October 2009 Issue
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October 2009
FUTURE CEO STARS
Nannies and Mannies This Issue Proudly Sponsored By National Entrepreneurship Week February 20th - 27th, 2010
October 2009 In This Issue… 4
Technically Speaking Chip Lowe
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Passion for Music and Fashion Marketplace for Kids
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Nannies and Mannies Georgia REAL Enterprises
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My Future is Rockin’ Buchholz Academy
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Success By Design Empower Youth Entrepreneurs
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GAME ON! The Lyles Center
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Smile for the Camera NFIByef
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One Srappy Entrepreneur Réseau des CJE du Québec
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Not Horsing Around Ignite
Published by The Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education 1601 W Fifth Ave. #199 Columbus, OH 43212 www.entre-ed.org [email protected]
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Catipod National Museum of Education
Publisher: Dr. Cathy Ashmore Editor: Mike Ashmore Graphic Design: SPLASH Designs
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Win $10,000 Think outside the BUBBLE
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A GREAT CONFERENCE Illinois Institute for Entre. Ed.
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Hanging Out Keirsten and Ebony
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Our Sponsors
Horsing Around? Find out on page 22
Student Advisory Board Chip Lowe, Claire He, Micah Toll, Kelly Rapp, Marcus Craft Web Page Design and Management CWD
Technically Speaking with Chip Lowe iPods in Education
E
ver wonder why more schools don’t utilize technology that student are familiar with that will actually stimulate interest and retention of knowledge? Well, as a student, I’ve pondered the same question! When I began to brainstorm for this month’s topic, I obviously had my iPhone in my hand, and that is when it hit me – why aren’t we using these stimulating devices in education!? In the same way that schools have recently attempted “1 Laptop: 1 Student” programs, in which each student is assigned a laptop, or “laptop carts” where a teacher is able to check out a cart of laptops for in-class use, we can adopt new policies that allow for students to use their own iPods and iPhones in the classroom for educational purposes. iPods and iPhones provide the ability to download and listen to podcasts, shoot videos, include fitness tracking software, and more! Can’t you just imagine how these three major features could greatly impact a classroom? When a teacher is going to be absent, they could prepare a video podcast with the instruction for that day, essentially eliminating a missed day of education. With the video-capturing functionality, teachers could assign a group project to record an (continued on next page)
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infomercial that could be filmed on the student’s iPod and edited and finished on school computers. And, jumping outside the typical classroom, physical education teachers could allow students to use their iPods to track their exercise, upload it to their teacher, and enjoy listening to their favorite tunes at the same time. Not to mention the teacher would have some extra time to enjoy his or her favorite song and maybe even save enough time grading endless papers they could hit up a concert! The possibilities are endless! However, we must overcome the fear and Luddite mentality when it comes to technology. How many teachers disallowed texting a mere five years ago that use it themselves day-to-day now? How many insisted on physical mail before making the switch to the much more environmentally friendly, and incredibly faster email? It is time that educators learn from their pupils: technology does not have to detract from the educational process. Rather than “looking the other way” and merely tolerating it’s use in schools because it is forbidden they should embrace it and make technology part of the whole learning experience. Why resist something that is readily available, enhances learning and will inevitably be part of the students’ world anyway? So, now the time is here! If you are a teacher, or if you’re a student, do your part to bring together these two worlds that can definitely benefit one another – iPods and Education.
Future CEO Stars October 2009
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fo or Music an nd Fashion n By Katie Nistler and Courtney Smith Bright Ideas can be an extension of what matters most to us or what we would like to have. They can also be a direct product of our talents. Such is the case with Katie Nistler and Courtney Smith.
Katie Nistler Hi, I’m Katie Nistler. I’m from Fargo ND, and I won first place for the fifth grade in the Invention Category at the Marketplace for Kids Bright Ideas Showcase and Contest at the ND State Fair. My invention was Slipurse. Slipurse is made up of a denim base purse with cloth covers to match your outfits. There are also interchangeable straps (over the shoulder and hand straps). The idea came to me right before Marketplace for Kids at Concordia College where I was participating for the second year. I’ve been planning more things to add ever since, such as inside and outside pockets. When I was stitching the denim base, my sewing machine’s needle broke, so I had to use our old sewing machine instead (which is not as technically advanced as the newer one). My mom helped me when I started the sewing and the ironing, but as I went on I got the hang of it. My mom and I only took one shopping trip where I spent very little money. I reused many items I found at home. I’m very grateful to the people at Marketplace for Kids for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents and ideas at the North Dakota State Fair. I had a great experience at Marketplace, and I’m planning to go again next year!
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Courtney Smith Hi! I am Courtney Smith. I am 12 years old and a 6th grader at Stanley Elementary School in North Dakota. My twin and I were born on Valentines Day in 1997, three months too early. I lost my eye sight due to an eye disease called retinopathy of prematurity. My mom says I never really started talking, I went straight to singing. I started my music business, Courtney Sings, when I was six. My musical debut came in kindergarten when I sang Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer at the school Christmas program. Not long after that I had my second public performance, performing Somewhere Out There at my aunt’s wedding. That fall, I went into the studio for the first time to record my debut album, a Christmas CD entitled Christmas Through Courtney’s Eyes. I did it for family, but then people wanted to buy it. So we ordered more and this is really where it started. People then requested more of my music so I went into the studio and recorded a second album, Perfect in His Eyes, a collection of some of my favorites along with a few original tunes written just for me. It was released in October, 2005. Then last summer I went to Nashville and released a third album, called Butterflies. I sing and do performances all over North Dakota, Montana, and some in South Dakota. I especially love to sing and advocate for those with disabilities. I have gone into schools and done performances and talked about being blind and how I learn music. My twin and I were the March of Dimes Ambassadors for two years and I have been a Pride of Dakota member for the last 4 years. I have been involved with Marketplace for Kids the last three years. I have been very successful with my singing because it is not a job, but something I enjoy. Being a part of and doing activities with Pride of Dakota and Marketplace for Kids has helped my business grow. Singing at events helps build relationships with people and teaches people if you have a dream, you can always try and achieve it. Being a part of Marketplace for Kids has given me the honor of singing at the opening ceremonies the last few years. The first time I went to Marketplace for Kids was with my third grade teacher, Mrs. Davidson. We went as a class and walked around and checked out all the projects. It was fun hearing about all the ideas. The next year I sang at the opening and closing ceremonies. This last July at the North Dakota State Fair, I sang at the opening ceremony and also was a contestant. I was excited to win first place in the Business Idea Category at the Marketplace for Kids Bright Ideas Showcase and Contest for the 5th grade. When it comes to marketing my music, I sell it in stores and online at my website (www.coutneysings.com). I also do a lot of performances throughout the year. During the school year, learning comes first. Education is important to my family. I hope through my music I can help people by advocating for those with disabilities and I plan to sing the rest of my life, whether it is in the music business, or just for fun. The question most often asked is, “Do you get nervous?” and the next one is “Do you ever forget the music?” No, I do not get nervous. A person just needs to take a deep breath and enjoy it. I know a lot of songs and have never forgotten any words to the songs. Marketplace for Kids has given me opportunities to show off my creativity and talents and has showed students and adults how to get creative and make a business plan. My mom says to think outside your box! Future CEO Stars October 2009
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Nannies & Mannies By Micah Brochin
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y name is Micah Brochin. I am a senior at Riverwood International Charter School and I am 18 years old. I have been involved with many different sports teams here at my school. I am also heavily involved with the FBLA program. Last year I participated in the entrepreneurship competition for the state competition. My team won third in the state. I got my start with children 6 years ago when I was 12 years old at my aunt’s preschool. I immediately fell in love with the work. The next year, upon my return, I was put in charge of running the water play. This consisted of setting up the water tubs and sprinklers for the children to play in. I stayed at the preschool until I was 14. Then the next summer I moved to Atlanta Jewish community Center. I worked at camp Isidore Alterman and the aquatics camp the first summer. Then during the school year I worked the clock for some of the youth sports game. I then took a summer off to travel to Israel. When I came back I got right back into the work. There is nothing more rewarding to me than having a positive impact on a child’s life. I feel that the age range of 4-8 are crucial years for their development and I feel very honored to be able to play a role in this stage. I started this company, Nannies and Mannies, at the end of August. It was a lot of work to do all of the research necessary to start up a company like this. I had to find out where to go to get the proper licensing, I had to set up a police account to do the proper screening, and I had to come up with my own personal hiring contracts. This is just some of the basic stuff. I also had to come up with a very complicated pricing process, guarantees, insurance coverage, and new client forms. After everything was in place and official I saw my first dollar a month and a half later. I worked on the development of the company from when I started it till just a little while ago. I worked every day day at least 7-8 hours after school. I would be up till 1 or 2 in the morning doing work for it. At the end of the day, from the results that I have already had, I would say that it most definitely has paid off. I got the idea from when people kept asking me to babysit and I was unavailable. I thought that it was unfair to the parents we left without assistance. I decided to gather up some of the finest people that I know of that have had more than a year of experience with children. I then (continued on next page)
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started to build the company from the ground up. I started off by making hiring contracts. I then bought business cards and started to design the website. After all this was done I got all of the background checks done on all of my employees. The goal of my company is to match a client with their dream babysitter. I have a wide variety of choices for people to choose from. We have people that can speak Spanish or French. We have boys and girls of different ages. We also accept new born babies and special needs children. All of these factors help me reach my target market more effectively than my competiton. My company is currently on the referral list by two major hotels here, the Intercontinental and The W. My future goals are to open up branches in Miami, Florida, Boston, Massachusetts, and New York City, New York.
