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Dare Not Blink

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Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer... The Old Man is dead. Langdon Elerbee—the chairman and founder of Elerbee Engineering—has been struck down by cancer, and the multi-million dollar company that bears his name has devolved into clandestine corporate infighting. The company president, Jeff Wylie, has kept the old man’s illness a secret, so no one but Wylie is prepared to exploit the power vacuum created by Elerbee’s death. Now, Wylie is quietly pulling strings and making backdoor deals to consolidate his own position at the top of the pyramid. Dave Paige is a young gun. A regional vice president at age forty-two, he’s one of the company’s rising stars. He believes in playing the game the way that Elerbee himself had played it: with loyalty, integrity, and a personal devotion to excellence. He suddenly finds himself going head-to-head with corporate backstabbers who will pull every dirty trick in the book to achieve their own short-sighted goals. Dave isn’t just fighting for his job, or the millions of dollars at stake, or even for the company he has grown to love. He’s fighting for the soul of corporate America, and no one is guarding his back.

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2012

2 people are currently reading

About the author

Gerald Gillis

8 books50 followers
Gerald Gillis is a native Georgian who grew up in the Atlanta suburb of Decatur. He received his BBA from the University of Georgia and his MBA from the University of Tampa.

Immediately upon completing undergraduate school, Gerald spent three years as an artillery officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. After military service, he spent the majority of his business career in the medical-devices industry where he held executive-level positions in a variety of roles. Gerald was involved in numerous mergers and acquisitions over the span of his business career, and gained significant international experience.

Gerald became a full-time novelist in 2009. He has authored five novels: Finding His Own Way (Mills Street Publishing, 2025), That Deadly Space (Mills Street Publishing, 2017), Dare Not Blink (Navigator Books, 2012), Shall Never See So Much (Booklocker, 2010), and Bent, But Not Broken (Sandlapper, 1986). He has also authored an eBook entitled Paige’s Laws of Business (Navigator Books, 2013). His books have been recognized with multiple awards.

In addition to his writing, Gerald speaks on a range of topics, to include leadership, service, and business ethics. His blogs have been well-received and highly viewed. Gerald has been interviewed on numerous radio and television shows and has spoken to business and civic organizations, schools, churches, and military associations. His engaging keynote presentations are filled with intelligence, humor, and passion.

Gerald is married and the father of three grown children. He and his wife continue to reside in the Atlanta area.

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Profile Image for Fran.
Author 57 books148 followers
January 2, 2013
Dare Not Blink
Author: Gerard Gillis

Corporate America can be really quite cutthroat and the many players within cooperation will do anything to eliminate someone that threatens their mission, their goals or disagrees with their way of thinking. When the chairman and founder of Elderbee Engineering dies his multi-million dollar company’s leadership is up for grabs. The company President wants things his way and he enlists the help of two top executives to make sure his policies and plans go through. So, what or who could possibly be the thorn in his side? Dave Paige is young, smart and on top of his corporate game. Before Langdon Elderbee died he gave him several regions that were down in sales, productivity and monetary gains. No one thought he could turn these regions around but not only did he was considered the top. However, the President, Jeff Wylie was not pleased even at his successes, never acknowledged his triumphs and often stated that he could do even better. Wylie had his own agenda in mind and one was to eliminate Dave. When Jeff convinced Langdon to give Dave the Central Region little did he think he would reorganized it and turn things around. However, when the truth is told Langdon did not want to keep Jeff in his employ for reasons that I cannot divulge as certain corporate secrets are private and confidential and readers need to learn what they are by reading the book. Dave Paige has a lot of support within the company and many adversaries too. One such man learns what happens when his productivity wanes and other what happens when he changes some of the orders that he set in motion. Dave Paige is tough and not to be considered an underdog by any means. Added in his trust and loyal assistant Sherry Painter had the pulse of the company at her fingertips and made sure he was up on anything or anyone that needed attention. Meeting a friend would reveal other issues including the fact that Dave was supposed to be promoted to Executive Vice President and Wylie was hoping to table it or put the promotion off until he could think of a away to promote someone he could control. But, Dave has a plan and watch out he won’t stop until he takes back what he feels is rightfully his.

Dare Not Blink: Gerald Gillis: in the blink of an eye you could be gone, your territory eliminated and you too. This is one corporate thriller you want to read but be careful you won’t be able to put it down once you start. As the author takes the reader inside the many corporate meetings, internal conflicts, warring factions and hardnosed leaders each with their own agendas and strategies we learn more about corporate America. Some like Jeff Wylie team up to destroy those that they cannot deal with because they provide conflict in their lives like Dave. As Dave and Jeff square off during many meetings you can feel the tension within the room, the anger that is being checked and the end result not always what either one might expect. Regional managers changed, projects needing revisions and throughout it Dave sticks to who is he is and never backs down. But, what would a good story be without some romance as Dave approaches a consultant named Diana and manages to convince her to spend some time with him but first we meet Paula a brilliant psychiatrist that assesses his situation, explains what he should do and then whisks away as fast as she entered his life buying him a beer. So, where will this all lead that still remains to be seen as Dave, as Paula explains has some long and hard decisions to make and her assessment of him was right on target. Dave does not accept failure and perfection, hard work and dedication or you might say whatever it takes to get the job and project done on time, is the only way to fly, relate and work with him. When those in charge do not follow directives, are behind the required timeline things shift and his position in the company seems to be fading and then its up to him to take charge and revamp.

