NOTA NENE: There is very little new in this chapter and it serves to answers some questions I have received. It seems that a review was needed and this long interview serves that purpose. I hope everyone understands. Mike
I immediately started to shut down the office and said good night to Ruth and headed to meet the Major in the parking lot. We got I the car and I was asked if I was ready? I said absolutely and thanks for taking care of this. Mike, I can't believe how much you have changed JJ, he talks about Dee, you and football and shit he has most of his summer reading done and got into AP history and English. So thank you. I looked over and said well he keeps me sane so it's a event trade. Mike, this interview is a very big deal and will draw a lot of attention to you as you pull back for school. I laughed and said, you mean football. I only need to pass a few classes to graduate early and once football is over I won't give a shit about grades and the last thing I need is to #1 in the class and talk at graduation. He said right and actually laughed, saying that sounds like the old JJ. So Jim how does this work? Mike it's an interview and there will be breaks since you asked to walk around some. The producer and the cast will chat some with you and I was told there would be three segments. At the very beginning of those discussions you should hand them the press release and say that it will be released Sunday after the show.
So they are breaking the story if they want. Most likely on spots, advertising the program. Mike, it's easy just be Mike.
We pulled into the construction site and I was surprised to se a WTAE production truck. As we started towards the truck, JJ arrived, in my car and when I looked and saw Dee and Mary Ann, I almost shit. JJ came up to me and handed me a package and put my hard had on my head. I said nice shirt. He smiled and said well I'm glad you like it. I opened the package and it was a light grey shirt with three 2" stripes, white, light orange and a darker grey with a VT logo. I looked at JJ and said this is a big time interview not a fucking trip to Kennywood. I quickly changed right in the parking area and looked at the girls. JJ said well she would see all this on TV this weekend while we are away, buying grapes, so I figured she should see it live and I bet you get her into bed after you buy us dinner at Oakmont. I looked at him and said you are a fucktard. He replied nope just a humble Musketeer. For some reason I found that hysterical. I went up to Dee and gave her a hug and then grabbed Mary Ann and gave her a big intense kiss and said, welcome to the world of Michael James Simmons and The Major and I went inside.
Inside I was introduced to the producer and director and I was wired for sound. There was some chatter about the tight, formed fitting clothes and eventually a pack was attached to the center of my back and a wire run up my back and small microphone was attached to my color and a sound check was done. I was assured that I would be aware when I was being recorded. Just then the door open and there stood Diane Sayhouer. I stood up shot Jim a look who shrugged. I went over and said Diane, good after noon, this is a pleasant surprise. She smiled and said well we have had an easier time getting an interview wit the British Prime Minister. I hesitated and she said, please move is transmitter so he can work it. Once that was done I was shown the off - on button and I said thanks. Well I am young and I am well protected. Apparently I grew up some in the past week. Then she said, Mike and I are going outside, give us 10 minutes.
Outside she saw JJ the girls and dad and Megan. I said Diane, I had no idea that they would be here. Mike, let's say a quick hello and I introduced everyone. She and Megan had a brief conversation and then we walked away and asked, so Mike how surprised are you about this? I said very but I am good. She said you gave two very experienced reporters a very difficult time a while back, why was that? Well, they were not prepared for the interview and asked too many softball questions. Patty and I have managed to get past that. Diane smiled and said, so now she gets the first question? I said yes and now she always starts out setting the bar. Mike, is there anything off limits today? Well Diane we had an event at the second site a few days ago and I would like to avoid detailed questions. She said absolutely and that was tragic. All I will say is that the circumstances are under investigation and that OSHA will be here Monday. Oh one last thing you will get very vague answers to my personal finances. She said Mike, I am very ready and have watched all your interviews and I understand you restrictions but will ask those questions regardless. You good with that? I said absolutely it you are ok with snarky answers. She laughed and said, I was told this might be fun. Mike we have a couple of chairs down my the river if you don't mind we can start there.
