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toxicanonymity · 1 year

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The Contractor. Silence can never be bought, only rented (pt. 6 of 6)

4k / dbf!Joel x f!Reader / pt 1 / master list

STORY MASTER LIST

Warnings/Notes: I8+ some angst, dry (wet?) humping, unsafe PIV SEX (!), legal age gap. Acronyms - RICO is about organized crime. barely edited.

It’s so close. It’s finally here. His hand slides under your shirt, runs over your back then pulls you closer. He feels so good, it’s like a dream. But the more you wake up, the more your thoughts creep in. You want the truth. You pry your lips away from his, and right away, he latches onto your neck. “What did my Dad want?” you ask. Between kisses, he murmurs, “don’t worry about it.”

Joel shows you his phone and your dad is at the gate. He thinks in silence for a moment.

“Well, we’re not doing anything,” you offer, but your heart is pounding. “Don’t let him in.”

“I’ve gotta let him in. What’s he gonna think if I don’t?”

He rubs his beard and opens his home automation app. “You’re in the pool house,” he decides. He turns on a dim light in the pool house.

“What does he want?” you ask.

“Hell if I know. Go through the basement.”

“No way.”

“Come on, Trouble.”

“I’m not going through the tunnel alone.”

He seems endeared by your fear. “Do it for us,” he says with a wink that makes your heart jump. Then he gets up to take the drinks to the sink.

“Wait,” you say.

He freezes.

“What were you gonna say? Now that I know . . . ?”

“Now that you know, I don’t have to worry about you finding out later and being mad.”

You kind of doubt that’s what he was going to say. “I’m mad anyway,” you say.

“Figured. It’s okay.”

A car door opens and closes.

“Go,” he whispers. “I’ll come get you when he’s gone.”

You make it to the pantry stairs just in time.

When your dad comes in, Joel says, “Welcome back.”

Your dad asks, “Where’s my girl?”

“Sleepin’ it off in the pool house, I reckon. Didn’t want her to drive.”

There’s a long pause and your heart races.

Your dad says, “Good, good. . .thanks.”

Damn, Joel is smooth. He asks your dad, “Somethin’ you didn’t wanna call about?”

“Yeah. . .”

You’re tempted to stay and hear more, but you’re also afraid of what you might hear. You creep down the stairs quietly. You think about going to the theater instead and waiting in one of those recliners. It’s silly, but you really don’t want to go underground to the pool house. The tunnel is climate controlled and has automatic lights, but it’s still spooky without windows.

You’re standing near the tunnel entrance trying to work up your nerve when you hear raised voices, and now you can’t resist. You quietly make your way back toward the stairs to listen. If no one is going to tell you what’s going on, this is your chance to find out. It occurs to you there’s no reason for you to go all the way to the pool house except that Joel doesn't want you to hear this. Otherwise, you could have hidden anywhere and your dad would be none the wiser.

A cabinet slams shut and Joel demands, “How many aren’t you tellin’ me about?”

“Not tellin’ you? I just found out! I’m not in charge, you know that.” Glasses clink with ice.

“North of the fuckin’ border again. God damnit,” Joel says. He’s even more heated than he was in the car the other day.

Your dad asks, “What do I have to do to get you all in on this? Let’s get it done and be done with it.”

“You know what I want. I want out.”

“You’ll be out.”

“I want it in writing.”

Your dad scoffs. “You want a paper trail now? When the whole point was to keep your charges off paper?”

“Not the charges, damnit.”

“Then what do you want in writing? You made some bad guys go away in exchange for evidence going away, now we’re square?”

“It was supposed to be a six month contract. Here we are, how many renewals later? And I’m still consulting.” You can picture the air quotes with the way he says it.

“Still better than 20 years for RICO,” your dad says.

“Never woulda gotten the max. . . You know what? At least the wiseguys have a code.”

Your dad sharpens his tone. “Ever wonder what happened to that evidence?”

“FUCK” A glass shatters. “I’m never gettin’ out. Just say it.”

“This is the last-”

“Don’t string me along with this one last job bullshit, then the job’s a whole fuckin’ cartel. Call it what it is. I’m an asset. Not a contractor if I don’t got a fuckin’ choice.”

“You’re gonna be out.”

“You won’t even give me your word.”

“Joel, you have my word.”

“Alright,” Joel calms down a little. “And what about you? You ever think about your daughter in all this? You want her on tiktok seein’ your head roll off one day ‘cause you couldn’t take the loss and retire?”

“Don’t talk about my daughter.”

There’s a moment of silence, then your dad continues.

“We’re on the same team, buddy. I want this over as bad as you do. C’mon, let’s look at the intel.”

You’re sick to your stomach. Whatever this is sounds like it’s about your dad’s ego. What’s new. You shrink back to the tunnel and jog through it so it’s over fast.

You’re laying on the couch in the pool house, and you don’t even want to think about what you just heard. So you’re replaying the earlier conversation in your head. The one about your stepmother and . . . gross. Something doesn’t sit right about it. You’re trying to figure out why Joel would have felt guilty for you blackmailing him into sex.

It hits you that the only reason he’d feel guilty is if it were his doing. . . If he realized you thought you had leverage and saw an opportunity. Deprive you, make you want it that bad, see if you’d try to twist his arm into it. And once you got there, game over? Was he just getting off on having the power all along? Then you ask yourself the real question. If that’s the case . . . do you wish none of it ever happened? It’s an easy no.

So you put that to rest and can’t help but think about what you overheard between Joel and your dad. You want to know how this all happened, but from the way Joel was talking about heads rolling off, you’re most worried about what he and your dad are up to right now. You want to hear it from Joel. You want to know what his real job is. The truth might be the only thing you want more than to fuck him. And if he won’t tell you the truth, maybe he doesn’t deserve the latter.

You’re exhausted from being in the sun all day. There’s a big, heavy blanket – silky, not exactly cozy. It’s like a rich guy blanket, probably put there by an interior decorator. You curl up on the oversized couch and pull it over you. There’s a bedroom, but you don’t expect this to take as long as it does, so you don’t get in bed. You stay on the couch. It feels like Joel is taking forever, but you’re too tired to even look at the time. You take off your shorts and bra, swaddle yourself in the blanket, and drift off.

You don’t hear Joel come in or take off his pants or put his stuff on the table. You feel cold for a moment when he lifts the blanket, but then he gets under it with you and takes you into his arms, and he’s warm.

You stir, and Joel whispers, “You wanna get in bed?”

You shake your head no.

“It’s right there . . .”

“No,” you manage weakly. You’re not remembering any of the drama at the moment, just enjoying being in his arms and too sleepy to move.

“Ok,” he whispers, and kisses you on the head. You fall back asleep with your head in the crook of his neck.

. . .

In the middle of the night, you wake up in his arms with one of his legs hooked over both of yours and his boxers pressed against your panties, which are soaked with arousal, you can feel it. He’s only somewhat hard, but it’s enough to make you need it, bad. He smells freshly showered but you can still catch a hint of his sweat, which makes you need it worse. Your nose brushes his beard as you look up at his face.

He blinks awake with sleepy eyes. He presses his lips into yours for a long kiss that starts light, affectionate, closed-mouth, then becomes desperate, invasive. You accept his tongue greedily. He hardens right against your crotch. His hips roll into yours, and before long, he’s rock hard, and you softly moan “mmm” into his mouth.

He whispers, “Are you on-”

“Yeah,” you cut him off. Then he covers your mouth with his lips again. Yeah, you’re on birth control, and the question makes you throb as he kisses you. It’s so close. It’s finally here. It’s grinding into you right now. His hand slides under your shirt and runs over your bare back, pulling you closer against him, and he moans softly. He feels so good, it’s like a dream.

But the more you wake up, the more your thoughts creep in. You really, really want the truth. It dawns on you this might be your best shot at getting it.

You pry your lips away from his, and right away he latches onto your neck.

“What did my Dad want?” you ask him.

Between kisses on your neck, he murmurs, “don’t worry about it.”

“Tell me what’s going on,” you demand.

He rolls his arousal into your clit and you bite your lip to suppress a moan while you wait for his answer.

“Not now, sugar. . .”

He lifts your shirt swiftly but smoothly and palms a breast, then is hard-on drags down your thigh and you feel a damp spot on his boxers. He takes your nipple into his mouth while he pulls your shirt off, and you help him, despite your reservations. You need the truth, but you’re aching. Your body needs to be filled by his.

“Not now. . . so, when?” you ask.

“When I’m back,” he sighs.

“Back from what?”

He doesn’t answer. He lightly drags his lips over the top curve of your breast, over your shoulder, up your throat, your jaw, to your ear.

His boxers find your drenched panties again and press against you in just the right place. He’s so stiff, it takes your breath away, and a soft moan falls out of your mouth. He whispers, “This is all that matters,” and you want him to be right so bad. He nibbles then sucks your neck right under your ear. He grinds his rock-hard member into you in a slow rhythm at just the right angle.

“This,” he says, looking from your eyes to your mouth and back. He wraps his arms around you, grinding into you rhythmically. He kisses you again, and his tongue erases whatever words were on yours. Blood rushes to your lips with the gentle suction of his own. With his face still on yours, he slowly, carefully takes his boxers off under the blanket.

You slide your hand down his abdomen and your breath hitches as you graze the light padding of his lower stomach. You find that small, circular scar and gently caress it. He flinches, then moves your hand to his cock. It sends a bolt of need to your aching clit, but you still have to ask.

“What’s it from?”

“C’mere,” he says, and latches onto your mouth again as he thrusts into your hand.

You want his lips on yours forever. You want nothing more than to just give in and fuck him. You push yourself up with your arm and he rolls onto his back. You shrug off the blanket. He watches you in a trance as you straddle him with his cock still in your hand. You thumb his scar again and he says, “you know I served.” Right. Of course.

His stomach rises and falls, and his head tilts slightly as he watches you nestle his naked cock at your drenched, silky underwear, right against your clit. You roll your hips into him and moan at the friction.

“Let’s lose these, sugar,” he pants. He hooks his fingers into your underwear and you lift each leg to slowly slip out of them.

You settle back in, then close your eyes, tilt your hips, and use him to pleasure yourself. You drag along his cock, from your clit to your dripping entrance and back, making his manhood shine with you, and he groans. Then you lay your hips onto his again and his hips rock against you, with his unfathomably hard cock gliding firmly against your slick.

He moans and breathes heavily. “I gotta be inside you, sugar,“ he says as he grinds into you rhythmically.

“I’ve gotta know the truth,” you reply, but it physically pains you.

He groans. “Fuck,” he pants. “What do you wanna know?”

“What you’re up to,” you say as you use your hips to massage yourself with his stiff manhood.

He takes a deep breath. “It’s complicated,” he says, and you inwardly acknowledge he’s probably right. You stop moving and start to back yourself down his thighs. You bend at the hip and hover over his cock.

“Are you still in construction?” You stroke him slowly.

“Still own the business.” He adjusts his hips under you.

“But that’s not all you do.” You bring it almost to your mouth and take a deep whiff of his musk which makes you twitch with need.

“No,” he quietly admits.

You think about how to simplify this and get it over with. You throw caution to the wind and ask, “Do you kill people?” You thumb the precum beading at his tip. No immediate answer. Then, you take his salty tip into your mouth for just a kiss and he groans. You take it out.

He sighs. “You really wanna know?” He thrusts into your hand.

You give it another kiss. “Yeah.”

You slowly crawl back up his body and lay half on him and he rolls toward you so you’re on your side like before. You hook your top leg over him. You search his eyes for an answer, but he looks down at your bodies instead. His large hand engulfs your ass cheek, caresses it with his palm, then gives it a firm squeeze and pulls you hard against him, and your wet pussy meets his stiff cock again.

“What do you think?” He asks quietly, then buries his nose in your neck and whispers, “Cause you’re prolly right.” Your heart skips a beat. You wanted more, but at the same time, it feels like he just told you everything he has to tell - or that’s what you’re trying to believe, for your body’s sake. You don’t feel anything about what he just said. All you feel is him, and that’s all you want.

He groans as he grinds into you, and his neck vein bulges. He rolls his arousal harder against your slick seam and kisses your neck. “Come on, sugar,” he says.