Nannies and Mannies 404-408-3343 [email protected] www.nanniesandmannies.com 2526 Mt. Vernon Rd. Suite B #127 Atlanta, GA 30338
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My Future is . . .
ROCKIN’!!! H
ello Future CEO Stars! My name is Christian Vega and I am sixteen years old. I am currently a student at F.W. Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Florida. I was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where I went to school most of my life until I made a lifechanging decision to move to Gainesville, Florida. Upon moving to Gainesville, I was accepted into the Academy of Entrepreneurship at F.W. Buchholz High School, which has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.
One of my greatest passions in life is music. I started my own mobile disc jockey service when I was thirteen years old. I deejay for private parties and other events in the area. I received my first deejay set on my thirteenth birthday, and immediately began teaching myself the basics. My mom used to own her own flower shop, and that greatly inspired me; the idea of being my own boss and running my own business became my goal. Combining my passion for music and my desire to own my own business were the foundations of my mobile disc jockey service. The key to being a successful deejay is choosing your playlist wisely, listening to the rhythm of the songs, and getting a feel for the crowd. I absolutely
By Christian Vega
love being a deejay because it comes very natural to me. I enjoy making connections with clients, introducing people to new kinds of music, and seeing the faces of people when they hear a new song for the first time. I have always had a passion for music and knew that I had a chance to succeed in the entertainment industry. My ultimate goal is to start my own production company. My business has many opportunities coming its way. I am in the process of expanding my client base to groups including party planners and event planners. I have recently begun marketing my service on MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, and other websites to help advertise. Using these advertising outlets is very helpful because potential clients can listen to my music prior to booking my services. My business, however, also faces challenges such as paying off debt and handling time conflicts with clients. My plan for the future is to take my deejaying business to the top. I plan to get my bachelors degree in music engineering and my master’s degree in business. This educational path will help me attain my ultimate goal of starting my own production company.
Secrets of Success Always have a positive attitude. If you have a dream, pursue it. Never let anyone or anything bring you down. Don’t give up. Punctuality is extremely important. First impressions are everything. Always go the extra mile! Future CEO Stars August 2009
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Success By Design By Herbert Small III
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ello, my name is Herbert Small III and I am a fashion and accessory designer, operating my business “H&S Fashions.” At a very young age I wanted to be successful at owning my own business and build an empire. When I was a junior in high school I joined the jewelry club which met after school with my art teacher. It was a very fun experience and it helped me get familiar with designing jewelry. My biggest motivation was my mother because she always told me, “If you have a dream go for it, you can do whatever you want in this world. Make me proud!” She always had an eye for fashion, and her passion rubbed off on my hands and it made me very involved in it. Something that was at first a hobby became something much better, a successful business of my own. When I first started, I would make the necklaces for my mother to wear, but people would always ask “Where did you buy that? It’s gorgeous.” Little did they know the designer was standing in front of them! After hearing such positive feedback about my pieces, I became serious about making this my own creation and lifting this off the ground. That night I went home and I made about twenty new pieces and spent time thinking about how I could target people to buy them. All of my designs have been done in Buffalo, New York. That is also where I did the Empower Youth Entrepreneurs (EYE) program with director Kathy Gielow at Buffalo State College which gave me all the tools to run a business. When I first came up the idea to start my business I was sitting on my bed writing ways to become successful on my own, and jewelry and fashion design came to mind. So I started my business right out of my bedroom. That is where all of my pieces were created. I have been designing for almost a year. I first started after my seventeenth birthday which was in January, I plan on staying in the fashion field for many years to come. I would say that creativity, motivation, and support is what got me to where I am today; a business owner. Starting a business is not easy, you have to make sure that you stay strong at all times! People may try to discourage you, and make it seem as though you can’t accomplish what your heart wants you to do, but keep doing it! Thinking of a target market can be very difficult and stressful because it takes time to think about why people would buy from you. The trick is to determine what makes you special. The answer for me is everything I design is a one of a kind piece. You won’t find it anywhere else.
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My typical customers are usually women of all ages. When I go out, I always look at what women wear in jewelry and I try to think of something that would be appealing to them, enough to make them want to buy it. My strategy when I make jewelry is “be different!!!!!” Make things that you know are in demand, watch what the stores sell and how they sell them, and then do it better! When you are in design it is all about supply and demand; if people want it, they will buy it no matter what the cost may be. Even if you make something that you may not be happy with, that you don’t think is nice, there may be someone out there that would love it. My technique for marketing is to make the customer comfortable, make them feel good, make them like what you are selling so much that they will buy it, and most importantly, make them remember who they bought it from. Whenever I deal with a customer I make them feel like that necklace, or earrings, or bracelet makes a complete outfit. I want them to feel like that one accessory is what made their whole outfit stand out. Make sure that the customer is happy with what they just bought. When you start a business there are a lot of obstacles to overcome. Number one is that people are going to try to discourage you. There were so many people that said to me “You’ll never make it, that’s just a hobby.” Every time I heard that it just made me work even harder, and guess what, I started a business out of it! Another obstacle to overcome is the fact that you have competition, but if you are yourself and creative then it shouldn’t even faze you. The trick is..STAY FOCUSED! What I love about what I do is that it lets me be myself and put my own style into what I make. I also enjoy the smile I can bring to someone’s face after they get a compliment from wearing one of my pieces. Designing is a good way to let your personality shine through your ceations. My future goals and plans are definitely to attend college and continue my fashion design education. As you can see my hobby turned into my biggest success story!
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Images from Istockphoto.com
Game On!
By Jay Shechtman
By Brandon Duran y name is Brandon Duran and I attend Hoover High School in Fresno, California as a senior. I have to admit I have been very fortunate throughout the last year. When I transferred to Hoover I was like so many other teens, full of hope but nowhere to channel it. After enrolling in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) course as a junior, I was finally able to focus all of my energy. My teacher, Mrs. Dhaliwal, and my mentor, A.J. Johnston, helped me gain perspective on grasping my creative idea and forming it into a business. I was privileged enough to compete in the 2008-2009 NFTE Central Valley Regional Business Plan Competition. Let me tell you, I was competing against some great ideas and I was nervous. My mom says I share her gift of gab but that didn’t mean much when I was in front of 200 people. With the help of my teacher and mentor I was able to get through the presentation and accomplish something I never imagined possible. I took first place with my presentation and I won $750 and an all expenses paid trip to New York City to compete nationally on October 7th. All in part because of my business plan for Game On! My business is called Game On! Have you ever played a video game in a tournament atmosphere? Most kids my age have, but those who haven’t are limited by affordability and access. Many kids either have a game consol and no source for internet gaming tournaments, or no consol and gaming ability and no extra funds to play in tournaments. Game On! will hit on convenience and excitement and every emotion that comes with competition gaming. Some of the many emotions that go along with competition gaming are excitement and determination for the win and placement. Game On! will provide local video game tournaments to the gamers in Fresno, CA.
See you next year in Chicago at IIEE’s Young Entrepreneur Conference!!! (continued on next page)
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My company goal at Game On! is to make local gaming fun, exciting and affordable. In the economic times we are all living in, it’s a shame to think of all the local talent we are missing due to lack of accessibility to local affordable gaming. It will be a new and exciting thing I want to bring to the city of Fresno. I have had a couple of tournaments this summer and am happy to report that the interest is booming in my age group within the Central Valley. There have been plenty of video game tournaments in the country but no one has offered regularly scheduled tournaments to Fresno. I really want to become known as a local organizer in the city and county of Fresno. I want to bring the fun and thrill of these tournaments to the gamers in Fresno. I can also provide local businesses an opportunity to attract potential clients. There is a huge demand and need for gaming tournaments here in Fresno and the Central Valley. My job is to fulfill that need.
