Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
Zane had always been a great observer of people, reading them well.
He now watched the subtle differences crop up in Kylie, turning her from someone he had enjoyed having a conversation with to a professional.
She stood with more confidence and looked him in the eye as she opened her laptop and faced it toward him.
“I know that some people are audio learners and others visual. I’m a combination of both of those styles of learning. I wanted you to be able to see—as well as hear—what I have to discuss with you today.”
His eyes fell to the screen in front of him, and he saw it was a PowerPoint presentation. Zane appreciated the effort because he did retain visual images more than information he heard.
“Feel free to stop me at any point if you have questions,” she continued. “I would just ask that you let me finish my sentence or train of thought before you do so.”
“I can do that,” he said agreeably.
After that, Kylie launched into a flawless presentation, one which was obviously well researched and rehearsed.
“While the single ferry owned by Mayfield Charters is in decent shape, we have had to increase the number of runs to The Island, first with construction crews and now with personnel staffing the resort. You saw this morning how crowded the ferry was, packed with employees. The run following it is usually even more full. In order to get Tidewater staff to their jobs, a third and possibly fourth trip will need to be scheduled. Tidewater might wish to work out a system, deciding which employees ride at an assigned time. It could be in a rotating fashion, or you could stagger times they reported by department.”
She paused and then said, “It’s obvious a second ferry is needed, especially with the Mayfield family’s commitment in running a ferry to Renner Beach per their agreement with the City of Driftwood Bay, three times a day, not to mention transporting guests of the resort to Tidewater itself.”
“We do have an alternate means of transportation,” Zane pointed out. “We’re providing a helicopter service directly from the airport in Corpus Christi. That is going to appeal to the caliber of guest we draw to Tidewater.”
“Having that alternate choice sounds desirable, and I believe it will be the choice of a handful of your guests. Thankfully, based upon airline schedules, most of your guests come in after employees have been ferried to Tidewater each morning, giving more space for vacationers on the ferry.” She paused.
“I don’t believe as many will ride these helicopters as you plan. ”
Kylie went on to detail the size of the two Wagner helicopters which would be available, and he shook his head, agreeing with her that they were limited in size and the amount of luggage they could carry.
More people would definitely take advantage of the ferry instead of waiting an hour or more for a helicopter to return.
If the Corpus airport had more to do—boutique shopping or upscale restaurants to dine in while waiting—it would be a different matter.
Guests staying at Wagner properties were too spoiled to opt to wait.
“While you have designated two large SUVs to bring people to Driftwood Bay from the airport, I think it would be wise for Wagner Enterprises to look into purchasing and providing a luxury coach transportation service to and from the Bay. You would have far more seating, not to mention ample room for luggage. The type of client you are attracting to Tidewater expects luxury, not being piled into an SUV. These coaches should be equipped with plush seats, plenty of leg room, charging stations for electronics, and more. Why, you could even have attendants on board to provide snacks and a signature drink associated with the resort.”
She paused, letting that information set in before adding, “Another thing Wagner Enterprises should address is the area at the pier where your guests will board their ferry. At the very least, accommodations should be made for seating, as well as building an overhead structure. It would protect guests from the heat of the sun and occasional rain shower. You don’t want them arriving at Tidewater overheated or soaked. ”
Zane was impressed by both Kylie’s ideas and thoroughness. “You make great points. I’ll look into city permits and contact our construction manager. Sullivan, too, should be brought in on this.”
“As I’ve stated, one ferry is not going to be enough. If you’ll focus on the next few slides as I speak, you’ll see the type of ferry and the size needed to successfully and efficiently transport guests from the Bay to Tidewater.”
He studied each slide as she spoke. A few illustrated changes which could be made to acquire more seating on the current ferry. Kylie also had pictures of ferries which should be purchased, as well.
“Mayfield Charters does not have the capital to purchase one, much less two, new ferries. We are, however, happy to enter an agreement with your corporation to operate any ferries they purchase.”