You open your mouth but don’t have any words, you can only breathe. He ruts against you again and you close your eyes with a moan. You’re throbbing, physically aching, swollen with need, dying to have him.

“Gotta be inside you now baby,” Joel repeats, smooth and low. He thrusts hard against your clit, slow, but so hard. His mouth devours yours, and your nipples harden against his broad chest. When his stiff member drags back down your clit, he hesitates at your entrance, then puts his hand on your ass, and the tip of his cock is caught by a tilt of your hips. Tension swells and tightens deep within you.

He begins to slowly push the firm head of his cock into your tight, wet hole and reads your face. You have to remind yourself to breathe. Your brow furrows. You bite your lip and inhale through your nose. You both adjust your hips so the angle is just right. He pushes a little more, and the stretch of his girth makes your whole body dizzy and desperate for more. He pauses and you just barely nod.

The arm under you pulls you closer with his hand flat on your back while his other hand braces on your leg that’s hooked over him. Then he pushes his stiff length into you with a grunt that becomes a loud sigh, and you gasp as his thick cock makes room for itself inside you. He pauses when he’s mostly in, and you look into each other’s eyes.

“Now fuck me,” you whisper.

“Yes ma’am,” he growls. He backs out all but the tip, then plunges into you completely. Your mouth falls open with a moan as your bodies are finally joined and he bottoms out with a shudder.

His lips latch onto yours as he retreats, then slams into you again with a grunt. He buries himself in you, slow and hard, each time somehow better than the last. Your hips roll into him, and together, you gradually up the tempo. You kiss sloppily, half your mouths breathing heavily and vocalizing against each other’s cheek. Each exhale is a moan.

His hips roll fluidly against yours and his whole body tells you how bad he’s been wanting this. Every time he fills you up, you could cry from how good it feels. He opens his mouth wide and puts it on your neck again, gently sucking your delicate skin into his mouth. He grabs hold of your ass and uses the arm under you to gently put you on your back without fully pulling out. Your legs wrap around him and he sheathes himself entirely once again.

You hook your fingers under the bottom hem of his t-shirt and pull it over his head. He takes in the view of your whole body again before he leans back down.

“You look so goddamn hot,” he says, looking down at you, thrusting into you. He looks hot, too.

The moonlight reveals a faint farmer’s tan from the barbecue. His pecs and triceps are pumped up and flexing as he moves in rhythm. His hair is messy and perfect. The silver bits of his beard glisten.

He leaves space between you and reaches down to thumb your clit, almost putting you over the edge, but you quickly take his hand and pull his body back into yours.

“About to come?” he asks. You nod and take a deep breath. He thrusts into you hard then slowly rocks his hips deep inside you with his neatly trimmed hair grinding into your clit. The tension bursts inside you and you groan his name as a massive wave of pleasure overwhelms you. Then another. You clench around him and your body jerks erratically. Your nipples go almost painfully hard and drag against him.

He pushes deeper than you thought possible, balls tightening against your ass, and you gasp and moan. Then he grunts, pulses inside you, and his whole body shudders as you milk his cock. You keep pulsing as he fills you up with his seed. Your whole body is drunk with him. When you’re both finished coming, he looks at you, and himself, then you again as he catches his breath. He strokes your face and says, “god damn.”

You almost forget you’re two different bodies until he slides out of you, leaving a void your insides try to fill. He lays on his side and takes you in his arms again.

He looks so peaceful. At the moment, you don’t care if you still don't know what’s going on. You don’t even care if he manipulated you into wanting this so desperately. All you care about is whether this is going to happen again, and you’re terrified of finding out it’s not. You start to worry about him going to do this job.

After a long silence, you say, “You don’t wanna do it, do you?”

“Do what?”

“Whatever you have to go and do.”

The peace evaporates from his face. He sighs. “No. . . No, I don’t, sugar.” He rubs his temples with the thumb and pinky of one massive hand.

“Then why do it?”

“No choice,” he says.

“That’s messed up,” you say. “I mean, not having a choice.”

“Yeah, well, it was my own dumb ass. Thought I was gettin’ outta somethin’ worse. Didn’t know what I was gettin’ into.”

“How do you get out of it now?”

“Finish the job, call it a day, see what happens.”

“Really?”

“It’s been a long time comin’.”

A couple seconds after he says it, a little smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. He doesn’t have to make the joke out loud. You playfully pinch his cheek.

“Worth the wait?” he asks with a smirk.

You shrug, and he says, “I’ll take it.” You can feel your whole face and body glowing. You don’t need to spell it out.

You get pensive thinking about why now, why tonight. “You weren’t just pissed at my dad, were you?”

He chuckles, then almost seems to panic when he sees you’re serious. “God, no, Trouble. . . “ His heart rate visibly quickens on his neck. He didn’t even have to ask you what you meant. He wraps his arms tight around you and kisses your head.

“So whatever happened to ‘not tonight’?” you ask.

“Couldn’t help it,” he says. “Neither could you.” Well, that’s true. “Plus, now I don't have to worry ‘bout you findin’ out you didn’t blackmail me. That woulda broken your sick little heart.”

“Maybe,” you say, still a little paranoid, but you push the thoughts away.

“I don’t think your dad needs to know about this,” he says. “That woulda been a sick serve though if I was mad at him,” he chuckles.

“Did you just say sick serve. . . “

“Sick serve,” he whispers in your ear.

“I don’t think that means what you– where do you pick this stuff up, anyway?”

“Prolly Jesse, he never shuts up.”

“So, Jesse’s-”

Joel puts his thumb on your lips. “Said too much already,” he says. “ You gotta keep it to yourself, okay?” You give his thumb a little bite before he takes it away.

It’s funny, you never had anything over him before, but now you kinda do. Not that you’ll do anything with it. Too dangerous.

“Yeah,” you say.

After a long silence, you ask, “What are you gonna do when it’s over?”

He sighs and adjusts his arms around you. “This right here,” he says. “If you want.”

You fall asleep in his arms again.

When you wake up, he’s gone. It’s light outside. Birds are chirping. You have a text from him that says “Stay here if you want. Back in a couple days.” You don’t stay there. It’s too creepy without him. You go back to your apartment, but you worry about him a lot and check your phone constantly. A few days later, you get off work, and when you walk out of the bookstore, he’s parked there, leaning against his truck, ankles crossed, wearing Ray Bans and a t-shirt, jeans as tight as ever, arms tucked under his massive biceps.

“Here comes trouble” he says as he pushes himself off his truck. He puts his hands on his hips and lets his pants adjust as he pops out one knee.

Your lips meet as he wraps his arms around you.

“All done?” you ask.

“Let’s celebrate,” he says. “Got that same suite on the river. Booked it for the rest of the month, so I reckon I’ll be around.”

Thank you for reading and engaging with this story for all six parts, y'all have been so awesome!

FWIW I see this as a happy ending with ominous undertones lol. I think I will come back to these two in the future (assuming there's still interest now that they've fucked). That's why I didn't blow my whole load in over explaining the subplot in this part. I initially included the sub plot so there would be an interesting basis to come back to them after the main story.

I just started another (darker) dad's best friend story: Left in Lincoln. In addition to smut it's also slow burn horror but no gore. Heed warnings. . .

Tags - This story: @jbcalway @daddy-din @angelmenace @silkiers @axshadows @legs0pen4dilfs @fan-fiction-floozy @grnherbs @icuminurbutt @lokanda @not-a-unique-snowflakewflake89 @likeanimagepassingby2 @witchy-jadda @mxtokko @missannwinchester @cannolighost @anxiousankylosaurus @montenegroisr @97cityy @lillyrob @billyloomiswhore4 @cloudroomblog @boysddontcry @blackvelveteen1339 @twsssmlmaa @call-me-doll-facee @str84pedro @ausamocee @skythighs @jasminedragon @leeeesahhh @blushynini @momia2910

All joel: @ethanhoewke @silkiers @eiviea @evyiione @xdaddysprincessxx @queerly-anxiousus @chernayawidow @ambassadortotrilliusprime @not-a-unique-snowflake-blog @jasminespringtime @romanarose

#joel miller x reader #joel miller #joel miller smut #joel miller fic #joel miller fanfiction #joel miller x you #perdo pascal #pedro pascal fic #pedro pascal smut #toxicanonymity ☠️#toxicdbf #dbf!joel #pervy!joel #dbf!joel miller #joel miller/reader #joel miller/you #content label

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idesofrevolution · 2 years

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The Architect

It was supposed to be my magnum opus. Ravenswood- my last creation and my forever home. For years I had suffered and degraded myself in firms filled with peons who wouldn't know architectural integrity if it hit them on the nose, and when I finally finished that last project, it took all of fifteen minutes for me to type up my resignation and slap it on the boss' desk. I'd gotten the severance I'd worked nearly 31 years for, and had built up the name Drake Astramore to a prominent name in the business. Finally, I was free. Free to create unrestricted by the trivial boundaries set by those beneath me.

Work was slow in the beginning, my modern designs never seemed to convey the right mood or tone which I was seeking. Completely dejected, I resorted to corresponding with a peer of my own caliber who specialized in Eastlake-Tradition Victorian revival: James Lafreniere. The man was perhaps in his late 80's, far past his prime, but I did value his insight purely to help spur some sort of creative spark. He insisted on a large, rambling estate on a large plot just outside the city. He envisioned towers, stained glass, mahogany... some vacuous opulence that did not speak to my taste whatsoever. I was unconvinced, I saw Victorian architecture as tasteless fluff and ornamentation. Though, as old Mr. Lafreniere pushed, I suppose I did cave in quite a bit. His design was based on some sort of "sacred geometry" he'd studied while in Haiti some time ago. The man was a dog with a bone, frantically trying to persuade me into confirming his "spiritualist" idea for the house. The more he pressed, the less I firmly stood my ground. After all, I was happy with the layout he'd drafted and with my final additions and perfections to his concept, I was satisfied.

Thus, on that foggy winters day, a mere week or two since old Lafreniere was dead and buried, the house was nearing completion after nearly 13 months. I was coming in to do a final inspection, specifically confirming the four crystal chandeliers that were to be placed in the ballroom. Reynolds, the contractor I had hired, went radio silent two days prior, and I was eager to give him a modicum of advice on professionalism. As I pulled up to the antique wrought iron gates, I was perturbed to see them still chained tightly with a large padlock. I had no key, and had no response from Reynolds. Just as I prepared to go to the local hardware store to purchase a pair of bolt cutters, I saw a bulldozer slowly meandering up the gravel driveway through the dense fog. Perhaps Reynolds hadn't abandoned me as I'd thought. Exiting the car, I stood behind the iron gates as the machine came to a halt just on the other side. The door opened and instead of the middle aged potbelly which I had hired, a young man with a peculiar look in his eye exited the vehicle and sat on the steps of the machine.

"Who are you?" The young man glibly chided from his perch.

"What the hell do you mean who am I? I am the owner of this property. Who are you?" He sat idly staring me up and down, some flippant smirk forming slowly on his face. He hopped down, his massive rubber boots landing in a puddle, splashing muddy water up and down his clothes.

"Mr. Astramore, I was wondering if I'd ever get to meet you in person." He sauntered over to the gates, unlocking the heavy padlock as the gates creaked open on their own. I hadn't recalled requesting hydraulic automation on the main gate, but I assumed incorrectly that it was part of the system I'd purchased. "The name is Jimmy. Reynolds proved to be... unreliable on the job. So the company sent me as a replacement. I'm surprised you hadn't heard."

"I most certainly have not heard. I should like to have known about staffing changes. He has completely ignored me for days now." The man looked down, chuckling under his breath.

"Yeah. The guy just up and left one day. Never called the company or anything. Just poof. Vanished." Contractors. The bane of every architect. Unreliable thieves, the lot of them. This young man certainly mimicked that aura of untrustworthiness, but as the job was nearly complete, I preferred at the time to simply allow him to finish. "The house is ready for you, sir. Take this, please let me know if you need anything from me, I'll be finishing the landscaping for the raingardens today." He pulled off a two-way radio from his belt, handing it to me. I could smell the putrid scent of hard labor wafting from him as I snatched the muddy radio from his sweaty hands.

