I was up a few minutes before the alarm with about 4 hours of restless sleep. I turned the coffee on and took a locker room shower then it was a quick shave. With that all done I got dressed in the outfit I had selected the previous evening. Looking in the mirror I decided that I needed a jacket and selected a blue blazer. I hated the look but knew it was appropriate. I filled my travel mug and headed for the airport. At that ungodly hour there was no traffic and I pulled into a parking space 15 minutes early. I saw one of my pilots checking the jet and went up to him and said, hi Colonel thanks for doing this. He smiled and said Mike, cut the Colonel shit, I'm Vapor and the other guy is Hawk. Mike, will you be doing any time in control? Well Vapor, not on the way down but I would like to fly a good bit on the way back. I need to get my head straight for this damn TV show, it's a big time national event. Well Mike, get comfortable and we will get the wheels up in short order. I said thanks and went in the cabin and sat down.
Vapor wasn't kidding as we were in the air in about 15 minutes and I was asleep before we hit cruising altitude. I work as we started our descent and the slight change in altitude and speed woke me up. I wasn't sure I was ready for all this but I was determined to keep the drama to a minimum. I have no idea how or why but we didn't need to get in line to land. Then again it was still very early and I assumed there was very little traffic. Once we were at the terminal, I thanked the guys and asked if they wanted a ride into town. They refused and said they weren't letting none near the jet until they had it secured. I was give a contact number so that when I was ready we could hook up and get back. Then Hawk said well we need to find a TV. They both laughed and Vapor said Mike, break a leg. I laughed and went inside the terminal.
As soon as i opened the terminal door a guy approached and asked, would you happed to be Mike Simmons? I smiled and said, guilty as charged. The guy smiled and said well I'm your driver for the day and I'm Ray. Mike if you are ready we can beat most of the traffic, there is coffee in the limo. We went outside and around the corned or the terminal and just laughed as Ray held the door open for me. Inside he said, using the intercom, Mike the coffee is in the console in front of you and there is an envelop for you on the seat. I said thanks and found the coffee. I knew we had about a 30 - 40 minute trip to the studio and I just sat there looking out the window and enjoying the coffee, which was excellent. The envelop was a larger one and when I opened it there was a visitors pass and a note. Basically it welcomed me to New York and ABC News. It also said that if I needed anything all I had to do was ask Ray and he would manage things. I have never been to New York City and if this was light traffic I wanted no part of rush hour traffic.
The studio is right in Times Square and while I had only seen it on TV and on New Year's Eve it was damn impressive, sitting in this Limo. Then I started to laugh as I realized that Diane wanted me here in New York to see if she could get me outside my comfort level. We pulled up at 1500 Broadway and the door of the Limo was opened and the attendant said, welcome to New York, Mr.Simmons. I smiled and said thanks. Another guy opened the door to the building and went to the reception station and the receptionist said, Good Morning, Mr. Simmons I'll let them know you are here, just keep that security badge on and take any elevator to the third floor and someone I'll meet you there, have a great day. I hurried to the bank of elevators and was quickly on one and pushed the button for the third floor. The elevator was almost full and I was glad that nobody pushed the button for the second floor as I wanted to beat whoever was meeting me there. Sure enough when I stepped out of the elevator a guy a few years older than me, well early 20's approached and said, Good Morning Mr. Simmons I'm Jacob, how was your flight into Teterboro? I laughed and said it was good, thanks for asking. Mr. Simmons if you need anything just ask. Jacob what I need is for everyone to call me Mike, this Mr. Simmons shit is starting to piss me off. Jacob smiled and said, no problem Mike please follow me.