As we started to the seating area, I looked back and started to laugh as there were a bunch op people following us. Diane asked, what's so funny? I said the pack of people following us, I feel like the Pied Piper. Once we arrived at the staging site, I saw two larger folding chairs and a couple of plants and the weeds were cut and the space was actually green. I noticed Sally playing with her transmitter and some said Mike would you please turn your transmitter on as well. Then there was a sound check and I was told to simply be natural and that there was one camera for wash of us. Then I heard, Diane we are ready when you are. There was a smile and she said, good morning I am Diane Sayhouer and welcome to a special addition of Good Morning America. We have been trying for weeks to get our guest Michael James Simmons, Mike to most of us and MJ to a select few. Mike is a rising high school senior an outstanding athlete, an excellent student and responsible for the only construction projects in the region. Today I hope to learn more about Mike and what makes him tick and how at 17 he is pulling this off. She looked at me and said good morning Mike. I smiled and said hi Diane, thanks for the opportunity to be be with you today. (I was having an issue pretending it being Sunday morning). Mike, if you don't mind I would like to start by letting the viewer learn a few thing about you. Diane, I am an excellent student, a great athlete, captain of my football team. She laughed saying and very modest. As you are #1 in you class and the top rated high school linebacker in the country. What do you do to relax? Well I read a lot and I love the history of the region, I listen to classical music and play golf. Mike, we will leave the history of the region till later but why the early commitment to VT to play football. Diane it was a good school, the coaches, push back and I am treated like everyone else on the team. Is a great school and we reached an agreement that enables me to take courses now at CMU and have then count towards my degree. My major will Computer Science and I will have 12 credits in the bank by this time next week. Mike, I was introduced a few minutes ago to a couple of friends of yours and you new girlfriend. I said yes Mary Ann and I just started dating and JJ is my best mate and future teammate both in high school and at VT. He is very important to me.
Mike, you have a property in the outer banks? I laughed and said, wow you do know a lot about me. Well it is a special place to me and I bought it as an investment, it is rented most of the year. There is a very special place on the property and it connects me with my late mother and brother, I get there a week every summer. My relationship with those two was very complicated and I would like to move on. Ok Mike, that's fair so let's talk about football? You blew onto the scent last year, how did that happen? Well Diane, I grew a lot between my Sophomore and Junior season and I mean a lot like 4 inches and I am 40 pounds heavier than I was as a Sophomore. I couldn't stay in clothes. In fact I have various sizes in my closet at home and I am on my third letterman's jacket. Mike, did this growth spurt cause issues? I laughed and said well the coach took one look at me and I was suspended until I passed a drug test. That was easily done but the fact that I was the only kid tested and it was done outside school district norms, upset me a lot. Let's just say there was a new coach and things were a lot better. Mike, last year you missed the final football game, why was that? Well I needed to make a play in the district finals and while I scored on the play, I was knocked into next week and was taken to a hospital in an ambulance and was unaware that we had won until QB 1 and coach Weston came to the hospital and gave me the metal. Then Diane said, you are obviously in great shape, how do you do that? Well I run 5 miles every morning with my brother Cole, my cousin Ray and JJ. I was working out 4 days a week but all you see around us has it down to 3 days a week and rarely 4 days. Diane said Mike that was great but let's take a break and move to all these things around us. Diane stood up and said, Mike you should turn your receiver off and I believe that will want to swap out the batteries. I said thanks and we went our separate ways.
I found Major Jim and he said great job so far. I said thanks and found Mary All and asked if she learned anything and she asked, when we going to the shore? I laughed and said stay tuned. Megan came up to me and asked, you doing this unprepared? I said Megan, I'm just being me but this will get very complicated, very soon. Dad came up and said good job this morning and I am having outside attorneys drawing up the partnership agreement. I laughed and said, well I'll avoid that topic here if you don't mind.
I was called over the batteries were changed and Diane came up and said Mike, we would like to start back at the seats and the almost immediately move to walking around outside and then a quick tour of the first floor. I said fine but we need hats inside. She said, hell I have worn combat gear, I can deal with a hard hat. We sat down and the transmitters were individually turned on and she started as if we were never on a break. Mike, there are two big construction projects going on and we are told you are the driving force behind both, can you offer an insight? Well Diane it all started for me with a Trust fund that dad established for me. We became partners in his company MJS Technologies. I went to the company and thought while we had a very profitable and successful company it was housed in a crowded and old space. The new attorney at the time independently came to the same conclusion. Dad could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo but he isn't often concerned about the details. He grow as the company and I deal with the details. Land became available and because of the Trust I was able to start all this. Would you like to take a look around? She smiled and said sure.
