30A – Final Reflection

1) Going through my old posts, it is quite difficult to pinpoint one specific formative experience. This entire semester has allowed me the opportunity to put my ideas to paper and truly see what I am capable of. Seeing my venture develop was definitely my most joyous experience and it will surely be something that will stick with me for a long time, even if it does not come to fruition.

2) Although I would not call myself an expert just yet, I do feel as if I have more knowledge on what it takes to become an entrepreneur. After reflecting on all my posts, I would say I have developed certain traits as the semester progressed. I am quite proud of myself, and I know I will take valuable insight and information from this class and use down the line in my search for a career path.

3) This class is not difficult. The one thing I would advise to future prospective students: be organized. Make your schedule beforehand and plan accordingly. This class will only help you develop an understanding for a mindset that will help you go a long way. If you are organized, focused, and determined, you will certainly succeed in this course.

(Aerial view of our beach clean-up)

Bayfront Park, Miami, Florida

2057 lbs collected

29A – Venture Concept No. 2

Opportunity

My opportunity presents a fear-based need for the ultimate greater good on several levels, ranging from personal to global. This idea will allow for people to live more sustainable lives; contributing to the betterment of our environment through very minor lifestyle adaptations. This will apply to anyone who is interested in being apart of the widespread solution to combat environmental pollution, and all of the issues associated with the matter. Ideally, there should be no limits to this market, as everyone should be concerned about the state of our environment in both the short, and long-term futures. However, this is most likely to appeal to those living in coastal areas, or areas with large bodies of water in proximity. As it stands, most people are not living sustainable lives due to the minor inconveniences associated with the lifestyle. Using plastic bags or single-used plastics such as straws or utensils require no effort. With simple educational practices, more people can be informed on the dangers associated with this lifestyle. This, in turn, would hopefully lead to awareness on the topic, subsequently followed by changes such as using re-usable bags and purchasing sustainable products such as water bottles and metal straws. The window of opportunity for my idea is not necessarily small, but the quicker people transition, the better. The products I am proposing are not perishable, and can be used for several years. However, our environment simply cannot sustain much more pollution caused by human ignorance.

Innovation

I have focused on some of the most important items regarding environmental pollution; cups, straws, bags, and water bottles. In order to create a base, I will be hosting weekly beach-cleanups for initial exposure to my idea/brand. Through these events, I will be educating people on the dangers of plastic pollution, and the simplicity behind living a sustainable lifestyle. Most people are just simply unaware of these things, and will surely not be opposed to the idea of doing their part to assist with our efforts to restore our environment. The products on display will be metal cups ($6/per cup, $30/per pack of 6), metal straws ($5), reusable hemp bags ($10), and stainless steel water bottles ($25). Along with this, I will be sending 20% of the profits to a separate "beach-clean up fund" that will assist with all the materials needed to host the weekly beach clean-ups.

Venture Concept

This idea heavily relies on the notion that people are willing to switch their lifestyle habits for the betterment of themselves, others, and our planet as a whole. As I previously stated, the main issue associated with this venture is convenience. It will take time for people to avoid using plastic bags at supermarkets or using plastic straws at a fast-food restaurant. Therefore, the switch will require some time, but it is surely not impossible. 

Through the use of advertising and social media, I hope to reach a target audience who are both interesting and willing to make these changes. These people must understand the issue at hand, and furthermore, be willing to take action. Through different facts and statistics presented to this audience, hopefully they will consider the idea even further. 

Once people are exposed to the idea, their habits should become sustainable. As it stands, there are not many competitors in this field. However, cost could be an issue for people. Plastic bags and straws are virtually free, while sustainable products will typically cost slightly more, as they are more durable and reusable.

Packaging is an interesting point in this venture. In accordance with my sustainable solutions, I would like to ensure the packaging of my products is also sustainable and recyclable at the very minimum. In terms of business development, in the early days I would like to solely rely on exposure through environmental awareness events. Eventually I would open a website to display my products. The ultimate goal would be to open a brick-and-mortar location.

The Minor Elements

I would say my most important resource is my passion for being ethically responsible, and my knowledge on the topic of environmental pollution. Many businesses today are not interested in ethical business practices, and at times have little to no interest on the very own products they are selling.

The next step in this venture is establishing a customer base and simply gaining more exposure. I believe my idea is worthy of success, but without the ability to reach people, this idea will never come to fruition.

Down the line, I hope to continue with this project. I would like nothing more than to educate and spread awareness on this issue until there are proven results. Hopefully five years from now this will be a full blown company recognized for our sustainable practices and dedication to serving our environment.

