Summary
"The Go-Getter" by Peter B. Kyne is a motivational story centered around the importance of initiative, loyalty, and determination in achieving success. The narrative follows the journey of William E. Peck, a disabled war veteran, as he navigates the challenges of re-entering civilian life and securing a meaningful job.
The story begins with Cappy Ricks, a seasoned lumber and shipping magnate, lamenting the incompetence of his current employees. Frustrated by their lack of initiative, Cappy decides to personally intervene in the selection of a new manager for his Shanghai office. Meanwhile, William E. Peck, armed with resilience and an unwavering spirit, seeks employment with Cappy Ricks' company despite his physical limitations and the discouraging responses from the company's general manager, Mr. Skinner, and Captain Matt Peasley, Cappy’s son-in-law.
Peck's persistence eventually leads him to Cappy Ricks, who, impressed by his salesmanship and military background, decides to give him a chance. Cappy devises a challenging task to test Peck's resourcefulness and determination: he instructs Peck to acquire a specific blue vase from a store in San Francisco and deliver it to him before his train departs for Santa Barbara. This seemingly simple task turns into an extraordinary ordeal, filled with obstacles and setbacks designed to push Peck to his limits.
Throughout the story, Peck faces numerous hurdles, including misidentified locations, uncooperative store owners, and financial constraints. Despite these challenges, he demonstrates unwavering dedication and ingenuity, going to extreme lengths to fulfill his mission. In a climactic turn of events, Peck successfully obtains the vase and delivers it to Cappy Ricks on the train, proving his mettle and earning the coveted position of Shanghai manager. The story underscores the value of perseverance, adaptability, and a positive attitude in overcoming adversity and achieving professional success. It's a testament to the idea that true success is not merely about talent, but about the relentless pursuit of one's goals, no matter the obstacles.