Thursday, November 5, 2015

The Day That Changed Everything

It started like a dream—one of those rare, perfect days where everything seems to align. As I stood in my kitchen that morning, sipping coffee in the quiet before dawn, I could hardly believe what was about to happen. I had won a bid as a donation to United Way for one of ten seats on a 3M corporate jet to the New York Stock Exchange. Not only would I witness history, but I’d be standing on the iconic podium at the end of trading for the day with nine other employees.

For someone like me—just an ordinary employee in a vast, global company—it was the opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to represent 3M, to see the heart of Wall Street, and to rub shoulders with executives who, on a normal day, might not even know my name.

But I had no way of knowing how bittersweet it would all become.

The Flight of a Lifetime

The day began at Holman Field, 3M’s private hangar in St. Paul. Just arriving at that secluded location made the experience feel surreal. Parking was inside, out of the elements. This wasn’t your typical airport check-in. No long security lines, no frantic rush to your gate—just a smooth, quiet entrance where the company’s private jets waited in pristine condition. I counted four (4) gulf stream V’s fueled and ready to go. My thoughts immediately went to a quote from Matthew Broderick in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, “If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up”.

The plane itself was immaculate. Plush leather seats, polished wood tables, and a sense of exclusivity that I had never experienced before. This wasn’t just any flight; it was 3M’s version of first-class luxury.

Shortly after boarding, breakfast was served—an extravagant spread that rivaled the finest restaurants. Omelets cooked to perfection, fresh fruit, artisanal pastries, and coffee that tasted like it had been brewed by a master barista. Every detail was impeccable. The flight attendant treated us like VIPs, and I felt like one. I’m sure we all did.

As we soared through the sky, I found myself in conversation with one of 3M’s vice presidents who was also on the trip. It was fascinating to hear his perspectives—not just about the company, but about life, business, and the significance of the day ahead. “It’s not every day you get to be at the center of something this big,” he said, swirling his coffee thoughtfully. I nodded, taking in every word, feeling like I was being let in on some hidden layer of corporate life that most employees never saw. I learned about his family, his career, and his hobbies. He could be one of my good friends if we had lived in the same neighborhood.

The Ride to New York City

A short two hours later, we landed in New Jersey and were quickly ushered into a limousine waiting just outside the private terminal. No crowds, no hassle—just a sleek black van, waiting to transport us to the heart of Manhattan.

As we weaved through the city streets, I looked out the window, taking in the towering skyscrapers, the yellow taxis, the endless motion of New York City. It was my first time here, and I couldn’t get enough. I saw the Statue of Liberty in the distance. It gave me goosebumps. The limo ride felt like something out of a movie—one of those moments where you know you should be taking pictures, but you’re too caught up in the experience to reach for your phone.

Lunch at Trinity Place

Before heading to the Stock Exchange, we stopped for lunch at a stunning restaurant that had once been a grand bank: Trinity Place Bar and Restaurant. The transformation was breathtaking—massive columns, ornate ceilings, and an atmosphere that blended old-world charm with modern elegance. The original vault door was kept intact and led to the dining area. Old safety deposit boxes lined one of the walls. It was simply amazing.

The meal was unforgettable. Fine cuts of steak, delicate seafood dishes, and desserts that belonged in a museum rather than on a plate. I soaked in every moment, knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Looking around the restaurant, I saw executives who had likely dined in places like this countless times. But for me this was something extraordinary.

The NYSE

From there, we made our way to the New York Stock Exchange in the limousine. Here’s where things took an unexpected turn. The expectation was that the VPs would ring the bell and pound the gavel on the podium and we would stand in the background in support. However, the organizers decided to randomly draw from a hat holding the 10 names that bid on the seats—the two chosen would stand up and perform those ceremonial honors.

Everyone was given a piece of paper with the same number written twice. We tore them in half and held on to one and put the other in a hat. The pieces of paper were mixed thoroughly. The first number called was to pound the gavel three times after the bell ended. It was another employee. Then number “6” was drawn. After some initial confusion between “9” and “6” I felt a rush of excitement, followed by disbelief. Out of all the people here, I was going to be front and center, one of the faces the world would see when 3M’s name flashed across every financial news network.

We were dropped off out front and immediately went to the area with The Charging Bull. I’ve seen this bull countless times and now I was standing next to it. Just walking through the doors was enough to send a thrill through me. This was the beating heart of American capitalism, where fortunes were made and lost in seconds.

After a brief tour, it was time for the highlight of the day: ringing the closing bell. The countdown began. I watched the clock tick towards the top of the hour:

3… 2… 1…

Standing on the podium, with the cameras rolling and the bright lights reflecting off the iconic brass bell, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Pride in my career, in the company I had devoted my life to, and in this unbelievable opportunity that had somehow landed in my lap.

And then I rang the bell. For 15 glorious seconds. My fellow employee banged the gavel three times and we shouted and pumped our fists in unison.

A thunderous applause erupted, cameras flashed, and for a brief moment, I was a part of something much bigger than myself. While still on the podium my phone rang. It was my son. He had just been offered a job with 3M at Hutchinson. Good this day be any better?

That night, we boarded the private jet back to St. Paul. The energy was high. Everyone was buzzing from the experience, recounting their favorite moments. The conversation flowed, but underneath it all, I felt something else—a quiet, lingering exhaustion. As much as I had loved every minute of the day, I knew I was returning to reality. And reality was never quite this glamorous.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Sobering Reality

The next morning, I walked into work still riding the high from the trip. I had stories to tell, pictures & a video to share, and memories that would last a lifetime. Many people came up to me and said they watched on TV and saw us.

Back at my desk, the phone rang at 8:50 AM. It was the Site Director. Was I going to be at my desk for the next hour? He was coming with the HR manager to talk to me. His voice was pleasant and he even made a little joke. Our group was going through a downsizing and I was part of those discussions to determine who we would let go. This was not part of the job I enjoyed at all. I assumed I needed to talk with another person that was being downsized. Then, the news came. I was that person.

Just like that, the celebration ended. I sat in my own office as the HR manager and Site Director explained the situation and my options going forward. It was back to surreal again, but in a different way. I had been with 3M my entire career. 35 Years. Suddenly, I was a fly on the wall watching the blood drain from my face. My screen saver on my computer still showed me on the podium with a great big smile on my face. The face of 3M for a day. Yesterday.

Nothing personal they said. 3M needs to lower their expenses for Q1 2016. They left my office and I was in shock. Our Administrative Assistant was the first to see me when I finally walked out of my office. I began to cry immediately.

I thought about that as I packed up my office on a Saturday. Just the other day I had been ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Today, I was packing up years of work, my name no longer on the list of 3M employees.

Bittersweet Reflections

Looking back, it’s hard to describe the emotions of those two days. One moment, I was standing at the top of the world, and the next, I was facing one of the biggest uncertainties of my life.

But as painful as it was, I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

Because in the end, what mattered wasn’t how it ended—but that it happened at all.

For one perfect day, I had lived a dream. And not even a downsizing could take that away. It still remains one of my two best stories to tell over drinks. The other involves scuba diving and a devil’s throat.