Chapter Sixty-Eight
Back To Business
A/N – Well it seems our young couple is a force to be reckoned with. I hope that you saw the drive and focus displayed by each of them and how they are developing traits and skill that they are gleaning from Amy, Ty and everyone around them. At their age they are in love at a level maybe just a little higher than usual. But they are mature, smart and caring. It is time for a shift in my story. Gonna move away from family stuff and get back to the business. As mentioned earlier it is time for the next phase of their evolution as a company and the entire family. Mature Content. Enjoy
The fall continued and the Borden family was in the zone. The holiday was only a few weeks away and the kids were really wrapped up in school and work at the ranch. Amy and Ty were very busy as an unexpected rush of extra business had come. They managed but only because they were comfortable allowing the staff to step things up and move out of their comfort zone. They had always allowed the staff members that the initiative to take on new tasks and grow their personal capabilities. Amy was next to Ty as one of the ranch hands was trying his luck joining up with a rather calm horse. "He is really doing great. There is so much capability here and I hope everyone understands their own potential. You know we have the Board Meeting coming up and I am trying to figure how we can get more people to take ownership and step up their game." He smiled at her pulling her in with his arms. "Miracle Girl, you are amazing. I was thinking about the same thing. I was reading up that a company that includes its employees helps them achieve ownership. When they do that the employee has a stake in things and really steps it up." Amy got distracted, "Good job Nate, now turn in and he will come to you." They both smiled as the horse calmly walked over to him. Ty whispered, "That never gets old, although I would much prefer seeing you do it."
Also preparing for the Board Meeting, Scott, Lou, Caleb and Cass were having lunch at Maggie's to go ever some ideas regarding order streamlining. Scott started the conversation, " I think so far things have been going well but I was thinking we may want to consider limiting the number of vendors we use. If we limit vendors it will cut back on the number of deliveries and most likely get us a better price." Caleb thought about the idea and answered. "I think that makes sense but we have some suppliers that we have long term relationships with and I would hate to see that be effected." Lou smiled, "Caleb O'Dell you old softie. Actually I agree so we need to determine the suppliers that we have the best relationships with and see if they can expand what they offer to us." Cass laughed, "Scott, that guy who delivered bedding for all of the animals is a jerk, trust me I would love to find someone else. I bet the feed supplier can also provide bedding and they are great. I think we have been using them forever." Lou stepped in, "Let's look at the list of suppliers and what the sell to us. Let's designate the ones we would like to keep and not keep. We can look over the list and start eliminating the number of vendors and even better only have vendors who we have great relationships with." They all agreed and Caleb said he would send the list to everyone and would compile the information for the meeting. Lou was pleased with the direction and was confident the cost savings could be significant.
Lisa and Jack set up a call with Max to talk about some ideas they had. Max and Lilly had decided to come to the meeting and then stay for the holiday. Unfortunately, Lilly had not been feeling well, but they both felt the trip would raise her spirits. She really missed Amy, Ty and the kids. They started the video call and Lisa immediately asked Max how Lilly was doing. "Well she is doing Ok, but not great. She will be the first to admit that the aftereffects of her past would be with her for the rest of her life." He whispered, "Jack and Lisa I am worried. She has been feeling bad for a bit. We are going to the doctor tomorrow so maybe we can find something out. Please don't say anything to Ty. We plan to call Amy and him tomorrow after we get home from the doctor's office." Lisa spoke, "Well we will be praying for her and you Max. I have come to believe that this family has a strong bond and with all this support I am sure she will be Ok. So to the reason for the call. We need a favor of you. We need to look into the legal aspects of several things. First taking the company public opposed to private. Second the ramifications of allowing the company to move to employee owned. And finally we want to know the tax and legal needs for a profit-sharing program. We already have a bonus in place for the Board, which we want to expend and an education fund for all the kids of employees. But we also want to see how profit sharing works for different levels of the staff. Lou is on board so feel free to reach out to her. We have kept this a close-knit group, the three of us, Lou, Scott, Amy and Ty for now. See what you can gather and let's talk right before the Board meeting. Jack and I hope to be able to present to the entire Board then." Catching her breath Jack stepped in, "And Max, please keep us updated on Lilly."
