Free Daring Confessions (Bend To My Will #10) by Emily Jane Trent Page A

management.
    Zack, Grayson, and Trace sat around the table, notepads handy and phones off. “I called this meeting to go over a new development, because I think there is the possibility that it will affect business,” Jacob said. He proceeded to fill them in, then asked for Grayson’s assurance that the state regulations would be followed to the letter.
    “And you, Zack, I’d like your input. What do you see in all of this?”
    His president drummed his fingers on the table. “I don’t like it. The state regulatory system is unfair, and it puts us at a disadvantage.” He furrowed his brow. “I’m thinking we need to join forces with the other importers—a show of strength, so to speak.”
    “I agree,” Jacob said. “And here are some of my initial thoughts. The chairman is spearheading a crackdown on interstate retailer shipping, as well as scouting for other offenses. Since it’s illegal for a New York resident to order wine directly from an out-of-state retailer, he patrols that.”
    Jacob had their attention. “But New York retailers may legally sell wine to customers in other states that allow such sales.”
    Trace joined in. “Yet many states have liquor control boards that forbid or restrict retailers from offering any wine, except for what the state brings in. It’s a pain for the consumer.”
    Jacob had an idea that he thought might actually work. “That brings me to a way to use all of that to our advantage, as well as to assist our allies in the industry.”
    “What do you have in mind?” Trace said.
    The strategy had already worked in Vivienne’s perfume business. Selling online had become a bigger deal, and he’d seen the expansion that could result from it. Now that Jacob’s staff was involved in managing Vee’s Scents, it was clear what a huge market there was for online purchases.
    “Buying wine online has become a huge industry,” Jacob said. “While several states do not allow direct shipping, many do. Selling over the internet has the potential of providing the consumer with greater access to wines at lower prices.”
    “I can envision Rinaldi setting up wholesale purchasing online. I could oversee the technology aspects, set up the website structure, and run the back office stuff,” Trace said.
    “That’s one of the reasons I wanted you at this meeting,” Jacob said. “To embark on a venture driven by technology on such a large scale, I’d have to open up a new division. I’d need you to supervise that.”
    Trace nodded. “Sure, I’m up for it.”
    “This is very timely,” Jacob said. “Actually, I’ve been looking into the industry statistics on all of this. There is a growing trend for independent importers to create their own online merchant sites to sell direct to customers.”
    Jacob looked at Zach. “For an importer like us, such an operation requires several sub-licenses that pay taxes for every step of the process, from obtaining wine from the grape growers, importing the product, selling, and the eventual shipment to the customer or retailer.”
    Zach made notes. “I can handle that.”
    “The upside is that our overall costs and margins will be lower, a savings we can pass along to the end consumer. That means lower retail prices,” Jacob said. “I have a hunch this is going to be very popular.”
    “And how does that work against Kenyon?”
    “Good question, Grayson. I was getting to that,” Jacob said. “While Kenyon is busy making enemies of the other importers, we’ll be making friends. I’d like to create an alliance, a group that supports these efforts. As long as Kenyon is calling the shots at Williamson, we’re forced to cut them out of the action.”
    “That makes sense,” Grayson said.
    “And to kick things off, I’ll set up a meeting with the other importers in the city. Once I fill them in on the advantages, I’m sure we’ll have their support.” Jacob could tell his staff liked the idea.
    “So instead of cowering because