For more information about GAME ON or to get involved contact Brandon Duran at 559.803.1215 [email protected]
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F
lash Foto Events (FFE) is a photographic studio that I started because I love photography and because I thought that I could do a better job than anyone else in Atlanta. FFE does everything that a normal photographic studio does, including event and portrait photography, but we specialize in digital green screen photography. We go to events and parties all around Atlanta and take pictures of the guests against a green screen; we drop out the green, replace it with different backgrounds, like the Great Wall of China or the Eiffel Tower, and then print it on-site. My love of photography began at the age of eight when I received my first film camera. I would take that camera everywhere and I enjoyed reading books about photography. When I turned thirteen I received my first digital camera, a Canon Digital Rebel SLR. Not long after receiving that camera a family friend asked me if I would like to photograph an upcoming party that they were hosting. I went out to buy a new flash, and my photography career was born in the form of Ilan Even Photographers. After that first event, which was a great success, I started to advertise and get my name out. Many people began choosing my services over the older photographers in Atlanta because I took professional pictures yet my services were only a fraction of the price. Many of the parties that I worked at taking regular pictures had another company doing green screen photography. Their equipment was old, and their staff was rude and slow. So when I turned fifteen I decided to start offering green screen photography in conjunction with the typical event photography. I knew that I could do better than the competition, so I founded Flash Foto Events. I invested my life savings and purchased the printers, green screen and software to compete with the other company in Atlanta. I began to advertise by sending out postcards to perspective customers and by telling past clients of my new business component. Slowly business began to grow. My name started getting around and less then a year into it, I already had numerous jobs lined up, making Flash Foto Events more successful than Ilan Even Photographers. As I am off to college next year I am handing the reigns over to my sister. She will run FFE in Atlanta, hopefully growing it, while I open a new branch in New York. I will be studying business with a minor focus in photography. Thus, allowing me to combine my passion for business and photography in my future endeavors in much the same way as with Flash Foto Events.
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Secrets of My Success Don’t let other people tell you that you can’t do something- I started my business when I was 13, many people had their doubts, they told me that I was too young to get a bank account or insurance, but I did not listen to them and now my company is thriving. You don’t know everything- My dad, and many other businessmen that I know gave me priceless advise that allowed my company to grow. If I would have only followed my own ideas my company would not be where it is today. Go the extra mile- if your customers expect 100% from you go the extra mile and give them 110%. The contract is what you agreed to provide, go the extra mile and it will pay off big time. “Procrastination is the thief of time”- As my grandmother always told me, do it now and do it right. If you put stuff off that needs to be done it will simply haunt you in the future.
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One Scrappy Entrpreneur By Katherine Korakakis
Genevieve Seguin and some of her Scrappy Customers
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enevieve was not particularly entrepreneurial growing up. She didn’t start any business as a youngster, but she always felt that she had the entrepreneurial spirit inside her and knew that one day, she would run her own business. While working for another company, she started her business on a hunch - Genevieve herself loved to scrapbook and had become quite good at it. So much so that friends noticing her creative work started to ask her for help with their scrapbooking projects. The first class she held was after work; she used the occasion not only to help her friends, but also as a self-confidence booster. She had never taught before, and wanted to know if she was a good teacher. Two months after having put her teaching skills to the test via her friends, she started placing ads in the newspaper, offering her services from home. There was an immediate response and a new market opened, that of birthday parties. The home based business lasted for a year and a half until Genevieve opened a store in 2007. Scrapbooking, Céramique & cie is the name of the company that was created by Genevieve Seguin. In the store one can buy scrapbooking materials and use the space in order to work on scrapbooking projects. The business also includes a ceramics section as well as a café.
Things were hard at the beginning as they are with any business but Genevieve quickly adapted a new strategy for attracting business and that was expanding into the education area. The idea was to offer classes on scrapbooking to local schools. For Genevieve this means that she can know ahead of time when business is coming her way: “this helps with the bills because you have a steady source of income, sometimes you can have 100 customers in a day and sometimes none”. (continued on next page)
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“The lessons I have learned are that you have to be passionate and have experience in your field, that way you are not dependent on anybody. Also, as women we need to realize that we are in business to make money. We tend to be very generous often to the detriment of our pocketbooks. There were things that I did not know how to do, so I had to learn. In business you are responsible for everything and everyone; you have to make sure that you understand how each area of your business works”. Genevieve made some mistakes along the way, and has these words of advice to share: “Know the laws and regulations of your area, because something as innocent as not adding your business name on a check could cost you a lot of money, and money is the one thing you don’t want to make a mistake in when starting a business. Also, all the administrative aspects of your business have to be done and need to be done.” Genevieve is happy to be her own boss and to be doing something she loves to do everyday. “I wake up every morning happy and ready to face a new challenge and a new day.”
For more information visit: www.scrapbookingceramique.com
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A Lesson in Entrepreneurship Finding Solutions to Problems Preparation: The graphic organizer for this lesson is available free for download at www.usatoday.com/educate/ceostars Introduction: This lesson will help you consider one career option that many people find risky, but appealing - becoming an entrepreneur. In this lesson you will: t Read about a problem that affects a lot of people. t Imagine a product or service that could help fix the problem. t Decide who might buy your new product or service and how you should market it. 1. As a class, define “entrepreneur.” 2. In groups of three, read aloud an article in USA TODAY that focuses on a problem many people are experiencing. s While you read, highlight the specifics of the problem. s Once you’re done reading about the problem, you’ll be finding a solution that you can sell. s The more people who experience the problem, the more likely it will be that you can make a profit on your solution. 3. On the graphic organizer, write the headline and a one-sentence summary of your article and fill in the problem column. 4. Imagine that the three of you are young entrepreneurs who are interested in solving the problem the article addresses. s Brainstorm a product or service that would fix the problem. s Make sure it is something that can be created and sold. s In the second column, write one sentence that describes the new product/service and gives a few details. 5. At the bottom of columns one and two, fill in the box that asks how your product or service will fix the problem. 6. In the target audience column, identify whom you would sell your product/service to and why. 7. Brainstorm how you would market your new product/service. How could you advertise while staying within your limited budget? 8. As a class, share the problems you read about and the solutions you devised. 9. On your own, think about and answer the final two questions on the graphic organizer. 10. As a class, identify all the different reading strategies you used in this lesson. How can you use them when reading for other classes or when taking test?
Learn more about USA TODAY Education! Call: (800) 872-3415 ext.5917 Visit: www.education.usatoday.com
FUTURE CEO STARS Introduces
NETWORKING without the WORK!!! STAY CURRENT AND Connect with OTHER YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS
Join Us On . . .
FUN EASY FREE
Not Just Horsing Around By Jennifer Spink
M
y name is Jennifer Spink. I am 14 years old and live in the small town of Munith, Michigan. I am a 4.0 student taking honors classes at Stockbridge High School. I am currently playing JV volleyball for my school, and will play basketball as well. I am also focused on breaking a track record at my school in discus, which my mother still currently holds. While I enjoy playing all these sports, and the friendships that I make, my true love in life is my horses. I have had horses all my life, and began riding before I could even walk. I began showing when I was four years old. My first pony was “Chance,” and he still survives today, teaching my three younger siblings how to ride. When I was nine, I began to ride “Cool Cruizin Kid,” or Cruize as I call him. He is an American Quarter Horse. I began in 4-H and progressed to larger open shows. I continued to be successful, and wanted desperately to continue up the ladder of skill in the horse world. Unfortunately, the higher the level of show, the more money became necessary for entry fees, stall fees, hauling fees, show clothes, etc. I knew that my family did not have the kind of money it took to take me to these shows. Rather than sit back and accept that fate, I decided that I would try and raise the money myself to take Cruize and show at these events. My first project was making earrings. I had some crystals left over that I used to make my own showmanship outfit. I took these crystals and glued them to backs of earrings. I sold these earrings at a couple of tack sales during the winter months. Seeing a little bit of cash flow from this sale was certainly incentive to keep going. I found myself looking for other ways to make quick cash.
