Canceled several projects that lacked credible financial returns.
Renegotiated supplier contracts where possible.
And invested in production improvements that employees had been requesting for years.
At the historic manufacturing facility, the company approved an equipment modernization plan and introduced a structured apprenticeship program.
Experienced workers received opportunities to teach specialized skills without sacrificing their existing compensation or responsibilities.
Young employees could learn patternmaking, tailoring, quality inspection, and production planning through supervised practical work.
Evan insisted that the program not become a publicity exercise.
He didn't want cameras following apprentices through the factory every day.
He wanted real instruction.
Measurable progress.
And genuine employment opportunities.
During an early planning meeting, Gloria Harris raised an important concern.
"Who's going to teach these kids?"
The operations director looked toward her.
"We were hoping some experienced employees would volunteer."
Gloria frowned.
"Volunteer?"
Evan immediately understood.
She continued.
"You're asking people with decades of knowledge to do another job."
The room became quiet.
Gloria folded her arms.
"Then pay them for it."
Evan nodded.
"You're right."
The operations director began making notes.
Gloria continued.
"And don't just put somebody in front of a sewing machine for two weeks and call them trained. They need time to learn properly."
Evan smiled.
"Agreed."
She looked at him.
"Good. Then maybe we've got something."
After the meeting, Gloria approached him.
"Your mother would've said the same thing."
Evan laughed.
"She would've been less polite."
Gloria grinned.
"Probably."
Then her expression softened.
"You know, I've been thinking about something."
"What?"
"The way she used to teach."
Evan looked curious.
Gloria continued.
"She never made people feel stupid for not knowing something."
He nodded.
"I remember."
"She'd show them once. Then she'd let them try. And when they made a mistake, she'd explain why it happened instead of shouting."
Evan looked toward the production floor.
For a moment, he could almost hear his mother's sewing machine again.
Then he said quietly, "That's what I want this program to be."
Gloria smiled.
"Then we're starting in the right place."
For Darla, life without Whitmore & Vale was far less glamorous than she'd imagined.
At first, she assumed another company would hire her.
She had years of experience.
She knew influential people.
She understood luxury branding.
Surely someone would recognize her value.
But the invitations didn't arrive.
Two investment groups declined exploratory meetings.