I followed Jacob down a long hallway and he stopped at a door that had a Mike Simmons name plate on the wall. Jacob used a key to unlock the door and I stepped into a room that was about 10' x 10' and had a mirror with lights, a club chair and small sofa. There was also a swivel chair at the table in front of the mirror. Jacob then said Mike, Joan and Charlie will stop by in a few minutes. You are on the second hour, well you are the second hour except for the weather, it was a slow news night. Can I get you anything? I smiled and said just coffee. Oh Jacob, a toilet would be nice. He simply pointed to a door I hadn't noticed and left to get the coffee. I immediately took care of business and when I came out I found Joan and Charlie sitting on the sofa. We shook hands and I sat in the club chair. We chatted about some insignificant small things and then I was briefed about what to expect and was told that Diane had brought them up to speed on many of my activities. Joan asked if I had flown any on the flight up and I smiled and said well basically I slept. They both laughed and Joan said that they had a list of topics that they would be discussing and she asked if I wanted that list. I told her that I was better spontaneous but thanks. Then I was told that I could watch the show or simply hang out here. I asked about Diane and was told that she was a guest for the second hour as well. They left and I assume simply went about their business.
Jacob returned with a thermos of coffee and some scones, which I was grateful for. He sat down and asked so how was Joan? I shrugged and said fine. Jacob smiled and said Mike, there are people here you can fuck with and people here you can't. Joan is in the group of people you can't fuck with and that other group, which will be in here is makeup. The set is very hot and while you are not the type for makeup just trust them and people won't even know you have that shit on. Mike, that jacket was a good idea as it will hide the sweat marks on your shirt. I grabbed the coffee, took a sip and said thanks. I grabbed a scone and took a bite and there was a knock on the door. Jacob got up and opened the door and there stood Diane. Jacob said, I'll leave you guys alone. I laughed and asked Jacob, what if I need a door opened?. He laughed and said he would be right outside. Diane found that exchange hysterical.
Diane filled a paper cup with coffee and said well Mike I see you are adjusting well to being pampered. Hell, it took me an hour to stop calling me Mr. Simmons. So Mike, did you meet with Joan and Charlie? Diane I did and they said you are a guest along with me and I'm the entire last hour. Mike, that's correct and I bet they offered you some topics they would be discussing. Diane, they did and I declined. Mike, generally they are easy and it is more of a conversation than question and answers. We chatted a while about things in general and she said well I need to change and deal with the makeup people. She left and I found Jacob and asked if I had time to check out the set? He said sure and we were off to investigate. It was comfortable chairs and I was amazed that there were only 2 but Jacob said well that's why we have a stage crew. Basically I wanted to see how hot the lights were and I knew that Jacob was correct nd I would trust the makeup people.
Back in my dressing room Jacob and I just spent the time chatting and I discovered he was a St. John University grad with a degree in Journalism and a minor in communications. He said he was lucky to get the job here and was wondering if it was a good start or not. I told him it was always easier to find a job when you have one. He shrugged and said I guess but for now I'm seeing where this goes. His only complaint was the cost of living in New York. Next up was the dreaded makeup people and she turned out to be exactly like the HR bitch at work. Unlike Maggie I didn't have to put up with her. It started as soon as she came in. I stood up to great her and she said son, have a seat over here and pointed to the chair in front of the mirror. I smiled and said mam, I'm not you son and you will please call me Mike. She said whatever but just sit down. Immediately I was covered with a cloth, like when you get a hair cut. Then she said well before we start we should do something with that hair, it's a mess. I laughed and said, well everyone over 50 thinks that but I like it so don't touch my hair. Well if you want to look like a jock on steroids it will be fine. I stood up, handed her back the apron and said please leave. She just stood there and I went to the door and opened it and Jacob asked Mike, what's up? Jacob, this very rude person is leaving and you need to fine me someone else to remake my face and tell whoever it is to be polite. Jacob looked at the woman and said Agnus one of these day they will fire you. Please move along to your next victim. Jacob said Mike, I'll be right back with the dude they should have sent in the first place, I thanked him and sat back down in the club chair.
