My Solution

The Problem:

It is often difficult to pick a place to go out to eat or drink because there are so many options but you are only aware of a select few that you regularly go to.

The Solution:

I will solve this problem by making an app that breaks down the restaurants in Gainesville by type of food (Italian, Mexican, etc.) and also by deal of the day, so the places in Gainesville that you can get a full meal for cheap (Taco Tuesday, $3 burgers, etc.).

This will solve the problem because if you are craving a certain type of food you can find all the restaurants that fall into this category and can branch out from the usual spot, or you can go to the deals and find a restaurant based off of how much you want to pay or if you just need some quick inspiration.

I think an app will solve this problem because people always have their phones and it would be a quick way to look up where to eat instead of trying to google it and filter through all of the places that pay to be put on the map.

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

The What: It is often difficult to pick where you want to eat/drink when going out because you rarely know of all the options near you or the best deals for that day.

The Who: People who eat outside the home, focusing mainly on the college aged student in Gainesville.

The Why: People like to go to the places they know and are comfortable in. They also may be unaware that restaurants even exist due to the geography of Gainesville and the University of Florida.

Here is a link to the playlist that contains the interviews for this exercise.

Testing the Who:

From the interviews, I have found that while I will focus on college aged students at UF there is an additional group that has this problem. For several of the people I interviewed the problem of where to eat also arises for their parents when the come to Gainesville because they are unfamiliar with the options here, but they would prefer to eat at a wholly Gainesville restaurant. Really get the full experience, instead of eating at the same chain they could eat at back home.

Testing the What:

From the interviews I gathered that this boundary is only a concern when they are trying to eat out or go get a drink, it is not all the time. Some times people end up cooking or eating at home instead so they do not have the problem of where to eat. I also found out that with college students a big plus would not only be to know where to go, but also know where has the best possible deal for that given day/week so they can eat/drink without breaking the bank.

Testing the Why:

The why varied a little bit between individuals, some of the time it was where to eat on a special occasion i.e. parents in town, for others it came down to whether they could eat at the place they wanted to or if they had to find somewhere similar, but everyone came to the same conclusion that they do tend to go to the same few restaurants or bars and never really expand past their own personal bubble of comfort. So there are other variables but this seems to be the most prevalent and noticed.

Looking for Opportunity

Economic Trends:

1. Car Sales have been increasing  
      a) http://www.valuewalk.com/2016/05/economic-trends-still-positive/
      b) Not only does car sales increasing mean that a product in vehicles would be beneficial, but also increases in car sales indicates that the economy is recovering and people are more willing to spend on big ticket items.
      c) The prototypical customer would be young adults roughly 25-35 years old that are now confident they can spend the money on a new car.
      d) Relatively difficult because you would either have to get in with a major car manufacturer or convince stores to carry an after market product that you would then have to convince other people to install in their new cars.

Why did I see this opportunity?

I saw this because I know people buy new cars only in times of confidence. Instead of saving money people are now starting to purchase bigger ticket items which show consumer confidence and it is important to capitalize on this before another downturn or someone else takes the market space.

2. The trade embargo with Cuba may be lifted soon
     a) http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/obama-castro-call-for-trade-embargo-on-cuba-to-be-lifted
     b) I think an opportunity exists here because the embargo has stood for over 50 years. This means Cuba is an untouched market that would have unmet needs and little competition.
     c) I think the most likely customer of this embargo being lifted would tourists from the U.S. looking to go to Cuba.
     d) I think this would be relatively difficult, simply for the uncertainty surrounding Cuba. They will still be ruled by a Communist regime and this will likely hurt businesses opening up.

Why did I see this opportunity?

I saw this opportunity because opening up Cuba would be a major economic change for the U.S. Again it may take time to completely normalize relations and it is still an uncertain future, however, the new market full of unmet needs from both the Cuban people and American tourists could be huge.

Regulatory Changes:

1. New Largemouth Bass Regulation Change
     a) http://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/black-bass/bass-regulations/changes/
     b) I think an opportunity exists here because roughly 70% of anglers that come to Florida target largemouth bass. The regulation for largemouth bass has also changed 25 times in 20 years, making it hard to keep up with the current regulation.
     c) The most likely customer would be anglers coming to Florida or those already here that fish for largemouth bass.
     d) Relatively easy because all it would take is an app that has all of the statewide regulations on it from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Why did I see this Opportunity?

I saw this opportunity because Statewide regulation of wildlife matters comes down to education and if the bag size changes from location to location or changes often it may be hard to stay educated on the regulations. So if there was a way to have all the current regulations at your fingertip it could help the anglers, those who enforce the regulation, and the fish themselves.

