Businesswoman Chapter 174

Back in business mending mode, Loreen looked at a company that produced microchips. She surveyed the plant where the chips saw production. As she went along, she soaked up even more knowledge than the research she had conducted the previous night.

“I’m going to stop you,” Loreen announced after hearing the CEO Wendell Vitts explain what she read, listened to, and watched about the company. “You really don’t have a product problem. These chips perform their tasks extraordinarily. Your problem lies with the fact you look at tariffs as some kind of benefit.”

“We do,” replied Vitts. “When the foreign components are made, we can use the tariffs to our advantage.”

“That’s not how that works. You’re essentially taxing yourself as a domestic company here in Delaware.”

“I feel…I mean I think…we’re here to take in your opinions, Mrs. Breen.”

“Loreen is fine.”

“Okay, Loreen, if we have the opportunity to produce X amount of chips and almost beat the Asian markets, do you think we could fight the tariffs? I mean, will they be a hindrance?”

Loreen looked thoughtful. She wasn’t lost in thought, just fully aware of the question. Like a conductor guiding an orchestra, she picked up her chin and used her words to illustrate brilliant rhetorical music.

“What you want to do is act as if the tariffs are a tax, and they are. Then, what you must do is recognize the fact you’re going to profit with more trading with outside tech companies.”

Vitt looked puzzled, dazed, and released. “I’ve never heard speech with such clarity before. Why didn’t we know about you when we had just launched?”

“That’s all dust and scrolls. The reality is if you want to see this business flourish, you’re going to have to adjust to the idea of price.”