"That will be fine, James." I huffed as I got back into my car, beginning the two minute trek up the driveway toward the house. As I passed him, I could see the filthy worker smile at me. There was something off about his presence, though at the time I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Again, I believe it was his eyes. So familiar, as if I'd known them myself for a time. As I left him behind in the dust of the gravel, I promised myself I would launch a complaint against these unprofessional ruffians the moment I could.

After weaving past the carefully planned and restored bayous, the white tower proudly peeked from above the tree canopy. The woodlands cleared and before me stood the massive edifice that was Ravenswood. It was primed white, awaiting the final paint job in dark greens and black which I had demanded. Yet another setback I was not looking forward to enduring. The elaborate trim graced the balconies and verandas which were perfectly calculated to receive the ideal amount of sun and shade during the hot Louisiana summers. Each glazed window was placed to maximize natural light in the house's otherwise dark confines. Perhaps Lafreniere was right- this was my masterpiece.

I put the car in park, and exited the vehicle. I stood and marveled at the house. On paper, it was grand and idyllic. In person, however, it took on a very different aura. Dark clouds and fog seemed to hang around the house, giving it a distinct sense of foreboding which I had not intended. Knowing funds were scarce as is, it was too late to change anything. This was to be my forever home, shortcomings and perfections alike. Pressing against the front doors, I entered the main hall, then aglow from the stained glass window and edison-bulb-illuminated chandelier. Lafreniere assured me that the house would be sufficiently lit, and that no dark corners would find their way into it's winding halls. I was disappointed beyond words to see that it was not the case.

The house seemed to breathe with a cold draft that whipped around the walls, just strong enough to notice, but not enough to disturb. While it was certainly built to my specifications, Ravenswood took on an identity of it's own before my eyes as it stood before me. Grumbling under my breath, I began my inspection.

Room by room, I went about with my clipboard and checklist. Bronze lightplates, check. Mahogany waiscotting, check. Brass and crystal chandeliers, check. From the library to the conservatory, the drawing room to the gallery; each room was just as I designed it, yet it seemed inundated with some indescribable weight which I had anticipated from the beginning. My modern, airy, open concept home which I had originally envisioned slowly simmered into flames before my own eyes. It was magnificent, yes. The house dripped character and ethereal essence from every nook and cranny. But was it an Astramore home? Certainly not.

Looking back, I should have left. I should have tossed the clipboard onto the dark herringbone parquet floors and stomped back to my car- back to the safety and comfort of my car. I should have driven away like a bat out of hell from this place and never returned. Yet, in my arrogance, I believed I could salvage it somehow. Thus, it was in that moment, as I was checking the finials on the grand staircase that I heard it. Groaning. Ever so quiet, yet echoing throughout the cavernous halls. I looked above me, my eyes tracking the noise further and further up the staircase onto the third floor. I assumed that it was emanating from the observatory in the main tower, though how I could have possibly known that I still do not know. I ascended the steps, slowly at first, toward the sound. Every creaking floorboard perturbed me, a new construction shouldn't behave as if it had stood for over a hundred years. This growing rage at the destruction of my vision translated directly into a quickening pace. My body seemingly did the work for me as I climbed faster, eventually skipping steps on my way to the high observatory.

Blinded by anger, I could not see the various shapes and figures which I had blown past on the landings, the dark shadows waiting in the corners and cornices. Every ounce of my being was focused entirely on releasing this pent up aggression, built within myself over decades, on whatever pathetic creature dared to whine within my walls. Arriving on the final landing, I burst through the door with the last of my strength.

The shutters in the observatory were drawn and shut, the unfinished plaster and floorboards were illuminated only by the dull light from the stairwell behind me. There, in the center of the room and crouched like a devious little gremlin was some degenerate young man. Tattoos sprawled across his lean body, and his greasy mop of hair obscured his line of sight. The man shielded his face from the gleaming light, as if burned by it's glow. His pants and shoes were weathered and well worn; scuffed, torn, and stained from what I can only assume was some ill-begotten lifestyle of antisocial youths.

"Get out!" I shouted at the boy, as he cowered on the sawdust-laden floor. His hand slowly retracted from his face, revealing what he was trying to conceal. Upon his inked face were two fully black eyes, which seemed to suck the remnants of light straight out of the room. They were empty, cold, and devious. This thing was not of this world, it was not of God, it was not of nature. I stood there, frozen in place as he stood up, easily a height of over 6 feet tall. My hairs stood on end, as he smiled down at me. I turned to run, but as I did, I was confronted by the grinning visage of Jimmy.

"Going somewhere, Astramore?" His eyes were black as night, just like the creature behind me. I couldn't speak, any word I tried to mutter was caught in my throat and merely exited as gasping utterances. Two icy cold hands slowly wrapped around my gut. I could only let out a whimper as I was sharply pulled back into the room as Jimmy leaned against the doorframe, his arms and ankles crossed comfortably as if nothing was out of place.

Tossed down onto the ground, my extremities pulled in every which direction as if bound by invisible leather straps. My clothes were ripped from my body, leaving me vulnerable and cold in the nude. The thing circled me like a predator observing it's prey. I thrashed against my constraints, spitting insults and threats with the last of my energy. I should have realized the intent of their misdeeds then and there. Blinded yet again, and for the last time by my own rage, I could not see... they were exhausting me. My strength depleted, my nerves shot, I was a mere shell of myself. This was their moment.

The thing stood above me, straddling my bony torso, as he slowly lowered himself atop me. With his cold fingers, nails black and skin dirty, he gripped the bottom of my chin, prying my mouth open. With a momentum far beyond the order of nature, his hand plowed directly into my open maw. It seemed to contract in on itself, as if he were not solid, but rather in a plasmic state of matter. As it squirmed deeper into my throat, the second hand fed itself into the orifice with ease. It felt as if I were drowning, yet could still breathe. It flowed like slime inside of me, pooling into my expanding stomach. I could hear myself gurgling and choking on him as his head squeezed into my mouth, the miasmic odor of unwashed manscent wafting from his acrid form. He slithered his entire form within me, my gut protruding more and more with his writhing shape beneath my stretching skin. As his lower half finally slid past my tongue, I could feel the rough texture of his denim pants scratch against my esophagus, I could taste the sweaty leather of his musky battered sneakers brush on my tongue until the last of the rubber sole slipped into my mouth; disappearing into my body.

Within me, I could feel him breathing. Expanding and contracting from beneath my skin. I could just barely cock my head down enough to see my grotesquely inflated midsection wriggling and pulsating. There was no pain, only tightness and fullness inside. From the doorway, Jimmy had lowered his coveralls down to his boots, pulled his rancid jockstrap to his knees, and was pleasuring himself with manic fervor. Whatever was happening to me was nothing short of pornography for him, he savored every moment with bated breath. Though I had no time to dwell on such displays of vulgarity and immorality. As quickly as the thing had entered me, it began to spread.

I cocked my head toward my arm, as I watched the protruding outline of the thing's hand slowly snake towards my own from under my skin. I could see it's added mass inflate my musculature as it slid effortlessly past my elbow and up my forearm. It's fingers pushed into mine like a hollow latex glove. His stature considerably larger than mine, I could see my entire arm stretch outward, and his own muscles falling into place within mine. In just a few seconds, my arm had grown, large biceps and colorful tattoos seeping up through my dermis until it was unrecognizable. I observed it in horror as I felt my second arm endure the same process, though my gaze was thoroughly cemented at the strong, youthful, virile arm which once was mine.

My legs soon followed suit, my thighs ballooning outward with firm slabs of muscle as the outline of the thing's massive feet barreled down toward my own. Hairs sprung up like weeds across my inflating calves and quadriceps, until I could feel the slimy pressure of his foot sliding into mine. My body again stretched to accommodate his frame, feeling the soles of my massive sweating feet slide across the hardwood floor until it was finally fully in place. My toes wriggled against my will. A stirring in my groin, and my worn hands pawing at my privates signaled his insertion there as well. Every slick sweaty pump of my member seemed to thrust his into mine further and further. It was quickly engorged, thick and dripping with pre as my balls swelled with his thick, unholy seed. The foreskin tightened around my tip, slick and dripping, and there was then only one part of me left that was untouched.

I could feel him pressing up my throat. It's head firmly making it's way up my esophagus, his face protruding from beneath my sweating skin. There was no fight left in me, all I could do was close my eyes and pray that oblivion was not as empty as I had assumed. With the very last of my strength giving way, there was no resistance as it's head shot up into my skull. Everything went dark almost immediately, there was no light, and an atonal ringing in my ears distorted the squelching and cracking noises I could faintly hear as it adjusted my face atop his. Feeling his plasmic form beneath mine, integrating itself into every possible crevice, nook, and space; it was maddening. I felt myself begin to drift away... disconnected from my corporeal tether. The last thing I could see before I finally wasted away into the unknown was my blurred reflection in the mirror, a face no longer my own, merely a shadow of who I once was. I bitterly accepted this fate. I let him have that sweaty, smelly, vulgar body... it was all his. The lights went out, and all was silent.

----

New Orleans Tribune, December 20th, 2022:

Local Architect Declared Dead After Week Long Search Efforts

Recent attempts to locate Drake Astramore (69) of Thibodaux have been called off by New Orleans authorities after a week of searching through the architect's sprawling estate. Neighbors to the gated complex reported faint screams coming from within the mansion, even from a 1/4 mile away, which led investigators to deliver a search warrant to the residence.

Upon arrival, authorities were met with the groundskeeper of the premises, James Lafreniere (25), who explained Astramore had disappeared during a routine inspection of the mansion, which was at the time nearing completion:

"He was only in there for a few hours. I wish I knew what could have happened to the guy. But I am so glad that his son has decided to take up the torch on the house. It wasn't all for nothing, then."

While Astramore had no family to speak of, the few who knew him personally described him as "difficult" and "degrading," often going to far lengths to place himself above others. In fact, a number of former coworkers at architecture firm Guillory, Darensbourg, & Combs alluded to mysterious dealings with an unidentified elderly man during the design phase of his home, described as having a "dark energy" about him. While there is no evidence to support foul play at this time, investigators have not ruled out furthering their analysis into these claims.

As for Ravenswood Estate, it has now fallen into the hands of the missing architect's son, Drake Astramore II (27). A self-proclaimed "spiritualist," the young man plans to give tours of the sprawling mansion dedicated to the mysterious and unusual process of design of Ravenswood. Joining with his partner in business and in life, James Lafreniere, the duo intend on opening a bed and breakfast type model for the horror inclined.

"I didn't know my pop all that much, he never really acknowledged me or anything. But I'm happy to show the world what he created. This place is special, it was designed to be special. There's an magnetism here that gathers together the essences of many, many of the dearly departed. If you don't believe me, come take a look. I'm happy to show you around. I guarantee you'll leave a completely changed person."

#male possession #male transformation #ghost possession #badass transformation #architect #original #gay transformation #gay possession #body horror #musky #punkification #male tf

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doiefy · 1 year

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ballroom extravaganza (m?) // kim doyoung, jung jaehyun // preview

The house on the hill has been a mystery for some time. Some say hell, most say heaven—but for the good and wicked alike, it remains a safe haven built by a faceless group known as the Seraphim, on a foundation of secrets they're willing to take to their graves.

For 27-year-old Jung Jaehyun trying to escape a family and job he hates, the manor is an easy distraction: wealth and extravagance where no one knows his name, and endless entertainment riddled with the type of danger he craves. But for the Seraph who catches Jaehyun's eye one late night, it's nothing short of home. Although held together by a twisted love and afflicted by paranormal activity, the mysterious inhabitants of the house are Doyoung's only semblance of family.

Whether by fate or sheer coincidence, the two are brought together to reevaluate the ground they stand upon, and the horrors buried beneath. And to come to the slow realization: their worst fears have been in front of them the entire time, rooted firmly in both their mortal bodies and broken souls.

genre: angst, paranormal, horror

pairing: kim doyoung x jung jaehyun (yeah i'm fully aware that you nerds don't read mxm but did I ask? no :))

word count: 4.2k preview, ~50k full fic

warnings: heavy language, blood and violence, minor character death, smoking. full fic includes alcohol, drugs, sexual content (not explicit smut but heavy references to/implications of rather intense sexual relationships. despite this, minors pls dni for everyone's sanity), some vague indication of undiagnosed mental conditions and stigma, generally this fic is pretty heavy but I've become desensitized as fuck writing it lmfao.

expected release: july 2023 at the latest or i will literally go insane

this was very much (and obviously) inspired by dpr ian's mito 2, from the general ✨vibes✨ to the chapter titles. absolute banger of an album, do give it a listen while reading. tag list available by dm/ask.

one: seraph

The skies begin to bleach red And the stars begin to fall.