I did one sales campaign in the spring of 2008 through the Little Caesar’s Pizza Company. This sale went extremely well. I was told by the Little Caesar’s Rep that they had never had one individual person sell so much stuff! I was able to sell to a broad section of people with the pizza products – they did not have to be horse owners. Once people found out why I was selling pizza kits, I gained a lot of extra support. Some folks decided not to buys pizzas, but gave me direct donations instead. I had quite a bit of cash stashed and was excited about making some big shows with Cruize – I got quite a payoff. The summer of 2008, I won several big awards with Cruize, including a saddle and a buckle! That fall, I had a lot of people contacting me to see how the shows had gone. They had made donations or bought something from me knowing my intent for the funding. Because of this, I decided to launch a Web site. The main function of this Web site was to thank everyone that had helped me, and also to
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keep everyone posted on how Cruize and I were faring at the bigger shows. So, www.wecruize.com was started and still goes strong today. My Web site will introduce you to me, to Cruize, and basically to my life and everyone in it. I also write about what shows we have gone to, how we did while we were there, and what shows we plan to attend. What started out as a thank you Web site became a hot spot for advertisers. People who own businesses placed ads with me on my Web site. Depending on how much they donate, their ad is placed on one of my pages, and is directly linked to their own Web site. My Web site also houses “Jenny’s Closet.” This is a newer section of my Web site that I started, hoping it might help others like myself who do not have the money to just simply buy new show clothes. Jenny’s closet is a classified advertising spot that offers others the opportunity to advertise and resell their used show clothes or other miscellaneous horse items for relatively inexpensive prices. Sellers may also have posted pictures and text about their products. I also started selling horsehair jewelry from this Web site and at tack sales. This has been a successful campaign also. You can visit this page at www.wecruize.com/Friendship%20Bracelets.htm. I have sent my horsehair jewelry as far away as Germany! I am always looking for new things to sell from my Web site and at tack sales. I will remain focused on the equine field because that is what I am most familiar with. I will continue to offer advertising on my Web site and will continue to sell the horsehair jewelry. However, like most products, the jewelry will probably run its course and sales will slow down, so I would like to be ready with another product to pick up wherever the jewelry leaves off. I think I know what that product is, but you are going to have to visit www.WeCruize.com to find out!
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By Halle Redfearn
H
i. My invention is the Catipod. I made this item to help the homeless. Catipods are lightweight, disposable, collapsible shelters that can be used to house the homeless on especially cold or rainy nights when they are in danger of becoming sick because of the bad weather. The shelters only weigh four pounds each and fold up so they are easy to carry. Each is made with two layers of Bubble Wrap that will protect the person from the cold, the wind and the rain. The canopy (similar to a covered wagon) is attached to an inflatable plastic raft that when blown up expands the Catipod to its full size and provides a cushioned insulated sleeping surface. Catipods are useful for their warm and cozy inside. They stay warm because air is not a good conductor of the cold so no cool air will come in. I tried it on a cool night and after a few minutes the Catipod became much warmer than the outside. The plastic rods hold up the Bubble wrap at a comfortable height for a person to sleep in. All together it makes the perfect shelter.
as the person slept on them. Then I came up with the idea of a tent, and finally the Catipod. I’m always so sad when I see a homeless person sitting on the street or trying to curl up to stay warm and it bothers me that there are never enough places or beds for them when it is really cold outside. I wanted to find an inexpensive way for the homeless to be sheltered from the cold, wind and rain. The Catipod doesn’t cost much to make and is easy to store. If the supplies were donated, it would cost even less, and then cities and homeless shelters could afford to keep a supply on hand for those nights when the weather is really bad. I hope the Catipod becomes successful and that someday they are used to help the homeless.
The idea for the Catipod came to me when my mom and I were talking about how Bubble Wrap could be used other than for cushioning. My mom explained that it would probably make a good insulator. I knew I wanted to do something that would help others, and in particular I wanted to help the homeless. There is an old lady that lives in the park near my home and I always think about her and how hard her life must be, especially when it is cold outside. My first idea was a sleeping bag, but I realized that all the bubbles would pop
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Do YOU “think outside the bubble?” Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE:SEE), the creator of Bubble Wrap ® brand cushioning, is asking students in grades five through eight to “think outside the bubble” for their chance to win a $10,000 U.S. savings bond in the fourth annual
Bubble Wrap ® Competition for Young Inventors. Original inventions must incorporate the use of clear Bubble Wrap® cushioning, and entries must include a visual and written description that explains the name of the invention, the purpose it serves, how it works and how the idea was formulated.
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Three finalists will win a three-day trip to New York City, where the Grand Prize Winner will be announced during the Bubble Wrap® Awards weekend, May 21-24, 2010.
Grand Prize Winner $10,000 savings bond 2nd Place $5,000 savings bond 3rd Place $5,000 savings bond The school of the Grand Prize Winner will receive a $5,000 donation. And the teacher/mentor of each finalist will receive a $500 gift card.
Deadline for all entries is Wednesday, March 3, 2010 For additional information on the competition, educators, parents and students can visit
www.nmoe.org/bubblewrap/index.html
The Bubble Wrap® Competition for Young Inventors is sponsored by Sealed Air and administered by the National Museum of Education. Future CEO Stars October 2009
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Apply for a 2010 NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award
W h a t ’s in your briefcase? Are you a budding entrep Do you know a young entre
reneur?
preneur? Do you have dreams
of owning your own business? If you answered ye s to any of these questions , visit www.NFIB.com/YEA beginning October 31, 2009 , to apply for the 2010 NFIB Young Entrepreneur AwarFuture d. CEO Stars 28
October 2009
A GREAT CONFERENCE By Lucia Gonzalez
W
orking on a business plan takes a lot of time and work. Many times you find yourself changing it multiple times just to get it right. It’s good to know that hard work really does pay off. This Spring, April 2009, my teacher (Mr. Steward, Brooks College Prep, Chicago) invited me and a few other classmates to my first IIEE Conference. I had heard many great things about this conference but it definitely went beyond my expectations. One of the best things about the conference was that I got to network and meet with entrepreneurs from all over the U.S, from different backgrounds. Throughout the conference there were many competitions and activities going on. I was scheduled to compete in two of these competitions. One of these competitions was the Expo competition. This was where students got to sell and show their business to the many judges and spectators walking around. I remember walking around the Expo and thinking, “Wow what a great idea.” There were a variety of businesses ranging from a lawn care business to businesses that I had never even heard of before. My favorite competition, however, was the StartUp Business Plan competition. Students were divided into different rooms within different sections of the Westin Resort in Itasca, Illinois. Since we were competing for start-up capital for our business, the tension was on. For a lot of us, winning this competition meant getting the funds needed to start our businesses. I was extremely nervous but my teacher Mr. Steward
Future CEO Stars October 2009
gave me the confidence to stand up front and present. As soon as I started the nerves started going away and passion started kicking in. I was no longer scared of messing up because I wanted to convince the judges that my business deserved to win. During the conference we had a chance to hear a variety of different speakers who motivated and inspired me. I also talked to entrepreneurs who gave me advice about my business and I learned the importance of networking. The final day had come and no one wanted to leave. After all the competitions, guest speakers, and fun activities it was time for the awards ceremony. That day many students went home with the confidence and the funds to start their business. This includes me because I won first place in the Start-Up competition! Going to the IIEE Entrepreneurship Conference was one of the most memorable and fun learning experience I have ever been to. I can’t wait to return next year as an Ambassador and help other students experience what I experienced. I now attend The University of Illinois in Chicago and am majoring in Entrepreneurship. It’s good to know that there are people willing to lead the way to follow your dreams.
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Ha ngi ng K
out IE R STE wit N& E BO h NY
We’re seniors in the Academy of Finance and Business at Howard High School of Technology in Delaware and interns at the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute.
Writing Ideas
Brainstorm Write down all ideas Look to others for inspiration
Think Outside the Box! “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” ~Mary Lou Cook
Expressing creativity through writing is a great skill for an entrepreneur. Here is your chance to show your creativity through YOUR own writing! Your Task: Create your own… x essay, poem, song, rap, story, advertisement, or collage with captions x using the theme of entrepreneurship, money, or success
ORIGINALITY IS A MUST!! In your piece, you must include at least 5 of the following words listed below: Goals
Ideas
Assets Budgeting Ethics
Business Plan
Success
Product
HE RE TW ’S T IST HE !!
Competition
Priority Creativity
Patience Perseverance
The best pieces will be posted in our next issue, so do your THING! Send your best ideas to [email protected] or [email protected]. If your idea is published, you will receive a special gift from us. Kiersten J. Joseph & Ebony M. Peterson DFLI 2009
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Friends of FUTURE CEO STARS This Publication is made possible through the Generous Contributions and efforts of these GREAT Organizations The COLEMAN FOUNDATION Advanz and PA Leadership Team Buchholz Academy of Entrepreneurship Delaware Financial Literacy Institute IL Institute for Entrepreneurship Education Marketplace for Kids NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation The National Museum of Education Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship USA TODAY CWD Ignite - MI State University Georgia REAL Enterprises TREPS Empower Youth Entrepreneurs Inc. Quebec RCJEQ
www.colemanfoundation.org www.advanz.biz www.spiritspotbhs.com www.DFLI.org www.IIEE.org www.marketplaceforkids.org www.NFIByef.org www.NMOE.org www.NFTE.org www.USATODAY.com www.CWD.ME www.primacivitas.org www.gareal.org www.TREPSED.com
FUTURE CEO STARS
Nannies and Mannies This Issue Proudly Sponsored By National Entrepreneurship Week February 20th - 27th, 2010
October 2009 In This Issue… 4
Technically Speaking Chip Lowe
6
Passion for Music and Fashion Marketplace for Kids
8
Nannies and Mannies Georgia REAL Enterprises
10
My Future is Rockin’ Buchholz Academy
12
Success By Design Empower Youth Entrepreneurs
14
GAME ON! The Lyles Center
16
Smile for the Camera NFIByef
18
One Srappy Entrepreneur Réseau des CJE du Québec
22
Not Horsing Around Ignite
Published by The Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education 1601 W Fifth Ave. #199 Columbus, OH 43212 www.entre-ed.org [email protected]
24
Catipod National Museum of Education
Publisher: Dr. Cathy Ashmore Editor: Mike Ashmore Graphic Design: SPLASH Designs
26
Win $10,000 Think outside the BUBBLE
28
A GREAT CONFERENCE Illinois Institute for Entre. Ed.