2. Florida recently change the water policy
     a) http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional/florida-senate-oks-water-policy-changes/np4f2/
     b) I think an opportunity exists here because the new regulations actually allow for more polluting in Lake Okeechobee and lawmakers did not make the changes that environmentalists wished to see.
     c) The most likely people who would use something based off of this change would be people from south Florida that use water, whether this is in the home or on one of the bodies of water.
     d) Relatively difficult because this is going against major corporations and lawmakers, but I do believe people have a need for safe drinking water so they will need a product to protect themselves from pollution.

Why did I see this opportunity?

I saw this as an opportunity because people always need clean and accessible drinking water. After the crisis in Flint, Michigan this is not something to take lightly, especially if the pollution poisons our water supply and our enivorment.

Forming an opportunity belief

My Belief - 

1. What?- There is not enough parking available for students at UF
2. Who?- Students
3. When?- In the three years I have been here this has been an issue, and it has gotten worse as more students enroll in school at UF and the school builds in existing parking lots.
4. How?- Many people have turned away from driving cars and use scooters/motorcycles, public transport, walk, bike, or skate.
5. % Sure- I am 95% sure this opportunity exists based off my personal experience.

Interview #1

https://soundcloud.com/chris-cooksey-635178342/mark-lewis

This interview was with an individual who used to park on campus while living on campus, but now that he lives off campus he doesn't even bother trying to for the most part. He would rather walk to class than deal with  buying a parking pass or using another mode of transportation.

Reflection #1

After this first interview, I have noticed that this might just be an issue for off campus students. He said that parking was relatively close to the dorm he lived in and wasn't as much of a problem with more parking available. Off campus students have fewer options to park. I was also surprised that at this point driving to campus is not even considered and that he would prefer to walk over most other options.

Interview #2

https://soundcloud.com/chris-cooksey-635178342/john

This interview was with a student who also lives off campus. In his case he has never had a car, rather he bought a motorcycle. This was a combination of seeing the problem with parking cars on campus but also for the most part it was more convenient to have a motorcycle for the short trips around campus and Gainesville.

Reflection #2

I was most surprised to find out that even parking a motorcycle/scooter isn't as great as I thought it was. He pointed out that the scooter lots are often over-parked and still are not located in areas that are a huge improvement in terms of distance to class. This again shaped my opportunity to include scooter/motorcycle parking.

Interview #3

https://soundcloud.com/chris-cooksey-635178342/ramon

In this interview we talked about the difference between on-campus living and off-campus living. Ramon told me that on campus, some of the dorms do not have any parking within a ten to fifteen minute walk. Living off-campus he says he doesn't even try parking on campus but uses public transport and that this is meeting his needs, but he would like to find some way to fix parking for students.

Reflection #3

I was most surprised to find out that even living on-campus he had such a problem with parking. I was starting to conclude that this was mainly an issue for off-campus living, but his example showed that it depends on where you live. It still sounds like this is an issue that affects students off-campus more frequently, but is not perfect for those living on-campus.

How much of my original idea is still here?

I think that most of my original idea is still here. I do think that it has shifted more to focus on those who live off-campus, rather than all students.

Do you believe your new opportunity is more accurate than when you started?

I believe so. To lump all students in together would be a huge umbrella. I think through the interviews I was able to narrow the focus. I still have a large focus simply because of the scope of UF.

How much do you think entrepreneurs should 'adapt' their opportunities based on customer feedback?  

I feel like entrepreneurs should always adapt their beliefs based off of feedback. The worst thing to do would to think the idea is perfect and refuse to adapt anything. That being said, not every little comment is a reason to change the product/service, however, if an entrepreneur is conducting interviews and notices a common trend they should probably look into this idea.

Identifying Local Opportunities

Story #1

1. Make improvements to neglected areas
2. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15CF6D021F484918?p=AWNB
3. The Story - Residents on the southwest side of Gainesville argue that they do not have enough bus routes or safe streets. Located near wealthy areas, these low income residents feel that the city of Gainesville is not doing its part to help them, especially when compared to the neighboring areas and the perks they enjoy.
4. The Problem - Residents who do not own a vehicle are often left stranded by the bus system or it takes a substantial amount of time to get anywhere. One resident was forced to take three separate buses and spent over three hours to simply go grocery shopping due to the lack of buses and routes. Neighborhoods also lack speed bumps and protective awnings over the bus stops.
5. Who's affected? - Residents in the neglected, low-income southwest area of Gainesville that do not have access to the bus system.

