Post by Shawn Ashen on Jan 19, 2011 20:17:31 GMT -5
The evening sun shone gently through one of the large windows and brought a natural illumination to the huge office, reflecting slightly off the framed objects and leather furniture. At his large, solid mahogany desk sat a man of 27 years, slumped over a small pile of papers. He slowed stopped writing just long enough to gaze out the window at his beloved hometown. Omaha, Nebraska was the location, home to well over 400,000 people. However, the most important of them was seated at that same mahogany desk, in that same 20-story office overlooking the city skyline. Because at that desk was the CEO of Ashen Enterprises and one of the wealthiest men in the state. At that desk was a former two-sport athlete who set records at the University of Nebraska and a man that frequently dined with the likes of Warren Buffett. At that desk was a man by the name of Shawn Ashen.
Shawn decided to take a small break from his paperwork now and stretch his legs a bit. After all, the Anderson account was only worth $2.5 million, a mere drop in the bucket compared to the figures he was used to dealing with. He put his mind at ease and walked towards the window, gazing down at the mindless ants below him. He thought of how fitting it was that he was so much higher than they were, considering how superior he was to them in all walks of life. “Stupid wage slaves” he thought to himself, referring to them in a favorite term used to describe the working people of the city. Through his investments and stock trading, he had made $635,000 that morning, more than most of those little bugs could ever gather in a lifetime of work. The thought brought a smile to his face; only reaffirming just how much better he was than everyone else.
However, his thoughts suddenly were interrupted when he heard the unmistakable sound of the buzzer on his desk. That meant that his secretary Charlotte was trying to page him with an answer to her questions. Shawn rolled his eyes and went to answer, because although Charlotte was quite an attractive young woman, Shawn could tell that she would be forever doomed to a life of mediocrity unless she slept her way to the top. Ironically enough, she had not yet tried that idea with Shawn, a thought which perturbed him quite a bit. However, like always, he set his mind on business as he answered the page.
Shawn Ashen: Yes, I’m here. What is it Charlotte?
Charlotte: Mr. Ashen sir, we have an intern here with those legal documents you requested from the fourth floor.
On the fourth floor of his building was the legal department, which was currently preparing some files for the court case later that week. Shawn had desires to buy out a tiny independent drug store so that he could arrange a deal with a major pharmaceutical company in India, but the ignorant swine had refused to sell. As a result, Shawn simply called in a few favors at the bank and saw to it that the moron had “accidentally” allowed his mortgage to expire. With his business being repossessed, Shawn would step in as a civil-minded citizen and make sure a cherished outlet was still available to the people. Good PR and good business in one fell swoop.
Shawn Ashen: It’s about time. Send him in.
Charlotte: Yes sir.
The door opened just a moment later and in walked a young man probably in his late teens, carrying the stack of legal documents. Shawn made a mental note at the cheapness of the young man’s suit, perhaps purchased at an average department store. It was definitely a far cry from the $3,500 Giorgio Armani that Shawn had decided on for the day, but he hadn’t been in the mood that morning and had decided to dress cheap. They young man seemed to be doing his best impression of a real man though, his hair neatly trimmed and properly combed, clean shaven and his clothes wrinkle-free. “Eh, I guess it’s a start” he thought as he sat down again at his desk.
Shawn Ashen: Put the papers down over there boy. They’re in order like I requested right?
Intern: Yes sir, Mr. Ashen.
As the young man sat the papers down, Shawn looked at him a bit puzzled. He didn’t recognize the young man and he had a mind like a steep trap. Shawn only hired those he knew would not be a waste of money and this boy had the hint of wastefulness about him.
Shawn Ashen: Say boy, what is your name?
Intern: My name is Daniel sir.
Shawn Ashen: I don’t recognize you Daniel, so I sure as hell didn’t hire you. How are you performing tasks here at Ashen Enterprises then?
Daniel: I was brought in by the legal staff sir. I’m a college student doing this for internship credit.
Shawn Ashen: I see. Well no matter as long as it doesn’t cost me anything.
Shawn began to comb over the documents in front of him now, checking to make sure they were in order. He seemed to be content at first, however towards the end he noticed a couple of papers out of their usual order. This infuriated him, a combination of his obsessive-compulsive disorder kicking in and the reality that common folk were incapable of any type of consistency. He glared at the boy in front of him before speaking to him, his voice much louder.
Shawn Ashen: And just why in the hell are these documents out of order? Were you not taught the concept of efficiency!?
Daniel: I…I’m sorry sir. I dropped the papers on the fourth floor and I thought I had put them back in order…
Shawn Ashen: You THOUGHT? You THOUGHT? Let me give you a quick lesson in business boy. You don’t THINK anything, you make sure of things!
