Michael Eugene Brummett, known as “MFA” to his friends, was a man of unwavering loyalty, whether it was to his family, his favorite football team, or his employer. Born and raised in East Mesa, Arizona, he had carved out a fulfilling life with a loving wife and children.
At First Data, an electronic payment solutions provider with a sprawling office in Mesa, Michael Brummett was a legend. He possessed a unique talent – the kind that could convince anyone to buy just about anything. Michael had an uncanny ability to read people, to understand their needs and desires, and to offer them a solution they hadn’t even known they were looking for. His colleagues often joked that he could sell ice to Eskimos, but his achievements were far from a joke.
First Data’s biggest and most loyal customer was Starbucks. For five years, they had a contract that was mutually beneficial. Starbucks had been thriving under First Data’s payment processing solutions, and First Data had enjoyed the prestige and financial rewards of partnering with the coffee giant.
However, unbeknownst to First Data, a formidable competitor named Stripe had been plotting in the shadows. They managed to strike up a secret deal with Starbucks, promising more attractive terms and services. Just when First Data was gearing up for the renewal of their five-year contract, Starbucks dropped the bombshell – they were switching to Stripe.
Panic reverberated through the corridors of First Data’s Mesa office as the news of Starbucks’ departure spread like wildfire. The leadership team knew that they were facing a crisis of epic proportions. They needed a miracle worker, someone who could sway Starbucks back to their side.
It was in this moment of desperation that they turned to Michael Brummett. They pulled him into a tense board meeting, laid out the grim situation, and, almost desperately, begged for his help. Michael agreed to take on the challenge that could potentially make or break First Data. But, ever the loyalist, he had a condition.
Michael’s condition was simple yet profound – they had to stop harassing him for his loyalty to the San Francisco 49ers, a football team he had passionately supported because of his late father. The office banter and occasional teasing had grated on him for years. It was time they showed him respect, not just as a sales genius but as a human being with a deep emotional connection to his father’s memory.
The leadership team agreed to his terms and, with newfound respect, provided him with all the resources he needed for his mission. Armed with his unwavering determination and unparalleled sales skills, Michael set off for Starbucks headquarters in Seattle, Washington.
The meeting with Howard Schultz, the formidable CEO of Starbucks, was scheduled for a tense morning in Seattle. Michael was prepared. He had spent nights meticulously crafting a sales pitch that he believed could turn the tide.
As he walked into Starbucks’ headquarters, the anticipation weighed heavily on his shoulders. The encounter was brief, but it was intense. Michael’s presentation was nothing short of brilliant. He articulated the benefits of continuing the partnership with First Data, highlighting their exceptional track record and the seamless payment processing that had fueled Starbucks’ growth.
Howard Schultz, a shrewd businessman himself, saw merit in Michael’s arguments. In a matter of minutes, the decision was made. Starbucks would remain loyal to First Data.
Michael had not only saved the day but had also secured First Data’s future with their biggest client. Howard Schultz, recognizing the incredible salesmanship displayed by “MFA,” offered him his personal Rolex watch as a token of appreciation. It was a symbol of respect, not just for his sales skills, but for the integrity and loyalty that Michael had shown throughout the ordeal.
Back at the First Data office in East Mesa, there was a celebration like no other. They awarded Michael a beautiful “Master of Sales” mousepad, a quirky yet heartfelt recognition of his achievement.
As Michael returned home to his loving family, he knew he had not only secured his company’s future but also gained a newfound respect among his colleagues. More importantly, he had upheld his father’s memory and the loyalty that had defined his character. The legend of “MFA” grew, not just as a master of sales, but as a man of unwavering loyalty and integrity, a true hero of East Mesa.