AT DUSK, Seraph’s Hill was truly a surreal sight to behold.

It held the briefest moment between evening and night frozen in time. While the rest of the world darkened to a deep indigo, the property sat isolated, still bathed in a brilliant amber glow. All beige brick and polished marble, it seemed to cradle the sun’s remains between its soaring rooftops and overgrown balconies. It stopped the celestial bodies in their orbits, rewriting time, rewriting space and natural law, all in some vain attempt to retain a few more minutes of daylight. The fountains spewed molten gold, the gardens flashed iridescent colours, and the stone statues lit their wings ablaze.

It wasn’t especially angelic or heavenly, despite its name. It was hardly coherent, if you stared at it for long enough: a strange mismatch of architecture styles, something vaguely between Mediterranean revival and neoclassical, with gothic fountains out front. The lack of coordination was all due to Leliel’s indecision at the time of its construction—so thought the estate’s various visitors. But as the original story went among the Seraphim, Azrael had murdered the original contractor, prompting the hiring of a second person to finish the job.

On this particular evening, the pearly gates swung open for a black car. Behind the wheel, Kim Doyoung looked out across the property—he had one hand steering the vehicle, and the other hanging casually out the window with a cigarette stuck between two fingers. The gates closed behind him, silently, on well-oiled hinges. Even the automated clang of the lock was muted, so as to not disturb guests; peace was just another one of Leliel’s attempts to emulate paradise.

He pulled the car up the driveway, making quick observation of the yard. There was no one in sight; no sign of his contact, and only a handful of familiar vehicles parked behind the west wing. He was to meet a man who had every ill intention against the Seraphim; and it seemed he had arrived too early.

Most would feel restless at this point, either overthinking the entire ordeal or simply irritated by the notion of waiting, yet Doyoung was strangely calm. He parked the car, snapped the key out of the ignition, and hastily pulled the visor down to check his reflection.

The goal was to look effortlessly presentable for this meeting, and not like he had been on the road for several hours. Unfortunately, the black eyes that stared back at him from the mirror harboured exhaustion. The smoke spilling from his lips made for an even harsher appearance, leeching the colour from his cheeks and adding grey streaks to his long locks of jet hair. Someone had once told him he was a visually conflicting person: all soft curves dressed in angular shapes, fair skin marked with black tattoos, a gentle voice paired with an intense gaze. He understood now, their reasons for confusion, and how his strange sense of fashion could be disadvantageous at times like these.

He combed his fingers through his hair and tied it at the base of his neck—as well as he could, anyways; it was still too short to stay in place for too long. A bit of cream to soothe the dry patches of skin on his hands, then the cheap cologne he kept in his bag, to mask the potent smell of gas and blood. The cigarette met his lips one last time before he climbed out of the car and crushed it underfoot.

“There you are.”

Doyoung turned, his back meeting the side of his car as he searched for the source of noise. Confusion took him a moment later, when he registered a woman’s voice and a soft silhouette on the wall—dusted with the golden rays of sunset, harmoniously one with the gentle autumn breeze. She stepped out of the shadows in a flash of long, silver hair and silver jewellery. With mean eyes and a deep crease in her brow, she must have been in her early, if not late, thirties.

This certainly wasn’t who Doyoung had agreed to meet with.

“I’m sorry?” his voice came out relaxed, almost a little slurred. There was a long pause before he spoke again, this time tired. “Prince Seir sent you?”

“Foolish boy,” the woman murmured; her speech was so unnecessarily dignified and irritating, but Doyoung said nothing of it. He wouldn’t bother.

Instead, he mustered a wry grimace. “You are Prince Seir, then.” He gave a curious tilt of his head. “Why waste so much of your time convincing me that you were a man?”

“You lot who frequent this hellhole don’t seem like the type to take a woman seriously,” she snorted, throwing her head back. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, catching moonlight between each individual strand. “The women here are treated like whores and servants, isn’t that right? You likely call them to your room for entertainment.”

Doyoung scoffed. “I don’t care for women, ma’am. Never have.” He paused, realizing how that must have sounded to her. “I’m not interested in women.” It didn’t seem to help; she pointed an accusing finger at him.

“You’re really something, boy.“

“And you’re a bitch who’s wasting my time, despite my trying to take her seriously. Now, are you going to give me a job? Or will we be here all night?”

The woman stared at him for another long moment, clearly enraged. Doyoung almost wondered if he was hallucinating—her figure seemed to phase in and out of existence, and her deep anger was so out of place on a set of soft features. She could’ve been a trick of the light, a product of the disturbed mind; and Doyoung could wake up stoned and piss drunk, nowhere near the current scene. It wouldn’t have been the first time.

At last, she spoke. Paired with a deliberate, impatient gesture of her hand came the words: “Come with me.”

Doyoung obliged, following her out of the lot. They walked wordlessly up a gravel road and past a gate, into a garden. It was surrounded on all sides by white walls and arched windows—the centrepiece of the property. Eden was a stunning display of wealth and beauty.

Lanterns dangled from every rooftop, flanking tall, white columns. Water spilled from a colossal arrangement of natural stone. Twin paths of interlocking stones circled the pool, splitting at a particular junction where they then lead to several smaller courtyards. Each alcove housed a statue and overflowing pot of vibrant flowers that climbed up the walls on twirling stems. Doyoung paused before a marble statue of a young maiden and dropped a single coin in her basket, as had become customary. Supposedly Israfel had started the tradition after waking up hungover at her feet.

But the silver-haired lady ahead of him didn’t seem to know this; and even if she did, she didn’t care. Seir snapped her fingers impatiently, and Doyoung hurried to catch up.

They arrived at an alcove on the opposite side of the space, and were greeted by a stone king on his throne. He stared down at them unkindly, his fist tight around his scepter. Without hesitation, the woman reached for his crown, stuck her hand within the circlet of stone, and pushed. The back wall of the alcove, covered all over with ivy and wild begonias, quivered. Then with just the slightest resistance, it swung inwards to reveal a dark tunnel.

The woman fished a flashlight out of her pocket and switched it on. “The Seraphim’s lair.” She gave the stone king a patronizing pat on the shoulder, then sneered at him in contempt, “Hidden behind a statue of a king. A little too on the nose, don’t you think?”

“Perhaps,” Doyoung muttered wryly, and followed her into the tunnel.

With a bit of effort, they replaced the wall, though Doyoung thought it was an issue of little importance; at this hour, most would be far too intoxicated to notice.

Once the wall had been pushed flush against the statue, they were swallowed by darkness. The flashlight did little against it, but Seir forged ahead with confidence, leaving Doyoung to stumble along. It was silent for the first few minutes, before classical music began to drift through the walls, adagio and mezzo piano. Snippets of conversation followed. There was a broken moan, and then a flirtatious laugh. Slow inhales. Satisfied exhales. Deep within the walls of the property, the pair bore witness to a multitude of illicit activities.

At long last, it fell quiet again. The ground began to slope downwards, steeper and steeper, until it reached a short flight of stairs. Seir paused at the bottom, feeling carefully along the wall for something. All of a sudden, a dirty yellow glow washed across the room—what looked like a storage closet, only about two arm spans across. Pinned to the furthest wall was an arrangement of photos and notes: the Seraphim, their names, images, details, entire floor plans for the estate in which they supposedly lived.

“What is this?” Doyoung asked. He was taken aback, to say the least, by the sheer amount of detail, not to mention the unknown motivations behind it all. He stepped forward to take a closer look, reaching instinctively for the photo that had slipped loose from the corkboard. The image of a striking man with black hair and eyes flashed before him, then vanished as Seir slapped his hand away.

“Don’t touch,” she hissed.

“I was looking.”

“Look with your eyes. You’ll touch them soon enough.”

“These are the targets?” Doyoung raised a brow, doing a quick count of the photos. Eight. “All eight of them?”

Seir gave a dissatisfied growl. “I did most of the work, didn’t I? How difficult could it possibly be for you to kill them, when all the details are so conveniently prepared for you?”

“I wasn’t complaining,” Doyoung snapped. “And I don’t doubt my abilities. I doubt your abilities in miraculously tracking down every last detail about the eight most mysterious men in the city. Forgive me when I say I’m skeptical.”

“That isn’t your concern as a contract killer. You have no loyalties, you’re paid to do as I tell you, not to refute—”

Doyoung snorted in disbelief. “I’m not allowed to be curious? Believe me, you’re not the only person who has been after the Seraphims’ true identities. This house is a mystery, and I want to know how you solved it.”

There was a beat of empty silence. Then the woman's lips curled back in visible disgust, revealing a set of gleaming white teeth. Her hatred was unmistakable. “Go dig through a shithole first, go get dirt under your fingernails, go whore yourself out to the most despicable scum of the earth, then maybe you’ll figure it out yourself. You have no idea what I’ve done just to get here.”

“Well, then I commend you—”

“Your praise won’t change my mind, boy.”

Doyoung frowned. So she was conceited enough to be condescending, but not quite enough to break at his praise. Fine. He could resort to other methods.

He turned his attention back to the Seraphim, noting their angelic names and dangerous appearances. No two looked the same—each visually unique on their own—yet when lined up one after the next, they began to blur into an indecipherable, melted concoction of facial features. Brown eyes and dark gazes. Grey hair, wild manes, red lips, stained mouths. Uriel scowled at him from behind a pair of red-tinted glasses. Matariel watched with immense judgement, as if her hair wasn’t white as snow and there wasn’t a thick layer of cream blush smoothed over her cheeks.

“You’re missing one,” Doyoung noticed after a few moments—an obvious gap between Leliel and Uriel, and a name written in big, black letters: “Azrael.”

“He’s been dealt with,” Seir replied shortly.

“Didn’t leave his photo up? X his eyes out with a red marker, maybe?”

“You talk too much,” she hissed in frustration. “And Azrael was the worst of them. A cold-blooded murderer. He killed my brother.”

Doyoung scoffed. “And you hiring me to kill eight people doesn’t make you any worse than him?”

“You have no idea what type of people they are. You have no idea what they do.”

He sighed, taking two steps back. The shadows parted for him, and the room fell incredibly still, incredibly silent—and it did so incredibly quickly. One second, the woman’s voice bounced back and forth between the walls, filling the entire space with anger and disdain. The next, she was barely a whisper. Standing about an arms’ length away from Doyoung with her back turned to him, she had become strangely small in his eyes.

“I’m well aware of the things we do, dear prince.”

The silence wavered, trembling as metal appeared between Doyoung’s fingers. There was a visible refraction against the far wall and a shrill warning as something cut through the air. Then his left hand was on the woman’s shoulder and his right was drawing metal across the soft flesh of her throat. Her mouth dropped open in a silent scream, and her eyes bulged out of her skull.

“You killed an innocent man,” he murmured.

He let her crumble to the ground.

The waves crashed. Crimson lapped at his shoes. The weapon hung limply at his side, dripping rhythmically, shimmering with molten amber. He watched the pigment seep into the dead woman’s hair; he watched the white strands float down the red river. Unconsciously, he let a string of curses spill from his lips, then reached for his lighter. What a mess.

Azrael walked out of the room a few minutes later, picking blood off of his nails and bleeding smoke from the mouth.

“You’re making a mess, Doyoung.”

Doyoung looked down. Indeed, there was a trail of bloody footprints behind him: where he stood, they were pink marks against the glossy floor tile, and where the door opened to the hallway, they glistened bright red. Too distracted by his thoughts and the gruelling cleanup after Seir’s murder, he simply hadn’t realized.

Now Johnny peered at him impassively from behind his desk—neither understanding nor upset, simply observing and strangely quiet. Doyoung could feel similar stares from the others around the room; though the other Seraphim were more forthcoming with their opinions, much more outspoken than their leader. Yuta sat in the corner, snickering in amusement and wiping at the red lenses of his glasses. Donghyuck waved at him mockingly. Jungwoo mumbled a pointed comment beneath his breath.

