My story has an added twist; I wasn't an employee. I'd been there for years and had a dozen people reporting to me, but I was still a 'temporary contractor'.
One of the new sales guys was inches from closing a deal and wanted to run it by the CEO. He called the office and got through to me. The conversation went something like:
"Sylvia's desk, this is NoOne." "NoOne? Well, uh. This is Steve, Steve from sales. Hmm. You're that skinny pot-head hippie, aren't you?" More than a little rude, so I responded in kind. "Yep. And you're the fat red-head fuckin' his cousin. Now that we've exchanged pleasantries, what can I do for you, Steve?" "Sorry! I'm confused. You fixed my PC last week, right?"
My sigh was audible. I'd made a bad habit of fixing this and that if I wasn't busy, and now people tried to shortcut calling IT. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to put in a ticket. I don't mind doing what I can if I'm available, but Sylvia is out sick and I happen to be rather busy." "Okay, wow! I really was confused, I'm so, so sorry! Anyway, I've got the aerospace guys in at a total equipment cost of eighty-two five, and want to know if I can add a few million at their other plant. We'll load the other stuff up front so it looks better short term."
"No. Hold on a second, I'll transfer you to your boss, Bob. He'll also tell you no, but it be authoritative coming from him. I don't work here."
"Wait, you don't work here?" "No. Please hold for Bob!" <click>