11A – Idea Napkin No. 1

1) I am Jonathan (Jonny) Berger. I believe that I have a strong inclination of management. While trying to continuously get my leaderships skills higher I can manage a group and people and can get them to get things done while also being passionate about it. I have worked at a sleep away camp for two whole summers, at a day camp one whole summers, and I ran my own petting sitting business for two years as well. I can handle pressure as well people. If I can handle crazy pets and young children, I can handle employees and customers. My aspirations for the company are to make as many things possible convenient for my customers as well as help my employees. I foresee that the company will play a big role in my life as I will have to do the jobs and the inner workings of the company myself at the beginning.

2. I am offering essentially a wide variety of labor and services to locals in my area, and if there is expansion, surrounding areas as well. I am giving services at a lower cost than the professional counterparts, but my services will still be at the same level. the examples I use are movers, but they may be just college students trying to earn some money and they can pick that job up. other examples are picking up groceries and fixing minor jobs in a house or apartment.

3. The demographic of people will most likely be upper middle class to rich students and locals. Most people who cannot afford to get someone to do something, learn it and do it themselves. They will be lazy, very busy, incompetent, or just some people needing an extra hand, who need things done for them when they do not or cannot do the services themselves. However, all my customers need services done for them and are willing to pay.

4. Customers will pay money because they do not or cannot do these services themselves. they are paying for the help, or the worker to come and give them ease in their lives.

5. What I have that no one else has are the regular joes that can do these jobs at a professional or semiprofessional level, without that cost. People working will in reality be doing one-time jobs, or part time and this will keep my costs as well as customer pricing low. I believe I have the will and skill to lead a company like this and no one has the motivation to do this.

Some issue I found are the employees and their pricing. While I need to drive prices down, I also want my workers to get paid. I will need to find the happy medium of my percentage and theirs. But the strongest part of the business will be that people will like that a regular person is doing their work for them and that they are getting cheap pricing while offering someone work.

10A elevator pitch

9A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

who: I noticed through my interviews is a similarity between people and a market that my idea could not reach and both involve the ride share apps. during my interviews every single person said that they would not use my app for rides. Even though originally, I wanted to include this in the plethora of services I would offer I have decided to remove it. When I asked about if they would be interested in using the app for rides instead of help with moving and or groceries, they said " I would just uber". So, this made me realize that apps like uber and lyft are apps that have regular people giving a service to other normal folks is similar to my idea, however, they have the ride share locked up.

What: Since I interviews people who seemed to want my product but do not, I realized this. there is a difference in not being able to do something, and not having the time/ wanting to do it. For example, if someone would someone to cook a home meal for them it would differ from someone who does not know how to cook, and someone who just is in a rush but still wants that home taste and is in a rush.

*One interviewee told me that he would pay for the food I make, because he knows I am a very good chef, but if he really wanted to, he could do it himself*

Why:  The need is different because one can do something and the other cannot and that is why they would use my service. 

	inside	outside
who	People who cannot and who are just a bit lazy	People who can do it
what	Jobs that are simple but may require extra people or time	Jobs they can do themselves without having to pay extra for a service
why	Because they do not know how to do it themselves or they are too lazy to do it themselves	Because they know how to do it themselves and do not want to spend extra money

                                                                

7A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

1)

Some college students cannot do anything themselves. They were not raised to take care of themselves and they will continue to need assistance while in college, like grocery shopping, general shopping, and other things parents used to do for them.

write up: I saw this problem with some of the new freshman from my hometown. They were asking me what medicine to get from the store or what books to buy for a class, when these things are easily researchable or explicitly said in a syllabus.

 2)

WHO: college students

WHAT: they need people to do things for them

WHY: They were not raised to be independent

write up: this is just my part one but broken down, so same thing that I said above.

 3)

WHO test: in reality it is mostly college students, however there are other people who cannot do everything for themselves such as old people and busy adults.

WHAT test: All the people affected have the same what, they need people to do basic or even complex things for them.

WHY test: The why is interchangeable. There could be people who were raised independent but still need others to help them out time to time. Or the example of elderly people, who physically cannot get things done as efficiently or at all. The why essentially is for people that cannot do things for themselves whether it be how they were raised, to actually physical ability.

Write up: This made me ponder more about my idea. There is a lot more problems within my opportunity than I originally thought. It is also hard to put into words every single possible situation for the what.

Interviews: My friends’ roommate

I talked with my best friends’ roommate. She was obviously a college student and I gauged her on some basic needs. She actually gave me an example of a situation she was in. She had a handy man to come over and hang a picture. So clearly, she was someone who need things done because they were not raised to do simple things. She proved my hypothesis and enforced my opportunity.

