Chapter 1498: Electrician = Electrical Engineer?
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Luke was astonished, but then got it. “That’s right, they’re keeping up with this wave of reconstruction!”
There had been so many major events in New York recently that there were houses in need of fixing everywhere.
Although it was impossible for the renovation company to receive a bulk order, these households alone were enough to keep the company afloat.
Knowing that he got it, Foggy said, “That’s right. Thanks to how careful and dependable Ben is, even if the company has doubled in size, it’s basically operating as usual, and profits have surpa.s.sed my initial expectations of 230%.”
Luke shrugged. “Then I should reward him with shares this year.”
Foggy agreed. “That’s right. If he doesn’t get any, the old hands with shares will kick up a fuss sooner or later.
“Okay, Ben has done a great job, but we still need to talk business.” He tapped his forehead. “When he hired temp workers from our neighborhood a few days ago, he mentioned that the renovation company can no longer keep up with demand.”
Luke immediately got it.
One group of renovation workers at the renovation company were old hands.
After a year of mentoring, the earliest batch of half-grown kids could now be considered half-qualified workers. It wasn’t a problem to recruit new people quickly.
When it came to transporting materials, however, it was still only Charlie, Raqael and a few others who did the work; there was no fixed procedure.
In a small company, doing things this way was very flexible and economical.
But for a renovation group of more than 100 people, there was no end to the current work in New York, and demand for materials was skyrocketing.
If the company carried on in this vein, it might become a big problem.
Luke thought for a moment. “Are you saying to give the business of transporting materials to Adrian?”
Foggy nodded, then shook his head. “If you just want to help him out a bit, that’s fine. However, looking at how the renovation company has developed in the last year or so, acquiring a freight company isn’t a bad idea.”
Luke was stunned. “Acquisition?”
Foggy said, “Yes. It would be best to acquire it, or invest in it. All in all, having control of a stable freight company would be good for the renovation company.”
He coughed awkwardly. “That is, if you have enough money to buy Adrian’s company. Given his current situation, he probably won’t refuse.”
Luke rolled his eyes. As long as Adrian wasn’t stupid, he would immediately sell the company even if it was just to recoup his losses.
While this solved the freight company’s financial problem, there was much less chance of rapid development.
Everybody knew that long-term contracts for major projects made the most money.
It could turn the boss of a small company into a millionaire in one shot.
Doing odd jobs was much harder, and there was the risk of running out of money at any time.
But did Luke lack money?
Adrian’s group had only invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in machinery.
Foggy naturally knew that Luke was rich, and that it definitely wasn’t just from his pay.
It was impossible for a minor detective to order so much top-quality meat and seafood from Foggy’s dad’s shop on his salary alone.
Helping out with Foggy’s father’s business was clearly for Foggy’s sake.
Foggy thanked Luke and specifically told his father not to mention this outside.
Now that he had discovered a good opportunity, he couldn’t help but bring it up.
This wasn’t a matter of how much money Luke could make from the company.
What was more important was that 70 to 80% of the renovation company was made up of residents from the Clinton area, most of whom were young people who were willing to take the right path.
If the renovation company could continue to grow, these young people would be able to change their futures and feed their mothers.
At the very least… they wouldn’t have to go home and sneak money out of their mothers’ stas.h.!.+
Luke scratched his chin and quickly made up his mind. “That’s fine, but you have to help me sort it out. I don’t have time to put together the contract.”
Foggy choked and pointed at himself. “Me again?”
Luke glanced at him. “Should I tell Matt to take over? Or hand it over to the two interns in your firm?”
Foggy thought for a moment, then nodded. “Let me do it.”
This deal involved hundreds of thousands of dollars, and it certainly wouldn’t be good to give it to the two interns.
As for giving it to Matt… Forget it! This guy seems to have more things on his plate than I do. He’s so busy that I don’t see him. I really don’t know where a blind man is getting so much business from!
Luke was very pleased. If it was left to Foggy, nothing would go wrong.
This young lawyer didn’t take bribes or mess around. He was serious and meticulous, and was a little similar to Uncle Ben. No wonder they got along so well.
Foggy confirmed with Luke the number of shares Ben would get, and started to plan in advance.
When the two of them returned, Luke just said that he could find someone to invest in Adrian’s company.
Foggy then explained several investment proposals for funding or acquisition.
At the same time, there would be some additional clauses to ensure that Adrian and the others didn’t make a loss from this deal.
Foggy’s explanation was easy to understand, and Adrian was stunned. Are you sure you’re not doing charity?
Then, he looked at Luke and asked, “Isn’t this… too much?”
Luke waved his hand. “It’s a win-win situation. Foggy and I are worried about this because we want to help more people secure stable jobs. If you choose to sell directly, you won’t make much money.”
With that, he got up. “Talk to Foggy, then go back and think about it for a few days. There’s no need to decide right away. I have other things to do, so I won’t hang around.”
Adrian stood up and shook his hand. “Thank you, Luke.”
Luke smiled and patted his upper arm. “Right, you said last time that you were an electrical engineer, right?”
Adrian was at a loss. “Yes, I did that for almost ten years.”
Luke asked, “Are you any good?”
Adrian: “Hm, not bad… I guess?” He looked at Luke uncertainly.
Luke nodded. “Then you can think about training some electricians in the future. The renovation company will definitely welcome it.”
Adrian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as he watched Luke leave. He turned to Foggy and asked, “Do you think so too?”
Looking at his face, Foggy ventured, “Is what you do unrelated to what an electrician does?”
Adrian opened his mouth, but didn’t know what to say.
Although both professions had the word “electric” in common, the difference was like between the dustbag and the tube of a vacuum cleaner, or between mung bean milk and soy bean milk.
What was even more ridiculous was that he and his old comrades really could train electricians.
They usually built their own appliances and electrical lines at home, and weren’t any worse than an actual electrician.