Wednesday, May 30, 2018
5A- Identifying Local Opportunities
Lawsuit: Oaks Mall Plaza owes $14M, could soon be sold; Gainesville Sun, March 29, 2018
Headline: This article was published on March 29, 2018 by the Gainesville Sun. The writer discusses local financial challenges The Oaks Mall Plaza has faced after Toys 'R' Us made the decision to close all U.S. retail stores.
Description of Article: The commercial property has struggled to stay open for several years and now facing a foreclosure lawsuit. In 2017 the retail plaza included stores like Toys' R' Us, Jason's Deli, Super Optical Express, Scrubs by Design a Comic Store, Nail Salon and additional unmentioned retailers. The independently owned shopping plaza was built in 1988 to accommodate over 105,000 square feet of retail space located relatively close to The Oaks Mall.
Problem: A variety of tenants have conducted business at this location, including Gator Cinemas another primary revenue source who closed doors in 2015. After years of financial challenges, The Oaks Mall Plaza is at mercy of over $13 million dollars on an unpaid loan owed to the U.S. National Bank Association. The article indicates that if court-ordered judgements are not paid, Alachua County Clerk of Courts will publically sell the property at highest bid scheduled for April 26, 2018.
Who has the problem: The property owners, tenants, employers, employees, families of the employees, the bank and the retail brands involved.
URL: http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/16AFDAE4FA824968?p=WORLDNEWS
After 50 years, Sears will close doors; Gainesville Sun, The (FL); April 20, 2018
Headline: This article was published on April 20,2018 by the Gainesville Sun. This article confirms that Sears will close after 50 years of business in the Gainesville area with no current plans to develop a new location.
Description of Article: Several area retailers are decreasing in sales including Sears located at the Oaks Mall. The article talks about the increase of sales through online shopping and the e-commerce shift in retail that began in 2000. Sears announced their store closing to the public in July 2018 and the time frame of when their liquidation sale would begin with no mention of a new location. According to the article, Gainesville has seen a boom in retail development 7 miles to the south at Butler Plaza and Celebrate Pointe.
Problem: The in-store shopping market at Sears in no longer cost effective. The local retail store is not generating enough revenue to continue business at the store front location.
Who has the problem: Community, customers, employees, shopping center and brand
URL: http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/16AFDAE4FA824968?p=WORLDNEWS
Macy's at Oaks Mall is closing; Gainesville Sun, January 10, 2018
Headline: This article was published on January 10, 2018 by the Gainesville Sun.
Description of Article: Retail market changes are discussed in this article as eleven Macy's stores schedule to close in 2018. The Oaks Mall location will retire in 2018 after 30 years of local retail business providing severance packages for qualifying employees as they close the doors. The company expects to close 19 additional stores as leases expire on store front locations for transaction of sales ranging from Miami and California.
Problem: While retailers work with consulting companies get "right sized for the Internet" job loss is the leading problem for local store closings in the retail market.
Who has the problem: Customers, associates, community, shopping center and brand
URL: http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/1696293B73579DA0?p=WORLDNEWS
May Rains Start Mosquito Season - The Independent Alligator May 24, 2018
Headline: This article was published on May 24, 2018 by the Independent Alligator.
Description of Article: County officials provide helpful tips for the community as the Mosquito population is on the rise. As of now, no Mosquito related illnesses have been reported to the county but residents don't follow recommended procedures that statistic could change. The Alachua County Health Department warns the public about Mosquito related illnesses through the Sentinel Chicken Surveillance Program, where chickens are tested for illnesses from another country.
Problem: It is possible that we will experience newly exposed illnesses due to the increase of stagnant water from rains, which increase the Mosquito population. This can be dangerous to a community if the proper steps are taken to repel Mosquito bites. The exchange of blood from humans and or animals through Mosquito' is the underlying health concern. Mosquito bites can increase the transmission of illness in the community.
Who has the problem: Community, adults, children, animals, health officials
URL: http://www.alligator.org/news/may-rains-start-mosquito-season/article_5ffb472c-5f10-11e8-b95d-d38e2eb9b85c.html
Gainesville, UF Anticipate Upcoming Hurricane Season- The Independent Alligator May 29, 2018
Headline: This article was published on May 29, 2018 by The Independent Alligator.
