Chapter 5

005 Talent Acquisition

No matter how good a product is, it's useless if you can't sell it. That's why Kim Heecheol, the executive director, is absolutely necessary.

The growth of Taeyang Electric from a small company to its current size is 50% thanks to Director Kim's sales skills, and the other 50% to the factory manager.

"Actually, I'm thinking of starting a company."

"What? Are you really crazy? What money do you have to start a company?"

"Since I learned how to steal, shouldn't I steal?"

"You're going to start a transformer company? Well, if it's free, it's fine, but what money do you have to do that?"

"Come, come. The meat is done. Have some."

"Ah, this guy is stalling."

Since the tension has eased, it's time to open the pot and serve the well-cooked rice into the bowls.

"Director, aren't you tired of the company?"

"Am I the only one? Who isn't annoyed except for those vice presidents?"

"Ha. Those guys, who don't know anything, order us around as if they're in charge. Damn them."

"Jungsoo, I've been with this company for exactly 20 years now. How much do you think my salary is?"

"I don't know. The CEO glares at us and talks about keeping secrets, threatening to fire us if we talk about salary conditions."

"Why does he do that? Anyway, after 20 years, I just barely passed 3,500."

"Wow! That's a lot more than me. I've only just passed 2,000..."

Even though he's not a board member, 3,500 for an executive director in a small to medium-sized company? He must be crazy. Even if this industry is tough, giving someone who has dedicated nearly 20 years to the company only dog food money is outrageous.

"3,500. I can admit that's how this industry is. But what really pisses me off is that those vice presidents get 4,000. Ha, can you believe it?"

"Wow, that's too much. You can't just throw away your wife and kids. The company grew because of you."

"The factory manager is also seething. Both of us have worked so hard, and to be treated like this, who would be happy?"

After I played along, the director started walking towards me. It seems like all that's left is to sign the employment contract.

"That's great. I'll hire you. Tell me your conditions."

"What? This guy."

"I'm serious. I'm going to start a company. I thought I must bring you and the factory manager on board."

"Really? Are you really going to start a company?"

"Ah, what do you take me for, Jihyeon? I'll find a way to get the money, so please take charge of sales to keep the company from failing."

"Hey, let's go outside and have a cigarette."

Right! He's all in. Suggesting a cigarette at this moment means he's thinking it over. He's considering whether I can be an alternative to leaving his current company. I can be a sufficient alternative!

"Jungsoo, as a senior, I have to tell you, don't take business lightly. Do you think I haven't thought about starting a business?"

"Director, I'm determined. I have some inherited money. Don't worry about money, just help me not fail."

"This guy, suddenly quitting and talking about starting a business. I can't understand him."

"That's life, isn't it? Hahaha. So, will you help me or not?"

"To be honest, watching you work, I do trust you..."

"So you're joining? Come, come, let's go eat some meat. I'll pay for everything."

"Ha, did this guy win the lottery?"

It stung. A salesperson's intuition is terrifying.

* * *

Now that sales are settled, it's time to tackle production.

No matter how many orders the sales team brings in, if production can't handle it, it's all for nothing. It's a simple truth.

In a narrow industry, the factory manager is even more important. They play a role similar to a foreman or supervisor.

Moving between companies in the industry is common, and having a broad range of experience means you have the ability to build a dream team.

Factory Manager Park Hoyeon has stayed in one place but has 24 years of experience, having tasted both the bitter and sweet aspects of the industry. He's a seasoned veteran in his sixties, but his one flaw is that once he starts talking, he can go on until sunset with stories that begin with "Back in my day..."

However, his experience and network are invaluable. He's a must-have talent. Unlike other older people, he's less rigid and is a good person. It's a shame he doesn't speak up more in the company.

The company has become a place filled with rigid attitudes, and it's all because of the CEO.

To reduce the factory manager's power, the CEO reduced his on-site management duties and pushed him into design work. He appointed department heads to manage each process, leading to a situation where inexperienced managers were in charge. The combination of their inherent rigidity and their new authority is what people call "the icing on the cake."

I approached the factory manager, who was sitting at his desk in the on-site office, diligently working on calculations.

The factory manager, who doesn't know CAD and draws designs by hand, started stretching his mouth when I approached. Once he starts talking, it's hard to stop. I felt a sense of danger if I didn't guide the conversation properly.

"Factory Manager."

"Ah, Manager Ji. Yes, yes."

He looked at me with a desperate desire to talk. He was eager for a topic to start the conversation.

"Director said he wants to have dinner with me. Are you free tonight?"

"Tonight? Let me see."

He adjusted his glasses and squinted at the calendar, even though it was blank. Most men, especially those over 60, value their reputation.

If a fight breaks out at a drinking party, they pretend to be scared and hope someone will intervene. But once someone starts to mediate, they start showing off, saying things like "I'll show you" or "I can handle it," all to protect their reputation. Reputation is that important.

"I'm free tonight. I thought I'd get some points with my wife since I don't have any drinking plans."

That's strange. I thought he said he lived alone... But it's not important.

"Thank you. Let's go after work."

"Ah, yes, yes. I need to finish this quickly, so let's talk later."