Over the next few weeks a lot of activity was underway in preparation for the Board Meeting. Lisa asked and received a list of topics they would be covering. She promised to release them the day before and reminded everyone to keep it confidential. Although the staff always had high anticipation when they met Lisa and Jack wanted to keep things calm and under control. The bottom line, everyone knew that business was booming and the excitement was mounting. The members of the Board were looking forward to the meeting and the future of the organization as well. As they compiled the feedback, Lisa, Jack and Lou went over it. Lou spoke first, "Guys this is pretty amazing and scary at the same time. I know we planned a day for this but I believe we should extend. Let's meet all day Friday and a half day on Saturday. Then Saturday afternoon we have a BBQ at Heartland for the family and close friends of the Board. Sound good?" Lisa smile at Jack, "Jack this girl is right. I will send the revised update and the agenda topics out tonight." On the way back to Heartland Lou stopped by to see Amy and Ty in their office. As she closed the door she sat down with them and went over the plan. They were in complete agreement and Amy spoke with a tear in her eye, "Mom and Grandma would be so proud of what we have accomplished. I wish they were here to see it." Ty took them both in her arms, "Guys they are here all around us. I see them in both of you and all the kids every day." As Lou left Amy continued to hug the love of her life. "Ty Borden, I loved you yesterday, love you today and will love you forever." They finished up and headed to the house to see the kids and have dinner.
Amy and Ty loved dinner with the kids and Wyatt. Sitting with them made them feel fulfilled as parents as they witnessed 6 individuals who each had their own way of interacting with everyone around them. But the one thing what made them most proud was the way they stood up for each other. They may be angry at one another or annoyed with them but no matter what they were always there for each other. Even Wyatt had become a part of the group, not just with Lyndy but especially with JT. It was a little overwhelming for him sometimes around the four Borden girls and he was a refuge and a source of some male perspective. The chatter was active but Lyndy had something to ask her parents, "So mom and dad isn't the Board meeting tomorrow and Saturday. What's going on with that? Are there big changes coming?" Amy was surprised at her very adult question. She thought for a moment and answered talking to all of the kids. "Well honey our business is doing very well and all of you including some of your friends have been there to help as well. It is doing so well that we have to look at new ways of doing things better or different. With any company you have to always look for things that will help us continue to be successful and create a place where everyone is happy." They all smiled understanding until Maddie spoke up. I have an idea, "I don't know if you see but there are a lot of little kids around here and I bet there will be more." Her eyes got big, "But not from you good lord. Anyway I think we need a day care. That would help those that have young kids and it would really be nice." Ty smiled, "Well little girl, we are supposed to not tell anyone what we will be talking about but let me just say, you may be open to something." She smiled and JT spoke up. "Mommy can I go to the Day Care, it sounds like fun." She smiled hugging him, "Well honey you are in Pre-K but after school you can go." Everyone laughed and after cleaning up headed to their rooms.