My dad

I talked to him about when he was a college student and he told me that he did many things himself. My grandfather was an electrician and single father who taught my dad how to figure life and different situations. When he got thrown into the college life as first-generation student, he was overwhelmed but his life skills definitely destroyed my opportunity and hypothesis.

ROTC friend

My friend was actually a weird combination of both. When I asked him about needs like shopping and help with let’s say hanging a picture up, he denied my hypothesis. However, there was another abstract need. He wanted a good barber but said even reviews online didn't help him. My Idea in 8A will delve deeper into my business idea, however, even though my hypothesis was initially denied, I actually reinforced my hypothesis in the end.

Mom of a friend from home

This mom is very on top of a friend I have here, and she does everything for him. When I called her and asked her about this problem, she said she has it all the time. She is willingly doing things for him, but she cannot do the physical things all the time. this hypothesis and problem were perfectly reflected on her interview and I see an opportunity.

My friend in class

He is an older student and has been here for a couple years, so it was good to see what he thought. When I was asking him if he had any times during school that he needed basic things done but just didn’t have the knowledge, but he does now. He said one time brought his car to mechanic to get his washer fluid put in. I was baffled, this is the perfect person for my problem, he said that he had to go there and pay for the fluid change. Instead of going to the repair shop he could have easily used my entrepreneurship idea you will see in 8A. He provided another example of a reinforced hypothesis. 

Overall my problem has developed, and I think my hypothesis was positive and there is 100% an opportunity.

8A – Solving The Problem

My problem/opportunity is that some college students cannot do anything themselves. They were not raised to take care of themselves and they will continue to need assistance while in college, like grocery shopping, general shopping, and other things parents used to do for them.

my business proposition is an all in one service that hires college students or other locals to help and do things for the said individual who is willing to pay for it. For example, I had a friend who needed help moving a mini fridge from one room to another. She did not try to move it and she thought it was super heavy, its reality it weighs less than 50 pounds and she could have easily moved it. She called me to move it and was offering to pay for me to do it. I declined, but someone else might have not. Situations like this are perfect examples. My company will hire local students to go and do random and almost all-encompassing jobs for other students. If a student needs grocery, well get it. They will pay for the groceries as well as pay the person for getting them. If someone cannot change a light bulb, instead of paying a ridiculous price from an electrician, one of my workers can come for a much-reduced price, but they are still getting paid to change a light bulb. The whole point is that I hire workers with many different basic skills who can do things for others who don’t have those skills, or just cannot do these basic things themselves (I talked about elderly people in 7A). I think this is through and you can get the idea, if you have any feedback or constructive criticisms please let me know in your peer review.

6A – Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

Regulatory1: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/18/what-us-china-trade-war-means-for-imports-exports-and-soybeans.html

This information leads me to believe that there will be opportunity for American businesses, specifically. the ability to produce cheap, mass produced products. Since we get many cheap, mass produced products such as plastic plates, and Styrofoam containers, I believe there is an opportunity to have such places in America. There is an opportunity for an American company to start producing these objects cheaper than the Chinese can, because the tariffs make it’s that American products can be cheaper. The prototypical customer here are the small business owners, who believe in the American way, and the inexpensive way. Cheap American made products are very attractive to businesses like restaurants and local businesses. This opportunity has a mid-range difficulty. the factories and other things would already need to be in place to take advantage of the price gap with China. I saw this opportunity because while scrolling through twitter I saw that the trade war was going to continue. That led me to the article I linked above. It shows how the trade war is no ending within the next year and a half, so this gives companies the opportunity to build a reputation, so even after the war ends, they will continue to get business. The trade war along with me remembering the way we want more American businesses, made me realize that.

Economic1: https://www.thebalance.com/us-economic-outlook-3305669

The information in this article under subheading JOBS is where I found an opportunity. The article explains that jobs that require masters will be more in demand than ones with GED's. This is the opportunity for colleges and universities. This information makes me believe there will be an opportunity because of the already high rates of people attending higher education, mean even more will attend higher education. Since more jobs want master’s degrees this mean more people will attend school and get these degrees. This is a huge opportunity for colleges and universities, this will cause a high influx of students which have to pay the school for the education. The prototypical customer is the undergraduate student who just needs that extra push to go after the degree. In reality this is an easy one to exploit. Once people go to school for four years they will say, "what is another two if it means I get a better job. The reason I saw this opportunity is because I know so many people who want their masters. I never really understood why, because I only plan on getting an undergraduate. However, I see now after reading this article why many people want masters, and why the student population will increase when jobs say that they want masters.