Thank goodness. I was worried he might talk my ear off, but he's busy.

Just as I was about to head to the site, my phone started shaking like a 5.0 Richter scale earthquake.

"Hello."

"Manager Ji, where are you! Come quickly!"

"What's wrong?"

"Come quickly!"

The commotion on the site started again. I know what it is, but it's part of the job to pretend I don't. Ah, those rigid people. They don't know anything.

What I'm more looking forward to is the CEO. He's usually quick to react, but he's been unusually quiet.

Do whatever you want. I'm not afraid. I'll use the salary you give me to prepare for my own business.

If it comes to it, I'll give up my severance pay and everything. What's a little money when I've won the lottery? I don't want to give them a single penny of my money. After all the hard work, I should get some consolation money, not give them my own.

Let's prepare for the business for two weeks. After spitting out a thick phlegm, I'll start a new life. I'll become a big provider, responsible for the livelihoods of many people! I'll be a kind CEO who doesn't greed for money and knows how to give back. It will be fine, right? It will be fine!

By the way, a couple of unfamiliar people came to the company. They look relaxed but are clearly nervous. They're obviously here for an interview. The company, which used to drag its feet when asked to buy office supplies, is now quick to hire. They'll probably hire someone with experience as a new employee, with a probationary period of at least three months.

That was my experience. I had to do a six-month probationary period because I had no experience. A 2,000 salary is ridiculous, and after a 200% bonus, my monthly take-home pay was only about 130. During the probationary period, it was only 70% of that.

If I hadn't had a sense of pride, I would have run away immediately. Many people work for a week at most and leave if it doesn't work out. I should have done the same.

This was my first job, and I promised myself not to think weakly. It was a big mistake. I spent three years as a slave.

Let's think positively about the past. If I hadn't endured here, I wouldn't be thinking about starting a transformer company now.

* * *

Sizzle. Sizzle.

"Manager Ji, I'm sorry. I should have taken the employees out for dinner more often."

"No, you know I don't like drinking parties."

I invited the factory manager and the director to a meat restaurant. This is where I successfully recruited the director.

"Factory Manager, isn't Manager Ji acting strange lately? He seems a bit crazy."

"What do you mean?"

"Manager Ji quit."

The factory manager, who was about to down a shot of soju, put down his glass. For someone who loves drinking, this is significant.

"Why would he quit a good job?"

"It wasn't a good job. You know I worked like a madman."

"I know. You worked hard. If everyone worked like you, there would be no worries. So why did you quit? What will the company do without you?"

After the secret pact yesterday, I shared my intention to start a business.

"This guy is serious, Factory Manager. He said he can't do it without me and the factory manager. He even sang praises to us yesterday."

"Factory Manager, please help. I'll treat you well and make sure you're not disappointed."

"What money do you have to start a business?"

"Manager Ji must have won the lottery. He says not to worry about money."

The director, who had already signed the virtual employment contract, took the lead in recruiting the factory manager. All I had to do was pay for the meat.

"Yes, that's right. Don't worry about money. I'll take care of that. Just focus on making transformers."

The factory manager took out a cigarette. Success. Now, I just need to defend against a few polite refusals.

"I can't. How can I betray the CEO? He brought me in and taught me everything."

To the factory manager, the founder was still the CEO. He refused to recognize that his daughter had taken over.

"Factory Manager, you know how the company is run. You know they're trying their best to push you out."

"If I leave here, I'll retire and go to the countryside to farm. Going to another company would be a betrayal. How can a person do that?"

The director, now on my side, launched a fierce attack.

"Come on, that's not true. Honestly, did the CEO or his daughter ever treat us right? Do you know how much the Choi family takes home every month? Over 4,000. We work our asses off for a year to earn what they take in a month. We do all the work!"

"Director Kim, that's not right. We can raise our children and eat three meals a day because of them."

"Factory Manager, the company grew because of us. The vice presidents make more than us. Honestly, we work to make money, not to feed the Choi family. The vice presidents coming in is a sign that they want us to leave."

The factory manager's expression wavered when he heard that the vice presidents make more than him. If I were in his position, I would be furious. I just had to keep grilling the meat. The factory manager was already on my side, thanks to the director's relentless attack.

"Manager Ji, even if you start a company, do you think Choi Hyun and her husband will let you be? No matter how bad they are, 20 years in this industry means something."

"Would I say I'm starting a business if I couldn't handle the difficulties? We have to compete. They're our competitors, and we have to beat them."

"The suppliers and material companies will make it hard, but it won't be easy."

That's why I was determined to recruit the factory manager. The director, with his bold and straightforward personality, will bring in the business, and the factory manager, with his cautious and meticulous nature, will manage it well. It's a perfect combination.

"Factory Manager, why are you scaring us before we even start? If you make the transformers and I sell them, and Manager Ji pays us well, it will be fine. I'll bring in all the clients, so don't worry."

"Yes, Factory Manager. Let's start with a fresh mind. I won't treat people like they're disposable, like our company does. I'm sick of playing games with a few pennies."

"Manager Ji, my glass is empty."

The factory manager was also on board. That night, a ceremony of brotherhood was held at the meat restaurant.