Now I just needed everyone else to say yes.
I texted Casey.
Me:can you talk? have a business proposal for you.
Casey:Give me 10 min.
When he called back, I didn’t waste time. “How would you feel about becoming a real partner at Catalyst? Fifteen percent equity stake, full partnership in ownership and decision-making.”
“You’re serious.”
I walked him through the structure. Partnership loans, Oliver’s seller financing, his own investment of about two and a half million. He listened quietly, asking sharp questions about the financing and timeline.
“I’m in.” His voice was firm, decided. “Whatever you need from me to make this work, I’m in.”
I grinned. “I’ll send you the full proposal, John’s contact info for financing options.”
“Does this change anything day-to-day?”
“Not immediately. You’re already running creative. This just formalizes partner-level leadership with actual equity.” I took adeep breath. “There is one other thing.”
“Shoot.”
“Jason. I know he’s been inconsistent in the past, but the way he handled the security audit, I’m willing to bring him on full-time if you’re good with it.”
“The Jason who showed up for that investigation? Hell yes. He earned it. Make the offer.”
“Thanks. For sticking with me through all of this.”
“No place I’d rather be, Alex. You know that.”
We hung up. Two major pieces in place, the structure becoming more real with every conversation.
Casey was in. Oliver was in.
Now for the woman who’d kept me running so I could run everything else.
I pulled up Tabitha’s number. She’d been with me nearly from the beginning, had given up the career she thought she wanted to stick with me. She’d basically been running operations for years with an “Executive Assistant” title. This conversation felt personal.
I hit call.
“Hey boss, what’s up?”
“Tabitha, I need to talk to you about something important. Do you have time?”
“Always. What’s going on?”
“I figured out how to restructure Catalyst.” I pulled up her proposal document. “I want you as one of the partners. Chief Operating Partner. Twelve percent equity stake, formal recognition that you’ve been co-running this company for years.”
“Say that again?”
“Chief Operating Partner. Twelve percent equity stake. You’re essential to how Catalyst runs.”
“Are you insane?”
“Well, yes,” I huffed, “but you’ve known that for years andyou’re still here with me, so that probably makes you insane too.”
“Alex—”
