Posted by Paul Woodhouse at June 1st, 2006
Not so long ago we were contacted about the possibility of fabricating some products for an autopsy equipment supplies outfit based in Manchester but currently obtaining their products from Italy. It transpired, after a little telephone call, that their main man in Manchester, Paulo, would pop round to see John one Thursday.
We’re always a bit ashamed of the way Butler Sheetmetal looks to the untrained eye. But, at least untidy means we’re busy. Anyway, aforementioned Thursday arrives and in pops a terribly well-clad gentleman with designer shades perched behind the beginning of his hairline with a distinct swagger that only well-dressed Italian businessmen or John with a bag of spanners in his pocket can pull off.
With a couple of kinked, outstretched arms as perfected by Robert DeNiro, Paulo managed to ingratiate himself with an enthusiastic series of yelps along the lines of “Johnnie”. This had obviously rubbed off on John as he attempted to return the greeting by putting on some lame Italian accent and shouting “Paulio” at the top of his lungs.
Fortunately, John’s slight faux pas hadn’t dented Anglo-Italian relations in the slightest as they got down to more mindless jibber jabber leading to the most obvious of Italian stereotypes - the mafia. The next thing you know they’re both doing routines from The Godfather as it’s both John and Paulo’s favourite film.
After twenty minutes of sleeping with the fishes and mention of Paulo’s Sicilian connections, talk finally got round to business and whether we could quote them a job for the following Wednesday. Paulo’s approach had paid dividends as John replied: “If you want it Wednesday, Paulo, you can have it Monday.” (I’ve no idea as to the level of nervous laughter.)
After a bit more verbal back-slapping, it got round to the business of goodbyes with John apologising for the state of the workshop but Paulo saying that it was ok as at least he knew they weren’t having to pay for a big fancy foyer. By this time John was really warming to the guy. As a parting shot John gave Paulo a sample planter to give him some idea of the stainless steel work we do without recourse to pictures and he seemed very impressed.
And did we get the job?
Indeed we did.
Although, I really hope I haven’t said anything out of place as being ‘dooced‘ is one thing, but blogging wearing concrete wellies is another entirely.
