Customer Interviews No. 1: First Take

To Ship or Not to Ship

I went a little off kilter here and since I live off campus I went with a more pressing opportunity of apartment life and real life for basically everybody. I interviewed some lovely individuals and couples who answered my questions regarding how they ship and receive packages. 

I believe that there might be the opportunity but the opportunity might be improving some others instead of starting a competitor. I was surprised that some (2) of my interviewees were very happy and used to USPS. I had an assumption coming in that people might feel more like the other 3 instead of a 60/40 split more of a 80/20.

Week 4 Reading Reflection

What I read this week

1)    What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

I think the biggest surprise for me is how many arenas of creativity there actually are. When thinking about creativity I would never think of material, inner, etc.

2)    Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

I was slightly confused by the types of innovation because I felt like they all overlapped and kind of went with each other.

3)    If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

1. What is the best way to accumulate knowledge and incubate it? Are there different ways to do so?

2. Which arena of creativity is the most commonly used? I feel like its important to know which ones we use and which we need to develop better.

4)    Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I feel like usually in books they try to give a one way fits all to how to develop your thinking but obviously that is not the case at all.

Top 5 World Problems: out of the many there are...

Top 5 serious world problems 

1) ISIS running rampant in the middle east.
2) Famine and Civil unrest in Africa especially with children.
3) Drug smuggling and drug lords in Mexico, Columbia and Venezuela etc.
4) Veterans coming home and not having proper care or having ptsd.
5) Global Warming and cooling trends that we see in extreme shifts of cold and hot.

Top 5 most possible solutions

1) Famine and Civil unrest in Africa especially with children. If just America didn't run the lottery which is at 1.5 billion imagine if we actually gave that kind of money to African refugees and organizations we could help solve a lot of problems over there.
2) Veterans coming home and not having proper care or having ptsd. Instead of spending so much on people who are on welfare and have been for a long time we should take much better care of our veterans and offer better healthcare and training back into civilian life.

3) ISIS running rampant in the middle east. The lack of stability in that region is very well documented so that has been a part of their rise but also the lack of initiative on other countries to see them as a threat. Unfortunately because they have been attacking now the way to deal with them is going to have to involve some sort of coalition to shut them down between many countries.

4) Drug smuggling and drug lords in Mexico, Columbia and Venezuela etc. I believe the way to cut this off is go to the source in two ways. First go after the leaders just like we do terrorists because more people die of drug overdose and addiction. Second go for their supply companies or fields depending on the drugs.
5) Global Warming and cooling trends that we see in extreme shifts of cold and hot. A realistic first step is for car companies and other fossil business to lower their emissions. Second we need to continue like Tesla and other companies to go into alternative energy.

Reasoning 

I selected that ISIS is the top problem because they are a terror threat to not just America or Israel but the entire world. They attack anyone who doesn't believe their faith. Secondly I believe the famine and poverty in Africa could be easily solved with all the garbage that America does like the lottery is just one example. If we took a portion of that money plus other countries imagine how much good we could do.

Identifying Local Opportunities

Problem #1) Stadium proposals face legislative battle - State department must evaluate plans by Feb. 1

The state legislature is against taxpayers helping pay for the sports facilities. In this example its Jacksonville jaguars, tampa bay bucs, Miami dolphins, and Daytona speedway. They have a deadline of February 1st to submit and evaluate plans of the stadiums proposals. 

The problem presented is that Tampa has the national championship game next year and want to revamp the scoreboards and technology to help the fans enjoy the game more. Obviously the Tampa Sports Commission and the Buccaneers and Raymond James Stadium are the ones with the problem.

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A72643442AD178?p=AWNB

Problem #2) County commits $50M 
to downtown renaissance Funds for Vinik project will come from increase in property values - Funds for Vinik project will come from increase in property values

The city of Tampa has committed 50 million dollars to the revitalization of channel side and downtown area. Jeff Vinik is the owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning and he is in the process of redoing the downtown area to be more lively. The project is supposed to be 2 billion total but a lot of that comes from Vinik and his group of investors. 

The problem is the downtown and channel side area. It hasn't been redone in at least 20 years and the area has been slowing going downhill since. The city of tampa and hillsborough country have the problem because it isn't bringing in money like it should be or will be after this is done. 

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A877E373F836E8?p=AWNB

Problem #3) Crashes up 39% at intersections in Tampa with red-light cameras City officials slam system as contract is being renegotiated

The article is talking about the red light camera controversy and how it is supposedly supposed to reduce accidents at highly connected areas. This article shows that not only is that false but in fact some red light areas are on the rise and the system is a total failure. 

