Chapter 237: One More Thing
"If you're satisfactory, the job is yours," Carter implied. But the unspoken message was clear: if she didn't meet expectations, she would have to leave.
With a flood of troubling issues, Carter didn't want to spend too much energy on this minor problem. Even if Nicole didn't work, he could still support her without any issues.
The next day, after spending quality time with his family, Carter, under Meris's disapproving gaze, packed his suitcase and, along with Jim, headed to Atlanta Airport.
As Jim had previously mentioned, with their current wealth, no additional money could improve their quality of life. The two millionaires enjoyed top-notch services during their journey. From the moment they set foot in Honolulu International Airport in Honolulu, everything was taken care of. They were picked up by a Sheraton hotel vehicle, and upon checking in, Jim revealed that high-end hotels often had special rates. Regular customers or corporate partners could negotiate prices with the hotel manager, often securing rates significantly lower than the listed prices. In the current economic downturn, these rates were even more favorable.
After checking in, storing their luggage, and grabbing a quick bite at the hotel, the two settled into beach chairs on Waikiki Beach. Under a large sunshade, wearing sunglasses and colorful outfits, they sipped juice, enjoying the leisure. Carter was the first to speak:
"Traveling with you is always enlightening! I used to think that living like a millionaire would be very costly, but the expenses are comparable to staying at a regular hotel."
"Hahaha, do you think rich people are foolish with their money? The wealthier they are, the more frugal they are in certain areas. Their generosity only shows in what they consider essential expenses. Vacations, which are optional, are naturally where they save."
Jim laughed and pulled out two thick cigars.
"Here, smoking a cigar feels right in this setting! Also, you'll understand these things better with more experience."
With a floral shirt, large sunglasses, and a cigar, Carter suddenly imagined a scene from a summer pool party featuring Leo Graves.
"By the way, Jim, on the way here, I was thinking construction workers might not be the best choice. Douglas's future construction needs aren't high. How about transitioning them to manufacturing workers? We could set up factories locally and move them there as production line workers."
Carter, reminiscing about the past when he drank lemonade and played LOL in the summer, started discussing serious matters.
"That's a good idea. Manufacturing can absorb a lot of labor, and the products can be sold nationwide or even globally. But what products would you make?"
"Labor-intensive industries often equate to low-end manufacturing, meaning fierce market competition. What's your competitive advantage? Also, with the current economic downturn, people's desire to consume isn't high. Many non-essential items are avoided if they can be."
Jim turned to Carter and explained:
"For example, someone who used to buy clothes monthly might now buy them semi-annually or annually. If your product isn't a necessity and lacks competitiveness, it might not be a good idea."
"I'm thinking about that now. Take clothing, for instance. Can unique designs increase competitiveness? Like bell-bottom pants?"
Hearing Jim mention clothing, Carter thought of the bell-bottom pants that were popular in the 80s, often featured in novels. However...
"Bell-bottoms are outdated! They were popular in the 60s. I wore them as a kid, strumming a guitar, feeling like a star... A new design's impact on competitiveness is uncertain. It all depends on market acceptance; if the market doesn't accept it, it could backfire."
"Well, I'll think about it. If you have time or come up with a good idea, let me know. We could partner up and do some business together. It'd be a waste not to use this abundant labor force!"
Clothing manufacturing could absorb a lot of labor, but Carter realized he couldn't venture into that industry. In his memory, or rather in his growing years, the popular items didn't match the current times.
In the meantime, Nicole was starting her new job, packing her things and preparing for the day.
"Nicole, help organize this information. It's a list of merchants joining the credit card business. Classify them based on market efficiency: high revenue, average, and those with poor revenue hoping to attract new customers through credit card sales. This will help us with future targeted marketing."
As Carter's senior, Goodman had no qualms about instructing his boss's girlfriend. On her first day, he handed her a considerable amount of paperwork.
"Also, after you're done, print some job advertisements. We need more finance and accounting staff; we're currently understaffed. Besides posting in the bank, go to the construction site. We haven't conducted a thorough vocational survey there yet. Maybe there are accountants among them."
"Alright, I'll get to it! How many people should we hire?"
Brushing her hair back, Nicole quickly responded.
"At least ten, at most twenty. We need accountants for the logistics company, real estate company, and the bank. The construction company needs three cost accounting professionals. The bank needs two familiar with settlement business, and if we can find tax accountants, that'd be even better! They're needed everywhere."
Working through his tasks, Goodman instructed without looking up. However, Nicole received a slight advantage as the boss's girlfriend:
"Don't worry too much; the job isn't difficult. At the construction site, Mr. Kane will assist you. If there aren't enough suitable candidates there, contact Mr. Ginas in Memphis for help. Make sure to clarify that the job location is in Douglas or Pearson."
"Oh, and one more thing! After completing these tasks, get some background check forms. Thoroughly investigate the 1,800 people at the construction site. Find out where they're from and their previous occupations. There might be hidden talents among them."
"Wait, there's one more thing..."