Description of Article: We are reminded of certain areas in Florida, as we approach another hurricane season on June 1st. This is an informative article for students at UF to plan ahead for the possibility of food shortages, shelter and or evacuations encouraging them to think progressively when hurricane forecasts are predicted to hit Florida.
Problem: Every year Florida experiences a new hurricane season, all are different and the problem is we never will know what to expect until these storms hit land fall. The negative impacts from natural disasters that a communities go through will vary. This time of year can have emotional effects and increased levels of distress in certain circumstances.
Who has the problem: UF community, local businesses, family of students and faculty
URL: http://www.alligator.org/news/gainesville-uf-anticipate-upcoming-hurricane-season/article_ac483354-62fa-11e8-b46e-df025f57b2fd.html
Friday, May 25, 2018
3A- Entrepreneurship Story
I am driven by my entrepreneurial spirit and thrive in environments that invest and grow their businesses.
Much of my entrepreneurial experience comes from running an education services company. My role consisted of marketing services, signing service contracts, staffing employees, providing customer service, and complying with education requirements. We delivered a great product to schools in need of physical education and after school programs. The impact of this business was tremendous, parents and their children's lives were enriched. After 5 years of running this business I came to realize that I needed to develop further and find other opportunities that would allow me to do so.
2A- Bug List
20 Bugs
Bug: Walking 1/2 mile to parking garage for a parking spot that costs $20.00 a month.
Why: The location of the parking garage at the apartment community I belong to has designated lots for resident parking, the surrounding lots are not public lots therefore residents must commute to the designated parking garage and pay additional parking fees to ensure a reserved spot.
Bug: My backpack on a rainy day in Gainesville.
Why: Seasonal down pours are hard to get around when you have a schedule to maintain, most students are prepared with umbrellas, raincoats or ponchos just in case. Nevertheless, backpacks are often drenched after campus commutes leaving papers, computers and all the essentials in damaging conditions.
Bug: When candles run out of wax.
Why: Scented candles are a great option for aromatherapy, often times the shelf life of a candle burnt 3 times a week will cost you more than a monthly subscription to a massage spa to keep up with the candle burning maintenance.
Bug: No call ahead waiting or reservations at sit down dining establishments in the Gainesville area.
Why: Year 2018, most of the population works around the clock with limited time to spare. While fast food restaurants beat their competitors by minimizing wait time in the drive thru with the innovation of technology, customers now place orders by iPads, Chic- Fil-A is one of the only I've seen in Gainesville so far. But what a great concept in meeting the customers need while doubling their food production by speeding up their ordering process. Most sit down diners will not reserve seats in order to serve customers coming in, therefore the wait time can run from 15 minutes to 1 hour which takes away from the convenience of going out to eat.
Bug: When Siri doesn't understand what I am saying.
Why: Apple is the market front runner of mobile phones and Siri is a handy alternative to texting when we are on the go. The virtual assistant can help locate or type most things, unless the consumer's request is not recognized. Google Talk has better voice response reviews.
Bug: Hughes Net internet streaming on a cloudy day.
Why: Folks that live in rural communities ( and my family does ) are limited to internet service providers depending on the location. Thus, Hughes Net is a company that serves these internet deprived areas with a satellite alternate to internet. The downfall to the service is that satellites do not weather well, on rainy days service is hard to come by.
Bug: Living on the 1st floor and with a large dog above me.
Why: The that flooring of the apartment above me does not provide a great deal of sound absorbance, from time to time the dog chasing toys, exercising or just being a regular dog could be compared to what it may sound like if the neighbors were bowling on a Friday night.
Bug: Forgetting to schedule dentist appointments.
Why: Old fashioned mailing systems make reminders tough to come by when you move to a new address.
Bug: No AUX option in my car and CD 8 disc player does not work.
Why: Vehicle was made in 2007, upgrades are necessary when the age of a car reaches a certain point.
Bug: No visitor parking spots in my apartment complex.
Why: Limited lots for commercialized businesses, the use of UF's parking lot optional for guests with in certain hours AM / PM of my apartment community. This option for guests is 1/2 mile from my apartment, in walking distance.