The problem is two fold that the camera system is not working and the second problem is that the fines produced from it 1.7 million of the 2 million raised went to the camera company. The problem falls on the taxpayers actually because it is costing them millions and not doing a single thing for anyone.

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A877E3A60108D0?p=AWNB

Problem #4)  Schools are showing warning signs

In some ways I feel like this piece is going g after the weakness of fear in parents because of the Flint issues. It shows some real facts like the teacher salary negotiations and lack of funding. It is essential a small issue but a propaganda piece to fill space.

The problem that I see isn't what they bring up but how low the salaries of some teachers who have spent their life working with our youth and giving their time but not being rewarded for it. The problem falls on the school board and the teachers unions. 

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8CDEE18758538?p=AWNB

Problem #5) Death penalty ruling leaves a big mess

The article bring to the attention the of the supreme court ruling to strike down Florida's death penalty. They ruled against the judge being the deciding factor instead of the jury. Although both decided the same but they ruled against the judge being the sole factor choice.

The problem is that they judge is our deciding factor in the death penalty cases which the Supreme Court promptly struck down to the Jury. The problem was faced by the supreme court because they ultimately had to make the decision.

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A62A6CC9986008?p=AWNB

Week 3 Reading Reflection: The reading of a book

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

One thing that stood out to me is the entrepreneurial ego part. I have seen some of it because I watch Shark Tank but it is very interesting to see all of those things happening.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

In the characteristics associated with entrepreneurs it wasn't so much as confusing as it was that the subsections overlapped a lot and could use some refining. Such as the Perseverance versus drive to achieve and so on. 

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

Why when you talked about ways to deal with stress did you pick those specific things when there are plenty of ways to? Are they from personal experience or just random?

In reference to figure 2.4 in the chapter I would be curious to know more how interrelated the figure is like slightly more in depth. 

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I feel like the author implies that that no matter what entrepreneurial stress is imminent. I may be reading into it too much but to me it sounds like he is saying that there is too much to handle 99% of the time. 

Very Short Interview No. 1

Peter Davidson: Zeal Coffee Roasters 

What should my expectations be in an entrepreneurship course?

What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

What do you think I should learn in this course/what do you wish you had known when you first started on this path?

I actually wrote out the questions and had some help because I have known Peter for about 5-6 years and his business is back home in Tampa. This is actually his second coffee shop so he has been through the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur. I found a lot of what he said to be the same things I craved to learn when at school as far as marketing and budgeting and all the different aspects of a business. 

World's Biggest Problems

1) America's lack of partisanship in national government leading to lack of production in government. First step in fixing this is getting Obama out of office and hopefully making a wiser choice so that the government can fix a lot of the things wrong in government.
2) ISIS running rampant in the middle east. The lack of stability in that region is very well documented so that has been a part of their rise but also the lack of initiative on other countries to see them as a threat. Unfortunately because they have been attacking now the way to deal with them is going to have to involve some sort of coalition to shut them down between many countries.
3) Famine and Civil unrest in Africa especially with children. If just America didn't run the lottery which is at 1.5 billion imagine if we actually gave that kind of money to African refugees and organizations we could help solve a lot of problems over there.
4) Giant Fortune 500 company CEOs taking massive salaries when their employees are barely scraping by. The companies should cap the bonuses and salary increases especially if the company isn't doing well.
5) The welfare system being taken advantage of by poor people and the expansion of welfare makes it easier to not have to go look for a job. I believe cutting back welfare to the people who absolutely need it or temporary for lost jobs is acceptable but not long term you're just enabling them.
6) North Korea allegedly testing H bombs and nukes. This opens up a lot if they actually have them but we need to intimidate them more so that they don't test their luck and actually launch one.
7) Drug smuggling and drug lords in Mexico, Columbia and Venezuela etc. I believe the way to cut this off is go to the source in two ways. First go after the leaders just like we do terrorists because more people die of drug overdose and addiction. Second go for their supply companies or fields depending on the drugs.
8) Global Warming and cooling trends that we see in extreme shifts of cold and hot. A realistic first step is for car companies and other fossil business to lower their emissions. Second we need to continue like Tesla and other companies to go into alternative energy.
9) Veterans coming home and not having proper care or having ptsd. Instead of spending so much on people who are on welfare and have been for a long time we should take much better care of our veterans and offer better healthcare and training back into civilian life.
10) The lack of work there is for mentally handicapped individuals who want to work. A lot of companies with training have jobs that those individuals can handle and enjoy.