Scowling to himself, Doyoung stepped out of his shoes. He approached Johnny’s desk without them, and set the evidence down for his inspection: a clear plastic bag that held every photo, every paper, every piece of writing from Prince Seir’s wall. In his annoyance and carelessness while taking them down from the cork board, he’d torn several pieces and crudely taped them back together.

“How did you kill him?” Jungwoo crooned from where he sat, fanning his freshly-painted nails with a magazine.

Doyoung responded with only a finger drawn over his throat and a quiet correction: “Her. It was a woman.”

“And how did she manage to piece this all together?” Johnny asked; the room quickly returned its attention to him. He had laid the images out on the table, and was glowering down at them—as if flimsy, blood-stained papers still had potential to do harm. Perhaps they did; the notion of intruders and spies in their midst was hardly encouragement.

“Ugh! That’s the photo on my driver’s license!” Donghyuck cut in, whining obnoxiously as he sauntered over, clearly and horrifyingly drunk. He reached for the two halves of his photo, only to have them snatched away by Johnny.

“Enough,” the elder grunted, gently pushing Donghyuck into a chair and returning his attention to Doyoung. “Well? Do you know?”

Doyoung hesitated—he knew exactly who Johnny would blame if he told him—and he resisted the urge to look at the person in question. “She found the old service tunnel in the east wing,” he started, then paused to survey the leader for his reaction: Johnny narrowed his eyes, but said nothing for the time being. “She snuck around our quarters through the walls and installed cameras in the air vents. That was enough for her to get images of our faces and hear our names.”

“And what about you? She had never seen you before tonight?”

“No. I got lucky. The vents in my room aren’t part of the network in the east wing, and even if they were, I was out of town for a few weeks. She mistook Jeno for me while I was gone.”

Johnny’s jaw tightened. “And she had him killed.”

“Yes.”

The revelation brought a deathly hush. Doyoung was right: they had gotten lucky. Had Seir hired any other person to kill them, had they been even a little less prepared, any one of them could have met the same fate as Jeno.

“Mark,” Johnny sighed at last, locking gazes with the one person who had kept his quiet this entire time. “Come here.”

Mark obediently shuffled to his feet, rising out of the shadows. The expression on his face was already wounded, like he knew what was to come; and when he stood motionless before the leader with his head lowered, he took on the form of a child awaiting chastisement. For several moments, Johnny simply looked him up and down, all prior emotion having disappeared from his eyes. For several moments, the air hung still, as they all held back from doing anything they might regret.

Then Johnny lashed out, striking Mark across the cheek with little remorse.

The sharp sound of contact rang through the room, snapping everyone back to attention. Yuta looked up, frowning. Doyoung tensed. Even Donghyuck seemed to sober, and momentarily quit his garbled whining.

They all knew: Johnny didn’t get violent often.

“John,” Yuta said in soft warning, but it went disregarded.

“This keeps happening, Mark,” Johnny said lowly, leaning forward against the desk so he could stoop a little lower and meet the younger man’s gaze. “Why is that? Did you forget what I asked you to do?”

Mark shook his head no—he remembered exactly what he had been told—but Johnny answered for him anyway. “I said we needed to tighten up our security. Any corridors we’ve stopped using, any rooms that could potentially give us away, I told you to block them off. So why haven’t you?”

There was a shaky breath. “Taeil said not to.”

“Taeil told you that?”

Mark nodded slowly. “He still needs access to plumbing. And ventilation. So I made the corridor accessible on both sides, but only to us— I-I thought he told you—”

“Fine. If Taeil said not to, fine,” Johnny snapped. “But you can do better than some hidden fucking entrance behind a statue that anyone can find.” The pause that came directly afterwards conveyed an even harsher warning. His voice dropped in volume, not low enough to be inaudible, but enough to sound especially cold. “You disappoint me, Mark. You’ve disappointed me too many times. For your sake and the rest of our sakes, I hope this is your last.”

“Johnny,” Yuta called his name again, this time sharply. “Lay off him.”

“When he learns his lesson,” Johnny replied through clenched teeth. “He could’ve gotten one of us killed. Hell, Jeno’s already—”

“You’ve put him through enough.”

Watching wordlessly from the sidelines, Doyoung expected Johnny to snap—to round on Yuta the way he had with Mark, claiming to have done no wrong. He waited for the room to dissolve into chaos, as it often did. But to his surprise, Johnny stayed quiet. He averted his gaze, clenched his jaw, and held back the words that were clearly on his tongue. “You can go, Mark,” he said at last, his expression easing from anger to discontentment when he caught sight of Yuta on his right. “I’m sure you’re busy.”

And to the rest of the Seraphim present, “You’re all dismissed. Doyoung, I’d like a word.”

Mark shuffled out of the room with his eyes still glued to his feet. The rest hauled a drunk Donghyuck along, and Yuta brought up the rear; he closed the door on his way out, leaving Doyoung and Johnny alone.

“You’ve been hard on Mark,” Doyoung said after a few moments, once the footsteps in the hall had faded away.

“I’ve been hard on everyone,” Johnny corrected him. There hung an air of exhaustion around the angel of night, and it was clear as day. His hair hung in dark tendrils around his face. His complexion had gone uneven, dark around his eyes like he hadn’t been sleeping well. While he usually donned various silver accents and expensive accessories to blend into the crowd upstairs, his appearance tonight was rather plain. Doyoung had left town on business only two weeks prior; but this and the thick tension he witnessed earlier suggested things had taken a turn since then.

“Should I be glad that I wasn’t here?” Doyoung asked, noting the collection of cigarette stumps in Johnny’s ashtray—it was normally empty.

And Johnny replied shortly, “I’m sure things were worse on your end.”

He wasn’t wrong; the red stains in the backseat of Doyoung’s car and the duffle bag he’d thrown in a bonfire were enough testament.

“Well, the cleanup was rather—”

Johnny wrinkled his nose in disgust. “I don’t want details.”

Doyoung watched in mild amusement as the leader rummaged restlessly around his desk for something. “I’m worried,” Johnny said absentmindedly as he produced a new pack of cigarettes from the drawer. So the collection of black remains in the ashtray did belong to him, Doyoung concluded as he watched; it seemed Johnny had fallen prey to old habits.

“About what?”

He was left waiting for an answer while Johnny fished a lighter from his pocket and raised it to the cigarette between his lips.

“Everything,” came the delayed reply, flat and emotionless, tight with irritation. “Business has been getting worse. Guests are getting bored and leaving for good. Taeil’s gone off the rails too. He’s deaf to reason.”

“What did he do now?”

“He thinks he can solve all our issues with chemistry.” His face lit up with remembrance. “Right, don’t drink the tap water, he’s laced it with something.”

“Again?”

“Yes, again. Some sort of sedative. He thinks it’ll keep people soft and pliant and dumb enough to consider extending their stay. It doesn’t matter, because it won’t work. Now all of this—” Johnny spread his hands for emphasis. “—these people sneaking around the house and trying to unearth secrets that don’t exist? Strangers putting bounties on our heads when we’ve done nothing wrong?”

“I wouldn’t say we’re completely innocent.”

Johnny gave a bark of emotionless laughter; he couldn’t deny it. The drugs and illicit substances, Doyoung’s side hustle in contract killing, Taeil’s bloodied lab in the basement, countless other things that he had lost track of. All for the sake of found family, for the sake of the most important people in his life and for the sake of their collective sanity, he would allow it.

“Tell me everything,” he said at last, resting his smoke on the rim of the bronze tray.

“Everything about…?”

“This Prince Seir you met.”

So Doyoung told him. He told him about the strange trails that had been left in dark corners of the internet and old clubs of a nearby town. They were subtle messages, sent by an individual who needed a “job” fulfilled on Seraph’s Hill. He told him about Taeyong, who had noticed a strange alias checking in and out of the estate every now and then, the same one Doyoung had seen online. Then about Jungwoo, who passed Doyoung’s name through groups and groups of distant associates, until it reached Seir herself—at which point she contacted him by email.

Johnny never interrupted nor spoke. He maintained the same posture in his chair and took occasional drags from his cigarette, never moving more than was required. Though he was quiet, he was hardly a good listener: unresponsive, horribly vague when he did react, always maintaining an overwhelming presence that loomed uncomfortably over Doyoung as he spoke. He felt as if he was talking to a brick wall, and at the same time, like the brick wall was staring into the very depths of his soul, passing judgement on every word that came out of his mouth.

“You’re on the internet often, then, if that’s how you stumbled across her.” Johnny peered at him with intrigue when he finished. “Forums dedicated to us, online discussion about us… Tell me, what do people say about Seraph’s Hill?”

“A lot of bullshit.”

Johnny was cross. “What do they say?”

“That we’re a house of mysteries. That it’s strange, how people can come in sober and ready to unearth our secrets, but always wake up wasted the next morning.”

“Doing drugs does that to you.”

“The water tastes weird. The statues in the back gardens are creepy. The whiskey is fucking overpriced, and the blonde bartender is sexy. That kind of bullshit.”

Johnny said nothing. For the next minute and a half, they listened to the gurgling of water in the fountains and the classical music from the ballroom. The hands of the clock behind them moved along without noise, but Doyoung heard ticking in his head.

“Thank you,” Johnny said at last, and put his cigarette to the dusty metal of the ashtray. A steady stream of smoke escaped his fingers, fading to nothing. “You can go now.”

Doyoung got up from where he sat, only to see his leader’s expression shift once more—almost like he’d remembered something important. There was a momentary pause, and he seemed softer.

“It’s good to have you back, Doyoung.”

He nodded in agreement; it was good to be home.

On the other side of the property, moonlight fell between the iron gates of hell—illuminating the crimson streaks on the prince’s face, and guiding the two figures who escorted her. Her silver hair made glimmering lines on the concrete, and her broken body scraped haphazardly along the ground. There was no need to be delicate, so long as her innards remained intact for what was to come next. She passed into the underground, eyes wide and unmoving, frozen in their sockets.

And a cloud passed over the moon.

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superfabrications · 1 month

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Best fence company

When it comes to securing your property, enhancing privacy, or adding aesthetic value to your home or business, choosing the right fence company near you is crucial. Fences serve multiple purposes, from defining property boundaries to providing security and privacy. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to select the best local fence contractors for your needs. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know, from getting a free fence estimate to understanding the benefits of residential and commercial fencing services. Whether you're looking for custom fence builders or affordable fence repair services, this article has you covered.

Why You Need a Fence Company Near You

Hiring a fence company near you offers several advantages. Local fence contractors are familiar with the area's zoning laws, climate conditions, and soil types, ensuring that your fence is built to last. Additionally, working with a local company allows for quicker response times and more personalized service. Whether you need residential fence installation or commercial fencing services, choosing a nearby company ensures that you can easily visit their office, check out their previous work, and communicate your needs effectively.

Getting a Free Fence Estimate

One of the first steps in the fencing process is obtaining a free fence estimate. Many reputable fencing companies offer free estimates to help you understand the costs involved. A detailed estimate should include the cost of materials, labor, and any additional services, such as automated gates or custom designs. This is a great opportunity to discuss your needs, explore different materials like vinyl, wood, or chain link, and get a feel for the company's expertise.

Residential Fence Installation: Protecting Your Home

A well-installed fence can significantly enhance the security and privacy of your home. Residential fence installation is not just about putting up a barrier; it's about creating a structure that complements your home's architecture while serving its primary function. Whether you're interested in a privacy fence installation or a decorative fence, the right fencing company can guide you through the process, from selecting materials to the final installation.

Popular Residential Fencing Options

Vinyl Fence Installation: Vinyl fences are popular for their durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. They come in various styles and colors, making them a versatile choice for any home.

Wood Fence Installation Company: Wood fences offer a classic look that can be customized to suit your preferences. They are ideal for privacy and can be stained or painted to match your home's exterior.

Chain Link Fencing Services: For homeowners looking for a cost-effective and durable option, chain link fences are a great choice. They are easy to install and provide excellent security without obstructing the view.

Commercial Fencing Services: Securing Your Business

For business owners, commercial fencing services are essential for securing the property and protecting assets. Commercial fences are typically more robust and durable than residential ones, designed to withstand higher usage and offer enhanced security features.

