(Blogger’s note: You can read at Part 1 of this story here.)

About the same time as my boredom struck, I noticed a lot of activity around Spokane Steel Foundry, which was located across the railroad tracks. My curiosity got the best of me and I wandered in a side door to find a big shovel digging a large hole in the middle of the plant.

Since no one bothered me I began going over there every day to monitor progress.  One day, while I was there, a distinguished older man dressed in a suit walked over and began describing everything that was being constructed. I asked several questions, which he answered, and over the next few days I found out he was John Tenold, the foundry owner.

One day he asked if he could tour Con Met, the aluminum foundry where I worked, which I gladly agreed to.

About this time the National Foundry Technical Conference and Trade Show was scheduled in Chicago which I asked for, and received, permission to attend. 

One day during my visit to the steel foundry, John asked me if I was going to the show.  When I said yes, he asked me what flight I was booked on. A week later when I boarded the plane I discovered I was seated next to him. What a surprise. 

When we arrived in Chicago, he asked me to meet him for breakfast the next morning and for the next two days I accompanied him throughout the equipment exhibition where he asked my opinion on all the things he was contemplating doing to modernize and expand his business. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I later came to realize a couple of his key employees, who were also there, were confused and resented my having his attention.

After these two days I flew home realizing there really was nothing left to consider improving at Con Met. I could see my work was done there.

I guess that trip was my job interview.

You can read Part 5 of this story here.

Ken Kaiyala
4-16-23