Blake. She has fantastic ideas, understands the company as a whole and is great with the customers. I'll definitely be reporting this back to my brothers.

Promoting Blake to train other employees at our other locations and having her run educational training programs a few times a year to keep employees up to date would be beneficial for Ledger's. Aside from internal benefits, there's potential we could open this up for guided public facility tours, which could result in gaining more inquires for resale. Right now, Ledger's has eleven other tasting rooms, but our main source of income is distribution. We have quite a few big contracts, but it would be great if we could work with smaller companies as well. Plus, going specifically through us would mean better rates.

As for me, working here is very humbling. It's been a long time since I've done anything to this nature. It took me a few days to find my groove, but I'm doing well slinging drinks and making pizza. I actually might do it more often when I need a break from pushing papers. Being CEO can be rather exhausting at times.

***

At the start of my second week, Blake tasks me with closing, which I assume is a sign that I'm doing as well as I thought I was.

Mid-week is when Grady decides it's time to check in on me. “How are you doing Elijah?” He asks while I'm cleaning up for the night.

“Good, actually. I really like it. It's been a long time since I've done something so... simple, relaxing. And you're right, Blake is great. I think I'm going to suggest to my brothers that we give her a promotion.”

“I'm happy to hear that, she deserves it. Blake works hard.” I nod my head, finishing up balancing the till when Grady lets me know that he's going to head out for the night.

On my last Friday, I come into work feeling a little bittersweet. This was a very eye opening and educational experience for me. Now to go tell Blake exactly who I am and what my plans are for Ledger's.

When I walk in both Grady and Blake are already here. Blake's getting ready for the night ahead, while Grady is sitting at the bar. “Hi,” I say and they both greet me in response. “Blake, do you think I can talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure. I actually wanted to speak to you as well.”

“Please, you first,” I say gesturing at her with my hand.

She takes a deep breath, “look, you're doing alright, but that's just it — alright. I know my standards are high, but I told you two weeks ago that Grady and I have worked very hard to improve this business. And I'm sorry I didn't run this by you first Grady," she says glancing over at him. "I'm going to have to let you go Eli. You're just not making the cut. This will be your last night here at Ledger's.”

Did I just get fired? From my own company? Shock must be written all over my face with the way Grady is laughing his ass off at the counter. “Didn't see that one coming, did you kid?” Grady says when he finally catches his breath.

Blake looks between us with a confused look on her face. For a moment I'm still too shocked to say anything. But I shake off the disbelief, hold out my hand and say, “Hi, I'm Elijah Ledger. One-third owner of this fine establishment.”