I have a company that's called Koso Enterprises Inc. It's based in Los Vegas. One division is a construction company. Although it is small compared to many in the area, It has the ability to do a lot of major projects. I keep a low profile since I learned that if you have value, there's always someone who wants to take it.
I study what's going on and take what I want. The hospital has been a big project from the beginning. I just am not able to run that scope of project, but they tender out most of it.
One of the tenders was for a mock up of a patient room. A piece of cake for me. I filled out the tender, got the bond, and submitted it last minute.
This is what happened when I got the call to come in to review my tender.
The architect in charge of this project was a women. She called an hour after the tender closed.
"Hello, is Mister John Koso there?"
"This is John, how may I help you?"
"I'm Ms. Nora Larson, the head architect for the interior of the new hospital in Los Vegas. I have some questions concerning your tender for the mock up room. You are much lower than the others, you realize there are stiff penalties for not meeting the deadline and will your references get back to me quickly?"
"Thank you for calling. I'm a small company, I don't have big administrative overhead, I only do a project when I have proper time to oversee it myself. When you call the references, leave a message stating who you are, what project and my name. I guarantee you they will call back within an hour. When you call me back, I will give you a code for my web site. You can send the P.O. to that. I will start right away. By the way, there are a few changes I would like to make. I think you will appreciate them."
"Well, you seem pretty confident of yourself. Telling me I should make changes to my work. We will see how your references check out. I don't have to give it to the lowest bidder you know. I'll only call you back if all your references are excellent. If not you will simply get a letter you were not chosen." Her voice was very stern.
I got her call back within an hour. "Hello, Mister Kelso. Sounds like your references say you are the best around. I must have this completed on time. Do you still feel confident you can finish 100% on time with no deficiencies? Her voice very businesslike.
"Hello MS Nora Larson, If you send me the P.O. to my web site which you will need a code. Once you have access, you can see many of my completed projects. It also has the other ventures I have. This will also have a web cam of your project so you can watch the daily progress. I'm a 100% confident I'll start later today to order material. I can work over the weekend." Keeping a business voice.
"Very well, I will scan and send the P.O. What's the web site and the code?
"The web site is Koso Enterprises.com and the code is Larson. I look forward to working with you. Thank you"
"I'll be about a half hour."
An hour went by, no P.O. Then the phone rang.
"Mister Koso, the scanner is not working for me and everyone has gone for the weekend. I really want you to proceed. Can we meet now and I can hand you the P.O.?" in a frazzled voice.
"I am on my way to a place across from your hotel. It's called "The Meeting Place". Someone is waiting for me there now for their payment or I'd come to the hospital to get the P.O. I'll come soon as I finish."
"They are locking up the job site now, so I have to leave. I'll drive right to "The Meeting Place". Is that OK?
"Sure, I'll be in the round booth to the left of the bar. I'll buy you a drink and we can go over some details."
"I normally don't drink with business associates, but its Friday, my feet and legs are sore from walking in work boots all day. I did look at your web site and I'm curious about a few things. I can only stay briefly since I'm exhausted from this week. Ok? Her voice sounded tired.
"Sounds good. See you shortly. Look forward meeting you."
The guy was waiting, quickly took his payment, then left. I sat down, organized my paperwork, turned on my iPad. It didn't take long for her walk in. I knew it was her. Looked a little funny with business clothes, a pin stripped skirt, matching tailored jacket with white blouse and work boots. Made me laugh. As she got closer, I got was surprised how sharp she looked. Jet black hair, trim figure and the nylons in work boots sort of made her look like a model in construction calendar posing with equipment.
"Mister Koso?
"Ms Larson. Please sit down. What would you like to drink? It looked like you had cement shoes on.
You "stammering when her dark brown eyes stunned me.
"I'm so embarrassed, I usually change my boots before I leave the site, but the security guard was in a hurry to close and I was having trouble getting my boots off, so I left. They are so sore after walking up and down the hospital stairs all day. I really would like a drink. A white wine." She sounded a little more like a woman.
"My special white wine, two glasses."
"Yes sir"
"You didn't ask what kind of white wine I like. Her head tilted a little.
"You don't like it, I get you what type like you like. I'm sure you will like it. It's from my winery." Feeling more confident.
"Yes, that was one thing I wanted to talk to you about. On your web site, it looked like you had a lot of different ventures. Are they all yours? Now with her head still tilled and now with an inquisitive face.
"Yes, oh here's the wine. Please taste to make sure it is to your liking. The waiter moved the glass to her for approval.
"Very good. Very, very good! Her eyes and face looked surprised then had a smile that looked genuine.
The waiter poured her more and another glass. She had another sip right away.
"Before I forget, here is the P.O. Please sign the copy. I really need this done on time." She sounded like she did on the phone.
"Here, check the web site on the iPad, punch in your code." He held it as he moved a little closer on the bench.
She typed in the code. The web cam was focused on the project. "What? The floor and walls are done. I can't believe you would started until you got the P.O.. Who are all people and how can you work in a union site when it is closed down for the weekend? Still sounded like her business phone voice.
"I didn't say in the tender I couldn't build it off site. I have all sorts of people that work with me."
"I'm surprised, but impressed. I feel better now about the project but my feet are throbbing. Your site said you own a massage spa. It's not one of those sex massage joints is it? I was thinking of going to the hotel spa. Where is yours? Her voice and face became more relaxed.
"I own six in the town. I'm a fully trained licensed massage person. All my locations are proper spas. Let me take your boots off and do reflexology to relieve the throbbing and make the swelling go down." Another glass was poured by the waiter. At the same time I bent down, lifted her boots up to the bench.
"Hey!
"Relax, enjoy the wine. No one will care. There is a table cloth hanging below the bench. Relax Lady. Enjoy your foot massage." A calm voice and quick hands had her boots off in seconds.
"But my feet stink. You shouldn't do this. This is a business meeting." Her objections stopped as he worked on one foot.
"Your feet smell just fine. The business meeting was over when you gave me the P.O. Now enjoy your wine and foot message. This is my place. No one will say a thing." A smooth tone made her relax.
"Well, I can't believe this. This week was hell. Now I feel like I'm in heaven. My foot feels so much better, and starting to feel better all over. The other one needs attention. My hips feel so sore too and my back." Her knees fell apart as I began to rub the other foot.
"I thought this was a business meeting!" They looked at each other and laughed. "I can only give you a foot rub here. Besides, I can only do the minimum with your pantyhose on your feet. If you want a proper message, I need a table. We can go to your room. I have a portable table in my truck."
"I don't know what you did to my foot, but I've never felt like this. I haven't slept well this week. I'm tired. I'm just going to pass and go to catch up on my sleep. Thank you. But I couldn't. Oh, what are you doing to both my feet? I feel a little light headed. Did you put something in my wine?
"Just grapes. You feel better because I'm doing a reki foot message. There is a point on each part of your feet that affects the rest of your body. You better have something to eat. I bet you didn't have lunch."
"You better go to your hotel room and order room service. Let me take you to your room. I'll drive the car over. You do sound a little tipsy. I have drawings for my changes with me. I can leave them with you at your room and call me tomorrow once you review my ideas."