With that, Shawn picked up the papers and threw them in the young man’s face, scattering them everywhere! The young man looked on the verge of tears as Ashen stood up and slammed his hand down on the desk before continuing.
Shawn Ashen: You stupid lower class vermin! My company gives you the chance of the lifetime, to make your sad pathetic life worth living, and THIS is how you take advantage of it!? Sloppy work is the work of a sloppy worker and sloppy workers have no place here! Get out of here! Consider your internship terminated as of this moment!
Daniel: But sir…I need this internship! I can’t graduate without the credit!
Shawn Ashen: And that is my problem why exactly? This is business Daniel…and as of this moment you are out of business! Now get the hell out of here before I call security to escort you!
The young man quickly ran out of the room, visibly holding back tears. Shawn continued to fume for a moment before quickly buzzing Charlotte.
Shawn Ashen: Charlotte, make sure that little prick doesn’t come back begging for another chance. I want him banned from the building. The ignorant fool gave me disordered documents! Make sure you demand another copy from legal, preferably from someone with HALF a brain!
Charlotte: Yes sir.
Shawn Ashen: And why you’re at it, find out who hired him down there. Once you do, inform me so we can arrange a…performance review.
Charlotte: Consider it done sir.
Shawn now got up once again and walked back over to the window, trying to calm himself down. It was the product of his life, the incredibly short fuse for inefficiency. The wage slaves didn’t realize that his world was one governed solely on time and money, both of which he would not have wasted. Did those documents being out of order kill his chances of the buy out? Of course not, but it was the principle of the thing. They needed to learn that when he gave them an order, he expected it to be done right.
He continued to softly gaze out the window, but was soon interrupted by Charlotte buzzing him again. He quickly walked over and once again hit the buzzer.
Shawn Ashen: What now Charlotte? Did you find out who I have to chew out?
Charlotte: Sir, you have a phone call. A Mr. Chad Kennedy is on line one.
Shawn’s eyes raised slightly when he heard the name, because that was the name of his new “boss”. Shawn had decided to join a professional wrestling organization to increase his name recognition and this Kennedy fellow ostensibly called the shots. Of course, he could be bought just like anyone else.
Shawn Ashen: I’ll take the call. Put him through.
Charlotte: Yes sir.
Shawn slowly sat in his chair and reclined back, hitting the speaker button on his phone so he could talk in comfort. He waited for just a moment before he heard Kennedy’s voice come through the speaker box.
Chad Kennedy: Mr. Ashen?
Shawn Ashen: Mr. Kennedy. Do what do I owe the pleasure?
Chad Kennedy: I just wanted to inform you that your contract was approved by the board of directors. It has been faxed to your secretary for your signature.
Shawn Ashen: All provisions I requested I presume?
Chad Kennedy: Those advertising contracts you helped secure expedited the process tremendously. Yes, all provisions are included, the costs of which to be covered by EUW.
Shawn Ashen: Wonderful. Glad to finally meet someone with actual business acumen.
Chad Kennedy: Mr. Ashen, allow me to say that I’m quite perplexed. You’re the CEO of an incredibly successful investment firm…yet you take on a professional wrestling gig paying MAYBE 15% of your current salary? I don’t get it.
Shawn Ashen: Mr. Kennedy, you must realize that there is a reason for everything. I sure as hell am not doing this for the money. I make double that salary in one month’s worth of stock dividends ALONE. No, there is a much simpler motive. What is one consistent trait of your company? Events in foreign markets. If I become part of your company, not only does it give me the chance to stay in shape, but it allows me to build my name recognition in those markets. This will allow for smoother transactions with foreign clients. It is business sir, nothing more and nothing less.
Chad Kennedy: So you see EUW’s competition as a joke?
Shawn Ashen: What if I do? I do what I want, when I want, and to whom I want.
Chad Kennedy: Such an attitude is unbecoming of an employee that answers to me.
Shawn Ashen: Oh? You obviously didn’t read the fine print Chad. I don’t answer to you. I answer directly to the board. And since I took the liberty of making a few…donations to respective trust funds, I highly doubt they will find fault in any of my actions.
Chad Kennedy: So you’re just using MY company as a vehicle for your business transactions?
Shawn Ashen: And there’s nothing you can do about it good sir. I have a higher IQ than the rest of the swine and an athletic background to back it up. It will make for a right fine hobby if I do say so myself.
Chad Kennedy: Treat lightly Shawn…
Shawn Ashen: That’s Mr. Ashen to you. Conversation terminated. Goodbye Chad.