Part 2:

There was not much negative feedback on my previous venture concept post. However, I was told to consider the use of ads/social media in order to market this venture.

Part 3:

Due to the lack of negative feedback, I was only able to add a few sentences in the venture concept section. I added how the use of ads and social media will help me reach my target market.

28A – Your Exit Strategy

1) I plan to stay with my business for as long as I possibly can. It is something I would love to see come to fruition and I can run with it until for a large portion of my life. Due to the values, passion, personal connections I have for this venture, I would ideally pass it down to someone who feels very similarly. I would not want to sell this business, even after retiring.

2) I have chosen this exit strategy because I would like to ensure this business stays morally true to what it believes in. I would not want this falling into the hands of someone who is solely interested in maximizing profits at any cost. I have a genuine care for our planet, and hopefully this venture will reflect that.

3) I'm not exactly sure how my exit strategy has influenced how I go about this idea. However, I know it is my responsibility to ensure we are what we say we are. I identified this opportunity knowing I would be running a company built on sustainability and eco-friendliness. This means that when the day comes for me to retire or ultimately give up the business, I must have proof that I abided by these promises and did things both morally and ethically correct.

26A – Celebrating Failure

1) I have been struggling in my accounting course and even failed the first exam. I thought I studied the material well, however, the results did not reflect that. Most of the assignments are not on the canvas calendar, so it is quite easy to forget about them. I had a rough start to that class, but I believe I have rebounded well.

2) I learned to be more organized and focused. As an online student it can be quite easy to become distracted, procrastinate, and miss deadlines. Even in this class, I have missed my fair share of blog posts due to poor planning. I, like most of you guys, dislike missing assignments and receiving a zero. After this happening repeatedly, I have taken more precautions to ensure I have everything done in a timely manner.

3) Failure is a bit of a conundrum. Sometimes you need to fail in order to succeed. However, it is one of the worst feelings one can feel. Failure can surely kick me in the stomach, but it won't knock me out. I've learned to accept failure, and use it to build on whatever it is I did incorrectly. This class has taught me exactly that. If you take a risk, the possibility of failure is there. However, if you can get past that bump and you use it as a learning mechanism, you can only grow from those experiences and build on whatever you did wrong.

25A – What’s Next?

Existing Market

Step 1: In the near future I will continue to seek new ways to become sustainable and eco-friendly. Hopefully I will be able to further develop my existing products, and have a whole new list of products ready to introduce to my market.

Step 2: Interviews conducted with Hannah Waxman, Ishmael Rodriguez, and Marc Veinstein. All three of them are college students at the University of Miami. They happen to have their own sustainable brand, which focuses solely on swimwear. They have been established for three years now. They stated that they have a seen a huge spike in sales this year due to many people becoming aware of the eco-friendly and sustainable trend.

Step 3: Based on my own expectations and feedback received from others, I believe I am a solid path as it stands. I will continue to gain exposure through environmental awareness events, while demonstrating my products to my market. I will stick true to sustainable practices and will not attempt to find any loopholes. My only concern is the amount of time it will take people to realize the switch must be imminent. We do not have time to waste, and I will do everything I can in order to get the word out. This will include blogs, social media posts, and news media involvement if possible.

New Market

Step 1: I have considered the possibility of selling to restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs, etc. If any of these businesses are interested in becoming eco-friendly and sustainable, it would certainly open up a completely different channel for me.


Step 2: Businesses in hospitality will surely gain positive press and reviews from making this switch. In this day and age, companies are rewarded for going above and beyond to ensure they are fulfilling their ethical responsibilities. This could lead to more visitors and higher ratings overall. Along from that, these businesses will know they are more of an impact than a single person. Some of these businesses will use hundreds of pounds of un-recyclable plastics in a day. The footprint following the switch would be reduced drastically.

Step 3: Mike Batt & Jason Slim own several hotels in South Florida. At times, they oversee the inventory departments of their respective hotels. Luckily, I was able to meet with both of them at the same time. We compared several aspects of their inventory departments and the amount of waste they produce on an average day, They were both highly interested in the idea of going partially, and eventually fully eco-friendly.

Step 4: This market would surely see me go through a lot more product than I could probably handle at this moment. However, I would love to eventually have the resources to establish myself in this market. This would also allow me to demonstrate my ideas on a larger platform. With hundreds of people going in and out of restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs, etc..., I would be able to reach a huge range of new people. This would also result in a much larger impact than selling to individuals. As a result, I believe this market is more attractive, but something I would like to research a little bit more before completely diving in.

