Something Missing_ A Novel - Matthew Dicks [56]
Martin also appreciated—adored, really—the way his eBay business fit within his overall business plan. He began to think of the items that he was auctioning for his clients as acquisitions, no different than the tomatoes he routinely acquired from the Reeds’ home each week. He was acquiring items that did not initially belong to him, acquiring them under false pretenses (in the guise of Barbara Teal), and was profiting from their acquisition, just as he had been doing for years on a smaller scale.
This is what economist Jim Collins referred to in his book Good to Great (which Martin had read a dozen times) as a Hedgehog Concept. In his essay “The Hedgehog and the Fox,” Collins explains how the philosopher Isaiah Berlin divided the world into hedgehogs and foxes, based upon an ancient Greek parable: “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing (how to defend itself by rolling up into a ball, presenting its attacker with a nearly impenetrable sphere of spines).” Collins argued that profitable companies have an understanding of the one thing that they can do best, and are therefore like the hedgehog, an animal with one simple but effective defense strategy. Companies like the fox have a diversified approach to business, but this often leaves them diffused and inconsistent. Martin’s Hedgehog Concept was simple: Acquire goods without payment in order to garner profit. This, he knew, was what he did best.
His old bedroom served as an office for his eBay business, and this is why the room remained locked at all times. He had no desire to make anyone aware of his hidden identity or his prosperous business. The room was filled with shipping and receiving supplies: packing tape, box cutters, cushioned envelopes in a variety of sizes, a Pitney Bowes postage machine, scissors, and a desktop computer that he used for all of his eBay transactions.
That afternoon, Martin listed a DKNY sweater, a Louis Vuitton Damier canvas leather wallet (which required some research), an Ernest Borel watch, and a Burberry scarf, which he listed thusly:
Hello friends! I’m back from shopping at a wonderful new corner of our world called the Shops at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor, Connecticut. A delightful little place where you can pick up a latte and a Juicy Couture bag and catch a movie all in one stop! It’s the best! My favorite shop is Anthropologie. Don’t you just love this place, ladies? My hubby says they’ve just thrown a bunch of mismatched, expensive items together in one store (knobs and sweaters, furniture and books), and he’s right! And that’s why we love it!
Speaking of Gerry, my wonderful husband gave me this CASHMERE BURBERRY scarf for my birthday last October. I have tried to wear it, but it’s really not my style. As you know, I am more of a Coach girl. And with the leaves on the trees changing color in Connecticut, it’s time to make room for my annual fall shopping fling! This scarf was purchased from SAKS, but I do not have the tags because I never really intended to sell it.
It’s very lovely and brand new… I have used it maybe five times. Though I would never ask him, I’m sure that Gerry paid over $300 for it at the time, so I’ll start the bidding at $100. Enjoy ladies!
In a month, Martin would remove Sophie Pearl’s earrings and Donna Gardner’s pendant from hiding, photograph them, and include them among the many other auctions that he listed that week. By the end of the second month, his profit would be safely in his hands, the acquisitions gone for good.
Finished with his work, Martin poured himself a glass of water and sat down on the couch, reviewing his plan for Cindy and Alan Clayton, searching for potential flaws as he watched the hairnet, gloves, rubber moccasins, and pants disappear in flame and smoke. He had escaped that day thanks to his training, quick thinking, levelheadedness, and a bit of luck, but he vowed never to veer