Custom Fence Builders for Businesses

Custom fence builders can create a fence that meets your business's specific needs. Whether you need high-security fencing for a warehouse or an ornamental fence for a retail location, custom builders can design and install a fence that not only provides security but also enhances the property’s appearance.

The Best Fence Company: What to Look For

Finding the best fence company involves more than just comparing prices. The right company should have a solid reputation, experienced staff, and a portfolio of successful projects. Here are some factors to consider:

Licensed Fence Contractors

Always ensure that the company you choose has licensed fence contractors. Licensing indicates that the contractor has met the necessary qualifications and adheres to industry standards. This is particularly important for complex projects like automated gates or large-scale commercial installations.

Affordable Fence Repair Services

Even the best fences may require maintenance or repairs over time. Look for companies that offer affordable fence repair services to keep your fence in top condition. Whether it's fixing a broken gate or replacing damaged panels, prompt and cost-effective repair services can extend the life of your fence.

Fence Installation Cost

Understanding the fence installation cost is crucial for budgeting. Costs can vary based on the materials used, the complexity of the installation, and the size of the project. Requesting a detailed estimate helps you avoid hidden fees and ensures that you are getting good value for your investment.

Types of Fences and Their Benefits

Different types of fences offer various benefits depending on your needs. Here are some popular options:

Vinyl Fence Installation

Vinyl fence installation is a popular choice for homeowners who want a durable and low-maintenance fence. Vinyl fences are resistant to weather, pests, and rot, making them a long-lasting option. They are available in a variety of styles, from privacy fences to picket fences, allowing you to choose a design that complements your home.

Wood Fence Installation Company

A wood fence installation company can provide you with a classic and natural-looking fence. Wood fences are highly customizable, allowing you to choose the height, style, and finish. They are ideal for privacy and can be stained or painted to match your home’s exterior. However, wood fences do require regular maintenance to prevent rot and weather damage.

Chain Link Fencing Services

Chain link fencing services are often chosen for their durability and affordability. While not as aesthetically pleasing as vinyl or wood, chain link fences provide excellent security and are ideal for large properties. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties.

Privacy Fence Installation

For those seeking maximum privacy, privacy fence installation is the way to go. Privacy fences are typically taller and constructed from materials that block the view from outside. Vinyl, wood, and composite materials are commonly used for privacy fences, offering both security and seclusion.

Automated Gates

Adding automated gates to your property enhances both security and convenience. Automated gates can be integrated with various fence types and are available in multiple styles, from sliding to swing gates. They can be controlled remotely, providing easy access while keeping unauthorized individuals out.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Fence

The material you choose for your fence will significantly impact its appearance, durability, and cost. Here are some considerations:

Vinyl

Vinyl is a durable, low-maintenance material that resists weather and pests. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want a long-lasting fence with minimal upkeep.

Wood

Wood is a versatile and traditional fencing material that offers natural beauty. While it requires more maintenance than vinyl, wood can be customized to suit various styles and provides excellent privacy.

Chain Link

Chain link fences are practical and economical, offering security without obstructing the view. They are ideal for large properties and are relatively easy to install and maintain.

The Importance of Hiring Licensed Fence Contractors

Hiring licensed fence contractors ensures that your fence is installed correctly and complies with local regulations. Licensed contractors have the necessary training and experience to handle various fencing materials and designs. They are also insured, protecting you from liability in case of accidents during the installation process.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right fence company near you involves careful consideration of various factors, from the type of fence to the qualifications of the contractors. Start by obtaining a free fence estimate to understand the costs involved, and then evaluate the company's experience, reputation, and licensing. Whether you need residential fence installation, commercial fencing services, or affordable fence repair services, the right company will guide you through the process, ensuring that your fence meets your needs and lasts for years to come.

In conclusion, investing in a quality fence is not just about enhancing your property's appearance; it's about security, privacy, and peace of mind best fence company. With the right materials, a skilled contractor, and a clear understanding of your needs, you can have a fence that serves its purpose while adding value to your property.

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affordablefenceinstallation · 1 month

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Affordable Fence Installation

Bay Area Lions Gate - Automatic Electric Gate Repair is the leading provider of gate and fencing solutions in San Jose, located at 800 Charcot Ave #104, San Jose, CA 95131. We specialize in automatic driveway gate repair, electric gate repair, and fence installation, ensuring that both residential and commercial properties are secure and aesthetically pleasing.

Our skilled technicians offer automatic gate service near me, providing prompt and reliable assistance for all your gate needs. From electric gate opener specialists to intercom system installation, we cover all aspects of gate automation and security. If you require a residential electric gate repair or are looking for commercial fencing solutions, we have the expertise to deliver top-quality service.

We understand the urgency of gate malfunctions, which is why we offer emergency gate repair service to ensure your security is never compromised. Our local gate repair experts are equipped to handle any issue, from electric gate service to intercom system repair. For added convenience and security, we also install electric gates with intercom systems, providing seamless access control for your property.

At Bay Area Lions Gate, we pride ourselves on offering affordable fence installation and repair services. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction makes us the preferred choice for gate and fence contractors in the region. Contact us at +16504727435 or visit our website at https://www.gatefences.com/ to learn more about how we can enhance your property’s security and appearance.

Our Social Pages:

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atliqtechnologies · 1 month

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From Ideas to Empires: 2 Centuries of Business

Imagine if you could step into a time machine and witness the transformation of business and entrepreneurship over the past two centuries. In 1923, you’re standing in a noisy factory, watching the sparks fly as industrialization takes hold. Fast forward to the 1950s, when the world is booming with post-war optimism and the rise of global corporations.

Jump to the 1990s, and you’re in the midst of the digital revolution, with the internet reshaping how we live and work. Finally, catapult into 2123, where AI, automation, and cutting-edge innovations are forging a future we can only dream of today.

Join us on this extraordinary journey through time, as we uncover the stories of visionary entrepreneurs who have shaped—and will continue to shape—the world. Ready to embark on this adventure? Let’s dive in!

The Dawn of Modern Business (1923-1950)

The early 20th century marked the dawn of modern business, a time when industry and innovation began to shape the world in unprecedented ways. Post-World War I, economies experienced a significant boom, fueled by industrialization and the rise of mass production. Factories roared to life, producing goods at an unparalleled scale, and the manufacturing industry dominated the business landscape.

During this era, multinational corporations began to emerge, laying the groundwork for the global business networks we know today. Visionary entrepreneurs like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison led the charge with groundbreaking innovations. Ford’s assembly line revolutionized manufacturing, making automobiles affordable for the average person, while Edison’s inventions, from the electric light bulb to phonographs, transformed everyday life.

This period was characterized by a spirit of relentless ambition and creativity, setting the stage for the future of business and entrepreneurship.

The Digital Revolution (1980-2000)

The Digital Revolution from 1980 to 2000 was a transformative era that redefined the business landscape in unimaginable ways. It began with the advent of personal computers and the birth of the internet, revolutionizing communication and information sharing on a global scale. These technological advancements dismantled traditional barriers, connecting people and businesses like never before.

This period saw the rise of tech giants such as Microsoft, Apple, and Google, companies that not only introduced groundbreaking products but also pioneered entirely new business models. E-commerce emerged as a formidable force, with online businesses reshaping the retail landscape and offering unprecedented convenience and choice to consumers.

Key entrepreneurs of this era, like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Jeff Bezos, became iconic figures. Gates’ Microsoft brought personal computing to the masses, Jobs’ Apple set new standards for design and user experience, and Bezos’ Amazon revolutionized online shopping, setting the stage for the e-commerce boom.

The Age of Innovation and Disruption (2000-2023)

The period from 2000 to 2023 ushered in an unprecedented wave of innovation and disruption across global industries. Technological advancements fueled exponential growth, reshaping how businesses operate and interact with consumers.

Technological Integration

Mobile Technology and Social Media: The proliferation of smartphones and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram transformed communication and marketing strategies. Businesses leveraged these platforms to engage directly with consumers, driving brand awareness and customer loyalty.

The Gig Economy and Rise of Startups: The digital age saw the emergence of the gig economy, where freelancers and independent contractors thrived. Startups flourished with lower barriers to entry, empowered by technology to disrupt traditional business models and industries.

Business Strategies

Innovation, Agility, and Customer-Centric Approaches: Companies embraced innovation as a cornerstone of success, continuously adapting to technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. Agility became crucial, enabling businesses to pivot swiftly in response to market changes.

Sustainable and Socially Responsible Practices: Increasingly, businesses integrated sustainability into their core strategies. From renewable energy initiatives to ethical sourcing and corporate social responsibility programs, sustainability became a competitive advantage and a moral imperative.

Entrepreneurial Impact

Key Figures: Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg emerged as visionary entrepreneurs who epitomized the era’s spirit of innovation and disruption.

Disruptive Technologies: Innovations such as electric vehicles (Tesla), reusable space rockets (SpaceX), and virtual reality (Oculus, acquired by Facebook) reshaped industries traditionally resistant to change. These technologies not only revolutionized their respective sectors but also set new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and consumer experience.

This age witnessed a profound shift in business dynamics, where agility, innovation, and sustainability became not just competitive advantages but prerequisites for survival and growth. Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg exemplified bold vision and transformative leadership, pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible in the digital era.

The Future of Business and Entrepreneurship (2024-2124)

As we look towards the next century, the landscape of business and entrepreneurship is poised for monumental shifts driven by technological, social, and environmental changes.

Predictions and Trends

Advancements in AI, Automation, and Biotechnology: Artificial intelligence and automation will continue to revolutionize industries, enhancing productivity and creating new opportunities. Biotechnology advancements will lead to breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

The Future of Remote Work and Virtual Collaboration: The trend towards remote work and virtual collaboration, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to become a permanent fixture. Advanced digital tools will further facilitate seamless global teamwork.

Evolving Business Models

The Rise of Decentralized and Blockchain-Based Businesses: Blockchain technology will underpin a new wave of decentralized businesses, offering transparency, security, and efficiency. This shift will redefine trust and governance in commerce.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices as Standard: Sustainability will become a baseline expectation for all businesses. Eco-friendly practices will be integral to operations, driven by consumer demand and regulatory requirements.

Future Entrepreneurs

Potential Figures and Their Projected Impact: The next generation of entrepreneurs will emerge from diverse backgrounds, leveraging technology to address global challenges. They will be instrumental in driving innovation and social change.

The Role of Education and Innovation in Shaping Future Leaders: Education systems will evolve to emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and technological literacy. This focus will nurture future leaders who are adaptable, innovative, and equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world.

The future of business and entrepreneurship from 2024 to 2123 will be characterized by unprecedented innovation and transformation. Embracing technological advancements, sustainable practices, and decentralized models will be key to thriving in this dynamic era.

Throughout the past two centuries, business and entrepreneurship have undergone remarkable transformations. From the industrial revolution of the early 20th century to the digital age and beyond, innovations like the assembly line, internet, and AI have reshaped industries and economies worldwide.

As we venture into the future, it’s clear that adaptability and innovation will be crucial. Staying informed about emerging technologies and trends will be essential for businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global market.

Check out the Original Article

#business Evolution #Ideas to Empires #business Model

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affordablefencing1 · 2 months

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Better Security with Expert Fence Solutions in Boyd, TX

One of the most important aspects of securing and increasing property aesthetics is choosing the right fencing and gate solutions. You can specify and count on a new, robust fence for added security, an automatic gate operator installation, and comprehensive installation and repair services from a reliable fence contractor in Boyd, TX, for your property. This blog discusses the benefits of professional gate and fence services and why they are of the essence for every property owner in Boyd, TX.

The Importance of Professional Fence Contractors in Boyd, TX

Professional fence contractors aid homeowners with the best quality fencing decisions that lend a sense of security to their properties, in addition to adding visual appeal to them. Below are some benefits to hiring such services in Boyd, TX:

1. Experience and Expertise

A professional fence contractor has knowledge and expertise dealing with a lot of projects. Therefore, the contractor will adhere to the local regulations and guidelines to ensure that the installation is up to standard.

