Chapter One - A New Journey

I spoke to my Manager Alan at ACE, and he felt bad for what the big shots did to me (and everyone else) with the bonus. I told him that I wanted to pursue a job with New Strategies upstairs, and that I would like his support. I asked him if I could work my collections portfolio part time in January 1998, and then work for New Strategies also. He said he would do what he could do, and he did.

I took a long break that sunny day in Phoenix in January 1998. I took the elevator upstairs to New Strategies and filled out an application. Two young beautiful girls were at the reception, Tylene and Teisha. They welcomed me with smiles, and gave me a clipboard and pen to fill out. Behind their reception counter were multiple clocks showing the various time clocks of the world. All of this made a good impression upon me.

After a brief wait, Tim Wilson introduced himself to me. He took a Polaroid head shot so that he could remember me. They would often hire 20 plus people at one time, so this helped him keep us all straight. After a very positive short conversation, he handed me a business card with a phone number on it. He said to call it that night after 7pm. He said there would be a recording with all the new hire names. He wished me good luck, and showed me to the lobby.

The rest of the day went by slowly with a lot of anticipation and a bit of anxiety. 7pm rolled around. I called. I won! Yeah baby! I am off to the show I thought. I felt just like I had won the lottery. You see, Steve Graham had told me of the riches to be made at New Strategies. It was hard to comprehend, but something deep inside me told me to just do it! And I did. Boy... did I!!!