Spencer the Egoist
Contractor Jim was a bit low on work during this period in his life, but over the years he had learned never to give his work away, he had filled his head with analogies to combat unrealistic demands and expectations. The day Jim received a call from Spencer gave rise to a new metaphor.
When Jim arrived at Spencer’s house, there were 5 Tesla’s parked in his massive driveway, with numerous transported palm trees surrounding it. The house was nearly as big as a palace. Jim walked up and rang the doorbell, Spencer opened the door.
“You must be Jim, my name is Spencer and I work at Apple, please come in” Spencer let out a loud allergen filled snort as he shut the door behind him.
Jim walked through the travertine covered hallway, where many high valued paintings hung on the wall.
“Your home is beautiful,” said Jim.
“Thanks, I built it with stock option money from Apple” replied Spencer as he adjusted his glasses.
Jim was taken back by this mans odd boasting about his employment.
“I can see you’re a real company man” said Jim, as he could not look anywhere without seeing an apple product.
“Yes, Apple gave it all to me for free, some of the perks of working at Apple.”
They walked through the back door, outside to the backyard, where Spencer pointed to an existing ADU/Pool House.
“I would like this torn down and rebuilt to 2200 square feet” said Spencer.
“The city will only allow 1200” replied Jim.
“I have talked to them, they are making an exception, here are the plans.”
“Is this a copy?” asked Jim.
“Yes,” replied Spencer “please take them home and send me an estimate.”
Jim spent that whole week putting numbers together for the project. He sent them over to Spencer, after which Spencer asked Jim back to his house for a meeting. Jim arrived with Spencer awaiting him in the front yard.
“Hi Jim, I got your numbers, and they look okay, except one thing, I would like to purchase all the materials.”
“Okay…” replied Jim. “Are you going to pick up the materials as well.”
“No, we will just have them delivered.”
“Fine, are you going to call in and order everything.”
“How would I do that; I have no idea what to get,” laughed Spencer.
“Well, that’s the point,” replied Jim “I have been doing this for thirty years, and the reason I provide the materials is because I know the materials. Would you take a piece of bacon and an egg into a restaurant and ask them to cook it for you at a discounted rate, because you brought in the food?”
“No, I don’t eat out, I have a personal chef.”
“You’re missing the point Spencer.”
“I don’t miss the point; I work at Apple.”
“Yeah… this is not going to work out.”
Jim handed Spencer his copy of the plans and walked away. Years of experience had shown Jim many red flags, and here there were too many in Spencer to proceed.
Spencer, used to getting his way threw the plans on the ground, put his hands on his hips, and began to stomp his foot on the fake grass.
Have you ever dealt with a Spencer? If so, Leadcheck him now!