Chapter 99: FIND - Sharon's Homage
"Hey George."
"Hey man! It's been a minute."
"Yeah, I'm swamped with work. Dad wants me to turn the Miami Suites around," Adrian explained.
"Ohhh, that's gotta be a lot of work," George said.
"No kidding," Adrian replied. He sounded exhausted, but he tried to hide the exhaustion in his voice.
George, his lifelong friend, possessed the key to realizing his retail business aspirations. George's family was the owner of numerous hypermarkets across the country..
"I need your help, George."
"What's up man?"
"I want to start an online retail business on the strip here in Miami," Adrian explained.
"That's beneath you, Adrian," George said, laughing.
"I know... I'm doing it to honor someone. I'll explain better when we see."
"Okay man. Do you have space?" George asked.
"Yeah, I'm renovating one of Dad's buildings."
"Okay, send me a proposal. I'll send my start-up guy when you're ready. You have a name for it?"
"Find."
"Find?"
"Yeah, the idea is based on what guests might need at regular retail price," Adrian explained.
"That's brilliant, given stuff would be expensive at hotel gift shops."
"Exactly."
"That's the thinking of a regular person, it cannot be your idea."
"I didn't say it was," Adrian said.
"I like the concept. Email me the necessary information and my guy can start working on it."
"Thank you, George," Adrian said.
"No problem man," George said and was about to end the call.
"And George, what about the other stuff?"
"I'm working on it."
"Thanks man. I owe you a solid," Adrian said before hanging up.
***
Adrian contacted his father next to share his plans. He learned early on in life to ask his father for things over the phone, where the anticipation and expression of paternal love were particularly heightened.
"You will need to pay me rent," William Sterling demanded.
"What? Dad, come on. You abandoned the place. I'm fixing it up right now. I'm actually doing you a favor," Adrian said, hoping his Dad will cut him some slack.
"It's a business, Adrian. Your landlord has to be paid," William mocked.
Adrian pulled the only son card, but his father countered with the business aspect.
"How much do you want?" Adrian asked grudgingly accepting defeat.
"Factor in an amount that works for you…after net profit," William suggested, trying to be supportive and fair.
"Okay will do, but I'll receive the rent…on your behalf," Adrian said, which made his father laugh heartily.
"I wish you the best in your little endeavor, Adrian," William said.
"Thanks Dad," Adrian said.
They spoke further on the progress of Opulent Heights, and Adrian provided a tentative completion date for the renovations.
Stanley, George's employee, arrived in Miami shortly after renovations for Find were completed. He was an expert in starting operations for new retail stores.
The designated space to be used was measured, and the necessary shelves, along with bicycles for delivery, were ordered.
Product selection was meticulous, with Stanley contributing some of his own suggestions. Procuring the products wasn't hard, as Stanley compiled a list of suppliers.
Find was advertised as a helpful choice for travelers, making hotel stay better.
A billboard, towering above the city's vibrant hotel strip, proudly displayed Find's promise of convenience.
The bold, purple logo caught the eye of weary travelers, hinting at the convenience that awaited them. The billboard's strategic placement ensured it became an unavoidable spectacle for those strolling along the strip.
Simultaneously, Find's online presence amplified its reach. Cleverly crafted advertisements flooded social media platforms. An app showcased the array of items available at the tap of a screen. The digital allure was irresistible, drawing in guests.
Surprisingly prompt, business commenced sooner than expected. It took a couple of days for the initial order to arrive, which was followed by several more.
On the strip, Find's delivery staff in purple T-shirts were like convenience ambassadors, delivering items promptly.
Adorned in vibrant purple T-shirts, they crisscrossed the hotel strip, weaving through crowds with purpose.
Their presence was a visual proof to Find's commitment to seamless and smooth service, ensuring that guests received their items promptly.
As purple-clad delivery staff became a familiar sight, so did the reputation of Find spread. The startup's blend of traditional billboard advertising and modern online outreach proved to be the winning formula, transforming it into an essential helper for travelers.
Adrian reveled in the joy of Find's inception. The overwhelming response and surprisingly high number of orders left him impressed. A sense of pride washed over him whenever he spotted a delivery staff in vibrant purple.
Adrian planned to establish Find in New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. He was hopeful for a positive response in those states, as Find got in Miami.
Behind the scenes, Sharon, the mastermind behind Find, remained unaware of Find's existence. Adrian, however, harbored plans to reveal the success to her, in due time.