In the early 19th century, the Rothschild Bank, which was a big success in Europe, planned to open a new branch in America.
One day, the president of the bank called a competent employee and asked,
“We are planning to open a new branch in America and I think now is the best time. How much time do you need to get ready to leave?”
After some hesitation, he answered that it would take him about ten days. The president sent him away and called in another employee, and asked him the same question. Then he answered he would be able to leave in three days.
He called in the other employee and asked him the same question. The employee answered,
“I can leave right away.”
“Good! From now on, you are the manager of the branch in San Francisco.”
He is Julius May who served as the manager of the San Francisco branch of the Rothschild Bank and later became one of the richest men in the world.