About 5 minutes later there was another knock on the door and I simply said. loud enough to be herd, come in, it's open. Jacob was first and he was followed by a dude with flaming red hair and about 6' 2" and build every bit like me. As I stood up, hoping I wasn't going to sprout a woodie, he stuck out his hand and said, hi Mike, I'm Finn. I smiled and looked at Jacob and asked, so why wasn't he here first. Everyone laughed and Finn was looking me over. Then he asked Mike, would you mind taking off your shirt? I unbuckled my belt and loosened my pants and took of the shirt. Finn smiled and said, how about the tee now? Then he went to his bag and said, please lift your arms above your head and he brushed some powder into my pits. Mike that will absorb any sweat, how about putting just your shirt on and leave the top two buttons open. Mike, do you always wear the gold chains? I said Finn, I do as they are special gifts from important people to me. He smiled and said well they make you look like a punk jock. Can you just turn them around or better yet take them off. I shrugged and took the two chains off and put them in my blazer pocket. Mike, that is a very small difference but it really shows you chest off better. Finn motioned to the chair in front of the mirror and he asked Mike, do you typically sweat a lot? I laughed and said, well only when I'm working out. Finn laughed and said well the lights are bright and hot and your face will shine and I would like to prevent that and I'm not going to overdo it. Just a light dusting with some powder which is as close to you natural color as possible, in fact it will make you look a bit tan and that will play well. I looked in the mirror and damn I liked the look and would forget the jacket. Then Finn asked, if I happened to be free for lunch as Jake and I would like to have you as our guest. I laughed and asked, what's on the menu? Finn smiled and said well we could order in and our one room apartment is close by. I just laughed and said well next trip, but thanks. As they were leaving Jacob Sid Mike, the Producer will be here for you in 15 minutes or so and I'll be outside and he closed the door.
There was a TV in the room so I turned it on and naturally it was an in-house feed of GMA. It turnedout it wasn't much help as it was the weather then a commercial. Thinking about Finn and Jacob I thought it could be fun but extremely stupid to hookup on this trip and throw discretion out the fucking window. When the program came back they went to a reporter in
London and a report on the Queen. I simply turned the TV off and just relaxed. Some how I was completely zoned out and relaxed and found myself on that sand dune in North Carolina. I hadn't been alone during the day in like forever and it was great to know I could still relax like that. I must have jumped a foot when I heard someone knock on the door. I simply said come in. There was Jacob and a woman, again young. She simply said Mike, we are ready for you. I got out of the chair and said, I need a minute. I went to my blazer and took out the VT necklace put it on, ran my fingers through my hair and said, let's get this over with.
I was just off stage and a guy appeared and he quickly attached a microphone. Just then Diane appeared and we chatted for a bit then we heard her name and she said, I'll see you in a bit, have fun as this will be low key. All that did was turn my radar on. Diane was greeted and it was like comrades and friends getting together for breakfast. Then Diane started with an introduction saying...
Last week I promised you that I had a very special young guy here. While he is still a high school senior and a great athlete he is ever so much more. He has set Western Pennsylvania on its ear. For some reason, yet unknown to me, he was given control of a large Technology Company. He has built 2 buildings and has just revealed the plans for two more. He is Chair or the next two Open Championships to be held at Oakmont and is I newly appointed member of the USGA Executive committee. Joan said, well that's a lot for people three times his age how about we bring him out here and see what makes him tic. Diane laughed and said well good luck with that. She paused and said let's give a GMA welcome to Mike Simmons. I walked out on to set to polite applause and I waved to the audience. I got a hug from Dine, shook hands with Charlie and stopped in front of Joan and bowed and the place erupted in laughter and I even got a smile from Joan. The set was 4 chairs a large coffee table and a small table between the chairs. In front of me were a cup of coffee and a bottle of water. Charlie started thing off by saying Mike, we understand you flew into Teterboro this morning in the company jet. We're you the pilot? I wasn't I had very little sleep and my flying keepers were uncomfortable with the traffic. Once we clear the New York air space, I'll fly home. Mike, I would like to discuss you interest in flying. That Cessna Citation is a very expensive and complicated craft. How did that come about? Well we have a contract with Bell Helicopter Dr. Williams negotiated that deal and Textron owns Cessna and Bell. As an aside it was the second jet of that series and I had to settle for that as Cessna's long term user wanted the first, it is hard to tell Arnold Palmer no.
