Flight of Memory

Flight of Memory
Paul Sanders had no idea that life would progress as well as it did. After graduation from the University of Wisconsin Engineering School, Paul began his career in the engineering department of Big Shovel Co. With help from a friend, he began the Renlow Co. as a Manufacturer’s Agent. This was at a time of economic growth that helped assure his success. He regularly claimed that the best sale of his life was when he successfully proposed marriage to his lovely wife Cathleen. Theirs was a close family with two successful loving children; Attorney Richard Sanders and Doctor Jeffrey Sanders. The imposing Sanders house overlooked Lake Michigan. It was large to enough to satisfy their lavish needs or pleasures. Life was good. One of his past pleasures was a Twin Cessna Aircraft that he flew to any place he wished in the United States.
The hydraulic transmission of power was Paul’s expertise. Calls for his help often came from distant places of the world. Questions such as, “Paul the new solenoid valve is causing the pressure relief valve to bypass too soon. Help us.”
The McCormick Place at Chicago’s lake front was host to an annual “Power Transmission Products Event”. There Paul learned the utter totalitarian influence of the union, even at a local event. The air conditioning failed; the exhibit hall temperature rose to be uncomfortable. He borrowed a fan from a neighbor exhibitor, knowing it would help to make the air a little more bearable for visitors.
Within thirty minutes Paul was confronted by one of the maintenance guys. “Who plugged this fan in? There’s no order for that.”
It was useless to explain that the need was for visitors comfort. “It was hot, so we plugged the fan in.”
After the service man unplugged the fan; he sat in a booth chair and explained that this was a service call and therefore every job required a minimum of thirty minutes. Because it was overtime the billing would be for one hour
“This is ridiculous fella; you’ve got your hand in my pocket. Take me to the McCormick office. The dang manager needs to be reminded who the customer is here.”
The maintenance guy’s unconcerned response, as he sat, “I’m on a job now, just walk towards the front where someone will point you in the right direction.”
* * *
It was a hot, sweaty trip through the herd of visitors. There would be a lot of showers that night. As expected, the office was cool with a receptionist as pleasing to the nose as to the eyes. Paul thought of all the sweaty working guys out there in the show while the building manager was enjoying the cool comfort in his office.
“Miss, I’m an exhibitor, Paul Sanders. In the exhibit hall we’re experiencing a situation that the McCormick manager should know about and remedy. I want to see him, quickly.”
“Ah, Mr. Sanders, I was just about to send someone to bring you up here. Please take a seat for a moment; I’ll let them know you’re already here. “
Paul’s thought, “Great, they’re already aware of the problem. Terrific, now that’s the way to take care of a customer’s problem.”
Soon her pleasant, “Okay Mr. Sanders, please follow me, they’re anxious to visit with you.” It was a short trip past offices that were decorated to comfort the occupant and impress the visitor. “Here we are Mr. Sanders; step right into the office, the two gentlemen will introduce themselves.”
“I’m Conrad Wagner and this is Howard Hanlaison. We’re Attorneys with the city.
Mr. Sanders, we’re sorry if there’s been an inconvenience in your booth at our show. The malfunction of the AC system could not be helped. I’m told it will be fixed soon.”
The discussion concerned a city problem. With numerous substations of maintenance components for thousands of pieces of road equipment scattered about the city, it became a costly problem. The proposal made to Paul was a position to manage and correct the problem. Compensation would be generous; the term would be two years and during that time he could, within reasonable limits, continue to manage the Renlow Company.
Discussion of details went on until after the show closing for the day.
“Gentlemen, I appreciate your offer. Give me one week to decide.”
Their answer, “Good, I’m sure you’ll decide in favor of our plan. We’ll be in your office the same day to settle details.”
Paul half smiling said, “Besides the air conditioning here, there’s another problem. Your hydraulic elevator jerks during cycling. Have the pressure operated relief check valve replaced. My consulting fee for that information is $350.00. My office will send a bill. Thank you.”