supplier
A supplier lurks behind every procurement stage, cheerfully sending off shipments while conveniently bending the notion of delivery dates to their will. They declare "we did our best" even as they shave quality in the name of cost savings. When deliveries are late, they turn our panic into entertainment; when early, they expect no applause. They are the true magicians of business. Relationships with them aren’t transactions, but continuous performances on the high wire of expectations and disappointment.