30
Hanging Out Keirsten and Ebony
33
Our Sponsors
Horsing Around? Find out on page 22
Student Advisory Board Chip Lowe, Claire He, Micah Toll, Kelly Rapp, Marcus Craft Web Page Design and Management CWD
Technically Speaking with Chip Lowe iPods in Education
E
ver wonder why more schools don’t utilize technology that student are familiar with that will actually stimulate interest and retention of knowledge? Well, as a student, I’ve pondered the same question! When I began to brainstorm for this month’s topic, I obviously had my iPhone in my hand, and that is when it hit me – why aren’t we using these stimulating devices in education!? In the same way that schools have recently attempted “1 Laptop: 1 Student” programs, in which each student is assigned a laptop, or “laptop carts” where a teacher is able to check out a cart of laptops for in-class use, we can adopt new policies that allow for students to use their own iPods and iPhones in the classroom for educational purposes. iPods and iPhones provide the ability to download and listen to podcasts, shoot videos, include fitness tracking software, and more! Can’t you just imagine how these three major features could greatly impact a classroom? When a teacher is going to be absent, they could prepare a video podcast with the instruction for that day, essentially eliminating a missed day of education. With the video-capturing functionality, teachers could assign a group project to record an (continued on next page)
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infomercial that could be filmed on the student’s iPod and edited and finished on school computers. And, jumping outside the typical classroom, physical education teachers could allow students to use their iPods to track their exercise, upload it to their teacher, and enjoy listening to their favorite tunes at the same time. Not to mention the teacher would have some extra time to enjoy his or her favorite song and maybe even save enough time grading endless papers they could hit up a concert! The possibilities are endless! However, we must overcome the fear and Luddite mentality when it comes to technology. How many teachers disallowed texting a mere five years ago that use it themselves day-to-day now? How many insisted on physical mail before making the switch to the much more environmentally friendly, and incredibly faster email? It is time that educators learn from their pupils: technology does not have to detract from the educational process. Rather than “looking the other way” and merely tolerating it’s use in schools because it is forbidden they should embrace it and make technology part of the whole learning experience. Why resist something that is readily available, enhances learning and will inevitably be part of the students’ world anyway? So, now the time is here! If you are a teacher, or if you’re a student, do your part to bring together these two worlds that can definitely benefit one another – iPods and Education.
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fo or Music an nd Fashion n By Katie Nistler and Courtney Smith Bright Ideas can be an extension of what matters most to us or what we would like to have. They can also be a direct product of our talents. Such is the case with Katie Nistler and Courtney Smith.
Katie Nistler Hi, I’m Katie Nistler. I’m from Fargo ND, and I won first place for the fifth grade in the Invention Category at the Marketplace for Kids Bright Ideas Showcase and Contest at the ND State Fair. My invention was Slipurse. Slipurse is made up of a denim base purse with cloth covers to match your outfits. There are also interchangeable straps (over the shoulder and hand straps). The idea came to me right before Marketplace for Kids at Concordia College where I was participating for the second year. I’ve been planning more things to add ever since, such as inside and outside pockets. When I was stitching the denim base, my sewing machine’s needle broke, so I had to use our old sewing machine instead (which is not as technically advanced as the newer one). My mom helped me when I started the sewing and the ironing, but as I went on I got the hang of it. My mom and I only took one shopping trip where I spent very little money. I reused many items I found at home. I’m very grateful to the people at Marketplace for Kids for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents and ideas at the North Dakota State Fair. I had a great experience at Marketplace, and I’m planning to go again next year!
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Courtney Smith Hi! I am Courtney Smith. I am 12 years old and a 6th grader at Stanley Elementary School in North Dakota. My twin and I were born on Valentines Day in 1997, three months too early. I lost my eye sight due to an eye disease called retinopathy of prematurity. My mom says I never really started talking, I went straight to singing. I started my music business, Courtney Sings, when I was six. My musical debut came in kindergarten when I sang Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer at the school Christmas program. Not long after that I had my second public performance, performing Somewhere Out There at my aunt’s wedding. That fall, I went into the studio for the first time to record my debut album, a Christmas CD entitled Christmas Through Courtney’s Eyes. I did it for family, but then people wanted to buy it. So we ordered more and this is really where it started. People then requested more of my music so I went into the studio and recorded a second album, Perfect in His Eyes, a collection of some of my favorites along with a few original tunes written just for me. It was released in October, 2005. Then last summer I went to Nashville and released a third album, called Butterflies. I sing and do performances all over North Dakota, Montana, and some in South Dakota. I especially love to sing and advocate for those with disabilities. I have gone into schools and done performances and talked about being blind and how I learn music. My twin and I were the March of Dimes Ambassadors for two years and I have been a Pride of Dakota member for the last 4 years. I have been involved with Marketplace for Kids the last three years. I have been very successful with my singing because it is not a job, but something I enjoy. Being a part of and doing activities with Pride of Dakota and Marketplace for Kids has helped my business grow. Singing at events helps build relationships with people and teaches people if you have a dream, you can always try and achieve it. Being a part of Marketplace for Kids has given me the honor of singing at the opening ceremonies the last few years. The first time I went to Marketplace for Kids was with my third grade teacher, Mrs. Davidson. We went as a class and walked around and checked out all the projects. It was fun hearing about all the ideas. The next year I sang at the opening and closing ceremonies. This last July at the North Dakota State Fair, I sang at the opening ceremony and also was a contestant. I was excited to win first place in the Business Idea Category at the Marketplace for Kids Bright Ideas Showcase and Contest for the 5th grade. When it comes to marketing my music, I sell it in stores and online at my website (www.coutneysings.com). I also do a lot of performances throughout the year. During the school year, learning comes first. Education is important to my family. I hope through my music I can help people by advocating for those with disabilities and I plan to sing the rest of my life, whether it is in the music business, or just for fun. The question most often asked is, “Do you get nervous?” and the next one is “Do you ever forget the music?” No, I do not get nervous. A person just needs to take a deep breath and enjoy it. I know a lot of songs and have never forgotten any words to the songs. Marketplace for Kids has given me opportunities to show off my creativity and talents and has showed students and adults how to get creative and make a business plan. My mom says to think outside your box! Future CEO Stars October 2009
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Nannies & Mannies By Micah Brochin
M
y name is Micah Brochin. I am a senior at Riverwood International Charter School and I am 18 years old. I have been involved with many different sports teams here at my school. I am also heavily involved with the FBLA program. Last year I participated in the entrepreneurship competition for the state competition. My team won third in the state. I got my start with children 6 years ago when I was 12 years old at my aunt’s preschool. I immediately fell in love with the work. The next year, upon my return, I was put in charge of running the water play. This consisted of setting up the water tubs and sprinklers for the children to play in. I stayed at the preschool until I was 14. Then the next summer I moved to Atlanta Jewish community Center. I worked at camp Isidore Alterman and the aquatics camp the first summer. Then during the school year I worked the clock for some of the youth sports game. I then took a summer off to travel to Israel. When I came back I got right back into the work. There is nothing more rewarding to me than having a positive impact on a child’s life. I feel that the age range of 4-8 are crucial years for their development and I feel very honored to be able to play a role in this stage. I started this company, Nannies and Mannies, at the end of August. It was a lot of work to do all of the research necessary to start up a company like this. I had to find out where to go to get the proper licensing, I had to set up a police account to do the proper screening, and I had to come up with my own personal hiring contracts. This is just some of the basic stuff. I also had to come up with a very complicated pricing process, guarantees, insurance coverage, and new client forms. After everything was in place and official I saw my first dollar a month and a half later. I worked on the development of the company from when I started it till just a little while ago. I worked every day day at least 7-8 hours after school. I would be up till 1 or 2 in the morning doing work for it. At the end of the day, from the results that I have already had, I would say that it most definitely has paid off. I got the idea from when people kept asking me to babysit and I was unavailable. I thought that it was unfair to the parents we left without assistance. I decided to gather up some of the finest people that I know of that have had more than a year of experience with children. I then (continued on next page)
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started to build the company from the ground up. I started off by making hiring contracts. I then bought business cards and started to design the website. After all this was done I got all of the background checks done on all of my employees. The goal of my company is to match a client with their dream babysitter. I have a wide variety of choices for people to choose from. We have people that can speak Spanish or French. We have boys and girls of different ages. We also accept new born babies and special needs children. All of these factors help me reach my target market more effectively than my competiton. My company is currently on the referral list by two major hotels here, the Intercontinental and The W. My future goals are to open up branches in Miami, Florida, Boston, Massachusetts, and New York City, New York.
