Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final - Roger Babson
The company president's unwaveringly optimistic disposition seemed to be failing. He looked worried. "Sales have slowed to a trickle. I can only meet payroll for about 18 months."
The technology on which the company's main product was based, and the associated business model, were hopelessly outdated. A major redevelopment effort was required at the precise moment when the company could least afford it. The demoralized staff made a comeback seem even more unlikely.
Troublingly, the problems weren't a surprise. No expensive consultants required, the inevitability of the needed changes had been obvious for years. But until recently, brisk sales made it too easy to put off the expense and effort.