Too bad you don't have any skin in the game...
True story... I found out late this afternoon that ML dramatically cut my companies credit line. Our total profits were down less than 10% last year... the 3 divisions that report to me were up. And we are up for an additional review in March... so far our credit line is down 60% since '06, while our profits are up from '06. Our financial folks are trying desperately, so far with no luck to find credit with a new bank. We do big, big deals, often CIA (cash in advance) so a credit line is critical.
One of my employees with a new house bought at the peak that is underwater, with a 2 year old baby, came in to talk to me. His wife works for a charity, and they are closing down in a month. His 60 YO Dad just got his notice. His brother just got laid off. He's a great employee and he's scared to death.
So right now, right at this very fucking moment, I'm a tail thats trying to wag a dog. I am desperate to figure a way to save a bunch of peoples jobs by "wagging the dog", essentially doubling the profit from my divisions. And I'm trying to save my job, which I dearly love.
So PLEASE don't tell me about "skin in the game". I've got my skin in the game, and I've got a lot of other peoples skin in the game. I lay awake at night. I work 60 hours a week. When I post here at 6 AM it's because I'm working. When I post here, right now, at 8:15 PM it's because I'm working.
Steve, I've got plenty of skin in the game. I always have, all my life. And I've never been so scared for the people that depend on me.
Not kidding... not one bit. |