Amy and Ty took a little extra time saying goodnight to the kids. JT was out like a light after a long day at school and with some friends. Maddie was a little subdued. Amy asked her, "What's wrong honey you seem unset." She smiled, "Yea, Gwen has been out of school all week, I think I heard that her grandma passed away. I wish I could be there for her." Ty pulled her into his strong arms. "Maddie, Gwen knows you are there for her. The best thing you can do is be there for her when she gets back but give her space and let her come to you. True friends are forever and you two are friends for life." She smiled and got under the covers. Their visit with Annie and Addie went well as they were in a very deep conversation when they walked in. As soon as they entered they switched to their private language. Ty, looked at them fatherly since they had talked to them about being open and honest at home. They smiled and told them it was about boys. Amy and Ty raised their hands, kissed them good night and headed to see Lyndy and most likely Wyatt. As always the door was wide open – one of the rules they had to follow. When the walked in Lyndy smiled. "Hey, we were talking about our visit with Grandma June. I got kind of grilled by the NYC Ballet instructors about my intentions with dance, they kind of pressured me." "Honey you have time to decided. Dad and I can tell you, life takes it where it takes you. You have to go with your heart. Once I didn't do that instead going with a dream of a more glamorous life. It was a big mistake and I almost lost your dad. I regret it to this day so when you are ready to decide you will know what to do." Amy said leaning into her husband. Ty looked at Wyatt, 'So how is your grandma doing. Wyatt smiled, "She is great. We took the things we saved after selling the house and helped her set them up in her room. She was really proud of Lyndy's big win and is really excited to be coming for Thanksgiving. She loves all the activity, especially all the kids." Amy held on to his hand, "Well I can tell you that she is also very proud of you, we talk about it all the time. And we are really excited she can come. She is a part of our family and is always welcome." He smiled thanking them. Any told them good night and before Ty could talk Lyndy said, "We know dad ten more minutes." They all laughed as Amy and Ty headed to their room.
Amy and Ty were getting ready for bed. Ty had a couple of emails to answer and Amy was making adjustments to her schedule for the day of the Board Meeting. They were already in their PJs which for Ty was just a pair of boxers and for Amy was in PJ shorts and top that Ty loved. They kept glancing at each other as they finished their work. They each calmly put their laptops away. Amy smiled and looked at him with a sultry look. Without hesitation she tackled him onto the bed while each of them wrestled for dominance. They were giggling and tickling each other jockeying for position. Amy gained a momentary advantage and slipped off his boxers. She began to kiss him passionately grabbing tuffs of his hair pulling him in closer. In a moment of lust Ty regained the advantage and swiftly took her PJs off. She moaned as their kiss continued. Their love was pure energy and lust as they spent time helping each other reach the pinnacle of pure and unmatched love. Their lovemaking continued on a familiar path as they pleasured each other several times. Taking the time to catch their breath, Amy whispered, "Ty what you said to Maddie about being Gwen's friend was wonderful. You got to her and to me." He smiled nibbling on her ear, "Well when you talked to Lyndy about her decision and referenced they whole Europe thing I saw the genuine remorse for what happened. But I have to tell you, what happened to us only made us stronger and after we got our act together, we were better than ever." Yea, remember that night after we talked at the gazebo at High River?" He smiled again continuing his attack of her neck. "I do, I can't believe we didn't wake up your dad and grandpa, you were a little noisy." She smiled remembering that night like it was yesterday. She rolled on top of her husband with a look of intense and complete love. "Let's see if I remember, I think it started like this," as she lowered herself onto him. Their night was far from over. The moans and sighs from each of them reminded them both of that magical night. They were both in love forever.
After a quick breakfast Amy and Ty saw the kids off to the bus. They headed over to Fairfield driving with Caleb and Cass as Ben was with the Stillman's. As the others arrived Ty was happy to see that Max had made it in. At the last-minute, Lilly decided to stay in Colorado and would be coming up closer to Thanksgiving. Before the meeting started Amy and Ty talked with him privately about Lilly and how she was feeling. Max talked quietly, "Ty since the last time we talked she is much the same. Feeling a little better but I think that is for my benefit. As we said she is being treated for the cirrhosis, found in her liver and the outlook is good but she needed some more time to heal. And a transplant is still a possibility and we received the results from your, Amy, Lou and Scott's matching test. We don't know if we have a match but Lilly was overwhelmed with all of you making the offer. My daughter will fly up with her and then head back home. She won't be traveling by herself." He looked right into their eyes, "Amy, Ty we knew this was a possibility. She has come a long was and we won't let this deter her from the life she values now." They all hugged and headed back into the meeting room. As they came back, Lou, Scott, Lisa and Jack went to Max silently showing their support. The other seems a little lost so Ty asked for a moment and talked about his mom's illness so everyone was up to speed. Lisa got their attention and started the meeting. She welcomed everyone and as a surprise to everyone, expect Jack, she showed a series of pictures put to music showing everything the company did. Scenes of Amy and Georgie doing join up. Several pictures of the vets working on an assortment of animals and one of Caleb in a room full of supplies with his arms wide open. Cass laughed, "That one is going on the wall at home, my husband the supply guy." Everyone laughed as the next picture showed Lou pouring a cup of coffee at Maggie's and making a bed at the Dude Ranch. She frowned, "No pictures of me doing my CEO thing?" Again they laughed. But the next set of pictures had them all go silent. The remaining pictures were of the kids, all of them. There were individual and group shots, Right before for the last slide came up it said "This is Why We Do It." But the final picture hit them all hard. It was a picture of shadowed Spartan and Pegasus. In front of them were pictures of Grandma Lyndy and Marion. Lisa proudly said. I would like you all to be the first to see the new background for the company logo." As she said that it came to the screen. Everyone smiled and a few tears were seen. It was a great start to the meeting.
