The Spark of Innovation

The factory floor of ROWON Enterprises was a huge maze of machines, conveyor belts, and blue-shirted workers. The atmosphere was heavy with the hum of productivity, a din of clinking metal and whirring engines. Chris stood at the doorway, Ryan and Leo flanking him, taking in the sight. It had been years since he had walked through this part of the company. The food and beverage business had been his dad's pet project, but it had been closed down due to lack of funds. Now, Chris was here to revive it.

As he took a few steps deeper inside, the staff began recognizing him. Grumbles scurried across the floor, and in no time, they abandoned whatever they had been doing to gather around. There were anxious whispers everywhere, and everyone was soon focused on Chris. There was curiosity, looks of admiration on their faces, but above all, hope.

"Mr. Rowon," someone called out loudly, bringing him to attention.

Chris glanced up to find Harold, the factory manager, approaching him with a smile. A stout man in his late 50s, Harold had spent decades working for the company.

"Harold," Chris said, shaking his hand firmly.

"Likewise, sir," Harold said. "Your father would have been proud to know you were here."

Before Chris could say anything, Ryan stepped forward, his professional mask taking over. "I think we should move this conversation elsewhere. Everyone, let's go to the small conference room."

The employees nodded and followed Harold. Chris, Ryan, and Leo trailed behind, exchanging glances.

The conference room was small but efficient, meant for working team meetings. The employees came in, some standing because there was not enough seating. Chris breathed in deeply and stepped forward.

Thank you all for having me," Chris began, his voice demanding respect but in a friendly manner. "I know that some of you have been here since the days when my dad was here. I'd like to hear your thoughts—what can I personally do to assist this division to be great again?

The room fell silent for a moment before Maria, a woman in her late 30s with sharp eyes and an assertive posture, appeared.

Sir, Maria went on, coughing discreetly. "Most of us here were appointed by your father as culinary researchers and experts. We were not just factory people; we were contracted to conceptualize and invent new products for ROWON Enterprises. But we only had three product launches under our belt, and our department was shut down, and we were asked to produce only these products.".

A murmur of agreement spread through the room. Chris furrowed his brows, intrigued.

"You're saying," he spoke slowly, "that this division was originally intended for innovation?"

Maria nodded. "Yes, sir. We were hand-picked to bring creativity and uniqueness to ROWON's food and beverage product line. But subsequent to the first three products, all research stopped. We were given quotas to fulfill and nothing more."

Chris turned to Harold. "Is this accurate?

Harold sighed, running a hand through his thinning hair. "Unfortunately, yes. Your father had big dreams for this department, but due to financial constraints and shifting priorities, the board decided to halt all research and development efforts. Since then, we've only been mass-producing the same items."

Chris exhaled sharply, crossing his arms. He glanced at Ryan and Leo, who both shared his look of disbelief.

"That's different now," Chris said. "If my dad started this division to be innovative, then that's what we're going to do."

The room whispered in shock and anticipation. Maria smiled. "You mean you're going back to product development?"

Chris nodded. "Yes. But we are not turning back—we are moving forward. ROWON is not just going to produce food and beverages; we are going to change the industry. We are going to bring something new, something revolutionary to the market."

Harold's face scrunched up into a smile. "That's what your father would have wanted."

Ryan leaned forward. "We need to have a clear plan, Chris. We cannot vow innovation with no direction.".

Chris nodded. "That's why I want all of you," he told the group. "Tell me what you want. What do we need to do differently? What do we need in the way of resources?"

Employee by employee, ideas were shared—sustainable ingredients, organic options, more conscientious packaging, local alliances. Ideas were written down by Chris as he began brainstorming a plan.

Leo finally spoke up, his smirk replaced by something more serious. "Chris, this isn't just about making a new product. This is about making a statement. ROWON has been on the defensive for too long. This is our chance to show the world that we're back and stronger than ever."

Chris nodded, his heart pounding with renewed determination. "Then that's exactly what we'll do."

As the session concluded, the factory workers left the room with renewed purpose. Harold shook Chris's hand firmly before he departed. Maria stayed behind for a moment.

"Thank you, Mr. Rowon," she said. "For letting us be what we were created to be."

Chris smiled. "Thanks, Maria. For reminding me what ROWON stands for.".

In the office, Chris gathered his inner team—Emily, Leo, Ryan, Mark, and Sophie—into an impromptu meeting. He sat at the head of the table, his face resolute.

"Been just returned from the factory," he began. "And let me tell you something: there remains the spark. But we must act fast. The DEDIS Hotels challenge is our moment to demonstrate what we are capable of, but we can't do it without the shareholders' support."

Emily leaned forward. "The shareholders will be skeptical. How do we make them think that it will be different this time?

Chris smiled. "By showing them that ROWON's not just scraping by—c'mon, we're getting better. We're gonna do something creative."

Ryan nodded. "As long as we can show them profitability and sustained profits, they won't be able to refuse."

Leo grinned. "And we'll make sure the competition knows we're serious."

Chris looked at the individuals on the opposite side of the table. "Let's get to work. ROWON's not going away.".

As his followers split away, Chris stood in the conference room, gazing out over the city skyline. The weight of leadership was still on his shoulders, but now he was not fearful. ROWON Enterprises had been primed for a spark, and now it had a flame.

End of Chapter 15