We stood up and were handed two VT hard hats and she laughed and said, I guess I'll start with these. Once we were filming again she stopped walking and said we were just handed very different hard hats. She made sure that they got a good picture and I said well, we had an event here and I don't remember which event that was but it was a big deal. When I arrived Allen, the construction manager, gave me a a hat and said a gift from the workers. During my remarks that day all the workers appeared wearing matching hard hats. Some described the event as a campaign rally. Diane there are two historic figures that have impressed me more than others and it started with John Kennedy. In his inaugural he said that "We dare not forget today that we are heirs of that first revolution". I took that to mean we dare not forget our past and I started to investigate the history of Western PA. It became apparent that our leader were Andrew Carnegie, John Hall, John Martin, John Pitcairn and Andrew Mellon. Their efforts and the companies they founded and grew our region were Steel, Glass and Aluminum. That past is reflected in the exterior of the building. USS, PPG and ALCOA. Walk inside you would quickly discover that the torch has indeed been passed. We are a Technology Company and will have the latest furniture, the latest computers and the goal of being the next reviving force in the Region. We walked inside and I was shocked as the grey granite was finished and when we opened the door there was a lobby set up with the new furniture configured into a reception station and Aeron side chairs and desk chair. I smiled and said the entire building will look like this, the ceiling will remain unfinished and the thousands of miles of wire that support us will be visible. With that Diane said let's stop for a minute.
She looked right at me and asked, I thought you found out about this yesterday, how did this happen? I just shrugged and Jim came up and introduced himself and said, Mike did a wonderful job not reacting and I promise you he had no idea, I had this set up yesterday afternoon as I knew he was too busy to stop by. Diane asked so Mike when we start taping I ask you what you knew about this, would I get on the record that you were unaware? Jim said, damn Diane that wasn't a good idea. I said look, I told you once that I didn't know so why would I give you a different answer on or off the fucking record? I am honest and direct and never tolerate my integrity being questioned. I turned and walked out of the building. There was dead silence as I walked away and a few minutes later the producer came out and asked if I would please come inside and talk with Diane. I took a deep breath and said sure. Inside Diane said Mike, I did not intend to question your integrity or honesty, it won't happen again, can we please continue. I said sure.
When we were back, she asked so are the other floors like this? I said yes with a different configuration and color scheme. The 4th floor will be Executive offices, cafeteria, workout area and meeting rooms. Diane, it is important to me that everyone knows this is a built in America building and constructed by union workers. Our relationship with these guys is special, we buy lunch one day every other week, they are paid when we are required to shut down and they work very hard and we are way ahead of schedule. We should be moving people in sooner than anticipated. So Mike what's the timeline for the initial move? I said 90-120 days. Mike you glanced over Andrew Carnegie when you talked about the leaders of the region, why was that? We were lead to believe he is one of you hero's. I replied well if you judge Carnegie he is was a self involved jerk. However if you look at him in is time and place in history. He was very much a man of those times. Heck the Union concept was just forming, was he a fan? Definitely not. But when you look at all he did later in life, we have Carnegie Libraries, Carnegie Museum. The museum we hav here is noted for it's dinosaur collection and much more. There is Carnegie Hall in New York. True he amassed a fortune, on the backs of many but in the end he gave most of it back. He was a tough business man. I want to be a man of my times. Just like in football, I will legally knock you into next week, then offer a helping hand up. In business my team and I analyze the heck out of things and plan a course of action, if it works out great, it it doesn't we move on to the next thing.
