Building a Conglomerate in Another World - Chapter 66 - The Result

The following week, Matthew and Harold stood before a gathering of Harold’s workers at the company’s main stables. The air was thick with uncertainty as the workers, clad in the worn uniforms of their trade, sat on benches and crates, murmuring among themselves. Most of them looked skeptical, a few openly hostile, but all were curious to hear what their employer and this new automobile magnate had to say.

Harold stepped forward, clearing his throat. He looked out at his workers, men and women he had known for years, and took a deep breath.

“Listen up, everyone,” Harold began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. “You all know me. I’ve been running this business for decades, and I’ve always tried to do right by you. But times are changing faster than any of us expected. The truth is… the world doesn’t need as many horses and carriages anymore. The automobile is here, and it’s changing everything.”

A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd, some nodding in understanding while others muttered under their breath. One worker, a wiry man with a thick mustache, stood up. “So what are you saying, boss? That we’re out of a job?”

Harold held up his hand, silencing the murmurs. “No, I’m not saying that. I’ve made an agreement with Mr. Hesh here, and I believe it’s the best path forward for all of us. Instead of fighting this change, we’re going to adapt. We’re transitioning from carriages to automobiles.”

The crowd erupted in a mixture of disbelief and protest. Voices overlapped, some calling Harold a sellout, others questioning the feasibility of such a shift. Harold raised his voice over the din. “Quiet! Let him speak!”

Matthew stepped forward, his calm demeanor commanding attention. “I understand your concerns,” he said, addressing the crowd directly. “Change is never easy, and it’s natural to feel uncertain about what lies ahead. But let me assure you, this isn’t the end of your work—it’s a new beginning.”

The murmurs quieted, though skepticism lingered in the air. Matthew continued, his tone steady and confident. “Here’s what we’re offering: guaranteed jobs for anyone willing to train for roles in the automobile industry. You’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills, whether it’s driving, repairing, or even managing a fleet of vehicles. Those of you who wish to stay on as drivers will be part of a new taxi service that Harold’s company will operate using automobiles.”

A burly worker with grease-stained hands raised his voice. “And what about the rest of us? Not everyone here can drive or fix machines.”

Matthew nodded. “For those of you who aren’t interested in those roles, we’re offering support to help you transition into other opportunities within the industry. We’re expanding rapidly, and there’s room for everyone willing to grow with us.”

Another voice piped up, a middle-aged woman near the back. “And what if we fail? What if this whole thing doesn’t work out?”

Matthew’s gaze swept over the crowd. “Failure is always a possibility in life, but doing nothing is a guarantee of failure. This isn’t a gamble—it’s a calculated step forward. Automobiles are the future, and we’re giving you the chance to be part of it from the ground up. Harold has agreed to ensure that no one is left behind, and Hesh Motors will provide the training and support you need to succeed.”

The tension in the room began to shift as the workers processed Matthew’s words. Harold stepped forward again, his tone more commanding. “You’ve trusted me all these years, and I’ve never let you down. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t believe it was the best thing for all of us. I know it’s a lot to take in, but if we stick together, we can make this work.”

A younger worker, barely out of his teens, raised his hand. “How long will the training take?”

Matthew smiled. “Most training programs will take a few weeks, depending on the role. For those learning to drive, you’ll complete a course at one of our driving schools. Mechanics will undergo hands-on training at our repair facilities. We’ll make sure you’re prepared before the transition is complete.”

The younger man nodded, encouraged by the clarity of the plan. Others in the crowd began murmuring their tentative agreement.

After the meeting, Matthew and Harold stayed behind to speak with smaller groups of workers who had specific questions. By the end of the day, a majority of the workers had signed up for the training programs. Those who remained unsure were given time to consider their options, with Harold promising to support them regardless of their decision.

As the sun set, Harold and Matthew stood outside the stables, watching as the workers dispersed.

“That went better than I expected,” Harold admitted. “I thought more of them would refuse outright.”

Matthew smiled faintly. “People fear change, but when they see a clear path forward, they’re more likely to take it. You did well, Harold. Your workers trust you—that’s your greatest asset.”

Harold chuckled dryly. “Let’s hope I don’t let them down.”

“You won’t,” Matthew said confidently. “We’ll make sure of it.”

Over the next few weeks, the transition began in earnest. Workers attended training programs, learning to operate and maintain automobiles. Harold’s first fleet of vehicles, purchased through Hesh Financial Services, arrived at the stables, now repurposed into a combination garage and training facility.

The new taxi service, branded “Pritchard Automobiles,” launched with much fanfare. The first fleet of vehicles hit the streets, attracting attention and curiosity from passersby. Within days, the service was receiving more requests than it could handle, prompting Harold to order an additional fleet.

For Matthew, the success of the transition was another step forward in solidifying the automobile’s place in society. He stood with Amber outside the newly rebranded garage one afternoon, watching as one of Harold’s taxis pulled away with a passenger.

“This is what progress looks like,” Matthew said, a note of satisfaction in his voice.

Amber nodded. “And it’s just the beginning.”