Lisa began the meeting. "Ok so let's take some time to review the talking points for the next day in a half. Just to let you know we are taping this meeting and we will have all of the discussion scribed so it can be referenced later. You have a copy in your packet but here it is on the screen:
Board Meeting Agenda
Friday Topics and Discussion
· Status Updates:
o The Albertan Native American - Chief Standing Horse Youth Camp (Scott's Grandpa)
o The Marion Fleming Youth Enrichment Program Status
o University of Calgary Clinical Program
· On Site Day Care
· Order Streamlining
· Additional Staff
· Realignment of Vet Services – Additional Vet
· College Lecture Video Series
· Physical Facilities Review
· YTD Financials
· Employee Engagement and Rewards
o Go Public vs Employee Owned
o Profit Sharing
o Bonuses
· And anything else we can think of
Saturday Agenda
· Planning for the Future
· Family BBQ
She continued, "Ok guys, let's begin. First let's hear about our three programs, Scott you first." Scott got up and went over the status of the work being done as well as the selection process that was being developed. "We are well ahead of schedule for our May start up. After the first of the year the selection process will begin and all attendees and their families will be notified 6 weeks before the start. The program director and his staff are in place and we have a long list of volunteers who want to be counselors. We are also going to consider interested folks from the family and staff. This has become a big thing in the Albertan Native American community." Lou nudged him, "And from a financial perspective, we are well above expectations. The Camp Board have decided to use the excess money to create and endowment for future needs, including completely covering the coast of the kids. It has been humbling." Lisa smiled, "Well Scott I know I speak for everyone here in saying that we are very pleased. And we can't wait for the opening with the initial group." He smiled thinking everyone, especially Ty and Amy who came up with the idea. Next up was Ty and Amy to talk about the youth program. Ty started, "First, Clay and Katie have done an amazing job. I spoke to Clint a week or so ago and he said that this program has more interest than anything else Child Services has in play right now. Do you know that 80% of the kids that leave after they are done have gone onto college or trade school. Clint said not one kid reverted back to the life they had prior. Lou you will be happy to know that that girl Evelyn is at the U Of C and is interning at Disney World next semester." Lou smiled broadly, "She was awesome and I know will do well, she kind of reminded me of me." Everyone laughed and Amy continued. "Clint said increasing the number of kids is always there. Ty and I talked about it and although that is inviting, we also have to worry about our ability to handle it." Lisa smiled, "Well that we have options and is definitely a good place to be." Finally Cass went over the status of the Clinical program. "The university is more than pleased with the program. They have a waiting list of kids wanting to be a part of it. There has not been one bad student review and I know each of you have been a part of that. Some even like Caleb." Everyone laugh as Caleb looked hurt. "They want to increase the size of the groups bur like Amy and Ty, Ellie and I are hesitant. Increasing the number might dilute the result. We feel we should remain status quo and may consider it at a later date." The group nodded in agreement. Lisa stood up, "Let's take 20."
