If you are an independent paint or hardware retailer please click here before reading this week’s blog, thank you.
It’s been more than five-years since I flipped my stores THE bird and abandoned full-time employment. Long enough to become cozy with the virtues of semi-retirement, which just last week allowed a last minute two-night jaunt to New York City.
As THE reconnection continues.
With Thursday night planned for the Great White Way and Friday night free at the Whitney all that remained were days walking Gotham pursuing native fare. A finger food crawl spanning Manhattan’s southernmost neighborhoods!
Despite that virtue I put my semi-retirement in jeopardy last week and applied for full-time employment, chasing a prospect so exciting it seemed worth the disruption.
With more than double the industry experience the qualifications demand I’m a lock for the position, so I was not surprised when I heard back right away.
I’m sure they’ll be back in touch next week to arrange THE interview.
Testing the joke I shared the notification with a future co-worker, who offered to “tell them you’re serious” were employment my intention. They even offered to make an introduction before I let them in on the joke, explaining I have no desire to work full-time again.
And that if I changed my mind, I wouldn't need an introduction!
My DM's fill daily with outreach from that area code, Pittsburgh employees probing for word of American Industrial Partners’ plans for their brand— and their careers! Most come through my LinkedIn profile, though if you’re a Pittsburgh employee and want to vent you can email me here or text me here.
And yes, since I know you're going to ask.
What they share is a peek behind the curtain as AIP assimilates PPG’s former architectural coatings division, stressful work for those remaining in service to the private equity firm.
Field reps calling on independent Pittsburgh retailers share that the company insists they continue efforts to open new dealers, despite the brand's uncertain future. An ethical dilemma for those employees which ownership seems unlikely to address.
At-least partially explaining the stress.
For weeks in the news are the tariffs levied by US President Donald Trump, including a 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico.
The move initiated a trade war with the two countries who would have renegotiated current trade terms had that request only been made.
But it’s been the comportment of the American president during trade “negotiations” which obligates this rebuke, leaving it to others to opine on his trade policy.
Trump’s offensive remarks towards the Canadian people and their sovereignty were gratuitous, born of his own depravity though sadly still reflected on the American people he titularly represents.
Though that does not mean he speaks for me.
In my life I have known a great many Canadians, with the family of my fiancéeic only adding to those rolls. To a person they’ve been peaceful and pleasant, in contrast to but always tolerant of our brusque American ways. The Canadians I’ve known have been warm and loving, their kindness worthy of emulation.
It’s likely more Americans share my view of the Canadian people than that of Mr. Trump, meaning his views should not represent us.
But sadly I know they do.