What I love is when he refers to his book of business rules and shares them with the reader. These are common sense thoughts that can help everyone in any walk of life. The research into the many facets of dealing with corporations, meetings and training sessions has to be extensive. Allowing the reader to see how the heads of this company would handle training potential managers or executives is quite compelling as students are allowed to question those in positions of power within this major corporation allowing them to poke, prod and learn what they need to know in order to take their place or change places with these big corporate executives in the future. As each one answers the questions you can tell that both Ogden and Wylie skirt many of the issues and their responses seem canned and sterilized which fit their personalities. Dave tends to elaborate, answers each question in detail and directly and allows the student or questioner the respect needed to respond the thought provoking and insightful questions asked. The meeting and question and answer period is quite informative and the one response dealing with integrity and honest definitely hits the mark as the reader was privy to some corrupt and deceitful acts by one of these players and another that was forced to comply to his wishes.

But, Grace Elerbee holds all the major cards for right now and just what she does will decide not only the fate and direction of the company, the leadership and any changes that might be made. Added in Dave is approached by another corporate leader to take over and run his company but is this a ruse to see what he will do, a real offer or a way to rid Elerbee of Dave? One corporate meeting would shed more than just some deceit, lies and deceptions that will come to light in very indirect way. With a surprise twist that will change more than just the dynamics of the company and possibly control and leadership, Dave Paige and many others will hear first hand what happens when Wylie’s plot comes full circle and he hopes the end will be more just Dave’s demise. Paige’s Laws of Business sets off reality checks with so many common sense thoughts that I have to share some with the reader as there are so many Whether you are a corporate head, potential corporate leader or a student these thoughts might come in handy: “ Don’t get too panicky when things turn sour; it may just be temporary, but even if it’s not, panic is impulsive and will add nothing positive,” quite true if you think about it. One more: “ We all have freedom of choice: none of us, however, has freedom from consequences.” There are many more that you will get to read and definitely each one will give you more than just pause for thought.
Nothing appears to be what it might seem and things that happen within this corporate structure are so fragile that many will find themselves walking on egg shells, others will crack and fall apart like a fragile piece of blown glass and some will stand tall like granite statues. Which will fall like a house of cards and who will remain the head of Elerbee at the end? An ending that will definitely surprise you and give the reader his or her own definition of loyalty, family and corporate gains. Where will Dave Paige wind up and who if anyone will stand behind him? Dare Not Blink because nothing stays the same and will disappear right in front of your eyes in a flick of a simple blink. “ There really is such a thing as loyalty. I see it everyday.” Dave Paige. You decide whether this is true of false and who can be trusted and who is out to dare you the reader to blink. One outstanding novel, one solid and strong character and author who kept this reviewer glued to the printed page as I read this book in less than two hours.

Fran Lewis: Reviewer : Let’s give this book: FIVE GOLDEN BLINKS





Profile Image for Charline Ratcliff.
Author 3 books214 followers
November 11, 2013
I was unsure what to expect when I agreed to review “Dare Not Blink” by author Gerald Gillis. I've read my share of “fictional” Wall Street/business books, and while the ones I've read have been decent reads, this genre isn't really my first choice when trying to kick back and relax with a good book. However, “Dare Not Blink” also dealt with engineering, which I like, so I agreed to review it. I’m glad I did as “Dare Not Blink” turned out to be a fast-paced, well-written and extremely interesting tale.

In “Dare Not Blink,” Langdon Ellerbee, chairman and founder of Ellerbee Engineering, has just passed away due to a very quick spreading and malignant cancer. Ellerbee Engineering, a multi-million dollar corporation is now leaderless. Who will fill the enormous shoes that Ellerbee has left behind?

Jeff Wylie, current company president, had kept Ellerbee’s illness secret because he seeks to exploit this unfortunate situation to its fullest. Jeff is willing to use bribery, intimidation or any other means necessary to ensure his lofty goal of running Ellerbee Engineering. In Jeff’s world, money is power and power is money. His only desire is to secure more of the same.

Then there is Dave Paige. He believes in following the same path of honor and integrity that Ellerbee had set in place for the company and its numerous employees. To Dave, money should be the reward of a job done correctly and with integrity. Per Ellerbee’s backing, Dave had already been nominated, and accepted, as the executive vice president. All that remained was the formal board meeting that would make it official. However, with Ellerbee gone, Dave discovers that his job, and his future with the company, is no longer certain.

What follows throughout the pages of “Dare Not Blink” is a battle of epic proportions. Can Dave survive the adversity and come out on top, while still keeping Ellerbee’s business legacy intact?