Bug: Pumping gas.
Why: The cost of gas is something we just have to accept as consumers, for those who wish to drive a gas operating machine. Regardless, pumping gas takes time and money and usually requires additional planning to compete the task.
Bug: Not having a printer.
Why: The convenience of an in home printer saves you the trip to any outside location, for those who do not and need to print often pay additional money and time to get to the location which should be planned ahead for any unexpected wait times.
Bug: When my shoes come untied while running on the treadmill.
Why: The safety of running can become compromised when shoe laces get in the way.
Bug: The Oaks Mall.
Why: The retail shopping experience is becoming a option of the past, what plans does the Oaks Mall located in Gainesville, Fl have may disrupt homes of employees as companies look for ways to keep the doors open as e-commerce is on the raise.
Bug: Hair tie breaks while working out.
Why: Sometimes we suddenly are without a hair tie because it breaks, but the treadmill keeps going. The thought of stopping a workout to find another hair tie is a waste of time.
Bug: Parking in downtown Gainesville.
Why: Very limited parking spots available due to private parking regulations.
Bug: Home cooked meals VS. spending money of convenience.
Why: It takes time to prepare and cook food at home. It costs roughly $8.00 for a lunch on the lower scale for the convenience of eating on the go, which can be tight on the budget.
Bug: Clutter. Anywhere.
Why: Clutter invites and overwhelming the environment.
Bug: The ongoing laundry process on a rainy day in Gainesville.
Why: You are drenched when you get home and the first thing you do is find dry clothes, so start doing laundry on a daily basis or keep wet rainy clothes in your hamper.
Bug: When the fire alarms go off.
Why: Periodically the sound of a fire alarm will present itself at my apartment complex, though no emergency has taken place, we evacuate in order to go on with our lives.
Reflection- I was challenged in finding 20 bugs.The process of this assignment provided an opportunity for me to stop, and think hard about my own day to day situations that could be improved.
Bug: Walking 1/2 mile to parking garage for a parking spot that costs $20.00 a month.
Why: The location of the parking garage at the apartment community I belong to has designated lots for resident parking, the surrounding lots are not public lots therefore residents must commute to the designated parking garage and pay additional parking fees to ensure a reserved spot.
Bug: My backpack on a rainy day in Gainesville.
Why: Seasonal down pours are hard to get around when you have a schedule to maintain, most students are prepared with umbrellas, raincoats or ponchos just in case. Nevertheless, backpacks are often drenched after campus commutes leaving papers, computers and all the essentials in damaging conditions.
Bug: When candles run out of wax.
Why: Scented candles are a great option for aromatherapy, often times the shelf life of a candle burnt 3 times a week will cost you more than a monthly subscription to a massage spa to keep up with the candle burning maintenance.
Bug: No call ahead waiting or reservations at sit down dining establishments in the Gainesville area.
Why: Year 2018, most of the population works around the clock with limited time to spare. While fast food restaurants beat their competitors by minimizing wait time in the drive thru with the innovation of technology, customers now place orders by iPads, Chic- Fil-A is one of the only I've seen in Gainesville so far. But what a great concept in meeting the customers need while doubling their food production by speeding up their ordering process. Most sit down diners will not reserve seats in order to serve customers coming in, therefore the wait time can run from 15 minutes to 1 hour which takes away from the convenience of going out to eat.
Bug: When Siri doesn't understand what I am saying.
Why: Apple is the market front runner of mobile phones and Siri is a handy alternative to texting when we are on the go. The virtual assistant can help locate or type most things, unless the consumer's request is not recognized. Google Talk has better voice response reviews.
Bug: Hughes Net internet streaming on a cloudy day.
Why: Folks that live in rural communities ( and my family does ) are limited to internet service providers depending on the location. Thus, Hughes Net is a company that serves these internet deprived areas with a satellite alternate to internet. The downfall to the service is that satellites do not weather well, on rainy days service is hard to come by.
Bug: Living on the 1st floor and with a large dog above me.
Why: The that flooring of the apartment above me does not provide a great deal of sound absorbance, from time to time the dog chasing toys, exercising or just being a regular dog could be compared to what it may sound like if the neighbors were bowling on a Friday night.
Bug: Forgetting to schedule dentist appointments.