Story #2

1. Consequences of malnutrition reach far into the future
2. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15CF6D0215704800?p=AWNB
3. The Story - The world's population is expected to grow 30% in the next thirty years. This means not only will food production need to increase but so will the need for more nutritious food. All around the world, undernourishment is a large issue, especially in children. UF is at the forefront in attempting to solve these issues. Agriculture researchers are looking at agricultural techniques hoping to make crops more fruitful and increase nutrients in food.
4. The Problem - The increase in world population is greater than that of food production, causing a large number of people throughout the planet to lack both quantity and quality of food and nutrients.
5. Who's Affected? - Currently individuals worldwide. The most susceptible are the poor or people in areas lacking the necessary resources needed to grow or buy food. In the future, the problem could extend to everyone, depending on the population and food production.

Story #3

1. Prevention is key to combating Zika
2. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15CF18D997B3DB18?p=AWNB
3. The Story - The Zika virus, which is a vector borne disease, is linked to birth defects and Florida is a potential area it could spread due to the climate and terrain. As a result prevention is vital to controlling the virus. However, the article takes an interesting approach to prevention. The solution proposed in the article is to prevent unintended pregnancies - or at least reduce the number. This involves access to and education on contraceptive use.
4. The Problem - The Zika virus has potential to spread into Florida, and almost 60% of the pregnancies in the state are unintended. Florida is also known for the mosquito population which is why it has the potential to spread into the state.
5. Who's Affected? - Pregnant women and their children are the most likely to be affected by the Zika virus

Story #4

1. Know your snakes: Florida's 6 venomous serpents
2. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15CF18D94B411698?p=AWNB
3. The Story - The story explains the nature of snakes in general. It then discusses the normal habitats of snakes, how to prevent snake bites, and what to do if you are bitten by a snake. The article then lists each of the 6 venomous snakes in Florida, where they are usually found, and easily distinguishable physical characteristics.
4.  The Problem - Many people are unaware of the types of snakes in Florida and which ones are venomous. Also the summer months offer the highest likelihood of snakebites.
5. Who's Affected? - People who are frequently outdoors in forests, marshy areas, or even in their own backyard. Children are also higher risks because they tend to be outdoors more and are less careful.

Story #5

1. Two continents, one big goal
2. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15CEC51E447CD1A8?p=AWNB
3. The Story - Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey's circus has recently retired their remaining elephants and, for the first time ever, no longer use them in any of their shows. They will now focus on conservation of elephants. Just before this was finalized, Kenya's president ordered over 105 tons of ivory tusks seized from poachers to be publicly burned, in an attempt to show that poaching will not be tolerated.
4. The Problem - Poaching and illegal trade have decimated elephant populations in both Africa and Asia, threatening the future of both species of elephant.
5. Who's Affected? - Elephants mainly. However, animal activists, conservationists, and animal lovers are also affected. As are the illegal poachers, the Kenyan president was sending a message to.

Bug List

1. The Taco Bell on University Avenue in Gainesville has consistently slow service (10-15 minutes to even order), even during non-peak hours

• Why? - I believe this is because the employees do not take the job very seriously and are often joking in the back with each other. This is probably because no one ever comes to audit their work.

2. The Publix on Main Street in Gainesville has a very slow sub line (20 minutes), especially when Chicken Tender Subs are on sale.

• Why? - This is because they only have two people making subs at a time, while they also have to deal with online ordering and simply are not capable of handling the amount of people ordering.

3. The Publix on Main Street in Gainesville has long check out lines during peak hours.

• Why? - This is because they only have at most 4 check out lines open and one is always the 10 items or less line. 

4. In Bali, Indonesia, there are piles of burning trash on the side of the roads.

• Why? - This is because it is still a developing nation and has a large tourist influx. As a result it cannot handle the amount of trash created and doesn't have the space to accommodate for it.

5. In Lombok, Indonesia and Fiji, the coral reef has a lot of trash floating around or stuck in it.

• Why? - The South Pacific has a problem with pollution and the currents bring the trash onto the reefs, where the jagged edges catch it and hold it there.

6. UF does not have enough parking for students in convenient areas of campus.

• Why? - UF has taken out parking lots to add more buildings to handle the increase in number of students.

7. FIN3403 (Business Finance) at UF teaches using a financial calculator even though Excel is more useful and practical in real life.

• Why? - It would be much easier for students to cheat on exams if excel were used and would force students to own a laptop and have Microsoft office.

8. Pearson uses an excessive amount of wrapping on their products, specifically looking at UF edition books.

• Why? - The books probably go through several shipping points before getting to UF and it is cheaper to ensure protection than replace damaged copies.

