Opening Date as Immovable Deadline

"His policy of finishing on time led to an important “Solism”. He would announce and plan for the grand opening of a project almost on the day construction started. This approach, which he pursued relentlessly…"

"Having settled on a finishing date, Sol would share it with the travel trade, which meant that they could take bookings in advance, knowing they would be honoured. This meant, of course, that he would have immediate cash flow from the established opening date. It also meant that the hotel staff had to be ready. There was no debate. There was, in Sol’s…"

"In South Africa, the construction industry practically shuts down from mid-December to mid-January. If the building was not finished in time, there would be a delay of up to two months. The only guaranteed customers would arrive over this period, and missing the proposed opening date would be a disaster. If Sol and Gordon did not have the hotel ready by 5 December, Sol’s reputation would take a severe hit – as would his pockets and the confidence of his investors. Not completing the Beacon Isle on time was simply not an option."