Nannies and Mannies 404-408-3343 [email protected] www.nanniesandmannies.com 2526 Mt. Vernon Rd. Suite B #127 Atlanta, GA 30338
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My Future is . . .
ROCKIN’!!! H
ello Future CEO Stars! My name is Christian Vega and I am sixteen years old. I am currently a student at F.W. Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Florida. I was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where I went to school most of my life until I made a lifechanging decision to move to Gainesville, Florida. Upon moving to Gainesville, I was accepted into the Academy of Entrepreneurship at F.W. Buchholz High School, which has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.
One of my greatest passions in life is music. I started my own mobile disc jockey service when I was thirteen years old. I deejay for private parties and other events in the area. I received my first deejay set on my thirteenth birthday, and immediately began teaching myself the basics. My mom used to own her own flower shop, and that greatly inspired me; the idea of being my own boss and running my own business became my goal. Combining my passion for music and my desire to own my own business were the foundations of my mobile disc jockey service. The key to being a successful deejay is choosing your playlist wisely, listening to the rhythm of the songs, and getting a feel for the crowd. I absolutely
By Christian Vega
love being a deejay because it comes very natural to me. I enjoy making connections with clients, introducing people to new kinds of music, and seeing the faces of people when they hear a new song for the first time. I have always had a passion for music and knew that I had a chance to succeed in the entertainment industry. My ultimate goal is to start my own production company. My business has many opportunities coming its way. I am in the process of expanding my client base to groups including party planners and event planners. I have recently begun marketing my service on MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, and other websites to help advertise. Using these advertising outlets is very helpful because potential clients can listen to my music prior to booking my services. My business, however, also faces challenges such as paying off debt and handling time conflicts with clients. My plan for the future is to take my deejaying business to the top. I plan to get my bachelors degree in music engineering and my master’s degree in business. This educational path will help me attain my ultimate goal of starting my own production company.
Secrets of Success Always have a positive attitude. If you have a dream, pursue it. Never let anyone or anything bring you down. Don’t give up. Punctuality is extremely important. First impressions are everything. Always go the extra mile! Future CEO Stars August 2009
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Success By Design By Herbert Small III
H
ello, my name is Herbert Small III and I am a fashion and accessory designer, operating my business “H&S Fashions.” At a very young age I wanted to be successful at owning my own business and build an empire. When I was a junior in high school I joined the jewelry club which met after school with my art teacher. It was a very fun experience and it helped me get familiar with designing jewelry. My biggest motivation was my mother because she always told me, “If you have a dream go for it, you can do whatever you want in this world. Make me proud!” She always had an eye for fashion, and her passion rubbed off on my hands and it made me very involved in it. Something that was at first a hobby became something much better, a successful business of my own. When I first started, I would make the necklaces for my mother to wear, but people would always ask “Where did you buy that? It’s gorgeous.” Little did they know the designer was standing in front of them! After hearing such positive feedback about my pieces, I became serious about making this my own creation and lifting this off the ground. That night I went home and I made about twenty new pieces and spent time thinking about how I could target people to buy them. All of my designs have been done in Buffalo, New York. That is also where I did the Empower Youth Entrepreneurs (EYE) program with director Kathy Gielow at Buffalo State College which gave me all the tools to run a business. When I first came up the idea to start my business I was sitting on my bed writing ways to become successful on my own, and jewelry and fashion design came to mind. So I started my business right out of my bedroom. That is where all of my pieces were created. I have been designing for almost a year. I first started after my seventeenth birthday which was in January, I plan on staying in the fashion field for many years to come. I would say that creativity, motivation, and support is what got me to where I am today; a business owner. Starting a business is not easy, you have to make sure that you stay strong at all times! People may try to discourage you, and make it seem as though you can’t accomplish what your heart wants you to do, but keep doing it! Thinking of a target market can be very difficult and stressful because it takes time to think about why people would buy from you. The trick is to determine what makes you special. The answer for me is everything I design is a one of a kind piece. You won’t find it anywhere else.
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My typical customers are usually women of all ages. When I go out, I always look at what women wear in jewelry and I try to think of something that would be appealing to them, enough to make them want to buy it. My strategy when I make jewelry is “be different!!!!!” Make things that you know are in demand, watch what the stores sell and how they sell them, and then do it better! When you are in design it is all about supply and demand; if people want it, they will buy it no matter what the cost may be. Even if you make something that you may not be happy with, that you don’t think is nice, there may be someone out there that would love it. My technique for marketing is to make the customer comfortable, make them feel good, make them like what you are selling so much that they will buy it, and most importantly, make them remember who they bought it from. Whenever I deal with a customer I make them feel like that necklace, or earrings, or bracelet makes a complete outfit. I want them to feel like that one accessory is what made their whole outfit stand out. Make sure that the customer is happy with what they just bought. When you start a business there are a lot of obstacles to overcome. Number one is that people are going to try to discourage you. There were so many people that said to me “You’ll never make it, that’s just a hobby.” Every time I heard that it just made me work even harder, and guess what, I started a business out of it! Another obstacle to overcome is the fact that you have competition, but if you are yourself and creative then it shouldn’t even faze you. The trick is..STAY FOCUSED! What I love about what I do is that it lets me be myself and put my own style into what I make. I also enjoy the smile I can bring to someone’s face after they get a compliment from wearing one of my pieces. Designing is a good way to let your personality shine through your ceations. My future goals and plans are definitely to attend college and continue my fashion design education. As you can see my hobby turned into my biggest success story!
Future CEO Stars October 2009
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Images from Istockphoto.com
Game On!
By Jay Shechtman
By Brandon Duran y name is Brandon Duran and I attend Hoover High School in Fresno, California as a senior. I have to admit I have been very fortunate throughout the last year. When I transferred to Hoover I was like so many other teens, full of hope but nowhere to channel it. After enrolling in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) course as a junior, I was finally able to focus all of my energy. My teacher, Mrs. Dhaliwal, and my mentor, A.J. Johnston, helped me gain perspective on grasping my creative idea and forming it into a business. I was privileged enough to compete in the 2008-2009 NFTE Central Valley Regional Business Plan Competition. Let me tell you, I was competing against some great ideas and I was nervous. My mom says I share her gift of gab but that didn’t mean much when I was in front of 200 people. With the help of my teacher and mentor I was able to get through the presentation and accomplish something I never imagined possible. I took first place with my presentation and I won $750 and an all expenses paid trip to New York City to compete nationally on October 7th. All in part because of my business plan for Game On! My business is called Game On! Have you ever played a video game in a tournament atmosphere? Most kids my age have, but those who haven’t are limited by affordability and access. Many kids either have a game consol and no source for internet gaming tournaments, or no consol and gaming ability and no extra funds to play in tournaments. Game On! will hit on convenience and excitement and every emotion that comes with competition gaming. Some of the many emotions that go along with competition gaming are excitement and determination for the win and placement. Game On! will provide local video game tournaments to the gamers in Fresno, CA.
See you next year in Chicago at IIEE’s Young Entrepreneur Conference!!! (continued on next page)
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My company goal at Game On! is to make local gaming fun, exciting and affordable. In the economic times we are all living in, it’s a shame to think of all the local talent we are missing due to lack of accessibility to local affordable gaming. It will be a new and exciting thing I want to bring to the city of Fresno. I have had a couple of tournaments this summer and am happy to report that the interest is booming in my age group within the Central Valley. There have been plenty of video game tournaments in the country but no one has offered regularly scheduled tournaments to Fresno. I really want to become known as a local organizer in the city and county of Fresno. I want to bring the fun and thrill of these tournaments to the gamers in Fresno. I can also provide local businesses an opportunity to attract potential clients. There is a huge demand and need for gaming tournaments here in Fresno and the Central Valley. My job is to fulfill that need.