Mike, how much of Technologies do you control? Dian, dad and I are partners. Mike, equal partners? Diane we work together and hammer thing out and move on. Mike what happens if you don't find that path? I smiled and replied saying you have asked the same question and I have politely deferred times, can we please move on as Technologies is a private company. Ok, what's your title? I said Chairman of the Board. Your dad's title? I replied, President. Briefly, can we talk about the other smaller building? I said sure, it is different in burpees and design. The top floor which is MJS Enterprises, the other floors are rented to Dinavox Technologies and the Union. The first floor should be a restaurant and startups. The startups are a work in progress and might be in another location. The exterior will be all glass. She asked who controls Enterprises? I said, I do as President and before you ask dad is Chairman. Mike there isn't much activity over there, would you elaborate on why? Diane the other day we had a tragic event and there was a death, there is an ongoing investigation and OSHA will be here on Monday. So I have no comment. Oh, the workers are being paid during the shutdown.
With that all done, there was another break. Diane, said thanks this has been fun so far. I went looking for JJ and the gang and found them chatting and comparing notes. I laughed and said well this last part is harder and might get nasty because it is no ones business. JJ rolled his eyes and Mary Ann asked if she should leave? I said nope and it will save you asking these questions and me giving the same answers. I found Jim and he said, this will be hard keep your cool and don't give anything away.
W restarted back up sitting in the seated area and Diane said, well thanks for that interesting tour and insights. There are two other areas that I would like to explore. You indicated that your dad established a Trust Fund care to elaborate on that? I smiled and said, well I'll answer any questions that I can. Mike, your involvement in Technologies with the Trust is that correct? I simply replied Yes, that's correct. Mike, is that because you became owner of Technologies? I laughed and said that 4 times you have asked that questions and it answer remains, dad and I are partners. What are the terms of the Trust. Well dad, me and our attorney control the Trust, install until I turn 18. For business reasons I am an emancipated minor and now control the Trust solely. Mike, what was in the trust? I thought for a minute and replied, cash, stocks and shares of Technologies. Diane, before you ask I'm telling you upfront I am not answering questions about amounts. Ok, but Mike how many shares in Technologies? I laughed and said that's 5 and asked and answered. I said well the Trust holds the 2 buildings and Technologies rent the building. Oh, that was approved by the board. So Mike, there was a sizable Trust set up for you around the age of 16? I said correct. Mike, did you ever consider being a spoiled rich kid? Diane, dad and I have never discussed the reasons behind the Trust but it changed my life totally. I went from a carefree teen to a dude with a tone of money and I immediately had to do something important. It was easy as the first time I walked into Technologies, I thought all the stuff dad just gave me and this place provided that money. Damn, these people, deserve better. I found that they were well paid so I decided to impact their work environment and here we sit looking at the results. Diane said Mike, thanks of being so calm with the questions and I respect your need to keep private.
Mike, a few minutes before we started today, you handed us an envelope with a Press Statement and some details of your Foundation. We have worked with our local Affiliate, WTAE, and got some answers. Would you please share with us that story, it is somewhat funny but very disturbing. Well I did not see any humor in it and I gave everyone numerous opportunities to make things right. I was stopped on three occasions a block from my home and a cussed of impaired driving. Those stops were by the same two local officers. The first time, I just cooperated and passed all the sobriety test they administered. In passing I mentioned it to dad and our attorney and neither of us thought much about it. A few nights later it was the same thing by the same two officers. While remaining polite I pushed back some. Back at home I was told when it happens demand a blood test and call dad and not to cooperate at all but be polite and firm. Sure enough a couple of nights later the same two police officers pulled me over. I was ordered out of the car and when they tried to administer a breathalyzer I requested a blood test. That really threw them but after I called the attorney they had no choice. Long story short after a nasty scene at the hospital and threats the test results were in and I tested totally clean. I offered to end it with an apology but that wasn't happening and the resulting las suite resulted into a large financial settlement. I immediately set up the foundation which supported local Police, Fire and Library. Caddy Scholarships at 3 clubs and Startup companies.
Today, we approved the Club recommendations for 6 caddies and awarded $60,000. Then we financed a building and funded our first startup, WebDesign. We funded, salary's and equipment and entered into a profit sharing agreement. I didn't want or need the money, I wanted an apology and did get that eventually. Basically I added cash to it and gave the money back. Mike I understand you are a member at the three clubs, please tell us how that happened. Well Diane, my South Hills membership is a Junior Membership because of dad. It close and the food is great and the greens are great. Latrobe because I did Mr. Palmer a favor and it is fun and relaxing there. I like the course. Oakmont well that's different, I'm a full member and I respect club rules, the Golf is awesome and the business opportunities are great. Oh, I'm on the USGA committee for the two Opens.