9. Netflix doesn't offer the same services everywhere. Australian Netflix has newer/better movies than does the U.S. version.

• Why? - Netflix just came to Australia in 2015 and they need to increase awareness/desire to purchase a subscription and by having Box Office hits it will attract more customers. 

10. The storm drains on 10th Street in Gainesville are consistently clogged with leaves and the City of Gainesville rarely comes to clean them.

• Why? - Gainesville is a big city and 10th Street is not a major area that they would need to clean regularly, even though the drains say maintained by the City of Gainesville.

11. HP will automatically update your computer giving you at most 15 minutes of notice, sometimes none at all.

• Why? - They most likely do this because if it wasn't for automatic updates, most people would be unaware or unwilling to download them.

12. Many bars charge cover for males but not females.

• Why? - Men are the most likely to go to bars and therefore are willing to go even if they have to pay money to get in.

13. Breyers Ice Cream is moving to smaller containers, yet is charging the same price as the old half gallon tubs.

• Why? - They may have struggled during the recession and need the extra profits to stay a float.

14. Apple constantly sends iPhone update reminders even after months have past since the update came out and you have purposefully not updated your phone.

• Why? - Apple spends considerable time and resources to come up with new software and they want all of their products to have the same software to make fixes easier. Or it requires people to continue to be aware of Apple making them more likely to buy other Apple products.

15. Spotify's shuffle is not random and plays many of the same songs even in a playlist of 300+ songs.

• Why? - Spotify wants you to enjoy the music you listen to and probably bases the shuffle on the songs you most commonly listen to.

16. The Tire Kingdom on Highway 17 in Orange Park bases which car next on immediacy of the customer not which car was dropped off first. So if you sit in the waiting room your car will be worked on before someone who drops a car off and leaves.

• Why? - They assume that the people waiting will grow impatient if they have to wait an excessive amount of time and will not be repeat customers. Whereas, someone who leaves may be gone for a long time and not need the car worked on immediately and can wait.

17. The iPhone weather app is wrong or changes very suddenly often.

• Why? - Since it is an app, it may not receive the constant updates that say a website does and therefore will change infrequently.

18. 2nd Avenue Centre's (Apartment complex in Gainesville) wifi was consistently down or being worked on to "improve" it.

• Why? - It is difficult to provide wifi to as many residents as they have and many providers may not be able to sufficiently produce the necessary signal for that many people.

19. The biodegradable Sun Chip bags are really noisy.

• Why? - The material that they use is very rigid and therefor any small movement will make a loud noise, but the fact that it is biodegradable takes precedent over this.

20. Snapchat has a new update every week or so and change a lot each time.

• Why? - They want to stay fresh and keep people interested in the app despite being several years old now and need ways to be innovative.

Thoughts on the exercise:

I thought this exercise was relatively easy for the first 10 bugs. These were the things that I have come across most frequently or were things that I knew were serious problems when I noticed them. The next five, were slightly more difficult to come up with and came to me at random throughout the day after reading about the assignment. The last five were again increasingly difficult because these were things that I really had to think back on. Numbers 16-19 were bugs from the past that I experienced and have not had to deal with for a while so I had to look back and reflect more on these than the previous 15. 

For the most part, I take everything as it comes and never have major problems with most products or services. This I feel made this slightly more challenging because I could not think of 20 problems I had off the bat; it took me almost three days to come up with the complete list of bugs.

My Entrepreneurship Story

My entrepreneurship story begins with my dad. He is now the owner of the business he has been working for since he graduated from UF. He was a chemistry major and met the founder of the company shortly after graduation. They saw that air pollution was a growing concern for major manufacturing plants and the EPA was starting to enforce stricter regulations. The company was designed to partner with steel mills throughout the U.S. to help them make sure they are within government regulations.

If these steel mills are not within government regulations they face serious repercussions. As a result, they use the company as a consulting firm, essentially, to get readings from the plant and inform them where they are in terms of the standards. If the mill is outside of regulations the company helps to find ways to lower emissions and can even help install equipment at plants that will help.

This is probably the most meaningful experience I have with entrepreneurship because of how close I am to it and how much of it I have seen or heard about.


As for why I decided to take this class:

If I am being completely honest, had it not been for my major I do not think I would have even known about this class let alone have taken it. So while this may be a cop out answer for why I decided to take this class it's the truth.

As for what I expect to get out of this class, my views have changed pretty drastically from registration to now. At first I thought this class would lecture on how to set up a business, which I now see is not the aim of the course. So now I hope that this class will help expand my views on daily life. Meaning I hope to become more cognizant of the world around me and instead of taking little issues for granted, try to see these as opportunities for improvement.