For more information about GAME ON or to get involved contact Brandon Duran at 559.803.1215 [email protected]
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F
lash Foto Events (FFE) is a photographic studio that I started because I love photography and because I thought that I could do a better job than anyone else in Atlanta. FFE does everything that a normal photographic studio does, including event and portrait photography, but we specialize in digital green screen photography. We go to events and parties all around Atlanta and take pictures of the guests against a green screen; we drop out the green, replace it with different backgrounds, like the Great Wall of China or the Eiffel Tower, and then print it on-site. My love of photography began at the age of eight when I received my first film camera. I would take that camera everywhere and I enjoyed reading books about photography. When I turned thirteen I received my first digital camera, a Canon Digital Rebel SLR. Not long after receiving that camera a family friend asked me if I would like to photograph an upcoming party that they were hosting. I went out to buy a new flash, and my photography career was born in the form of Ilan Even Photographers. After that first event, which was a great success, I started to advertise and get my name out. Many people began choosing my services over the older photographers in Atlanta because I took professional pictures yet my services were only a fraction of the price. Many of the parties that I worked at taking regular pictures had another company doing green screen photography. Their equipment was old, and their staff was rude and slow. So when I turned fifteen I decided to start offering green screen photography in conjunction with the typical event photography. I knew that I could do better than the competition, so I founded Flash Foto Events. I invested my life savings and purchased the printers, green screen and software to compete with the other company in Atlanta. I began to advertise by sending out postcards to perspective customers and by telling past clients of my new business component. Slowly business began to grow. My name started getting around and less then a year into it, I already had numerous jobs lined up, making Flash Foto Events more successful than Ilan Even Photographers. As I am off to college next year I am handing the reigns over to my sister. She will run FFE in Atlanta, hopefully growing it, while I open a new branch in New York. I will be studying business with a minor focus in photography. Thus, allowing me to combine my passion for business and photography in my future endeavors in much the same way as with Flash Foto Events.
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Secrets of My Success Don’t let other people tell you that you can’t do something- I started my business when I was 13, many people had their doubts, they told me that I was too young to get a bank account or insurance, but I did not listen to them and now my company is thriving. You don’t know everything- My dad, and many other businessmen that I know gave me priceless advise that allowed my company to grow. If I would have only followed my own ideas my company would not be where it is today. Go the extra mile- if your customers expect 100% from you go the extra mile and give them 110%. The contract is what you agreed to provide, go the extra mile and it will pay off big time. “Procrastination is the thief of time”- As my grandmother always told me, do it now and do it right. If you put stuff off that needs to be done it will simply haunt you in the future.
Future CEO Stars October 2009
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One Scrappy Entrpreneur By Katherine Korakakis
Genevieve Seguin and some of her Scrappy Customers
G
enevieve was not particularly entrepreneurial growing up. She didn’t start any business as a youngster, but she always felt that she had the entrepreneurial spirit inside her and knew that one day, she would run her own business. While working for another company, she started her business on a hunch - Genevieve herself loved to scrapbook and had become quite good at it. So much so that friends noticing her creative work started to ask her for help with their scrapbooking projects. The first class she held was after work; she used the occasion not only to help her friends, but also as a self-confidence booster. She had never taught before, and wanted to know if she was a good teacher. Two months after having put her teaching skills to the test via her friends, she started placing ads in the newspaper, offering her services from home. There was an immediate response and a new market opened, that of birthday parties. The home based business lasted for a year and a half until Genevieve opened a store in 2007. Scrapbooking, Céramique & cie is the name of the company that was created by Genevieve Seguin. In the store one can buy scrapbooking materials and use the space in order to work on scrapbooking projects. The business also includes a ceramics section as well as a café.
Things were hard at the beginning as they are with any business but Genevieve quickly adapted a new strategy for attracting business and that was expanding into the education area. The idea was to offer classes on scrapbooking to local schools. For Genevieve this means that she can know ahead of time when business is coming her way: “this helps with the bills because you have a steady source of income, sometimes you can have 100 customers in a day and sometimes none”. (continued on next page)
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“The lessons I have learned are that you have to be passionate and have experience in your field, that way you are not dependent on anybody. Also, as women we need to realize that we are in business to make money. We tend to be very generous often to the detriment of our pocketbooks. There were things that I did not know how to do, so I had to learn. In business you are responsible for everything and everyone; you have to make sure that you understand how each area of your business works”. Genevieve made some mistakes along the way, and has these words of advice to share: “Know the laws and regulations of your area, because something as innocent as not adding your business name on a check could cost you a lot of money, and money is the one thing you don’t want to make a mistake in when starting a business. Also, all the administrative aspects of your business have to be done and need to be done.” Genevieve is happy to be her own boss and to be doing something she loves to do everyday. “I wake up every morning happy and ready to face a new challenge and a new day.”
For more information visit: www.scrapbookingceramique.com
Future CEO Stars October 2009
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A Lesson in Entrepreneurship Finding Solutions to Problems Preparation: The graphic organizer for this lesson is available free for download at www.usatoday.com/educate/ceostars Introduction: This lesson will help you consider one career option that many people find risky, but appealing - becoming an entrepreneur. In this lesson you will: t Read about a problem that affects a lot of people. t Imagine a product or service that could help fix the problem. t Decide who might buy your new product or service and how you should market it. 1. As a class, define “entrepreneur.” 2. In groups of three, read aloud an article in USA TODAY that focuses on a problem many people are experiencing. s While you read, highlight the specifics of the problem. s Once you’re done reading about the problem, you’ll be finding a solution that you can sell. s The more people who experience the problem, the more likely it will be that you can make a profit on your solution. 3. On the graphic organizer, write the headline and a one-sentence summary of your article and fill in the problem column. 4. Imagine that the three of you are young entrepreneurs who are interested in solving the problem the article addresses. s Brainstorm a product or service that would fix the problem. s Make sure it is something that can be created and sold. s In the second column, write one sentence that describes the new product/service and gives a few details. 5. At the bottom of columns one and two, fill in the box that asks how your product or service will fix the problem. 6. In the target audience column, identify whom you would sell your product/service to and why. 7. Brainstorm how you would market your new product/service. How could you advertise while staying within your limited budget? 8. As a class, share the problems you read about and the solutions you devised. 9. On your own, think about and answer the final two questions on the graphic organizer. 10. As a class, identify all the different reading strategies you used in this lesson. How can you use them when reading for other classes or when taking test?
Learn more about USA TODAY Education! Call: (800) 872-3415 ext.5917 Visit: www.education.usatoday.com
FUTURE CEO STARS Introduces
NETWORKING without the WORK!!! STAY CURRENT AND Connect with OTHER YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS
Join Us On . . .
FUN EASY FREE
Not Just Horsing Around By Jennifer Spink
M
y name is Jennifer Spink. I am 14 years old and live in the small town of Munith, Michigan. I am a 4.0 student taking honors classes at Stockbridge High School. I am currently playing JV volleyball for my school, and will play basketball as well. I am also focused on breaking a track record at my school in discus, which my mother still currently holds. While I enjoy playing all these sports, and the friendships that I make, my true love in life is my horses. I have had horses all my life, and began riding before I could even walk. I began showing when I was four years old. My first pony was “Chance,” and he still survives today, teaching my three younger siblings how to ride. When I was nine, I began to ride “Cool Cruizin Kid,” or Cruize as I call him. He is an American Quarter Horse. I began in 4-H and progressed to larger open shows. I continued to be successful, and wanted desperately to continue up the ladder of skill in the horse world. Unfortunately, the higher the level of show, the more money became necessary for entry fees, stall fees, hauling fees, show clothes, etc. I knew that my family did not have the kind of money it took to take me to these shows. Rather than sit back and accept that fate, I decided that I would try and raise the money myself to take Cruize and show at these events. My first project was making earrings. I had some crystals left over that I used to make my own showmanship outfit. I took these crystals and glued them to backs of earrings. I sold these earrings at a couple of tack sales during the winter months. Seeing a little bit of cash flow from this sale was certainly incentive to keep going. I found myself looking for other ways to make quick cash.