Mike, we have a few minutes, what are your plans going forward? Well a district and state football championship, be the first Freshman to start as an outside backer at VT and a National Championship. As for business, fill these buildings, a restaurant and Marina. Then additional land and building purchases and expanding the companies. Would you play Pro Football? Well Diane, that is not in the current plans.
After we rapped up and Diane and I were walking to the trailer she said Mike, I left you off the hook about the potential Winery purchase. Diane, I gave you a big lead for the promo of this small time event. She laughed and said well you are not small time and I will watch with interest when you run for Congress. I laughed and said thanks this was fun. She asked for a contact number and I handed he a business card and we went our separate ways.
I was immediately surrounded by dad, Megan and the Major. Megan said I was a natural politician and gave me a big hug. I got a giant hug from dad and he rubbed my head and said well get a haircut. I simply laughed and Major Jim shook my hand and said outstanding as usual. I looked at the time and joined JJ Dee and Mary Ann and said, I'm sorry no Oakmont as I have a funeral home stop to make and it's too far, will South Hills do? They all agreed and we jumped in my car and were off to the club. We were quickly seated on the patio and drinks were ordered and JJ just laughed when his iced tea was just that. Jake, took our orders and we were having a great time, just casual conversation. Mike the manager appeared and asked, Mr. Simmons do you have a minute? I said sure and we went to a quiet area of the patio and he's asked if I could get more of that wine and what the cost would be? I said, well I'll check. He said that he had used it for the woman's guild meeting and they loved it. I smiled and asked for a detailed order as I was going up there this weekend. He said well two cases of each.
Back at the table the food had arrived and things were quiet as we ate. I was thinking too quiet so I asked what's up? JJ laughed and asked, how the fuck do you do that, I would have simply shut my pants and you were totally in control of a big time journalist. I said well it has been in the works for a long time and your dad set it up and told me about it late yesterday. JJ started to laugh and said well I bet he told you not to over think it and be Mike, then he winked. I laughed and said well that usually works. We finished eating and I signed for dinner and first stop was JJ's as he and Dee were spending more time together. I put the roof up so Mary Ann and I could talk. I looked at her and said, while I was unaware JJ invited you it was a good thing as I will be away on business when this airs and I'm sure you have a million questions. She smiled and said well, I actually don't as I can read you some. I asked, so what did you figure out? Mike, you control the company and you and your dad don't disagree often as he only wants to sell and you are a big picture guy. However, if push came to shove you have the final say. I smiled and asked what else? She said you are the wealthiest person under 25 in the state. We were stopped at a traffic light and I looked over and asked, ok peanuts how does all that figure into you and me? MJ, it shouldn't except if we stay together I will get to do things that might not normally get to do. I work hard and want to earn my own way and as a pharmacist I'll have enough money for my needs. MJ, your business doesn't involve me and I get that you don't want me involved, just don't end up in jail or for that matter in the White House. I found that hysterical. At her house we made out a little and I walked her to the door. It was a quick kiss and I drove home.
I went right to my room and took a quick shower and put my black suit on and a grey and red tie. I had time and as it was too early to call Cole co I called Coach B. He answered saying Mike, it's good to hear from you. I laughed and said I bet, should I change my mind I understand you might loose an entire class of recruits. He was quiet for a minute and I said just kidding. Coach, I was thinking about flying down for a visit next weekend and JJ, Ray and two Junior linemen would like to tag along, an unofficial visit. He laughed and said, well work it out with Sean and his buddies as the coaches are unaware. I said understood. We chatted about things for a while and I told him about the interview and my clothes and hard hat and said he should check it out. I know you will like it. Mike, make sure we run into each other when you are here, things are great and I want to fill you in. Then he said fly safe, I might never get used to this. I laughed and said see you soon. With all that done, I left for the funeral home.
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THE STORE AMD FOR THE COMMENTS. ANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO NIFTY, KEEP THESE STORIES COMING.
THANKS
Mike