Page 81 of The Maine Event

He chuckles, shaking his head. “I’ll be honest, I don’t quite understand it myself. Why anyone would choose to eat something pretending to be chicken when they could have the real thing is beyond me. But I’m not blind to the trends.”

I smile, appreciating his candor. “It’s a different mindset, for sure. But the demand is undeniable. With the right strategy, Harcourt Foods could position itself as a leader in this space.”

Harcourt nods, tapping his finger on the desk. “That’s where you come in. I need a comprehensive rebranding plan, a way to introduce these new products without alienating our core customer base. It’s a delicate balance. If I offered you the job to turn this all around, would you accept?”

“Mr. Harcourt, before we go any further, there’s something you should know. I’m no longer with Channing Gabriel.”

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Oh? What happened?”

I feel a knot forming in my stomach, worrying that this revelation could jeopardize the opportunity. “It was my decision. I felt it was time for a change, to pursue new challenges.”

Harcourt studies me for a moment, his expression unreadable. The seconds tick by, and I fight the urge to fidget under his scrutiny.

Finally, he speaks. “Ms. Holmes, I didn’t choose you because of your affiliation with Channing Gabriel. I chose you because of the vision you outlined in the presentation. Whether you’re with them or not is irrelevant to me. So, would you like to head up our rebrand?”

My heart’s racing, but I keep my expression calm.

This is it—the moment I’ve been chasing for the better part of a decade. Not a promotion, not a pat on the back, but real ownership. A blank slate. A legacy brand on the brink, and I’ve been asked to catch it mid-fall and turn the whole damn thing into something new. Something better.

And yet… I hesitate.

Not out of fear. Not exactly. But because I know what this kind of opportunity demands. It won’t just ask for my time or my brain—it will ask for my soul. That’s what it cost me last time. I gave everything I had to CGPR, and when it was over, I was so hollowed out I didn’t even notice I’d lost myself.

But then I think of Chloe. Of Dan. Of the people who are trying to live their lives with meaning and heart and connection. I think of the girl who walked away from a secure job, a corner office, and a very generous commission structure, because she finally understood there had to be more.

I want this. Notdespiteeverything I’ve learned—butbecauseof it.

This isn’t just a step up. It’s a pivot. A declaration. I’m building something new. On my own terms.

I straighten my shoulders, and meet Harcourt’s stare with one of my own.

“I’m in.”

He nods, a hint of a smile on his weathered face. “Good. Now, let’s talk strategy. I want to hear your initial thoughts on how we should approach this.”

I lean forward, my mind already whirring with possibilities. “Well, Mr. Harcourt, I believe the key is to position Harcourt Foods as a forward-thinking, adaptable company that’s in tune with changing consumer preferences. We need to showcase your commitment to offering high-quality, sustainable plant-based options, while still maintaining the integrity of your traditional products.”

Harcourt nods, his eyes alight with interest. “Go on.”

“To do this effectively,” I continue, “I’ll need to build a dedicated marketing and PR team and establish a proper office space. This will allow us to create targeted campaigns, engage with influencers in the plant-based community, and execute a comprehensive rebranding strategy.”

He leans back in his chair, considering my words. “You don’t think you can handle this alone?”

I shake my head, meeting his gaze directly. “Mr. Harcourt, I’m confident in my abilities, but I also recognize the scale of this undertaking. To give Harcourt Foods the attention and resources it deserves, I need a talented team behind me. It’s not just about me; it’s about setting us up for long-term success.”

A slow smile spreads across his face, and he chuckles softly. “I like the way you think, Ms. Holmes. You’re not afraid to ask for what you need. Very well, you have my support. Build your team, find your office. Jody, my PA, will reach out to you regarding the contract and benefits package. Just keep me informed of your progress.”

I feel a rush of gratitude and determination. “Absolutely, Mr. Harcourt. Thank you for this opportunity and your trust. I won’t let you down.”

As we shake hands, I can’t help but marvel at the turn of events. I didn’t think I’d be out of work for long, but a week? Now here I am, embarking on a new chapter with one of the biggest names in the food industry. It’s both thrilling and daunting.

I stride out of his office with my head held high, a newfound spring in my step. The excitement is palpable, coursing through my veins as I make my way towards the elevator. My mind is racing, thinking about the first steps I need to take to get this operation off the ground. Moving my entire life to Maine, assembling a team, finding an office space, developing a strategy—it’s a daunting list, but I feel energized and ready to conquer it all.

As I step into the elevator, I catch my reflection in the polished metal doors. There’s a sparkle in my eye and a hint of a smile tugging at my lips. It’s the look of someone on thebrink of something big, and I can hardly contain the anticipation building inside me.

The elevator begins its descent, and I savor this moment of triumph. It’s not every day that you walk out of a meeting with a game-changing opportunity like this. I know there will be challenges ahead, but right now, all I can focus on is the exhilaration of embarking on this new journey.

The journey back to the hotel is a blur. My mind is already racing with the next steps. I pull out my phone and start jotting down notes, my fingers flying across the screen. There’s so much to do, and I can’t afford to waste a single moment.

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