2. Good Materials and Workmanship

Reputable fence contractors provide top-range products coupled with quality workmanship. This assures you of a top-class, strong, drag-free fence which will not yield to any harsh weather conditions. You enjoy peace of mind with the installations, confident that your investment yields good value.

3. Tailor-Made Solutions

Being professional fencing contractors, they offer solutions that are tailored in view of needs and preferences. Whether for a privacy, security, or ornamental point of view, they can design and install the desired fence properly.

Benefits of Automatic Gate Operator Installation

The automatic gate operator is a modern way to add value to an individual's property. Installation of automatic gate operators offers the following benefits:

1. Increased Security

automatic gate operator installation improves the security of the property. It makes it even more difficult for unauthorized people to have access to your place or property. This benefit suits residential properties, commercial properties, and even the owners of gated communities.

2. Convenience

An automatic gate operator will allow you to open and close your gate at the push of a button, thus eliminating the chore of manually opening and closing the gate. This may be especially useful during bad weather or when one is in a hurry.

3. Creates value for your property

Installing automated gates is going to increase your home's security, enhance its appearance, and offer great attraction in case you opt to sell.

4. Customization options

With the various kinds of automated gate operators, it has vast numbers of customizing options—such as remote control, keypad entry, and intercom entry—that you could choose to complete your desire and interest in the right package.

Full Gate Installation and Repair

It provides mediocre gate installation and repair services to keep your gate fit and safe. Here are the reasons why you should seek a proper and professional gate installation and repair service:

1. Proper Installations

Proper installations are one of the best performances and service lives. Professional installers have the skills and equipment to install your gate properly. This shall assure good and smooth operation of the gate, so reliable.

2. Timely Repairs

Besides, gates open and close numberless times in the course of their lifespan, resulting in problems such as misalignment, broken hinges, and faulty operators. Effective professional gate repair services will provide timely and satisfying repairs to keep your gate in good working condition.

3. Safety

Faulty gates might pose some risks, particularly if they do not close perfectly or have electrical faults. Professional gate repair services ensure your gate is safe to make use of and has met all requirements related to safety.

4. Maintenance Services

Periodic maintenance is an absolute necessity in keeping your gate in proper working condition. A gate professional offers gate maintenance plans that provide inspections, lubrication, and corrections to help avoid potential problems and prolong the use of your gate.

Conclusion

Professional fence and gate services in Boyd, TX, can be a good investment for any property owner. From professional fence contractors and automatic gate operator installation to comprehensive gate installation and repair services, hiring an established professional will assure you a secure, working, and good-looking property.

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meika-kuna · 3 months

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Building a Secure Future: Why OnGuard is Essential for Construction Sites!

There is a lot of movement in construction sites with workers and heavy machinery all over. However, there are risks involved in this progressive momentum. Theft, vandalism, accidents and injuries are all potential hazards that disrupt the smooth running of any construction project. This is where onguard security guard services come in – offering dependable security that extends further than mere presence. We know that without a doubt, you have to secure tomorrow first today while securing the present of your construction site.

Introduction to OnGuard Security Systems

In the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of construction, ensuring the safety and security of a site is paramount. OnGuard security systems offer a comprehensive solution designed to protect construction sites from theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access. These systems combine advanced technology with robust physical security measures, providing peace of mind to site managers and contractors alike.

Advanced Surveillance Technology on Guard Security Systems

One of the key features of OnGuard is its state-of-the-art surveillance technology. High-definition cameras equipped with night vision and motion detection capabilities monitor every corner of the construction site, 24/7. This continuous surveillance helps deter potential intruders and allows for real-time monitoring of site activities. The footage is securely stored and can be accessed remotely, ensuring that site managers can keep an eye on their projects from anywhere.

Access Control Systems of Guard Security Systems

Controlling who enters and exits a construction site is crucial for maintaining security. OnGuard’s access control systems are designed to do just that. With key card entry, biometric scanners, and secure gate systems, only authorized personnel can gain access to the site. This not only helps prevent unauthorized entry but also keeps track of who is on-site at any given time, enhancing overall safety.

Theft and Vandalism Prevention of Guard Security Systems

Construction sites are often targeted for theft due to the valuable equipment and materials stored on-site. OnGuard’s integrated alarm systems and anti-theft devices provide a strong deterrent against such activities. In the event of a breach, alarms are triggered, and security personnel are immediately notified, allowing for a swift response. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of loss and damage.

Ensuring Worker Safety of Guard Security Systems

Beyond protecting assets, OnGuard also plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of workers on construction sites. Surveillance systems can help monitor compliance with safety protocols and identify potential hazards before they result in accidents. Additionally, emergency response features such as panic buttons and automated alerts ensure that help is quickly dispatched in case of an incident.

Enhancing Project Efficiency of Guard Security Systems

A secure construction site is a more efficient one. With OnGuard, site managers can minimize disruptions caused by security breaches and focus on keeping projects on schedule. The ability to remotely monitor site activities and control access also means that issues can be addressed promptly, reducing downtime and maintaining productivity.

Compliance with Regulations of Guard Security Systems

Construction sites must adhere to strict safety and security regulations. OnGuard’s comprehensive security solutions help ensure compliance with these requirements, avoiding potential fines and legal issues. By implementing a robust security system, construction companies demonstrate their commitment to safety and regulatory standards, which can enhance their reputation and competitiveness in the industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, OnGuard is an essential investment for any construction site looking to build a secure future. Its advanced surveillance technology, access control systems, and theft prevention measures provide comprehensive protection, while also enhancing worker safety and project efficiency. By choosing OnGuard, construction companies can ensure their sites are secure, compliant, and ready to meet the demands of any project.

Know More:-

#https://securityguardca.com/building-a-secure-future-why-onguard-is-essential-for-construction-sites/

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sfbay123 · 3 months

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Enhance Your Property with Expert Fence Contracting Services from SF Bay Automatic Gates

Are you looking to upgrade your property with a high-quality fence that combines security, functionality, and aesthetic appeal? At SF Bay Automatic Gates, we specialize in delivering top-notch fence contractor services tailored to meet your specific needs.

Why Choose SF Bay Automatic Gates for Your Fence Contracting Needs?

Expert Craftsmanship: Our team of skilled contractors brings years of experience and meticulous attention to detail to every project. From design to installation, we ensure that your fence is built to last.

Customized Solutions: We understand that every property is unique. That’s why we offer personalized fencing solutions that cater to your specific requirements, whether it’s for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes.

Quality Materials: We use only the finest materials to construct our fences, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. Choose from a variety of materials including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and wrought iron to match your style and budget.

Enhanced Security and Privacy: Our fences are designed not only to enhance the beauty of your property but also to provide the security and privacy you need. We offer various options such as privacy fences, security gates, and automated solutions.

Comprehensive Services: From initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance, SF Bay Automatic Gates provides a comprehensive range of services to ensure your complete satisfaction.

SF Bay Automatic Electric Gate Repairs & Install

San Jose ,CA

(669) 281–4177

#fence contractor #san jose #california #fencing service

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gatemanufacturers · 6 months

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Tailored Access Control: Automatic Gates in Dandenong Citizens

The automatic gates in Dandenong are smart investment if privacy is a concern. It will stop visitors from strolling into your yard and automobiles from pulling into your driveway. This can lessen the chance of theft and make it harder for outsiders to see into your home. For those who are unfamiliar, "curb appeal" refers to the overall appearance of your home from the street. Your driveway's automated gate may significantly enhance the appearance of your house overall, increasing its curb appeal.

Endurance, Ease of Cleaning and Clarity

Aluminium and steel gates in Melbourne require very little maintenance. In any case, these gates don't collect dirt and can withstand smudges. To clean them, you don't need to spend more cash on pricey cleaning supplies or abrasive cleaners. You'll indeed need the simplest, most straightforward cleaning solutions.

If we compare steel and aluminium doors to other metal gates, they are more likely to last a long time. They can withstand extremely bad weather conditions. Both have a considerable amount of endurance. Even so, they are resistant to deterioration and scrapes.

Quality Barrier Material for Safety and Security

In addition, the residential fence is essential for your family's safety and protection. Life with criminals is inevitable, therefore you don't want to let your guard down. A sturdy fence makes it more difficult for intruders or other criminals to enter your yard and force a break-in into your home.

The new domestic fence your fencing contractor installs may increase the value of your house in addition to its construction. Any fence may increase your profits when you sell it, but a fence constructed from wood can make twice as much as you spent for it.

Why Would Putting Wooden Fencing on My Property Increase Its Value?

Every improvement a homeowner makes to their house might raise its worth. You will get more money when you try to sell the house later on than if you hadn't done the repairs, renovations, or additions.

Whether you are considering selling now or in the far future, a skilled fencing contractor can construct your fence employing the best materials to make sure that the property you own is worth more on the market.

Source

#automatic gates Dandenong #steel gates Melbourne

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fencingandgates · 1 day

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Debunking Common Myths Related To Electric Gates

Business owners and homeowners both are concerned about security and convenience around the property and this is why the first preference is electric gates. These gates have become increasingly popular, as they enhance safety multiple times and improve the overall aesthetics and curb appeal of the property. However, those who are not using them still have several myths within their minds related to these gates. We have created a post to debunk the most common myths and explain why they are far from the facts.

MYTH NUMBER ONE

THESE GATES ARE ONLY FOR SUPER RICH

This is untrue as, in most cases, electric gate services are within the reach of common homeowners. The technology is more advanced, and electric gate contractors now have affordable solutions available to common people. Moreover, since it is a very competitive market, manufacturers and suppliers must keep their costs in control to attract more clients. This is also advantageous for buyers looking to install electric gates in their homes.

MYTH NUMBER TWO

ELECTRIC GATES ARE EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN

This is again completely untrue as modern-day electric gates are highly reliable and low maintenance. This is mainly due to electric gate contractors using advanced technologies and top-quality components for automation. The installation process is also carried out carefully and as per the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure that a robust and durable solution is offered to the clients.

MYTH NUMBER THREE

THEY CONSUME A LOT OF POWER

The ever-rising cost of electricity has made this concern a genuine one. However, the fact is that modern technologies and advancements have made these fence gates very energy-efficient. They will not make any significant difference to your energy bills as most of them are on standby. The power consumption depends on several factors and the biggest is the usage of these electric gates. If they are in action for just a few minutes daily, they will not consume more electricity than what your ceiling fan consumes in a month.

MYTH NUMBER FOUR

THEY BECOME A PROBLEM IN POWER CUT ISSUES

The fact is that these electric gates come with a power backup system for opening and closing. In other words, they don't just rely on mains power for operations and can also be used in power-cut situations. This way, you can be assured that they will not cause any inconvenience.

#electric gates #electric gates services #electric gates installations #electric gates experts #electric gates for home #electric gates forercial

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sparklelaser · 6 months

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Rust Removal Machine

Rust, the nemesis of metal surfaces everywhere, poses a constant threat to the integrity and aesthetics of everything from industrial equipment to household fixtures. Fortunately, advancements in technology have ushered in a new era of Rust Removal Machine, chief among them being rust removal machines. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of rust removal machines, uncovering their capabilities, benefits, and practical applications for conquering rust once and for all.

Understanding Rust Removal Machines: Rust removal machines are powerful tools designed to eliminate rust and corrosion from metal surfaces effectively. Unlike traditional methods that often involve tedious manual labor or harsh chemical treatments, these machines leverage innovative techniques to achieve superior results with minimal effort. From abrasive blasting to ultrasonic cleaning, rust removal machines offer a versatile and efficient solution for restoring metal surfaces to their original condition.

Key Features and Benefits:

Precision Cleaning: Rust removal machines utilize specialized methods such as abrasive blasting, laser cleaning, or electrolysis to target rust and corrosion with precision, ensuring thorough removal without causing damage to the underlying surface.

Efficiency: With automated processes and high-powered mechanisms, rust removal machines can tackle large surface areas or intricate details quickly and efficiently, saving both time and labor costs.

Environmentally Friendly: Many rust removal machines employ eco-friendly techniques such as vapor blasting or dry ice blasting, minimizing environmental impact while still delivering exceptional results.

Versatility: From automotive restoration to industrial maintenance, rust removal machines are suitable for a wide range of applications and industries, making them a versatile tool for professionals and hobbyists alike.

Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment in a rust removal machine may seem significant, the long-term cost savings from reduced labor, material, and downtime make it a cost-effective solution for businesses and individuals looking to combat rust effectively.

Practical Applications of Rust Removal Machines:

Automotive Restoration: Whether you're restoring a classic car or refurbishing vintage motorcycle parts, rust removal machines offer a precise and efficient solution for removing rust from metal surfaces without causing damage.

Industrial Maintenance: In industrial settings, rust can compromise the integrity of machinery and equipment, leading to safety hazards and decreased productivity. Rust removal machines provide a proactive solution for maintaining equipment and prolonging its lifespan.

Marine Industry: Marine vessels are constantly exposed to corrosive saltwater and harsh environmental conditions, making them particularly susceptible to rust and corrosion. Rust removal machines offer a reliable method for keeping marine surfaces clean and corrosion-free.

Home Renovation: From rusty tools and outdoor furniture to metal fences and gates, rust removal machines are invaluable for homeowners looking to rejuvenate their property and protect metal surfaces from corrosion.

Conclusion: Rust removal machines represent a game-changing solution for combating rust and corrosion, offering precision, efficiency, and versatility like never before. Whether you're a professional contractor, automotive enthusiast, or DIY hobbyist, investing in a rust removal machine can transform your approach to rust removal, saving time, money, and effort in the process. Embrace the power of rust removal machines and reclaim the beauty and functionality of your metal surfaces with ease!

#Laser Rust Removal Machine #Rust Removal Machine

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solastimber · 8 months

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How to Choose the Best Timber Products for Your Limerick Home

Are you looking to enhance the beauty and functionality of your home in Limerick? Timber products can add a touch of elegance and charm to your property while also providing practical benefits. From side gates to garden sheds, choosing the right timber products is essential for achieving the desired look and functionality. In this guide, we'll explore how to choose the best timber products for your Limerick home, covering everything from side gates to pergolas and decking.

Side Gates:

Side gates are not only functional but also play a crucial role in enhancing the security and aesthetics of your property. When selecting side gates for your Limerick home, consider factors such as material, design, and durability. Opt for high-quality timber side gates that complement the architectural style of your home while providing reliable security.

Pergolas:

Pergolas add a touch of elegance and sophistication to outdoor spaces, making them perfect for enhancing your Limerick home's exterior. When choosing a pergola, consider factors such as size, design, and maintenance requirements. Opt for a timber pergola that complements your outdoor space and provides a comfortable and stylish retreat.

Driveway Gates:

Driveway gates not only enhance the curb appeal of your Limerick home but also provide added security and privacy. When selecting driveway gates, consider factors such as material, design, and automation options. Choose timber driveway gates that are durable, stylish, and functional, adding value to your property.

Decking:

Decking is a versatile and practical addition to any outdoor space, providing a comfortable area for relaxation and entertainment. When choosing decking for your Limerick home, consider factors such as timber species, size, and maintenance requirements. Opt for high-quality timber decking that complements your outdoor space and withstands the local climate.

Gazebo Builder:

Gazebos are charming outdoor structures that add beauty and functionality to your Limerick home's landscape. When selecting a gazebo builder, look for experience, expertise, and a portfolio of completed projects. Choose a reputable timber gazebo builder in Limerick who can bring your vision to life with quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Entrance Gates:

Entrance gates serve as the focal point of your Limerick home's exterior, welcoming guests while providing security and privacy. When selecting entrance gates, consider factors such as design, size, and automation options. Opt for timber entrance gates that make a statement and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your property.

Fence Gates:

Fence gates play a crucial role in defining your property's boundaries while adding beauty and security. When choosing fence gates for your Limerick home, consider factors such as material, design, and durability. Choose timber fence gates that blend seamlessly with your fencing and landscape, creating a cohesive and stylish look.

Playhouse Contractor:

Playhouses are delightful additions to any backyard, providing hours of entertainment for children. When selecting a playhouse contractor in Limerick, look for experience, creativity, and a commitment to safety. Choose a reputable timber playhouse contractor who can design and build a custom playhouse that meets your child's needs and preferences.

Garden Decking:

Garden decking enhances the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space, providing a versatile area for relaxation and entertainment. When choosing garden decking for your Limerick home, consider factors such as timber species, size, and maintenance requirements. Opt for durable timber garden decking that withstands the elements and complements your outdoor aesthetic.

Garden Sheds:

Garden sheds are essential for storing tools, equipment, and outdoor essentials, keeping your Limerick home organized and clutter-free. When selecting garden sheds, consider factors such as size, design, and material. Choose timber garden sheds that are durable, weather-resistant, and provide ample storage space for your needs.

Conclusion:

Choosing the best timber products for your Limerick home requires careful consideration of factors such as material, design, and functionality. Whether you're looking for side gates, pergolas, decking, or garden sheds, opt for high-quality timber products that enhance the beauty and value of your property. By selecting reputable contractors and prioritizing quality craftsmanship, you can create a stylish and functional outdoor space that you'll enjoy for years to come.

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somethingbradwillhappen · 8 months

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Resume

BRADLEY ARCHIE Operations Executive

[email protected]

239-682-1493

Pittsburgh, PA

Education - Certifications

University of Pittsburgh Katz School of Business | Executive MBA

Indiana University of Pennsylvania | B.S. International Business, Finance

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Private Pilot – Instrument/Commercial.

Military

United States Air Force Reservist (Current)

United States Army Veteran

Employment

Archley Consulting

Contractor

2018-Present

Supply chain and operations consulting or independent contributor contractor.

Strategic Management, vendor contract negotiation and maintenance.

Production planning, creating, and implementing production goals and efficiency improvements.

Financial analysis & maintenance– margin analysis, vendor negotiation, total overhead analysis.

Process improvement & vendor compliance – agile management and compliance.

Product management and development – tools, technology to garments, experience across the board.

ERP Management and implementation – SAP, Oracle, Trade Card, Sightline, and more.

Multimedia: LinkedIn instructional videos, digital consultations, Livestream trade shows and events.

Executive leadership and mentoring for small businesses and startups.

Clients Include: GoPro, SpaceX/Tesla, AMD, NVIDIA, Twitch, PPG, BMW, Google, Uber, Symbotic, Oculus

US Air Force

Flying Crew Chief

2023

Managed daily facility evaluations; trained/supervised airmen and local nationals.

Coordinate and manage daily briefings with senior military leadership on the status of communication infrastructure and open trouble tickets/work orders.

Work closely with the parachute fabrication shop on inspections of parachutes and flotation equipment.

Design, implement, and maintain a website for the NATOPS training program.

Collect, seize, and preserve evidence according to federal and DOD guidelines and regulations.

Assist in the removal of engines, transmissions, gearboxes, rotor hubs, and rotor blades.

Perform in-flight duties and operate radar/weapon systems in turbojet, helicopter, or propeller aircraft.

Operate specialized rescue tools and perform rescues, emergency medical care, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Train, mentor, and brief maintenance personnel in practice with safety, maintenance, and USAF rules and regulations.

Perform crash rescue, firefighting, crash removal, and damage control duties in connection with the launch and recovery of aircraft.

Provide leadership and remove constraints to enable the team to work efficiently and in accordance with FAA regulations and company procedures.

Supervise a team of five individuals providing clear instructions on their job requirements always in accordance with all USAF security standards.

Remove and install aircraft subsystem assemblies including engines, rotors, gearboxes, transmissions, mechanical flight controls, and their components.

Operate and supervise the operation of radar, NTDS, communications, and associated equipment in the exercise of air control functions.

Maintain firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.

Symbotic Automation

Interim Director Supply Chain - 15 Direct Reports

2022

Manufacturing & Supply chain program scaling manager & planner.

Onboarding supply chain and manufacturing team members for scaling.

Purchasing & planning structuring + execution.

ERP data maintenance and migration Oracle/Source Day/Arena.

Outsourcing operations to large scale contract manufacturing JABIL. ~$150M/year 8k units.

Product development roadmap integration/stage gates.

Robotics supply program management.

IAM Robotics

Director Supply Chain & Operations - 15 Direct Reports

2019-2022

Managed company purchasing and facilities maintenance.

All materials acquisitions, compliance structures, global technical certifications acquisition.

Outsource manufacturing transition from internal to external (Global).

ERP Migration & other systems vertical Integration

Appropriations manager for manufacturing and company spending.

Manufacturing structuring & management.

Inventory management - budget analysis and annual budget planning and spending

Project Management

Created and managed SOP between supply chain, engineering, manufacturing.

KPI’s, scheduling, material acquisition, material compliance.

Generated and established workflows for affiliated departments to enable clear lines of communication with executive management.

Change Control & Management.

Gap Analysis to ensure scalability of company vision.

Accomplishments

Scaled company operations and manufacturing from 15-75 people.

Developed supply chain and raw materials resilience. Global Pandemic Proof.

Created entire supply chain system – Vendors, Contracts, Compliance, QC, Scorecard

Created operational ticketing system with Jira for project and supply chain management.

Created and maintained the company Duns & Bradstreet account.

Robotics Supply Chain liaison with “Roboburgh” – Mentorship and industry SME

Onboarded outside capitol investors and technical partners + vertical integrators.

Motional Self Driving + UBER ATG

Program Manager Supply Chain & Operations - 25 Indirect Reports

2017-2019

Purchasing and product manager for autonomous vehicle builds.

Established relationships with 50+ new vendors and strengthened dealings with existing vendors.

Managed project buying and materials flow for manufacturing operations.

Coordinated with hardware and rapid prototyping projects (i.e., Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing)

Built, coordinated, and maintained schedules across multiple teams.

Managed shared resources and coordinated with a legal team on IP.

Mediated between technical experts, executives, and non-experts to facilitate efficient procurement.

Accomplishments

Successfully led the company-wide migration of purchasing systems to SAP.

Streamlined procurement procedures among diverse needs and timelines of a cross-disciplinary team of researchers and mechanical engineers (mechanical, electrical optical, software)

Created an MRP system for project development into 2020.

Migrate company to SAP

Polyconcept

Global Sourcing & Product Director – 50 direct reports USA/China

Starting Position Global Sourcing Manager

2014-2017

Reporting to CEO/CFO weekly for operational debriefing

Managed and resourced $400 million in promotional gifts products globally.

Effectively led negotiations with vendors, ensured compliance with global regulations

Spent 3 months per year in the country consulting with manufacturing contacts across Asia.

Provided meticulous oversight of supplier contracts, agreements, and goods ordered and received.

Spearheaded the development and implementation of more optimized supply chain standards.

Managed ERP and purchasing system migration.

Hosted quarterly business reviews executive briefings in Hong Kong.

Accomplishments

Onboarded 15 employees globally to purchasing and merchandising offices.

Led onsite quality control programs to minimize wastage in factories.

Consistently exceeded company margin goals: Produced 5-15% cost savings annually ($1 million+)

Improved efficiency of supply chain: Reduced lead time by 7+ days across product categories

Expanded manufacturing base: Led initiative brings $3+ million to sourcing in other Asian countries.

Led company drive to minimize wasted products during branding process. Recycling resale program.

511 Tactical

Senior Manager Sourcing & Product Development – Hard Goods/Soft Goods

Starting Position Product Developer APAC

2008-2014

20 Direct reports globally

Asia-Pacific division leader, team of twenty coordination professionals and product merchandisers.

$150M in sourcing and development of superior tactical apparel and gear from design through delivery.

Developed and maintained on-site quality control oversight in Vietnam, Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Korea, Jordan, and European locations

Project leader for one time run client designed products (SME)

International SME product face for bids submission.

Current Consultant

Accomplishments

Developed supply chain and raw materials resilience. Created the “511 quality standard” that other companies use as a metric.

Rapid global deployment of prototypes for bids – product modifications and shipped 72 hours (about 3 days).

Deployed global quality control standards for products and universal packaging standards for shipment.

Migrated existing ERP system (None) to Trade card/GT Nexus

Developed multiple product lines – Breach Tools, Rush Series, Accessory branded items.

Created a commodity source system for OEM parts to manufacturers i.e., universal standards.

Supplemental

Content Streamer: YouTube - Twitch – LinkedIn

DIY, Tech Reviews and Gaming

EXECUTIVE REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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