I announced that I would block the Chicago sale. Marcus would return to work Monday with his twelve years of service fully restored and a written apology from Curtis. I also proposed creating an employee ownership trust so that everyone who had helped build Prescott Fabrication could eventually own a share. Hollis Dunn, the foreman, immediately supported the idea. Others followed until the entire hall was quietly agreeing.
The following winter was difficult, but meaningful changes began. Curtis entered a treatment program in Iowa City and stayed for ninety days. The company remained in Iowa, and lawyers and accountants began preparing the employee ownership trust. Curtis retained sixty-five percent of the business, while I transferred my entire thirty-five percent into the trust. I wanted the workers to benefit from the opportunity Walter had once given me. In May, Marcus was promoted to shop foreman, the youngest in the company’s history. He even bought himself a small blue truck with his first raise.
THE STORY CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE… 👇👇👇