When they convened they got right into it. Georgie and Amy took on the Onsite Day Care. Georgie started, "By our count if you look at the family, staff and satellite families, Amy and I see a potential for 15 kids under 3. And we have a lot of younger couples who could add to that." Lou and Lisa noticed that she looked over to Steven and smiled. Amy continued, "We also think that in addition, we could provide care for clients who bring younger kids. What a great thing to offer and we can included it in their package. This wouldn't be free except for immediate family and members of the Board." She put her hand on Caleb's shoulder. "We would charge staff and others but at a reduced rate. Here is a breakdown of cost of other comparable day care facilities and our proposal. Georgie and I are confident that this will be great for everyone and a great incentive for our staff and clients." Everyone agreed and as a group they decided to move on it. There was an outbuilding at the Miracle Ranch that could be converted and had easy access to open play areas. Next Caleb and Lou detailed the order streamlining plan they put together. The already did some prework and after Lou went over the numbers everyone was on board. Lou spoke up, "This is a big financial win for us. Over a year we predict substantial saving and improved efficiencies. Finally to end the morning, as asked, everyone came with ideas of extra staff needed for their entity. When the number were tabulated it amounted to about 9 people. Lou committed to run the numbers to estimate the additional expense on the Operating Report. She looked at it and said, "You know if the new ordering process provides the results, I think that gives us the money we need. More to come." Lisa thanked everyone for a very productive morning and they adjourned for lunch. They planned to take an hour so they could also check up on things at work and home.
About an hour and fifteen minutes later Ty and Amy came back to the group apologizing, "Sorry we had a client issue we had to deal with," Amy said with her head down. Lisa smiled, "Well that is what we do. So let's get started. Scott and Ty let's talk about your ideas on the realignment of Vet Services." Scott smiled, "Well we want to include Cass, Steven and Ellie via Zoom. You will have to pardon her as I expect we will have some additional animals on the call." Everyone laughed. The group went over an innovative idea. Ty started, "There will be no big changes to the Equine Center but we do recommend that Steven and I commit all our time to it outside of a surgery I may be needed for with Scott. We also want to have Cass's time commitment increase to at least 75%. With anticipated growth we see the need." Scott continued, "So with the vet clinic I will stay full time obviously and Ellie has committed to stay almost full time as well. The area of veterinary medicine is her niche and she enjoys it." Ellie smiled on the Zoom with a thumbs up while holding a fidgety cat. "So here is our proposal. As we have already discuss and additional vet is needed. So we want to find a Cow doctor. Our cattle care business has been booming as our reputation grows. Having someone to solely focus on this will help Ellie and I handle the rest of the animals we care for." Again the group all agreed. Even though they still believed that every vet needed a diverse set of skills they also understood that in Ellie's case her desire to handle all animals, not horses as much would be considered. Lisa called for the afternoon break, reminding Amy and Ty to be back on time and they adjourned.
As the group came back a proud Amy sat next to Ty and spoke up, "We were the first ones back!" Everyone laughed and they got settled to finish up the day. They took a few minutes to go over the offer from the University of Calgary to compile and market the videos of all of their lecture/clinics that they had done. Ty began, "So they came to us and basically said they would do everything - producing, editing and then marketing. They would need us to provide some additional narrating though. The Dean mentioned that universities in Canada and the US were interested. And he believed that we also had an audience in the veterinary care world." Lisa spoke up, "I think that is a great idea but I do have one point of concern. We need to control the price point especially to the educational customers. It will be great to get our share of the profits but I believe a higher price would diminish our mission." Amy smiled, "We agree Lisa and we have already addressed that with the Dean and Dr. Molder. They are on board." After a quick review of the physical layout of the entire organization everyone agreed that for now it was functional and they again looked at the proposed site of the Day Care Center. The next topic was the financial overview which again showed steady growth in all areas. Lou also readdressed the impact of supply purchasing efficiency compared to the cost of adding new people. Everyone was all smiles as they looked over the numbers – thing were going very well.
