Reviving the Vision

The sun was shining brightly in this morning with a golden warm light over the city as Leo entered ROWON Enterprises, into the gleaming glass building, with his usual assured stride. He nodded to greet the receptionist and proceeded to the elevator with thoughts already coursing in his mind of the job he had to accomplish today. As he entered the office, he noticed Chris was not yet there. Leo smiled to himself, knowing that Chris was about to show up and they would have to sit through their morning routine as if nothing whatsoever had happened between them the night before.

Chris came a moment later, his expression peaceful but focused. He walked into the office, his eyes sweeping the room before finally landing on Leo. They exchanged a brief, professional nod, their unofficial rule of not mixing their work and personal lives solidly intact. The other staff members began to arrive, and the conference room buzzed with the accustomed sound of movement.

The morning gathering began with progress reports on projects. Sophie, being the dutiful planner she is, got underway first. "We have been monitoring trends in the market, and I discovered something fascinating," she said, calling up a notice on the screen. "DEDIS Hotels posted an announcement of market competition. They are seeking a new, non-existent as yet, food or drink recipe type product. They will award winners a contract to supply their hotels with it around the world."

Chris leaned in, interested. "A global contract with DEDIS Hotels? That's huge. But…" He frowned, his forehead creasing. "We suspended operations on the production of foods and beverages. My dad shut it down due to pressure from the shareholders. It was eating too much in terms of how much we spent to invest and we reduced on our current lines of products."

Mark joined in, his voice reflective. "Yes, but perhaps this is the time to reopen that part of the business. We could make an offer to reopen the product invention room. It's an opportunity to create something new and expand our market base."

Emily, ever the voice of reason, added, "It won't be simple. The shareholders voted against it in the first place, and your father couldn't convince them to continue. They'll need a lot of convincing to invest in something that previously failed.".

Chris leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "I can see the potential, but it is a gamble. We would need to show that this will be different. I'd appreciate a little time to think on this.".

The conversation continued to touch on other projects, but the idea of the DEDIS Hotels competition was left in the air. When the meeting adjourned, Chris returned to his office, his mind racing with possibilities and issues. He stood before the window, looking out over the cityscape, his mind a whirlwind of planning and doubt.

A soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. Ryan stepped inside, his usual calm demeanor in place. "You're thinking about the DEDIS competition, aren't you?" he asked, closing the door behind him.

Chris nodded, his arms crossed over his chest. "It's a huge opportunity, but it's also a massive risk. Reopening the food and beverage invention chamber… my father couldn't make it work. How can I?"

Ryan leaned in, eyes resolute. "You're not your old man, Chris. You're not Daniel Rowon. You have your vision, your aesthetic. Maybe now is the time to do something different."

Chris shook his head, his own face divided. "It can't be as simple as that. The investors won't just give the cash for something already written off on their books."

Ryan tilted his head, his eyes locking with Chris's. "Maybe not, but you'll never know unless you try. And if you're going to try, you need to look at the people who would be bringing this into being—the employees in our factory. They're the ones who will bring your dream into being. Maybe you should talk to them, hear what they have to say.".

Chris gazed at Ryan for a moment, the gravity of his words sinking in. He sighed and rubbed his hair with his hand. "You're right. I have to get word from them. But it's still a long shot."

Ryan gave him a small, comforting smile. "Sometimes the longest shots are the ones to take." He turned to leave but paused in the doorway, glancing back over his shoulder at Chris. "Think it over. And if you do decide to go for it, let me know. I'll be supporting you."

Chris smiled, a weak smile tracing his lips. "Thanks, Ryan."

As Ryan left the office, Chris sat down in his chair at his desk, still pondering. He recognized the risk, but he could not ignore the potential gain. The idea of opening up the invention chamber once more, creating something new and innovative, was a tempting prospect. But he required more than his own subjective opinion—he needed the approval of his team, his employees, and ultimately the shareholders.

Chris spent the afternoon going through old reports related to ROWON's earlier ventures in the food and beverage market. His dad had tried it, but perhaps the approach hadn't been as revolutionary as it could have been, or perhaps the time had just not yet come. He made notes as he went through past reports, attempting to understand what had gone wrong and how it could be done differently.

Later in the evening, he met with Leo in the break room. "You've been deep in thought all day," Leo commented, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

Chris chuckled, shaking his head. "Just trying to figure out if reviving this division is worth the risk."

Leo took a sip of his coffee and leaned back against the counter. "If it's possible, you can do it. You don't think the way your father thought. Maybe the shareholders need to see that you have a new approach—something they can't ignore."

Chris nodded, exhaling. "That's what I have to work on. A good proposal, backed up with research and a clear plan for how it would be implemented."

Leo smiled. "And maybe some convincing."

The next day, the team gathered once more for their morning meeting. Chris sat at the head of the table, his expression determined. "Ryan," he announced in a commanding tone, "inform the head of our manufacturing division that I'll be visiting the factory today. I want to see the operations and speak with the employees.".

His face erupted in a grin, a glint of pride in his eye. "It's done," he said, standing up and exiting the room to make the call.

As the session continued, Chris felt a renewed sense of purpose. The future remained uncertain, but for the first time in a while, he felt that he was holding onto his own fate.

The DEDIS Hotels challenge was formidable, but it was also an opportunity—an opportunity that would change the direction of ROWON Enterprises' future.

End of Chapter 14