Before he could even respond, Shawn quickly hit the button to drop the call. Placing his Gucci shoes upon the desk, he calmly leaned back a little further in his chair and closed his eyes. He allowed his mind to wander, filled with the thoughts of putting the little people in their place while making money at the same time. The thought brought a huge smile to his face and allowed only one thought to run through his mind...
“All it takes to make your dreams come true is money and power….and I have both.”
Shawn decided to take a small break from his paperwork now and stretch his legs a bit. After all, the Anderson account was only worth $2.5 million, a mere drop in the bucket compared to the figures he was used to dealing with. He put his mind at ease and walked towards the window, gazing down at the mindless ants below him. He thought of how fitting it was that he was so much higher than they were, considering how superior he was to them in all walks of life. “Stupid wage slaves” he thought to himself, referring to them in a favorite term used to describe the working people of the city. Through his investments and stock trading, he had made $635,000 that morning, more than most of those little bugs could ever gather in a lifetime of work. The thought brought a smile to his face; only reaffirming just how much better he was than everyone else.
However, his thoughts suddenly were interrupted when he heard the unmistakable sound of the buzzer on his desk. That meant that his secretary Charlotte was trying to page him with an answer to her questions. Shawn rolled his eyes and went to answer, because although Charlotte was quite an attractive young woman, Shawn could tell that she would be forever doomed to a life of mediocrity unless she slept her way to the top. Ironically enough, she had not yet tried that idea with Shawn, a thought which perturbed him quite a bit. However, like always, he set his mind on business as he answered the page.
Shawn Ashen: Yes, I’m here. What is it Charlotte?
Charlotte: Mr. Ashen sir, we have an intern here with those legal documents you requested from the fourth floor.
On the fourth floor of his building was the legal department, which was currently preparing some files for the court case later that week. Shawn had desires to buy out a tiny independent drug store so that he could arrange a deal with a major pharmaceutical company in India, but the ignorant swine had refused to sell. As a result, Shawn simply called in a few favors at the bank and saw to it that the moron had “accidentally” allowed his mortgage to expire. With his business being repossessed, Shawn would step in as a civil-minded citizen and make sure a cherished outlet was still available to the people. Good PR and good business in one fell swoop.
Shawn Ashen: It’s about time. Send him in.
Charlotte: Yes sir.
The door opened just a moment later and in walked a young man probably in his late teens, carrying the stack of legal documents. Shawn made a mental note at the cheapness of the young man’s suit, perhaps purchased at an average department store. It was definitely a far cry from the $3,500 Giorgio Armani that Shawn had decided on for the day, but he hadn’t been in the mood that morning and had decided to dress cheap. They young man seemed to be doing his best impression of a real man though, his hair neatly trimmed and properly combed, clean shaven and his clothes wrinkle-free. “Eh, I guess it’s a start” he thought as he sat down again at his desk.
Shawn Ashen: Put the papers down over there boy. They’re in order like I requested right?
Intern: Yes sir, Mr. Ashen.
As the young man sat the papers down, Shawn looked at him a bit puzzled. He didn’t recognize the young man and he had a mind like a steep trap. Shawn only hired those he knew would not be a waste of money and this boy had the hint of wastefulness about him.
Shawn Ashen: Say boy, what is your name?
Intern: My name is Daniel sir.
Shawn Ashen: I don’t recognize you Daniel, so I sure as hell didn’t hire you. How are you performing tasks here at Ashen Enterprises then?
Daniel: I was brought in by the legal staff sir. I’m a college student doing this for internship credit.
Shawn Ashen: I see. Well no matter as long as it doesn’t cost me anything.
Shawn began to comb over the documents in front of him now, checking to make sure they were in order. He seemed to be content at first, however towards the end he noticed a couple of papers out of their usual order. This infuriated him, a combination of his obsessive-compulsive disorder kicking in and the reality that common folk were incapable of any type of consistency. He glared at the boy in front of him before speaking to him, his voice much louder.
Shawn Ashen: And just why in the hell are these documents out of order? Were you not taught the concept of efficiency!?
Daniel: I…I’m sorry sir. I dropped the papers on the fourth floor and I thought I had put them back in order…
Shawn Ashen: You THOUGHT? You THOUGHT? Let me give you a quick lesson in business boy. You don’t THINK anything, you make sure of things!
With that, Shawn picked up the papers and threw them in the young man’s face, scattering them everywhere! The young man looked on the verge of tears as Ashen stood up and slammed his hand down on the desk before continuing.