Regulatory2: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/library/risk-regulatory/strategic-policy/top-policy-trends-2019.html

The information in this article talked about Brazil's president using whats app for campaigning and this gave me an idea.  This information made be believe that a social network campaign company could thrive. With the changes in how much money can be spent on campaigns social media seems to be a less expensive alternative. With these reasons, a company that runs campaigns by only using social media i.e. only the internet versus anything on tv. In reality it will be cheaper than buying a spot on a major channel, but it will actually be seen by more people than on television. The prototypical customer will be the campaigner and anyone who wants to get elected for something. A company like this could easily take advantage of this. Internet advertisements are everywhere, and everyone sees them, this could really give someone an advantage. While I will not express my personal political views, it is clear that our current president won by using twitter as his social media platform. The other candidates could have got their message out to more people if they only had pushed the use of the social media instead of televised ads.

Economic2: https://www.focus-economics.com/countries/united-states

In this article under the sub heading ECONOMIC OVERVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, it talks about manufacturing jobs. While I already talked about cheap manufacturing earlier this is a more expensive one. With recent economic changes there have been incentives to manufacture cars in the US. I believe there is an opportunity to revamp and renew the American car scene with a brand-new modern car company. The fact that manufacturing is on the rise and the economy wants more American cars being made gives the perfect opportunity. The prototypical customer would be the millennial who wants a new name and new look. This would be a very difficult opportunity as you would have to design, make, and sell cars and make a profit. I saw this opportunity because Buick used to be the old man’s car, but they have been trying to show that they are a new company made for everyone. With a new car brand on the scene this could be an even better possibility. 

5A – Identifying Local Opportunities

Maserati driver is dead following crash with a Virgin/Brightline train

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article235009462.html

The story explains how a driver was trying to beat one of the fastest trains in Florida while driving over the tracks, but did not win and was truck by the train.

Along with previous knowledge this has been a constant problem, the issue is that people think they can make it across the tracks in time, but the train travels faster than it looks.

The the train company along with drivers are affected by this problem, this keeps drivers unsafe, as well as passengers in the train. This has an opportunity to use new devices and other ideas to prevent these accidents from happening.

The Everglades Burmese python might finally meet its match, if this agency gets its way

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article234964692.html

The story explains how if the funding is available, which it may not, then they can hire 50 additional snake hunters. This will help because they have had tremendous success with just 25 full time hunters.

The problem is that it will require $750,000 dollars versus the $175,000 they have now. Also they will need 50 extra hunters to continue finding these invasive species.

The people of south Florida, along with its ecosystems are affected by the python. It is an invasive species and kills pets, alligators, other wildlife, and even people. this opportunity could provide jobs, as well as an answer to their problems.

Florida plant squeezed, no more juice processing

https://www.gainesville.com/news/20190912/florida-plant-squeezed-no-more-juice-processing/1

One of the few remaining orange juice processing plants just shut down. It shut down because disease, foreign competition, and hurricane Irma decimated the citrus industry. It wasn't financially smart to keep the plant open because it was under producing for two years.

The problem is that since so many oranges were destroyed, and cannot grow due to disease, they had to shut down the plant.

this affects the state of Florida GDP along with the workers in the states. the orange juice industry used to dominate and now it is falling off. foreign imports are quickly taking the market over which is making many lose their jobs.

East Ridge High band officials say show will go on despite fire

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/lake/os-ne-east-ridge-high-band-fire-20190911-stndjbgybzhhnbduot6rkmh4se-story.htm

A high school in central Florida lost most of its band equipment due to a fire a couple days ago. they are set to perform multiple shows in the coming weeks of months. Disney offered to pay for the damages and a go fund me campaign was started.

The problem is that the students will not be able to play in the coming shows unless they are lended instruments. It looks promising that local schools and citizens will be offering them instruments.

The students of East Ridge high have this problem as well as the school. They will not have a band room anymore, or any instruments until the insurance, and or, other money is given to them.

Marley, dog greeter at Ski World Orlando, could be dubbed ‘dangerous’ by Orange County after biting woman’s face

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange-county/os-ne-marley-dog-bite-20190911-eur6vg367rbsvpdjuftfl7qilu-story.html

A dog that is the mascot for a sporting goods store in Orlando bit a customer. After asking to pet Marley the dog, she growled and attacked the customer. This is the first time she has ever attacked.

The problem is that a lady was hurt and it is damaging the business of the store.

This affects both the store, the dog, and the victim. the victim needed 40 stitches, and now Marley is in dog "jail". Loyal customers and the store are up in arms, that she has never acted like this.

