WINTER 2024

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 145
ROBERT FOOTLIK HOW MANY EMPLOYEES DOES IT TAKE TO TRASH A REPUTATION? from page 144
My sons were also astonished that Dad was able to
maintain character through this theater of the absurd.
There were a couple of times I almost lost it. So much
was blatantly ridiculous keeping a straight face was
difficult.
By the way, my other son’s employer has a vested
interest in the outcome of this project along with many
of the contractor’s municipal, state and federal projects.
If this situation was a systemic plot that constitutes
racketeering, perhaps a deeper audit might be in order.
The “jury is out” on this aspect, but “Louie” and his boss
might just learn a whole lot more about how his game,
or false advertising on a website can have unintended
consequences.
Supposedly, the mechanical contractor is in the
process of selling out and retiring. If you were the buyer
how would you feel about the assets you are about to
acquire?
Should there have been at least an apology for the
delays and mistakes? I am still waiting.
The Lesson For You
Never, ever condone or participate in any “game”
that is at a customer’s expense. No matter how much
fun it might seem the consequences can be both
unexpected and far reaching.
And, if the problems I experienced are systemic
to your current employer, you would be wise to seek
another employer before their incompetence destroys
your career.
Yes, indeed all it takes to destroy trust is one bad
actor.
ROBERT FOOTLIK