Shawn Ashen: You stupid lower class vermin! My company gives you the chance of the lifetime, to make your sad pathetic life worth living, and THIS is how you take advantage of it!? Sloppy work is the work of a sloppy worker and sloppy workers have no place here! Get out of here! Consider your internship terminated as of this moment!
Daniel: But sir…I need this internship! I can’t graduate without the credit!
Shawn Ashen: And that is my problem why exactly? This is business Daniel…and as of this moment you are out of business! Now get the hell out of here before I call security to escort you!
The young man quickly ran out of the room, visibly holding back tears. Shawn continued to fume for a moment before quickly buzzing Charlotte.
Shawn Ashen: Charlotte, make sure that little prick doesn’t come back begging for another chance. I want him banned from the building. The ignorant fool gave me disordered documents! Make sure you demand another copy from legal, preferably from someone with HALF a brain!
Charlotte: Yes sir.
Shawn Ashen: And why you’re at it, find out who hired him down there. Once you do, inform me so we can arrange a…performance review.
Charlotte: Consider it done sir.
Shawn now got up once again and walked back over to the window, trying to calm himself down. It was the product of his life, the incredibly short fuse for inefficiency. The wage slaves didn’t realize that his world was one governed solely on time and money, both of which he would not have wasted. Did those documents being out of order kill his chances of the buy out? Of course not, but it was the principle of the thing. They needed to learn that when he gave them an order, he expected it to be done right.
He continued to softly gaze out the window, but was soon interrupted by Charlotte buzzing him again. He quickly walked over and once again hit the buzzer.
Shawn Ashen: What now Charlotte? Did you find out who I have to chew out?
Charlotte: Sir, you have a phone call. A Mr. Chad Kennedy is on line one.
Shawn’s eyes raised slightly when he heard the name, because that was the name of his new “boss”. Shawn had decided to join a professional wrestling organization to increase his name recognition and this Kennedy fellow ostensibly called the shots. Of course, he could be bought just like anyone else.
Shawn Ashen: I’ll take the call. Put him through.
Charlotte: Yes sir.
Shawn slowly sat in his chair and reclined back, hitting the speaker button on his phone so he could talk in comfort. He waited for just a moment before he heard Kennedy’s voice come through the speaker box.
Chad Kennedy: Mr. Ashen?
Shawn Ashen: Mr. Kennedy. Do what do I owe the pleasure?
Chad Kennedy: I just wanted to inform you that your contract was approved by the board of directors. It has been faxed to your secretary for your signature.
Shawn Ashen: All provisions I requested I presume?
Chad Kennedy: Those advertising contracts you helped secure expedited the process tremendously. Yes, all provisions are included, the costs of which to be covered by EUW.
Shawn Ashen: Wonderful. Glad to finally meet someone with actual business acumen.
Chad Kennedy: Mr. Ashen, allow me to say that I’m quite perplexed. You’re the CEO of an incredibly successful investment firm…yet you take on a professional wrestling gig paying MAYBE 15% of your current salary? I don’t get it.
Shawn Ashen: Mr. Kennedy, you must realize that there is a reason for everything. I sure as hell am not doing this for the money. I make double that salary in one month’s worth of stock dividends ALONE. No, there is a much simpler motive. What is one consistent trait of your company? Events in foreign markets. If I become part of your company, not only does it give me the chance to stay in shape, but it allows me to build my name recognition in those markets. This will allow for smoother transactions with foreign clients. It is business sir, nothing more and nothing less.
Chad Kennedy: So you see EUW’s competition as a joke?
Shawn Ashen: What if I do? I do what I want, when I want, and to whom I want.
Chad Kennedy: Such an attitude is unbecoming of an employee that answers to me.
Shawn Ashen: Oh? You obviously didn’t read the fine print Chad. I don’t answer to you. I answer directly to the board. And since I took the liberty of making a few…donations to respective trust funds, I highly doubt they will find fault in any of my actions.
Chad Kennedy: So you’re just using MY company as a vehicle for your business transactions?
Shawn Ashen: And there’s nothing you can do about it good sir. I have a higher IQ than the rest of the swine and an athletic background to back it up. It will make for a right fine hobby if I do say so myself.
Chad Kennedy: Treat lightly Shawn…
Shawn Ashen: That’s Mr. Ashen to you. Conversation terminated. Goodbye Chad.
Before he could even respond, Shawn quickly hit the button to drop the call. Placing his Gucci shoes upon the desk, he calmly leaned back a little further in his chair and closed his eyes. He allowed his mind to wander, filled with the thoughts of putting the little people in their place while making money at the same time. The thought brought a huge smile to his face and allowed only one thought to run through his mind...
“All it takes to make your dreams come true is money and power….and I have both.”