Third of three parts

Re “I Kept Finding Financially Embarrassed Employers”

Dateline Dayton – For a period after I resigned as accounting manager for a local distributor, I found myself unemployed. Again.  This was a difficult time, more than before. I was older, and the main difference was that the earlier termination was a relief.

Before long, though, I was hired as the controller for an airport service center. An exciting place to work, but… you guessed it…here was yet another cash-strapped business. Although the owner could have easily funded the enterprise, his wife controlled the purse stings. She was not about to let him invest further in this sinking venture.

I spent most of my time as a gopher, collecting bills, getting parts, transporting persons who landed at the airport and other miscellaneous tasks. Although enjoyable, this was not what I was being paid to do. I kept my ears open for another position.

The business had an advisory board that met quarterly comprised of the owner, the president, two outside persons and me. One outsider owned an aircraft housed at the airport and the other used to work with the owner.

After a board meeting, Jack, the aircraft owner, asked if I knew anyone interested in a position with his company as office manager. The next day I was on the telephone setting up a meeting. Events moved swiftly. Soon I was an employee of his CUC company.

All of this happened 13 wonderful years ago. Working at CUC, for Jack and his son Jay, has been, and continues to be, an absolute delight. The business has great people, atmosphere and facilities. Although funds tighten at times, there is no outside debt.

I could retire. But I have no plans for such foolishness. Continuing to work gives Pauline and me the opportunity to travel when time permits.

Home Sweet Condo

It has been so cold here in Ohio, and our snowfall is above average. The cold and snow have slowed us from getting into our new condo. This week we refinished the hardwood floors. Gorgeous.

Last weekend we put up the rods for the drapes and hung the drapes in the back bedroom. This weekend, the kids are supposed to help us pack and clean the condo after the floor is sanded.

We should move in the first of February, a slight delay because next week I will be in Las Vegas.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net