“Why are you doing this? What’s in it for you?”
It was a fair question. And Logan wasn’t sure he had a clear answer, only a sense that lately he’d been missing something. Maybe it was the human element of business—something he’d lost sight of after years of faceless transactions that focused more on dollar signs and deeds than people.
“Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I mean, it’s nottotallyout of the goodness of my heart. If I can’t make it a win-win for both of us, I’ll have to call it off.” He paused to ensure Max understood that this was not a done deal. “But I’m pretty sure I can figure out a way we both make money. And who knows, a few weeks here doing some manual labor might be good for my soul.”
“I guess having you just take a look can’t hurt,” Max said, apparently appeased by Logan’s response. “Help yourself towhatever. There’s no password on the computer. I’ll be around if you need anything.”
“We may have to start with security.” Logan smiled. “What if I were some charlatan trying to rip you off?”
“Then you’d be an idiot, ’cause I got nothin’ to lose,” Max said with a grin. “I probably am too trusting. Hazard of living in a small town. But I’m pretty good at reading people, and you seem trustworthy. Also, I have friends. The kind who don’t ask questions and know tons of places to hide a body.”
“All righty then,” Logan said.
They laughed as Max stood and offered Logan his seat. On his way out, he stopped.
“Hey, Tess’s birthday party is tonight. If you’re gonna be around a while, might as well meet the gang. You wanna come?”
“Oh,” Logan said. “You sure she wouldn’t mind?”
“I’ll text her, but I doubt it. It’s at seven. We can ride together.”
Logan buried himself in data—budget reports, cash flow spreadsheets, profit-and-loss statements, Max and Jenny’s renovation plans—all of which had been done haphazardly. When he got through the latest bank statements, he caught on to the direness of it all.
From what he could tell, Max was using Jenny’s life insurance money to make the mortgage payments. There was no marketing budget. And the income from room rentals barely covered day-to-day expenses, such as paying employees and keeping the lights on.
Once he got a handle on the cash flow—more like cash drizzle—he started on renovation estimates. Work that would need to be done and a ballpark budget for it. Projections on how much they could raise room rental costs. Options he could present toMax depending on whether he wanted to do the bare minimum or really upscale the place. Timeline for updates and how to navigate around them while still renting rooms.
If he committed to this, his number one priority was a marketing plan. It was imperative that they take advantage of the summer season, fill the rooms, and get this thing in the black as soon as possible.
He worked straight through lunch and didn’t notice how hungry he was until Max returned, holding a brown paper bag.
“Well, you’re still here. I guess that’s a good sign.” He handed Logan the sack, which contained a wrapped sandwich, a bag of chips, and a Coke. “Thought you might be getting hungry.”
“Now that you mention it, yeah.” Logan popped the top on the soda and took a long swig. “Your initial plans seem solid. Have you given any thought to upscaling? Make a stay here more luxurious to garner a higher-paying customer.”
Max shrugged. “Summer, late fall, and the Christmas holidays are our big tourist times. That might work for those seasons, but I gotta think about filling the place in the off-season too. And that’s more hunters, campers, people visiting family in town, or just passing through. Don’t know if they’d necessarily be looking for a high-end stay.”
“Good point. It is kind of niche. Okay. Do you have a contractor in mind? And if so, how experienced is he or she?”
“There’s a guy most of us use—Lyle, but he’s doing a big project in Meredith this month. That’s the next town over.”
“What about workers?”
“Lyle has his own crew, and I’m sure they’re with him. Might be able to find some stragglers. Jenny and I thought we’d do a lot of it ourselves. You know, like a labor of love.”
“Hmm. Sounds nice,” Logan said. “But I’m a little more into efficiency. Get stuff done and start making money.”
“I’m with you on that,” Max agreed. “I don’t have the luxury of taking my time anymore. Either we turn this ship around, or I’ll have to put it on the market.”
“All right, well, here’s what I’m thinking.” While he ate, Logan ran through his ideas and first-glance proposal. From starting marketing right away to him being the initial contractor. Logan would front the money, and they’d draft an agreement for payback. Once he recouped his investment, he’d take a ten percent stake in the business.
At first, Max looked shell-shocked, but he was smart and understood that Logan was offering him a chance, perhaps his only one, to save this place. It didn’t take him long to jump on board.
“Let’s do it.” Max thrust out a hand. Logan shook it, wondering if this was Max’s way of signing a legal document. Just in case, Logan clarified.
“I’ll hammer out the details and have my attorney draw up an official agreement. Once you have yours look it over and agree to the terms, we’ll be in business.”
“You’re a lifesaver,” Max said. “Really. I’m approaching my wits’ end with this place. I appreciate the assist.”