In summary, “Dare Not Blink” was an amazing read; fictional, but very realistic in today’s day and age. A “must read” for anyone who enjoys the world of corporate intrigue. Five stars...
181 reviews4 followers
February 19, 2014
Dare Not Blink will take you on an inside tour of Elerbee Engineering where you will witness the cost of lost dignity, firings, organizational changes and some sound ethics that will come full circle. Award winning Author Gerald Gillis has used his three decades in corporate America to produce this fictional piece laced with some inside realities that occur in top level CEO/Executive circles.

The untimely death of founder and Chairman Langdon Elerbee of Elerbee Engineering would begin a race to the top where fair play rarely existed while greed and power would plan for the kill. "I am going to reinvent this firm, to change its culture, to put it on a fast track". As President Jeff Wylie rises to CEO his secretive management style would attempt to prevent Dave Paige from his promised advancement to Executive Vice President. It's much more than this however as the Company's history and changes will reveal the realities that corporate America can be sneaky, dirty, and if you dare to blink you will,open your eyes to new findings and changes. Disregard for marriage vows among tight business deadlines with millions of dollars at stake will surface a greed for the top. "I'll find a way to take this company away from those two and discard them like animal droppings and then get on with building what you and I know this firm's capable of becoming".

A caution thrown to the wind-the higher up you are the harder you fall! Discover if Elerbee Engineering can survive the vississitudes and to what extent does ethics and loyalty play a part. This high intense drama will juggle people around like chess pieces. As you catch your breath momentarily glean from Paige's Laws of Business as time-tested truths will profit any business executive.

Whether you find yourself in corporate America or not, this recommended read is a step into a world of its own where position, rules, and dynamics are guaranteed to change. I am reminded next time I cross paths with a high powered executive that the cost is often greater than the payout. Explore Gillis's novel where it will captivate your attention from start to finish.
Profile Image for Stacy Y..
Author 15 books22 followers
March 3, 2014
A Spectacular Read!
5 Star Review

Gerald writing depicts a captivating, ruthless and splendid picture of corporate corruption, it will leave you speechless. The riveting cut throat saga that occurs among upper level corporate executives will shock you and keep you on the edge of your seat. After the death of the founder and Chairman Langdon Elerbee Jeff Wylie took over as CEO; his management style was filled with secrecy. Corporate America is reflected through these pages as sneaky with dirty tricks and trades and Jeff knew how to play the dirty game to get what he wanted. On the other hand, Dave Paige was a man who believed in fairness, integrity and honor. Though he was nominated and accepted as the executive vice president his future was filled with uncertainty because the corruption was just so deep. Dare Not Blink is so alluring just when you think you’ve figured it out; it turns in another direction that leaves you guessing what’s next. It is a definite must read! ~@VictoryReviews
Profile Image for Larry B Gray.
Author 6 books155 followers
December 26, 2012
Welcome to the world of cut-throat, backstabbing, power grabbing big business and corporate greed. Dare Not Blink by Gerald Gillis is a fictitious account of this world and the lives it affects.

I really enjoyed this novel in part because of its realism and true similarities to the real world of corporate greed and ambition. I think I like it so much because it brought up memories of stepping on people and being stepped on in my life. I could remember how it felt to be stab in the back and thrown under the bus by work “friends”.

Gerald Gillis did an excellent job of developing the storyline and stuck to the main theme throughout all of the twist and turns. It was easy to follow and very believable. Once I started reading I had trouble putting the book down.

The characters were believable and easy to identify with. I like the way the author developed each character; I could feel the emotions and the pain each went through with their rise and fall.

I really enjoyed Dare Not Blink by Gerald Gillis and I highly recommend it to all readers.



[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
Profile Image for Lori.
274 reviews
July 31, 2014
very captivating read, intriguing, riveting, interesting, fast paced and well written on the corporate corruption of a large company.
if this is your type of book it's a must read , anyone who enjoys the world of corporate intrigue will love it.
a must read.

you have Dave Paige who believes in following the path of integrity and honor.
then you have Jeff Wyle who's motto is "money is power, power is money." he exploits the situation of the Ederbees illness, keeps it secret to use to his advantage. He Wil use any means necessary, bringing very, intimidation, just to ensure his goal of running the company.
all the while Dave thinks his position of becoming vice president is secure per Elderbee backing him , nomination g him. he's accepted but then comes to find out his future in the company is not as certain and secure as he thought.

Can Dave sure I've this adversity and come out on top while still keeping Elderbees integrity? Or will Jeff blow his future and be the o e to come out on top?

This book is for anyone who enjoys the world of corporate intrigue. A"must read"

I was given this book for a honest review.
Profile Image for Margaret Larsen Turley.
83 reviews25 followers
September 7, 2013
Gerald Gillis writes about the ruthlessness of upper echelon management with a true voice of experience in Dare Not Blink. The level of tension was equal to John Grisham’s The Firm and Larry Brooks‘ novels. Though I’ve not worked in that stratosphere or trade, I’ve certainly received the fall out from similar incidents in my profession. Gerald Gillis’ are well developed and it was satisfying to see some receive their just dues. Paige’s Laws of Business add an inspirational element that encourage meditation on life’s important issues.
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