In what industry was Solomon involved in contract work? Did this knowledge help or hinder him later under Master Ford? How?

Solomon navigated contracts of river transport. Having hired several efficient hands to assist me, I entered into contracts for the transportation of large rafts of timber from Lake Champlain to Troy. This helps him with Ford. Solomon writes that Ford was kind to his slaves and was a moral Christian minister who could not be blamed for his views on slavery since it was the way he was raised. Solomon gains Ford's favor over and over again, and Ford comes to his defense in his troubles with Tibeats. Unfortunately, Ford has money troubles and has to sell Solomon.