I try to live life with the belief that everything happens for a reason, whether it's good or bad, and that the purpose of those events are designed to make you a better person. In my life, I've been handed a LOT of shitty lemons, but some of them made some damn good lemonade. My previous employer was one of these lemons.
I work in the home construction industry. Anybody in this business will tell you that it's a good 'ol boy, you scratch my back and I'll scratch your's industry. Some people will do business with you solely based upon hearing about your reputation, while others will do it because they heard good things about you. Unfortunately, there are some people in this business who will try to ruin your name if given the chance. In a nutshell, I was let go after being told that I pissed off a couple of customers that I thought I had a good relationship with.
So, I'm on the phone today with my friend Eric, a former co-worker/manager that I used to work with at my previous employer. He's a genuinely good person and he and I have become friends over the last year or so. In fact, after I was let go with my previous employer, he straight up offered me a job and said that it was a standing offer if I didn't find anything that I was interested in. Not many people will do that for you, especially when they have the power to do so.
Eric and I are just playing catch up and he's asking how the new job is going. I told him that I'm finally enjoying what I do and he tells me that he's happy for me. We talk about family and trade some leads and then he drops the bomb on me...
He had paid a visit to a customer that we both did business with - him currently and me with my present position. I asked him how the customer was doing and if my name came up. "As a matter of fact, it did." he says.
"Really, what was said?"
"I flat out asked them their side of what had happened with you." he replied.
I admire and respect Eric's honesty and personality - he says it like it is and doesn't beat around the bush. He'll always give you a straight answer whether you want to hear it or not. He was also a great friend to me when I felt like the world had caved in around me. He is also a great manager and does what is good and ethical in business - a rare person to find in a post-Enron world.
Eric tells me that my former boss/GM, Sam, had called over to this customer and asked for some "dirt" on me!!! The superintendent said that he didn't really have any problems and that he wasn't going to talk shit, while the purchasing manager chose to say nothing!!! However, Sam, tells me that the customer told him to get rid of me or they would take their business elsewhere. To top it off, after I'm gone, this customer presents Sam with an outstanding customer service award!!!
Needless to say, I'm pissed off to find this out. I'm pissed at Sam for being a fucking two faced, lying coward and going on a witch hunt and using a bullshit reason to get rid of me. I busted my ass for that company and made them a shit load of money and for what?!?!?! His letting me go pissed off a lot of vendors and co-workers. Funny thing is, under his management, he's had more turnover in the year he's been there than that whole facility has had in the 4+ years I was employed with them!!!
Now for the silver lining... I happened by my new company and applied on the off chance they may have an opening - any opening. I was hired back in February to start up and begin running an entire millwork operation. Basically, I was asked to take everything I've learned and start a new business from the ground up - sales, order entry, purchasing, warehousing, shipping, receiving, etc. Once things get up to speed, then I get to go out and start selling it or I have the option to manage it. Eric was listed as one of my references and said, "I'll give you the best fucking reference you've ever had!!!" I would've loved to have heard that conversation!!!
In any event, I'm trying not to dwell on what happened and I'm going to try and be the bigger person. However, I'd be lying if I didn't say that I can't wait to start going up against my former employer and take their customers.
Hey Sam - payback's a bitch, mutha-fucker!!!
Unethical/Shady Managers... 
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