4A – Forming An Opportunity Belief

I believe there is an unmet need with cooling people down as they commute between point A and point B, while being outside in the intense heat of summer or any other time the temperature is high. There is a need to cool down people while they are walking outside by using simple quick open canopies and cool misting fans. The potential customers are anyone that must walk to class, work, etc. or is outside for more than three minutes. This need is as old as the earth itself, however, due to climate change it will only get worse. people meet this need now by staying inside, wearing less clothing, or taking a vehicle to their destinations. I am 95% sure that this need exists

Interview 1 Sophomore Business management major: What do you think of the heat around campus? Its way to hot, and with all this foot traffic it’s hard to getting places before I start sweating. When do you realize how hot it is, and are you always hot? It’s the second I walk outside, especially after being inside with the AC. I mean in Florida it is usually hot, but there are times in like fall and winter where I actually wear jacket and enjoy being outside. How long have you been experiencing this type of heat for? I mean I've lived in Florida my whole life, so forever.  When did you start getting bothered by the heat? When I was younger, I did not really notice but as I got older playing sports, especially now that I live on campus, I have to walk everywhere, and it sucks. How do you currently stay cool while outside? Hats, sunglasses, tank tops, and I've been drinking a lot of water because it is so easy to sweat out here. Are you happy with this solution? I am not completely satisfied but it gets the job done. How would you feel about canopies and misting fans periodically around campus? I would like that, but it sounds like it’s too much money, but I would really appreciate it, because it is just an easy way to cool off.  

Reflection: after interviewing him, he really liked the idea and even talked with me about the logistics and how the whole system could be set up.

interview 2 Freshman psychology major: What do you think of the heat around campus? It’s too hot it makes me sweat, like in fall and summer its scorching and I want to die. When do you realize how hot it is, and are you always hot? Its normally only unbearable after like 10 am but before that I can handle it and do not notice it too much. How long have you been experiencing this type of heat for?  My whole life because I have always lived in Florida, but I am still affected by it. When did you start getting bothered by the heat? ha-ha its funny that you say that because my mom has always told me I hated being outside as a baby, but I don't know if it was from the heat. How do you currently stay cool while outside? My hair is always in a ponytail and I drink water. Are you happy with this solution? No of course not, I wish I had an air conditioner follow me around. How would you feel about canopies and misting fans periodically around campus? Yeah, I think that would be a good way to cool down, definitely a way to get me to go study outside more.

Reflection: Getting a girl’s perspective versus a guys seemed similar yet it seemed that freshman girl was more bothered by the heat that interview 1.

interview 3 Freshman political science major: What do you think of the heat around campus? compared to home, it is the worst heat I have ever experienced. When do you realize how hot it is, and are you always hot? I usually feel it the second I step outside and anytime I’m outside and since I have been here, I have been hot anytime I’m outside. How long have you been experiencing this type of heat for? only for a few weeks, I am from Canada and even this time of year it is pretty chilly. When did you start getting bothered by the heat? I don’t really know, I came here to escape the cold, but it has been pretty bad so far. How do you currently stay cool while outside? I’ve been going to the pool a lot and usually wear shorts and a tank top. Are you happy with this solution? Yeah, I love going to the pool, its different when I’m out there. How would you feel about canopies and misting fans periodically around campus? Yeah, I would like that, but I feel like mist would get annoying if it is always spraying my face.

Reflection: This student is from Alaska and was great to see the reaction of someone not from south Florida

summary: My 95% confidence is still at that level. I think that after talking to these students that the idea is still solid, but that logistics comment kept that 5% from going to 100%. The more I have talked about my need; I feel like the idea has matured in my brain. I think with more planning along with logistical work this could happen. With cancel culture being prominent I think it’s better to stay firm with a few degrees of change, Chic fila is a perfect example.

3A – Your Entrepreneurship Story

I had an entrepreneurship experience at the end of high school. From 2016-2018 I started Jonny's Pet Sitting. This was a homemade business with just me as the employee and boss. I started this for several reasons. My parents did not want me to get a so-called regular job (bagboy, McDonalds, etc.) not because they are bad, but they took time away from my sports and studying. Also, my older sister had a very successful babysitting business when she was in high school. however, as a young man, I was not confident that many people would be comfortable to hiring me as a babysitter. From these root causes I started Jonny's Pet Sitting. I was very successful because I charged less than the adult pet sitters and I ended up with plenty of savings/spending money.

I joined this class because I will be joining the Navy when I graduated. I wanted to have these skills to guide my sailors, as well as have the skills to be successful once I get out.