I did one sales campaign in the spring of 2008 through the Little Caesar’s Pizza Company. This sale went extremely well. I was told by the Little Caesar’s Rep that they had never had one individual person sell so much stuff! I was able to sell to a broad section of people with the pizza products – they did not have to be horse owners. Once people found out why I was selling pizza kits, I gained a lot of extra support. Some folks decided not to buys pizzas, but gave me direct donations instead. I had quite a bit of cash stashed and was excited about making some big shows with Cruize – I got quite a payoff. The summer of 2008, I won several big awards with Cruize, including a saddle and a buckle! That fall, I had a lot of people contacting me to see how the shows had gone. They had made donations or bought something from me knowing my intent for the funding. Because of this, I decided to launch a Web site. The main function of this Web site was to thank everyone that had helped me, and also to
(continued on next page)
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keep everyone posted on how Cruize and I were faring at the bigger shows. So, www.wecruize.com was started and still goes strong today. My Web site will introduce you to me, to Cruize, and basically to my life and everyone in it. I also write about what shows we have gone to, how we did while we were there, and what shows we plan to attend. What started out as a thank you Web site became a hot spot for advertisers. People who own businesses placed ads with me on my Web site. Depending on how much they donate, their ad is placed on one of my pages, and is directly linked to their own Web site. My Web site also houses “Jenny’s Closet.” This is a newer section of my Web site that I started, hoping it might help others like myself who do not have the money to just simply buy new show clothes. Jenny’s closet is a classified advertising spot that offers others the opportunity to advertise and resell their used show clothes or other miscellaneous horse items for relatively inexpensive prices. Sellers may also have posted pictures and text about their products. I also started selling horsehair jewelry from this Web site and at tack sales. This has been a successful campaign also. You can visit this page at www.wecruize.com/Friendship%20Bracelets.htm. I have sent my horsehair jewelry as far away as Germany! I am always looking for new things to sell from my Web site and at tack sales. I will remain focused on the equine field because that is what I am most familiar with. I will continue to offer advertising on my Web site and will continue to sell the horsehair jewelry. However, like most products, the jewelry will probably run its course and sales will slow down, so I would like to be ready with another product to pick up wherever the jewelry leaves off. I think I know what that product is, but you are going to have to visit www.WeCruize.com to find out!
Future CEO Stars October 2009
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By Halle Redfearn
H
i. My invention is the Catipod. I made this item to help the homeless. Catipods are lightweight, disposable, collapsible shelters that can be used to house the homeless on especially cold or rainy nights when they are in danger of becoming sick because of the bad weather. The shelters only weigh four pounds each and fold up so they are easy to carry. Each is made with two layers of Bubble Wrap that will protect the person from the cold, the wind and the rain. The canopy (similar to a covered wagon) is attached to an inflatable plastic raft that when blown up expands the Catipod to its full size and provides a cushioned insulated sleeping surface. Catipods are useful for their warm and cozy inside. They stay warm because air is not a good conductor of the cold so no cool air will come in. I tried it on a cool night and after a few minutes the Catipod became much warmer than the outside. The plastic rods hold up the Bubble wrap at a comfortable height for a person to sleep in. All together it makes the perfect shelter.
as the person slept on them. Then I came up with the idea of a tent, and finally the Catipod. I’m always so sad when I see a homeless person sitting on the street or trying to curl up to stay warm and it bothers me that there are never enough places or beds for them when it is really cold outside. I wanted to find an inexpensive way for the homeless to be sheltered from the cold, wind and rain. The Catipod doesn’t cost much to make and is easy to store. If the supplies were donated, it would cost even less, and then cities and homeless shelters could afford to keep a supply on hand for those nights when the weather is really bad. I hope the Catipod becomes successful and that someday they are used to help the homeless.
The idea for the Catipod came to me when my mom and I were talking about how Bubble Wrap could be used other than for cushioning. My mom explained that it would probably make a good insulator. I knew I wanted to do something that would help others, and in particular I wanted to help the homeless. There is an old lady that lives in the park near my home and I always think about her and how hard her life must be, especially when it is cold outside. My first idea was a sleeping bag, but I realized that all the bubbles would pop
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Future CEO Stars October 2009
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Do YOU “think outside the bubble?” Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE:SEE), the creator of Bubble Wrap ® brand cushioning, is asking students in grades five through eight to “think outside the bubble” for their chance to win a $10,000 U.S. savings bond in the fourth annual
Bubble Wrap ® Competition for Young Inventors. Original inventions must incorporate the use of clear Bubble Wrap® cushioning, and entries must include a visual and written description that explains the name of the invention, the purpose it serves, how it works and how the idea was formulated.
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Three finalists will win a three-day trip to New York City, where the Grand Prize Winner will be announced during the Bubble Wrap® Awards weekend, May 21-24, 2010.
Grand Prize Winner $10,000 savings bond 2nd Place $5,000 savings bond 3rd Place $5,000 savings bond The school of the Grand Prize Winner will receive a $5,000 donation. And the teacher/mentor of each finalist will receive a $500 gift card.
Deadline for all entries is Wednesday, March 3, 2010 For additional information on the competition, educators, parents and students can visit
www.nmoe.org/bubblewrap/index.html
The Bubble Wrap® Competition for Young Inventors is sponsored by Sealed Air and administered by the National Museum of Education. Future CEO Stars October 2009
27
Apply for a 2010 NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award
W h a t ’s in your briefcase? Are you a budding entrep Do you know a young entre
reneur?
preneur? Do you have dreams
of owning your own business? If you answered ye s to any of these questions , visit www.NFIB.com/YEA beginning October 31, 2009 , to apply for the 2010 NFIB Young Entrepreneur AwarFuture d. CEO Stars 28
October 2009
A GREAT CONFERENCE By Lucia Gonzalez
W
orking on a business plan takes a lot of time and work. Many times you find yourself changing it multiple times just to get it right. It’s good to know that hard work really does pay off. This Spring, April 2009, my teacher (Mr. Steward, Brooks College Prep, Chicago) invited me and a few other classmates to my first IIEE Conference. I had heard many great things about this conference but it definitely went beyond my expectations. One of the best things about the conference was that I got to network and meet with entrepreneurs from all over the U.S, from different backgrounds. Throughout the conference there were many competitions and activities going on. I was scheduled to compete in two of these competitions. One of these competitions was the Expo competition. This was where students got to sell and show their business to the many judges and spectators walking around. I remember walking around the Expo and thinking, “Wow what a great idea.” There were a variety of businesses ranging from a lawn care business to businesses that I had never even heard of before. My favorite competition, however, was the StartUp Business Plan competition. Students were divided into different rooms within different sections of the Westin Resort in Itasca, Illinois. Since we were competing for start-up capital for our business, the tension was on. For a lot of us, winning this competition meant getting the funds needed to start our businesses. I was extremely nervous but my teacher Mr. Steward
Future CEO Stars October 2009
gave me the confidence to stand up front and present. As soon as I started the nerves started going away and passion started kicking in. I was no longer scared of messing up because I wanted to convince the judges that my business deserved to win. During the conference we had a chance to hear a variety of different speakers who motivated and inspired me. I also talked to entrepreneurs who gave me advice about my business and I learned the importance of networking. The final day had come and no one wanted to leave. After all the competitions, guest speakers, and fun activities it was time for the awards ceremony. That day many students went home with the confidence and the funds to start their business. This includes me because I won first place in the Start-Up competition! Going to the IIEE Entrepreneurship Conference was one of the most memorable and fun learning experience I have ever been to. I can’t wait to return next year as an Ambassador and help other students experience what I experienced. I now attend The University of Illinois in Chicago and am majoring in Entrepreneurship. It’s good to know that there are people willing to lead the way to follow your dreams.
29
Ha ngi ng K
out IE R STE wit N& E BO h NY
We’re seniors in the Academy of Finance and Business at Howard High School of Technology in Delaware and interns at the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute.
Writing Ideas
Brainstorm Write down all ideas Look to others for inspiration
Think Outside the Box! “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” ~Mary Lou Cook
Expressing creativity through writing is a great skill for an entrepreneur. Here is your chance to show your creativity through YOUR own writing! Your Task: Create your own… x essay, poem, song, rap, story, advertisement, or collage with captions x using the theme of entrepreneurship, money, or success
ORIGINALITY IS A MUST!! In your piece, you must include at least 5 of the following words listed below: Goals
Ideas
Assets Budgeting Ethics
Business Plan
Success
Product
HE RE TW ’S T IST HE !!
Competition
Priority Creativity
Patience Perseverance
The best pieces will be posted in our next issue, so do your THING! Send your best ideas to [email protected] or [email protected]. If your idea is published, you will receive a special gift from us. Kiersten J. Joseph & Ebony M. Peterson DFLI 2009
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Friends of FUTURE CEO STARS This Publication is made possible through the Generous Contributions and efforts of these GREAT Organizations The COLEMAN FOUNDATION Advanz and PA Leadership Team Buchholz Academy of Entrepreneurship Delaware Financial Literacy Institute IL Institute for Entrepreneurship Education Marketplace for Kids NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation The National Museum of Education Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship USA TODAY CWD Ignite - MI State University Georgia REAL Enterprises TREPS Empower Youth Entrepreneurs Inc. Quebec RCJEQ
www.colemanfoundation.org www.advanz.biz www.spiritspotbhs.com www.DFLI.org www.IIEE.org www.marketplaceforkids.org www.NFIByef.org www.NMOE.org www.NFTE.org www.USATODAY.com www.CWD.ME www.primacivitas.org www.gareal.org www.TREPSED.com
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