Calls

[Phone rings — click] Owner: Hey, this is Mark. Attorney: Hi Mark, this is Susan, counsel for the buyer. I’m following up on the HR benefit documentation—we still need the last three years. Owner: (exhales) Yeah… I’ve been pulling that together. I sent over 2025 already, and part of 2024— Employee (muffled, in background): Mark—sorry—there’s a customer out front asking for you, they’re upset about the order delay. Owner: (covers phone) Give me two minutes, I’ll be right there.(back to call) Sorry. It’s been like this all day. Attorney: I understand you’re busy, but we do need complete files—plans, amendments, enrollment summaries, everything—for 2023 through 2025. Owner: Right, and I’m trying, but every time I send something, I get another list of questions about why we changed providers or adjusted contributions. That’s hours I’m not on the floor. Employee (louder): Mark, he says he’s leaving if he doesn’t talk to you now. Owner: (frustrated) I said two minutes!(back to call, voice tight) Look, this process has been going on for two months. I’m running a business while digging through archives every night. Attorney: I hear you. But the buyer needs clarity—especially given some inconsistencies we’ve noted. Owner: (dry laugh) And now I’m hearing “price adjustment” because of it? Attorney: It’s just part of due diligence. Nothing final. Owner: It doesn’t feel like “nothing” from my side. I’ve already got customers noticing I’m distracted. I might lose one today because I’m on this call. Attorney: Understood. If you can prioritize the remaining documents, we can minimize further back-and-forth. Owner: I’ll send what I have tonight. But I need this to stop being a moving target. Employee (urgent): Mark—he’s walking out. Owner: (firm, exhausted) I have to go. I’ll follow up later tonight. Attorney: Okay. I’ll look for your email. [Call ends — silence for a beat] Owner (Mark, to himself):(quietly) When does this actually end… (pauses, looking toward the floor where the customer just walked out) Two months of this. Every document turns into five more questions. Every answer turns into a new problem. (shakes head) At some point, it’s not even about running the business anymore—it’s just feeding the deal. (sighs, tired) And now they’re talking about lowering the price… after all this. (under his breath) What if this thing doesn’t even close? Fade Out Austec Pre-Diligence Risk Exposure System