I do as told and let my eyes wander the room. High ceilings overlook the bar and dance floor, and there’s a set of stairs that leads up to what appears to be a loft. I assume that will be for VIP or private parties. This place is really amazing.
“It’s actually just going to be us today. Crew’s been working to get our liquor license. He submitted his second stack of paperwork yesterday and they called today with questions. He just decided to go down there to see what the issues are. All the more reason we need someone with a business mind to help. He’s out of his element and, frankly, so am I.”
“Licenses and permits are tricky. Each section of the application needs to be completed correctly. Something as simple as not having a box checked can void the application,” I comment.
Zane grins. “See, we need you,” he states matter-of-factly. “So, tell me about your job search so far.”
I explain to him that the company I did my internship with closed their doors after the owner passed away. His children wanted nothing to do with the small printing business, so they sold out. “I was hopeful to get on full time but that didn’t work out,” I tell him. “And no matter how many phone interviews or face-to-face interviews I go on, when they hear that, it’s as if I caused them to sell and they shoot me down. It’s always the same excuse. ‘You have the education but we’re looking for someone with more experience.’” I stop there before I go on a rant about my job search. Yes, I know Zane, but I need to keep this interaction as professional as possible.
“Well, we’re looking for someone to run the behind-the-scenes stuff. Payroll, human resources, deposits, paying bills, those sorts of things. Crew is the owner, but he doesn’t want to be that hands-on. He’s going to be here, so if there was ever an issue he would be available to you as a resource. So will I, although we really have no clue how to even begin with all of that stuff.”
“With this being a club, what would the hours be?” I ask.
“You wouldn’t be expected to be here until closing every night. The ideal situation would be that you’re here at least when the staff arrives in case they have payroll or HR issues that need to be addressed. We plan on opening at five Wednesday through Sunday. When Crew and I talked earlier, we were thinking you could work eight to five with the understanding that some days you would have to alter your schedule or stay late. The staff are all going to report an hour before opening, so that gives them an hour to see you for anything they might need.”
“I don’t mind working into the evening. I have no other responsibilities that would keep me from being devoted to the position.”
“Between now and a few weeks after opening, it will be long hours. It would be nice to have you here for all the training and even later into the shifts once we first open in case any issue were to arise.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
Zane and I spend the next hour talking about the club and what I could do for them. We talk salary, which puts mine at Coffee House to shame, plus benefits.
“So, what is the title, exactly?” I ask.
Zane laughs. “We actually just decided on that before Crew left today. We settled on club administrator. You will be over the staff, just as Crew and I will be. The three of us will hopefully keep this a well-oiled machine. At least that’s the goal. What do you think?”
“Off the record, I think I’m trying really hard not to get my hopes up.” I laugh. “On the record, I feel as though my education and experience, although limited, would be a great asset to Club Titan.”
Zane grins. “I could not have said it better myself. How much notice do you need to give Coffee House?”
Wait, what? “You mean?”
“Yes. Berklee, welcome to Club Titan.”
It takes every single ounce of control that I have not to jump out of my seat and hug him. “Don’t I need to meet Crew first?”
“No. He left this up to me. He trusts me and I trust you. I’ve known you forever, and I honestly think you’re exactly what we were hoping to find.”
I hold my hand out for him to shake. “Thank you, Zane. I promise I won’t let you down.”
He takes my hand and grins. “Now, how much time do you need to give them?”
“I want to give them two weeks. It’s the right thing to do, but I don’t know that they’ll need me to stay that long. We have several people who want more hours. I’ve worked there all through college so I have seniority. Besides, most days I’m off at three, so I can come here after work. It would only be for two weeks, so I can start as soon as you need me to.”
“Tomorrow, then. Be here at four?”
I nod.
“I’ll introduce you to Crew and we can get started on all the employee paperwork. We’ve hired a few in the last two days but we’re starting from scratch. You’re going to have your work cut out for you.”
“I got it,” I tell him confidently. I do. This is what I went to school for.
“All right, be here tomorrow at four with all of those ideas you just rattled off.”
“Thank you, Zane. I won’t let you down.”
With that I turn and make my way back down the hall and out onto the street. I focus on not walking too fast and not screaming and fist pumping into the air in celebration. It’s not until I’m in the car and a block away that I let out a scream of excitement and do a little shimmy in my seat.
Things are looking up.
THREE HOURS LATER, I have my liquor license in hand. Apparently, I forgot to check a few boxes and they were going to deny me. Lucky for me I was able to lay on the charm and the lady was willing to sit down with me to help. We need an administrator yesterday.
Me: Any luck with the admin interview?
Zane: Yeah, I hired her. I think she’ll be perfect for what we’re looking for.
Me: Hell yes! When does she start?
Zane: Tomorrow at four.
Me: Even better. Thanks for taking care of that.
Zane: I got you.
I slip my phone back in my pocket and release a sigh of relief. Maybe now that we have an administrator, this feeling that I’m drowning, that I’ve taken on more than I bargained for, will go away.
My original plan was to head back to the club, but instead I’m going to go home and just relax for the night. Tomorrow starts a new day. Placing my truck in Drive, I try to put it all out of my mind and not worry about anything club related.
When I get home, I throw a frozen pizza in the oven, change into some sweats, grab a beer and turn on ESPN. Nothing like a little preseason football replay to clear the mind. The timer on the oven reminds me that dinner is ready. I don’t bother with a plate, just cut the pizza into quarters and stand at the island to eat it. I have a clear view of the TV and it’s less to clean up. That’s the life of a bachelor.