Although it was nearing the end of the meeting, the final topic seemed to be one of great interest to everyone. Lou led the discussion, "First I have to believe and I hope you agree that our staff in general are both happy and passionate about our mission. We have fair wages, good benefits and an amazing work environment. Lisa, Jack, Max and I approached the topic of going public as opposed to becoming Employee Owned. We are getting to be a large entity and this is a need to be addressed. After some thought we recommend that we become employee owned, allowing our employees an option to own 40% of the company. The other 60% would be distributed to the Board, less Lisa and Jack, who have decided not to be included. Our proposal would be Amy and Ty and Scott and myself get 25% each. Caleb and Cass and Georgie and Steven would be 5% each. Just to clarify, no employee would be allowed more than 1% of the company but everyone would be able to be apart if they choose." Max interjected, "Like the Breen Bay Packers American football team we would be 100% employee owned. This would not impact any of the present education fund for the kids of family. In fact Caleb and Cass we plan to include your children as well as you are family." Caleb was speechless and Cass said thank you for them. A quick count of hands showed 100% agreement and like Cass, Georgie thanked them for the 5% ownership. The four of them were overwhelmed.
Max continued, "With regards to profit sharing, the employee ownership includes a profit-sharing opportunity. As we grow, and we will, the value of their "piece of the pie" grows as well. And let's be totally honest, employee ownership creates a great working environment. In Green Bay when it snows the fans come and clean off the field and stands, really!" Everyone laughed. As they settled Lou and Lisa took over, "So regarding an incentive/bonus program. We have had one for all of us since we started along with the fund for our kids' education. That is already in the financials and won't change. We believe we should develop and implement an incentive program for our key leaders in the group as well. It would be aligned with their position and with their compensation. It would be paid annually and based off of the overall company's performance, again focusing on our principle of we all impact each other. I have worked up the projected cost and it is a win-win for the company and our key people. The other thing we have added at the last minute is a scholarship program for the kids of our employees. We don't have the total amount of money we want to put to this but potentially we would be able to support the college education of 5 of the kids. We will set up an application process and have an unbiased selection committee consisting of local respected business and political leaders." The group sat a little overwhelmed and silent for a bit. Steven had the first comment, "When I met Georgie years ago, I never believed we would be where we are today. I know a lot, actually all of the folks here would love the opportunity to become a stakeholder and the scholarship idea, well that is just icing on the cake. I expect we will have people knocking down the door wanting to be a part of our company. This is totally amazing." Everyone agreed wholeheartedly and Georgie leaned into him with a hug. They adjourned exhausted but as excited as they had ever been.
The next morning they spent a few hours compiling the to do list and communication plan to staff and the general public. There were several moving parts so a fluid timeline was created and added to the secure and private web site they had set up just for the Board and other selected family and friends. After the final adjournment they all headed to Heartland for the afternoon BBQ and fun. Amy and Ty were excited to see their kids and hugged them all a little more than normal. The crowd included the entire family, close friends and a number of the staff, especially those that were off. Marnie coordinated the food and the kids form the youth program handled all the set up and clean up. As the party continued, Lyndy made her way to her mom, hugging her. "Mom so the meetings went well?' Amy smiled, "Yes honey they went very well and we have a lot of exciting plans and ideas to share with everyone. But you know what, dad and I want to let you know that if you need us we are always here for you. I know you have been struggling on what to focus on, jumping or dance. You are so amazing at both and we know you will make the right decision. But more importantly, you are an amazing person and your dad and I love you to the moon." Lyndy smiled as her dad headed over seeing two of his girls in a private discussion. He smiled and joined in the hug. After Lyndy went back to Wyatt, Ty and Amy looked over the active party smiling and holding each other. JT was in an active fishing conversation with Max and Tim. Maddie was with Gwen and Sylvia playing with Georgie's twins. Addie was sitting with GG talking about motorcycles and Annie was in a conversation laughing with Clay and Katie. Their family, their life and their love was unmatched and they were the luckiest two people in the world.