8 Comments
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George Ziogas's avatar

This was funny in a very smart and observant way. The back-and-forth between the father and son felt genuine, and the Lego angle made the whole piece surprisingly charming. Sometimes the strangest corporate ideas really do say something about the world we’re living in.

Jill Ebstein's avatar

I do think "strangest corporate idea" is accurate, and I had to work to bring "charm" to the story. Thank you, George, for seeing it.

Loren Ginsburg's avatar

Small trivia. When we were kids, Samsonite manufactured LEGOs in Loveland, Colorado, under a license from LEGO. I wonder if the employees would have been called "suitcase builders."

Jill Ebstein's avatar

Loren, that is definitely small trivia and fun to think about. "Suitcase builders" probably would not have drawn... just guessing :)

JQ Rose's avatar

Actually giggled outloud while l reading this conversation.

Jill Ebstein's avatar

Thanks, JQ. I actually giggled while writing it.

David Perlmutter's avatar

I don't they are using "builder" in its intended meaning, since that company typically doesn't give its employees enough autonymy to "build" anything on their own.

The literal meaning is the most important one, but there is also the title as it exists in various Halls of Fame, to recognize the people who played an important but not always noticed role in creating the sport or industry the Hall represents. Thus, for example, sports halls of fame will induct the non-athletes who owned franchises or presided over the governance of the sport, while, in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, record label owners, theatrical impresarios, broadcasters, PR officers and personal managers are given the "builder" title when inducted.

Jill Ebstein's avatar

hmm... was not aware. I am betting most Amazon employees, I mean "builders" won't be aware either. Thanks for reading.