“This is Morgan Shore; who’s this?”
“Sir, my name is Jim Stanton. I’ve been retained by Elmo Williams and Grace Morton to represent them in negotiations concerning the purchase of Table of Grace Soup Kitchen in Pendleton, Oregon.
“Oh, I see. You in the development business down there in Pendleton, Mister ...?”
“Stanton. No, I do odd jobs for folks around here, some volunteer work and sometimes on a fee basis. This is a volunteer effort, sir.”
“How can I help you help me?”
“I understand from Elmo and Grace you’re looking to operate the Soup Kitchen after you purchase it?”
“That’s correct. We feel we can significantly expand the services of their ministry while attaining goals our organization holds dear.”
“And, what is the actual name of your organization, sir?”
“It’s the Shore Family Trust for Outreach. We ‘pay it forward’ in a variety of efforts throughout the Pacific Northwest. As a fully funded family trust, every penny of donations goes directly to our field efforts, not one cent towards fixed or variable costs. We use paid staff which prides itself on out-performing volunteer efforts in every manner of delivery to the target audience.”
He sounded like a polished fund-raiser.
“That’s interesting, sir. Elmo shared with me that there has been no discussion of price at this point.”
“That’s true.”
“Have your people given you some idea of the evaluation on the property, equipment and inventory?”
“We don’t operate that way. When we consider an operation that conforms with our clearly defined goals and priorities, price is not a consideration. We will pay top dollar.”
“That is probably why the owners have contacted me, sir. There is no way to evaluate a market price for this institution. The building’s tax valuation will be of no help; the place was an eyesore before it was Table of Grace.”
“Then Mr. Williams and Ms. Morton will merely have to pick a number.”
“They are wondering if you have any other soup kitchen-like operations in your organization.”
“Our organization is quite diverse and operates under any number of labels. We do operate similar outreach projects in conjunction with our primary goal of bringing the one true faith to the people. We are a privately held organization and do not make a practice of discussing our varied commercial outlets.”
“Are you church, sir?”
“We are a religious organization that uses a variety of outreach operations to serve its people.”
“So you operate for-profit as well?”
“It is a tenet of our belief that all efforts that improve life on this planet for our followers are profitable; it all depends on one’s measurement of gains and losses.”
I switched directions, “As you may know, the Table of Grace represents life’s work and mission for Elmo and Grace. They hold its purpose dear to themselves, and the community they serve provides them with ample support for continuing the ministry, be it at the current site or some other place.”
“Their future mission and ministry are of no concern to us; we are not seeking any non-compete assurances. Our future is our only concern in this matter. Now, Mr. Stanton, if you have no other questions, perhaps you can confer with your friends and arrive at a figure that will move this transaction forward. Thank you for your time today.”
“You’ll be hearing from me directly, sir.”
“Very good. Good day.”