Laying the foundation
Now I had made my mind, I needed some advice. I wasn't fool enough to think I could do everything myself. Pops could. Man, he could spot talent, bully arenas, and work the crowd. But he also knew how to delegate some things. There were few people he trusted, but two of them were like uncles to me.
The drive up to North Carolina meandered, but that was because I was enjoying the scenery too much. The grand majesty of nature just pounded home 'my duty.' Plus, if this was to take off, I wouldn't get a chance to do this again for awhile.
Entering the small gym that I grew up in memories flooded my mind. Ricky and Fred trying to outdo each other on the press. Tony training with Jean. Stan and Rick trying to actually play. Good days. Finally I reached the door. I reached to knock and it opened.
"Hey kid"
"Hey Jean." We shook hands.
I forced a smile, but he knew me well. "Kid what's on your mind?"
"Well, you know..."
"I don't think Keith will like that."
"No, I'm going out on my own. Pop's put some money away. Its like he knew I would do this."
Jean smiled. "So why are you here?"
I smiled. "I need help...suggestions."
"Well that's one thing you didn't get from your dad."
We spent the next couple of hours going over names. Jean and I both agreed, I needed to start with the back in order to have a chance. He suggested I call Ed Monton. To grant knowledge I could use Samuel Curran or Smooth C. Both men were fairly good on the mic. To add the color and paint an accurate picture, Herb Staley and Duke Hazard were available.
A couple of calls later, we had our backstage and story tellers lined up. Sam came in. "What are you doing here kid?"
"I came to check on my legacy, Old Man."
Sam barked out his laugh and gave me a bear hug. "I know better, Tommy called me. Now how can I help?"
"Everyway, I know the ring and I watched Pops; but who do I trust?"
"That is the million dollar question, kid." Here I have a list of names, Tommy and I came up with.
I looked it over. "I know some of these guys."
"Now you want to be in the southeast?"
"Yes sir."
"Well I made a call down to the Rainbow. They can host your events, but you need a gym."
"How about Georgia?"
"The Sweatbox? That might work, kid. I'll make a call."
Jean nodded.
"Thanks guys. I've got a good foundation. Now to turn on the winning Chord charm."
I walked out feeling another load off my chest. The next two weeks were spent on the phone trying to bring others in. Sam was able to get the Sweatbox for us. Ed, Duke, and Herb would be in town on Friday. I scheduled a meeting to draw up our first roster.