The man behind the table tapped the sign and slid a simple card across the cloth.
No QR code. No slogan. Only the firm’s name and a line handwritten at the bottom: Entertain to Retain. Evan read it again and slipped it into his folder, unsure why those words carried weight.
“You a people person?” the man asked.
“Sometimes. Sure.”
“This business is all about people.”
“And entertaining them,” Evan said.
“Parents? Girlfriend? Wife? Siblings?”
“I’m not pitching my family and friends. I’m looking to start with an established firm.”
The man made a few short notes. “Most are. This is a better option.”
“Better how?” Evan asked.
“First, there’s the fee structure. I’m sure you’ve noticed it’s better than what you’ll find for most new hires. Then there is the matching portfolio feature.”
“Matching portfolio?”
“Do well, and you get your own assets to manage. Grow this one client’s wealth, and he’ll match it, one-to-one.”
“So his assets become mine?”
“No. But all the wealth you bring in for him is mirrored in yours.”
“And only one client?”
“Yes. And he’s the easiest, most laid-back investor you’ll ever find. It’s a good bet you’ll never see or hear from him.”
“A recluse.”
“Something like that. But he will expect a solid return. If you’re not a self-starter, someone who can work without supervision, this might not be for you. I’m happy to give you a shot.”
“But you don’t know anything about me.”
The man studied Evan. “Honest face. Skeptic. Protective of family and friends. My guess is you’re not swayed by false promises and hype. You’ll need a place to work.”
He reached under the table and set a key on the cloth. “It’s over a laundromat on Hill Street. Rent free. Water and power are covered. Desk is already in place. Phone too. You start from zero with no burden on your back.”
Evan picked up the narrow brass key with a short tag that read Office 2B. “So I’m managing investments and wealth from a laundromat?”
“Ironic, isn’t it?”
No response.
“Cash cleaned fast?”
Still nothing.
“I’ve been warned to avoid jokes,” the man said, “but I never listen. You bring in new assets. And tend the tips he sends your way. Only thing you have to do is grow his portfolio.”
“And I start… when? After graduation?”
“Whenever you want. The sooner, the faster you’ll be on your way to earning bonuses and other perks. No risk is too small to consider. Big. Small. Flashy. Overlooked. Keep your eyes sharp for opportunities.”
“Entertain to retain…”
“Because this is a people business. You’ll be doing a lot of hobnobbing, so dress casual. Jeans and sneakers work best. And learn names. The client is big on knowing the names of what he’s invested in.”
The man stood, gathered the items on the table, and dropped them into a paper bag. “Welcome to the team, Evan.”
“If you have not been faithful in that which belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?”–Jesus (Luke 16:12)
Jesus wants His Father’s house full.
He commands us to go and invite all we can. He calls us to step into the fields and stand ready. He tells us to follow Him and draw people to Jesus. We are to seek the lost and bring in those who stand far off. Call them. Teach them. Feed them. Care for those He sends to us. He came to seek and to save the lost, and this is our charge as well. He came so they may have life. He does not cast out any who come. His Father desires all to be saved. God’s grace has appeared for all. Each day is career fair. This is our work. Go into the world and speak His good news so all creation hears.
(Luke 14:16, 23; John 4:35; Matthew 4:19; Matthew 5:14–16; Matthew 10:6; Matthew 28:19; Mark 6:37; John 21:15–17; John 13:20; Mark 16:15; Luke 19:10; John 10:10; John 10:16; John 6:39; John 6:37; 1 Timothy 2:3–4; Titus 2:11)
