Chapter One Ft. Lauderdale, FloridaCharles (Skip) Horowitz was just finishing one of his marathon Friday afternoon meetings in front of his team of account opening experts. Seventy brokers - including six people from trading, A.J. from compliance, and Matt from lead generation, sat half sleeping as Skip droned on. They wanted to get to the bank, deposit their checks, and have a nice weekend, but that would have to wait for Skip to get off his soap box.  “You know each and every one of you has the potential to earn hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars from this enterprise. I’ve provided you with the tools, skills, and training. That is enough to surpass even your wildest dreams. I came from nothing----even less than nothing. And look where I am now. I’ve businesses across the USA, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and my newest jewel is going to be an office in Key West.” Skip was wearing one of his handmade silk and linen blend suits with a cotton linen blend shirt, silk tie, eighteen carat gold Rolex, Presidential version with a diamond bezel, solid gold pinky ring with three carat VVS diamond, and Bally slip-ons. He hiked his sleeve up to show off his watch. “I’ve got many of these and you can have them, too. I’ve got a Rolls Royce Corniche, a Bentley Turbo sedan, a Contender yacht, and more. You may ask what you need to do to get where I am? Let me tell you this-----all it takes is hard work and dedication.”Some of the brokers stifled yawns while others stole glances at their watches or the clocks on the walls wondering how much longer Skip was going to go on about himself. Those long in his employ knew he loved to hear himself talk and brag. The newcomers would catch on soon enough.  “A.J. and I put this business together over fifteen years ago and did it on a shoe-string budget.” Skip looked in A.J.’s direction and smiled. “Today money is no object, but as we know----it takes money to make money and I’ve invested a bundle in lead generation. Some of you have not fulfilled your obligation toward turning those leads into investors. You are on thin ice. Unless you begin to produce you will be unemployed. I do not mean to sound crass, but this is the harsh reality.” Skip leaned forward and held up a forefinger, shaking it for emphasis. “We are only as good as our last deal. Those of you who are relatively new to our family, know this. We set our expectations high.” Skip pointed at the ceiling. "If you do not have goals you stand little chance of being successful. On average, eighty percent of our investors will lose all of their investment within a twenty four to forty eight hour period of time. Those are just raw statistics. Those that do not lose will recoup some of their investment by being paid thirteen percent on their capital over the twelve month period following their first year of investing with us. Afterward, consider them wiped clean.”

Skip had been on a roll for two hours. He was a handsome, successful, and vain man. Most of his audience had long since tuned him out, but he didn’t care. He loved that he could make them do anything he commanded. He relished the money he made off the losses of his duped investors. He savored the power he had over his employees and the women he had on the side. Skip was beginning to feel invincible.

............more to come!