“Where the hell do you even buy a ferry?” he growled, seeing how ill-prepared they truly were regarding transportation to the resort. It should have been something he picked up on, and Zane was angry at himself for not having thought of it, leaving so much to the last minute.
“There are a limited number of places where you can purchase ferries or even have one built to particular specifications. In the last seventy-five years, shipbuilding has significantly declined in the US. Many of the shipyards are located far from here. Maine. Virginia. Wisconsin. Washington state. A handful which suits your purposes are in the Florida Panhandle. One in Alabama and one in Louisiana. Even then, Navy and Coast Guard vessels are their bread and butter and get the majority of their focus.”
“What do you recommend?” he asked, trying to keep desperation from his tone.
“I think your best bet is to buy one which is available at the Mobile shipyard. Today. And request it be immediately sailed to the Bay upon completion. I would also commission one of the same size. Both need to be double-sided, meaning their bow and sterns are interchangeable, so no turnaround is necessary. I have found one for lease in Louisiana. Same advice. Jump on it today to lock in the deal and get it here as soon as possible.”
Kylie then walked through a sample agreement between Wagner Enterprises and Mayfield Charters, in which Wagner would provide the physical vessels and Mayfield would contribute employees to run the ferries seven days a week.
“Driftwood Bay has been a sleepy, Texas coastal town until now. We do have our fair share of tourists, and many businesses live for high season each year. With our temperate weather, however, Tidewater will most likely have a steady influx of guests year-round.”
Kylie paused, her gaze pinning his. “If you want your resort to be popular and profitable, you’ll address these transportation issues immediately.
It’s too big a job for Danny and a single ferry to handle.
We’ll need to hire additional, trained ferry operators, and those don’t come cheap, especially having to work seven days a week.
The contract I propose would more than compensate a decent salary for a good number of additional staff.
We’ve been able to get by with Danny—me helping out on occasion—but these ferries really need two operators, especially since I’m recommending larger ones which seat more people.
One employee needs to pilot the vessel, while another needs to push off and secure the ferry to the dock upon arrival for safety reasons, as well as monitor passengers throughout the trip.
Mayfield Charters will still be family owned and operated, but we will most certainly grow our labor force—if you are amenable to my suggestions. ”
She pulled a hard copy of the legal agreement from her briefcase and handed it to him.
“This full contract was drawn up by Price McMahon, our attorney. It would have Wagner Enterprises hiring Mayfield Charters to run all ferries, including the one owned by my family, as well as additional ones you rent and possibly purchase in the future. I have all contact information ready if you wish to speak to the shipyards which have a vessel for rent and the one I recommend built for you, but you need to take action today. Even losing a single day as the countdown to opening Tidewater grows closer could put Wagner Enterprises in a bind.”
“Give me a few minutes to read this,” he told her.
Kylie excused herself and left the room.
Zane read through the contract, seeing it was well-worded and thorough.
It drew clear lines as to duties and responsibilities for each party.
He would need to meet with the Mayfields’ attorney today, as well as contact these shipyards.
Zane would also need to discuss these issues with his dad.
While he had full authority and would definitely move ahead with everything Kylie suggested, Zane always kept his father in the loop.
Already, he could imagine his father’s disappointment in this piece of the puzzle being so neglected.
Zane had never dropped the ball like this before.
He promised himself he never would again.
Still, it wasn’t too late to salvage things, especially if he rapidly acted on Kylie’s solid advice.
In fact, the knowledge she had brought to the table could actually save not only the resorts opening but its reputation.
First impressions were everything in the hospitality world, and he wasn’t ready to have Tidewater crucified on social media for their lack of forethought regarding transportation.
Kylie returned, bearing two bottles of water. “I thought you might have finished your diet limeade, so I brought reinforcements.”
“Thank you. Have a seat,” he said, and she did so.