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Logan had built this company from scratch, and it would take a tsunami to move him. Doug attempting to paint him as incompetent was almost laughable.
“Good speech, Doug,” Logan said. “I’m going to assume you read the board report and are having some trouble analyzing the figures.”
Someone sniggered.
Doug’s mouth parted to respond, but Logan continued.
“Let’s assume you haven’t. You’ll see in the competitor commentary section, we share how there have been three new players enter the U.S. market in the past twelve months.”
Heads nodded.
Doug flicked through his papers, his eyes darting between the pages and the screen.
“Two of them, big European players. Therefore—and I’ll do the simple math for you—market share has been lost to everyone,” Logan said dryly. “Do we need to diversify our product range? Possibly. But that’s not our strategy. Our product offering and brand has always been about driving the classics hard. Dufort Liquor is still the number one distributor in the U.S. By sticking with what we know, we can ride out this change.”
“We should be reviewing the strategy. Reaching new young consumers,” Doug said.
“I disagree,” Logan replied firmly.
Doug’s argument was weak, and it was clear the man was trying to create a job for himself. “Do you really believe you’re the right person to make that call?”
Logan let out a laugh before he could stop himself. “Iamthe right person for the job.”
On screen, a few heads shook at the audacity of Doug’s question, but there were still a few concerned faces, and Logan took note of who they were.
“You can’t deny your history makes this board nervous. Perhaps it’s time, Logan, to step aside and let someone with fresh ideas take the lead. Of course, I’ll be completely transparent here and admit I’m putting myself up as a nominee.”
Wow.
Did Doug really think the board would jump ship and back him because of a few unfounded criticisms? Still, Logan knew enough about business to know it did rock the boat. But it was his job to contain the storm.
“Are you calling for me to step down?” Logan challenged back.
Doug went quiet for a moment, then said, “I think it should be considered at our next meeting, yes.”
“This is unacceptable.” Laura shook her head.
“I’m afraid I agree with Doug. We should at least review performance. As the founder, we don’t do it. If you were hired as CEO, we would,” Terry said, “I’m sorry, Logan.”
“Except that isn’t an option, as it’s not in his contract,” Roger, the lawyer, said. “So, if the board isn’t happy, then the only option is to vote on it next month.”
Jesus fucking Christ.
Vote to have him removed, in other words.
Logan was not about to let that happen and see his company land in the hands of an inexperienced mouthy fucker like Doug.
“Think very carefully about what you’re about to do,” Logan growled, leaning forward. “Loud opinions are not fact, and very rarely are they followed with success.”
Doug let out a quiet scoff.
There were more comments flying around, but Logan had had enough.
“My door is open for anyone who wants to talk over the next few weeks; otherwise, I will see you all next month. Oh, and read your damn reports. We all know you skim them.”
Logan ended the call and let out a curse.
Fuck.
