One key board member was out of pocket.  The board member that controlled about 50% of the stock.  What did he think?  Was this a good plan?  The future of the company and myself personally depended on his viewpoint on matters. 

We were insolvent.  Both firms on their own were insolvent.  Together, it was a real crises.  We were in effect negotiating our own bankruptcy terms individually with each creditor. 

When you owe the government money, you are a pariah.  There are certain projects you no longer qualify for.  The government automatically gets first lien position, so you are not eligible for any traditional financing.  Your current lenders get really upset.

We were insolvent.  Both firms on their own were insolvent.  Together, it was a real crises.  We were in effect negotiating our own bankruptcy terms individually with each creditor. 

we were permitting a very unstructured environment with the idea that all were professionals and would naturally do what was best for the firm.  It was a very progressive idea.  

we were permitting a very unstructured environment with the idea that all were professionals and would naturally do what was best for the firm.  It was a very progressive idea.  

How do you buy a prime property with no money?  Well, you ask, I guess.  I have a coworker who's mantra is:  "the worst they can say is no."  It's true.  It never hurts to ask.  So we asked.  We offered to buy the property with 100% seller financing.  We asked them to hand us the keys. 

I took one of my architects by there to proudly show him our firm's new project and new home.  It was the beginning of the end of our relationship.  He could not imagine why I would want to destroy our firm by leaving our wonderful home for this.  I could not understand why he, an architect, could not visualize the possibilities.

It was clear to me, however, that the gravy days were over.  Our landlord wanted to sell the building.  Also, downtown Round Rock had been discovered.  It was becoming Round Rock's 6th Street, and everyone knew it.  That meant that a new lease, if possible, would be much more expensive than we were used to.