Then Joan got to the meat of things and asked, so Mike what possessed your dad to turn a company with 15 million in sales over to a 17 year old? I laughed and said well nothing like getting to the point. There is no easy answer to that question as dad has never said. Most likely it was because his life was a mess as his wife had died and his son Bill had overdosed and also died. Then there is the possibility that I would just look at the trust and say thanks and not get involved. Finally, dad is or was a computer guy. However, what he does best is sell and the company grew and grew a lot. He traveled a lot and he slowly turned the day to day stuff over to others. The expansion was haphazard and not thought out because they had to keep up. That's all I got so you will have to pick one of those options. Then Joan said, well I think there is more to the story but let's move on. Diane sitting beside me started to laugh and I looked at Joan and said, well you asked a question and I answered it like I answer every question, HONESTLY. Let's move on.
In fact the people sitting out there in the audience should have some input, can we please have one of them ask a question? Diane immediately stood up and went to the first row and pointed to a woman and asked, what would you like to ask Mike? Diane listened and when she returned she said Mike the lady would like to know about your girlfriends. I laughed and said well since 7th grade there have been a number of them but only one at a time. Winnie, my current girl, and I were in kindergarten together and in 7th grade I asked he to the school dance and she said no. We simply went in different directions. This year we were in AP Physics together and were assigned as lab partners. We flirted so much that the teacher told us if we didn't go on a date and figure things out he was changing lab partners. Well as they say the rest is history? Then I added, she is very special.
Then Joan said Mike there are a lot of ways I could ask this and it could take many questions but I sense you like the direct approach. So how much are you actually involved in the company or are you simply taking credit for what others do? Diane whispered Mike, take a breath. Well Joan, which company are you talking about? I am Chairman and CEO of MJS Enterprises and under that umbrella there are a number of companies, that I have a controlling interest. It includes Technologies, a Winery, a law firm, a Real Estate company. There have been other companies that I have spun off and each of them have prospered on their own. J & J Architects are an example of a company I have spun off. Earlier I told you that Dr. Williams did the deal for the Jet. I am not involved in the day to day activities of any of these companies. I simply monitor their progress. The Executives I hire to run these companies are well paid and they are expected to be profitable. You know a little of research by your staff would have eliminated the need for that question. Then I looked at Charlie and said, I believe it is your turn.
Charlie smiled and said Mike, I would like to get into your school activities and football accomplishments but first we have to pay some bills. As soon as we were off the air I went into the audience and shook hands and chatted. When I heard we are back in 15 I hurried to my seat. When we were back Charlie said Mike, 3 years ago no one had heard of your school athletically now you guys are a powerhouse in 2 sports, how did that happen? Well Charlie it could be a once in a generation class. I hope that while we were very good and work very hard we established a program that will last. We had 6 D1 recruits in our class and that will be hard to replace but there are good players remaining and they will have a Sophomore QB who will eventually play on Sunday. But for me, I have moved on and am focused on VT and starting as an outside linebacker next year. Mike, you personally achieved a lot of recognition. 2 time district football player of the year and this year state defensive player of the year. Charlie, that was accomplished with a lot of help from teammates. But when I show up at Blacksburg in a few months I will be one of many who are state champs and big time athletes. But by then those trophies back at school will have dust on them and in a few years very few of us who earned those trophies will be remembered. In high school I played football and worked hard on the academics. Then there were the buildings and in looking back I should have graduated in January. Mike, we want to get into what will soon be the 4 buildings but before that can we please discuss you little know academic achievements. Football wise you are both a high school All American and an Academic All American. What else will you share? Well I am first in my class and have to give a talk at graduation. I tested out of every math class at school, I am taking computer science classes remotely at CMU and will walk on campus at VT as a sophomore. Joan asked, you did all that and the buildings as well? I smiled and said. yes.