Bug List: Things That Piss Me Off...

1) The Chick fil a on Archer road... (Poor planning on the drive through and parking lot area)
2) When people wait in line and hold the spot for other people so they don't have to wait. (People are lazy or get a friend to hold their spot.)
3) Customer Service Robot calls  (Lack of concern for customers or cutting corners to save money.)
4) Cox Cable not responding when you try to get a hold of them. (Poor customer service again)
5) GRU overcharging for utilities (GRU can do whatever they want because they have a monopoly in the area.)
6) Hoverboard craze because they are dangerous and just a scooter. (Don't understand why someone would spend so much on a useless product)
7) Lack of internet connection and speed of the internet randomly dropping. (Bad internet company throttling the speed of internet)
8) Lack of parking for off campus student here. (Not thinking of the off campus students and giving on campus students more parking which makes no sense.)
9) When a gas company is ignorant about pricing and wants to charge a lot more then everyone else. (greedy owners try to take advantage of a slightly better spot)
10) How little men's clothing offerings there are. (Men don't shop nearly as much as women do.)
11) Lightbulbs and lighting that burns out a lot faster then it should. (Poor quality control or performance)
12) Restaurant long wait times in service. (Can either happen because of lack of training, busy in the kitchen etc.)
13) Medication that actually doesn't work the way it should. (I.E. Airborne when you're paying and expecting to feel better but nothing happens.
14) Universal TV remote unconnects to my TV if I don't use it for a certain amount of days. (I have no idea why it would disconnect with the tv instead of over riding if you need to change it.)
15) Christmas Lights that burn out for no reason whatsoever!! (They do this so that you have to buy more or the newer ones.)
16) How long it takes for certain ovens or stoves to heat up. (Heat isn't instantaneous but some products are a lot better then others)
17) Why certain things are so expensive when shopping like t shirts are $25+. (Some are for margins but others are that that is the norm)
18) Shopping at Publix and not being able to go through an express aisle quickly when I don't have that much stuff. (Due to understaffing at that time or rude customers not paying attention)
19) iPhone cases that don't cover the front screen or break immediately after buying it because they are too thin in some areas. (Like mentioned some areas the plastic is too thick and not structurally sound enough and most are made in china.)
20) When in a store and you ask for help and get ignored or they don't know where anything is. Or when they won't stop asking you if you need help. (Customer Service issues)



This was incredibly difficult coming up with 20 things. I think more of people or individuals that bother me a lot more then products.

Week 2 Reading Reflection: Chapter 1

Something I found very  intriguing was the history of the entrepreneur. In the 18th century in France Cantillon associated the risk taking activity in the economy to entrepreneurs. This time period was mainly during the Industrial Revolution. 

One of the things I found confusing was Myth 3. He says that entrepreneurs aren't always inventors and used the McDonald's example. Yes he didn't invent fast food but he did invent a process because of those ideas so they may not invent a product but you still have to invent services as well. 

Where did all those schools of though come from and get developed? Some seem like common sense but others there isn't enough background given for me personally. 

My second question after this chapter would be, where do you see entrepreneurship shifting to in the next 5-10 years? Similar to how it is very tech heavy currently. 

I personally don't really disagree with anything in this particular chapter because a lot of the chapter is theory and I don't know enough about those theories to rebut.

My Entrepreneurship Story

The past two summers I have worked for a company called Thuzi. The creator is a family friend named Scott Blackburn and become an entrepreneur after he left his corporate job. The company deals with RFID bands and social media analytics and have lots of major clients. It may not have always been pretty but he worked his way through it and are now becoming even more successful now.

I chose this class because I was interested to see what would be taught. I always watch shark tank and shows that involve business ideas and they intrigue me. So hopefully I can learn about the mindset of an entrepreneur and also how to present myself to potential customers and clients and partners.

My Life: An Introduction To the Future

Hello fine sir or madam my name is Garrett Patane. I am originally from Tampa Florida and have grown up there although I have moved 7 times. I have one younger sister back home who is a Junior and two cute little Italian Greyhounds. I am a general business major with a sport management specialization/minor. I dual enrolled in high school and finished my AA a year ahead before transferring to UF last year. I love sports I could probably answer any questions you have and played most sports in high school at one point. My favorite teams beside the Gators are the Chiefs and I am a huge Lightning hockey fan!

Week 2 Entrepreneur's Mantra

Testing Testing 123

This is not a test I repeat this is not a test!!!!