Felix (3)

Felix was excited to get a call from Orion Enterprise that same afternoon. He agreed to have a lunch meeting with Sophia next day.

His excitement dwindled when he observed that Sophia came with two other people. Two other women accompanied her. He exhaled, 'It's a business meeting. Why did I allow myself to daydream about a romantic lunch with this beautiful woman?' Felix soon found out that one woman is Sophia's assistant in New York office, and other one is from the legal department.

"Mr. Martin, we are here to extend you this offer for cooperation. Please review this summary document.", Sophia handed him two-page long document. "If it looks good, you can go through a more detailed one.", Sophia pointed to a stack of about 50 pages.

Felix read through the summary, and his expression became complicated. "CEO Hill, you said cooperation, but this looks like an acquisition."

"Yes, we would like BIDSEC to be part of Orion Enterprise.", Sophia didn't deny it.

Felix kept the papers down and looked at Sophia with a slight frown. "Why would you want to acquire a company you don't know much about?"

Sophia smiled; he was obviously underestimating her. Sophia had no problem showing that she knows what she is doing. "We know that you have 27 full time employees, and at this time 30 part time workers. You are designing your products yourself. Production is done 30% in Canada, 10% in Germany and 60% in China. Your profits for last quarter are..." As Sophia spoke without even looking at any document for reference, Felix found himself stunned. "… You are frequently changing who creates parts, which impacts quality and delays production, we can help you fix that by shifting production to our facilities. ... Your marketing is almost non-existent. We would make sure that your products are well represented. ..." His head was spinning from all the information. Sophia finished with, "Do you have any other questions?"

Felix thought for some time before asking, "What about people who work for BIDSEC?"

Sophia appreciated that he is showing a concern about his employees. "We can guarantee that none of your current full-time employees will lose their position for at least 12 months after we sign the contract, unless they are at fault of violating their contracts. They will become employees of Orion Enterprise, which means that their benefits will increase, and they will keep their current salary. For the part time employees, we will assess the need and make appropriate decisions... That is all detailed in the contract.", Sophia pointed to the 50 pages document.

"What about me?", Felix asked.

"Besides the compensation for acquiring BIDSEC, we are extending you an offer to join Orion Enterprise and manage design of small size security equipment. Details of your title and responsibilities are open for discussion. Compensation will be discussed with hiring manager."

"Who would be my hiring manager?"

"Me", Sophia looked at him with a hint of smile in her eyes.

Felix was absorbing all this information. "It all sounds good, but I will need to study the contract first before giving you a response."

"Understandable. If you have any questions, you can reach out to Miss Quinn." Sophia gestured to the lady on her left. "She will be your contact in our legal department. Miss Quinn can explain any details you are uncertain about."

During lunch they discussed details of BIDSEC, and other parts of the contract. Felix was impressed how Sophia knew so much information. 'She should not have more than one day to get all this information and she is showing such a deep knowledge and understanding of what we are doing and what we want to accomplish. Truly impressive.'

Sophia is not a successful CEO for no reason. She has a great memory, as well as analytical skills. Her communication is her strong point, which she effectively uses to turn any situation to her favor.

The more Felix spoke with Sophia, the more he admired her. He realized that the more time he spends with Sophia, further away she seems to be. She shines bright like a sun, and he does not dare to look directly at her.

...

Next day they signed the contract, and BIDSEC disappeared from the world map of small size security companies.

"There was not much for me to consider.", Felix explained to Sophia. "My employees are not at any loss; they will only gain increased benefits. I appreciate that you offered me with such a great opportunity."

"You are welcome. Thank you for accepting.", Sophia smiled. "Now we should discuss your position in Orion Enterprise. Look at this offer and let me know your thoughts." Sophia handed a document to Felix.

He read it, and a dashing smile appeared on his face. "This is amazing. I accept!"

"That was fast. Don't you want to think about it? Or negotiate some points?" Sophia never saw someone accept like this. Felix looked too excited. She feared that he is rushing into this.

"No need. I had something in mind when I came for this meeting, but to be honest, this is more than what I expected. There is nothing for me to think about. I accept.", Felix was confident.

Sophia smiled, "I'm glad you find it acceptable. Welcome to Orion Enterprise Mr. Martin, Director of Design for Security Equipment." Sophia extended her hand for a handshake.

"Thank you!", Felix shook her hand.

Sophia observed his excitement and could not stop smiling, "I will get HR to send you contract to sign today. Our new employee orientation is on Monday, starting at 9 AM. After you complete it, you can start with your duties... Think about from where you want to work primarily. Besides these offices, our HQ is on the West Coast, and we have several other locations. I will get my assistant to send you a list of locations so you can choose one where you will have a dedicated office."

"At what location is your office?", Felix asked without thinking.

"I'm the CEO. Everywhere is my office." Sophia assumed that he asked that because she will be his boss. It's natural to be curious about your boss. That is why she decided to be more precise, "I work from HQ. I'm here temporarily."

Felix thought for a second before asking, "If I pick one location now, can I change it later?"

"Of course. You will just need to give some time for arrangements to be made."

"OK. Then I will work from here now.", Felix was excited. He will work at Orion Enterprise, and Sophia will be his boss, which means that he will have many opportunities to interact with her!