There was a short break to deal with the opening of the stock market and a weather update and as a nod to me the reporter said it would be a pretend Spring day in Western Pennsylvania. Then a commercial and I went back to the audience and shook hands. Diane took over and asked Mike, which of the buildings are the most important to you? Diane, the two to be built. Mike, why is that? Well the original building achieved their purpose. Better environment for our employs and a tribute to the past of our region. Then an interior unequaled anywhere with bnew innovation furniture and a team environment. Mike, what about the award? Diane, that was icing on the cake but that's all. It meant more to the architects. So Mike, they don't mean anything to you? Diane, I didn't say that, I said they served their purpose. I am excited about the restaurant and marina, as it will make the place more alive.
Then Diane asked Mike, witch of the new buildings are more important to you? Diane, neither they are different the big building with new construction items and solar panels will be 90% off the electric grid and in 50 years the manufacturing building won't be a rusted eyesore. I'm hoping in 8 years, at the turn of the century all 4 buildings will be relics of the past and new buildings will be constructed with new materials and environmentally friendly. Mike I have one last question. Why was the announcement limited to local media and print media only? Well Diane, local media and at that time so that it wouldn't make the evening news. No video because we wanted everyone to have the same information. Oh, I had a dinner date and didn't want a ton of people ruining dinner. Everyone laughed at that.
Then Joan said Mike, one thing my people did come up with is your unusual relationship with the media would care to elaborate on that? Joan, I expect them to be prepared, ask interesting and intelligent questions and understand that if the question is asked in a way that requires a single word answer it gets answered that way. Please note that the correct answer to your question could have been a yes or no. My new friends in the audience laughed out loud and applauded.
Then I said that if we had time I would like another question from the audience. All of a sudden a young guy yelled Mike, what did you think of New York? Wow, that's a great question, I got out of the jet and thought I was in Oz. Doors were opened for me, I Was Mr. Simmons, someone got me coffee. It took me a while to adjust but I plan to wonder around Times Square for a couple of hours and see the real New York. In my wold, I drive my own car, open my own doors and fetch my own coffee. Then someone else asked Mike what do you drive? I said a Jeep Wrangler and a Mustang convertible. Then Charlie said Mike, thanks for making the trip. I smiled and said it was fun. With that I went to the audience and answered more questions until I was told that I needed to end things. I shrugged and waved to the audience and went to my dressing room.
When I opened the door Diane was sitting on the small sofa and I asked Diane, did you get what you wanted as this was more than a little inconvenient. She smiled and said no but you very nicely telling Joan off was worth it. You see Mike, I was hoping you would be a little off balance and let some of yourself sneak out, I'll keep trying. I laughed and said, stop wasting your time. Jacob walked me out and asked when will you need Ray for the ride back? I said 1:30 would be great and I was told he would be in front of the building. We shook hands and I went exploring in Times Square.
The first thing I did was call Vapor and told him I was eating lunch and would be heading back at 1:30. I ordered them a ride back but he said they were good and it would be wheels up at 2:30. I said fine but I'm flying. He laughed and said not till we are out of New York air space. I wasn't fighting so I agreed. It was a nice day and I walked around really feeling like I was in Oz. There were co many people and I doubted any of them were New Yorkers. I found a deli and ordered a Pastrami and Corned Beef sandwich and a Pepsi. Once the sandwich was ready I selected a seat by the window and took in the sites. I was surprised some people recognized me and I even signed a couple of autographs. Finally I headed to the building and Ray and the Limo were waiting. The trip back took 35 minutes and I thanked Ray and helped with the Pre-check. As planned we were in the air right around 2:30. Sitting in the left seat I reviewed the IFR and took over as soon as we were out of New York. I would just follow the flight plan and not makes waves. We were back home before 4:30 and I thanked the guys and drove home, completely exhausted.
Thanks for reading and for the notes.
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