Why: Old fashioned mailing systems make reminders tough to come by when you move to a new address.
Bug: No AUX option in my car and CD 8 disc player does not work.
Why: Vehicle was made in 2007, upgrades are necessary when the age of a car reaches a certain point.
Bug: No visitor parking spots in my apartment complex.
Why: Limited lots for commercialized businesses, the use of UF's parking lot optional for guests with in certain hours AM / PM of my apartment community. This option for guests is 1/2 mile from my apartment, in walking distance.
Bug: Pumping gas.
Why: The cost of gas is something we just have to accept as consumers, for those who wish to drive a gas operating machine. Regardless, pumping gas takes time and money and usually requires additional planning to compete the task.
Bug: Not having a printer.
Why: The convenience of an in home printer saves you the trip to any outside location, for those who do not and need to print often pay additional money and time to get to the location which should be planned ahead for any unexpected wait times.
Bug: When my shoes come untied while running on the treadmill.
Why: The safety of running can become compromised when shoe laces get in the way.
Bug: The Oaks Mall.
Why: The retail shopping experience is becoming a option of the past, what plans does the Oaks Mall located in Gainesville, Fl have may disrupt homes of employees as companies look for ways to keep the doors open as e-commerce is on the raise.
Bug: Hair tie breaks while working out.
Why: Sometimes we suddenly are without a hair tie because it breaks, but the treadmill keeps going. The thought of stopping a workout to find another hair tie is a waste of time.
Bug: Parking in downtown Gainesville.
Why: Very limited parking spots available due to private parking regulations.
Bug: Home cooked meals VS. spending money of convenience.
Why: It takes time to prepare and cook food at home. It costs roughly $8.00 for a lunch on the lower scale for the convenience of eating on the go, which can be tight on the budget.
Bug: Clutter. Anywhere.
Why: Clutter invites and overwhelming the environment.
Bug: The ongoing laundry process on a rainy day in Gainesville.
Why: You are drenched when you get home and the first thing you do is find dry clothes, so start doing laundry on a daily basis or keep wet rainy clothes in your hamper.
Bug: When the fire alarms go off.
Why: Periodically the sound of a fire alarm will present itself at my apartment complex, though no emergency has taken place, we evacuate in order to go on with our lives.
Reflection- I was challenged in finding 20 bugs.The process of this assignment provided an opportunity for me to stop, and think hard about my own day to day situations that could be improved.
4A- Forming An Opportunity Belief
Folks who live up north bundle up in layers of clothes on cold winter days. Those who are fortunate enough to drive vehicles with the most sophisticated technology adaptations, may have built in features that resemble this concept, but what about those who need an economic option that is attractive to their budget? Have you ever been inside your car on a cold winter day with no gloves and no heat? What if your steering wheel had a heated cover that could be placed on your steering wheel for days like this? You wouldn't have to buy an upgraded model to have the feature, you could simply purchase the heated steering wheel cover that fits appropriately to your make and model. For years we drove without heated seats, now we can buy cars that have seat cooling systems and add the heated steering wheel feature. The vehicles we see these features in are among the luxury brands. Until the manufacturing companies focused on the economy car, catch on to the luxury trend and begin to offer this built in option, we have a need to fulfill. The idea of a heated steering wheel cover could adopt some thought for your average consumer. Thinking of this concept in the way that we are inclined to purchase a cell phone cover for our mobile phones, I've asked a few family members who live in Tennessee and experience weeks of snow in the winter and daily lives to maintain found this to be a catchy concept. I went on to ask a group of friends in Atlanta and Texas, a few of the individuals own vehicles with features included so those folks where not potential customers. The idea took positive responses from 5 individuals that would be considered potential customers. Speaking to these people gave me some perspective on the conditions of the product and what type of customer would be in need. I found that among the individuals driving a certain branded vehicle were more inclined to give the concept a try than others. Responsiveness on the length of the need varied, some said as long as they could remember, others replied since they were able to drive and two explained that they never knew they needed it until now. The opportunity cost, after doing more surveying and research, has a significant potential to take on the pipeline of the Amazon phenomena. I believe the concept could be sold on the market after analyzing the need.
Friday, May 18, 2018
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