As I settled into my job I realized that no two days would be the same. The state government situations which once plagued my manager would now be mine. Was I equal to the task?
It didn't take long to answer that question. Somewhere in this great land of ours, this land of "amber shining grains, majestic purple mountains or fruited plains," there was a sales manager with a problem. Often it could be resolved over the phone or by a letter of authorization, but there were times when my on-the-job presence was needed, so I would hop into my car, or into a plane to get the job done.
I can still remember one notable occasion when an on-location was needed, and it happened this way: I received a phone call one cold February day from a specialist with a problem. He was having trouble with a large city in New York State who wanted to use the state contract but who wanted to "bend the terms" to suit themselves (definitely a no-no). Would I help him? Of course I would. Could I meet with him the next day, a Friday? "Sure."
The next morning I left Washington on a 7:00 a.m. plane, arriving at said city at 9:00 a.m. We met with city officials, resolved the problems, obtained a signed contract, deed done. At 11:30 a.m., in a heavy snowstorm, I was on a plane bound for Washington.
More, later.
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