Weill and Mahoney had started with only five hundred dollars 
between them, but they had built up a computer business with 
sales in the millions. Their company employed over two 
hundred people, and the two executives lived like princes.

Almost overnight, things changed. Sales dropped sharply, 
former customers disappeared, and the business failed. Weill 
and Mahoney blamed each other for the troubles, and they 
parted on unfriendly terms. 

Five years later, Weill drove up to a decrepit diner and stopped 
for a cup of coffee. As he was wiping some crumbs from the 
table, a waiter approached. Weill looked up and gasped.

"Mahoney!" he said, shaking his head. "It's a terrible thing, 
seeing you working as a waiter in a place like this."

"Yeah," Mahoney said, curling his lip. "But I don't eat here."