24A – Venture Concept No. 1

Opportunity

My opportunity presents a fear-based need for the ultimate greater good on several levels, ranging from personal to global. This idea will allow for people to live more sustainable lives; contributing to the betterment of our environment through very minor lifestyle adaptations. This will apply to anyone who is interested in being apart of the widespread solution to combat environmental pollution, and all of the issues associated with the matter. Ideally, there should be no limits to this market, as everyone should be concerned about the state of our environment in both the short, and long-term futures. However, this is most likely to appeal to those living in coastal areas, or areas with large bodies of water in proximity. As it stands, most people are not living sustainable lives due to the minor inconveniences associated with the lifestyle. Using plastic bags or single-used plastics such as straws or utensils require no effort. With simple educational practices, more people can be informed on the dangers associated with this lifestyle. This, in turn, would hopefully lead to awareness on the topic, subsequently followed by changes such as using re-usable bags and purchasing sustainable products such as water bottles and metal straws. The window of opportunity for my idea is not necessarily small, but the quicker people transition, the better. The products I am proposing are not perishable, and can be used for several years. However, our environment simply cannot sustain much more pollution caused by human ignorance.

Innovation

I have focused on some of the most important items regarding environmental pollution; cups, straws, bags, and water bottles. In order to create a base, I will be hosting weekly beach-cleanups for initial exposure to my idea/brand. Through these events, I will be educating people on the dangers of plastic pollution, and the simplicity behind living a sustainable lifestyle. Most people are just simply unaware of these things, and will surely not be opposed to the idea of doing their part to assist with our efforts to restore our environment. The products on display will be metal cups ($6/per cup, $30/per pack of 6), metal straws ($5), reusable hemp bags ($10), and stainless steel water bottles ($25). Along with this, I will be sending 20% of the profits to a separate "beach-clean up fund" that will assist with all the materials needed to host the weekly beach clean-ups.

Venture Concept

This idea heavily relies on the notion that people are willing to switch their lifestyle habits for the betterment of themselves, others, and our planet as a whole. As I previously stated, the main issue associated with this venture is convenience. It will take time for people to avoid using plastic bags at supermarkets or using plastic straws at a fast-food restaurant. Therefore, the switch will require some time, but it is surely not impossible.

Once people are exposed to the idea, their habits should become sustainable. As it stands, there are not many competitors in this field. However, cost could be an issue for people. Plastic bags and straws are virtually free, while sustainable products will typically cost slightly more, as they are more durable and reusable.

Packaging is an interesting point in this venture. In accordance with my sustainable solutions, I would like to ensure the packaging of my products is also sustainable and recyclable at the very minimum. In terms of business development, in the early days I would like to solely rely on exposure through environmental awareness events. Eventually I would open a website to display my products. The ultimate goal would be to open a brick-and-mortar location.

The Minor Elements

I would say my most important resource is my passion for being ethically responsible, and my knowledge on the topic of environmental pollution. Many businesses today are not interested in ethical business practices, and at times have little to no interest on the very own products they are selling.

The next step in this venture is establishing a customer base and simply gaining more exposure. I believe my idea is worthy of success, but without the ability to reach people, this idea will never come to fruition.

Down the line, I hope to continue with this project. I would like nothing more than to educate and spread awareness on this issue until there are proven results. Hopefully five years from now this will be a full blown company recognized for our sustainable practices and dedication to serving our environment.

23A – Your Venture’s Unfair Advantage

List of resources:

1) Non-profit work in environmental services:

Since high school I have been dedicated to environmental services and educating myself on different ways to create change. This includes beach clean-ups, school demonstrations, and the promotion of sustainable living.

2) Location & Market:

Living in Miami, Florida is a huge advantage as we are a coastal city. Cities such as Miami will be the first to feel the effects of environmental shifts such as sea-rise or polluted waters. It is easy to gain the attention of those who live here and can witness first hand the effects of pollution.

3) Social Capital:

I have a team who is willing to assist me in my ventures. I have also met with several high ranking officials of the city of Miami, including the superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools, and the mayor of the city of Miami.

4) Intangibles:

I believe my attitude and drive is something that certainly cannot be replicated. I am very determined and passionate about this idea, and I strongly believe with the right amount of time and effort this could be something that could come to fruition and benefit many people on a global scale.

5) Education:

Studying at UF has allowed me to not only build connections and gain several interpersonal skills, but it has opened my mind to a new way of thinking. It has allowed me to become more innovative and open-minded, which ultimately led me to pursue this idea.

6) Uniqueness:

In the grand scheme, not many people are fully aware of the issues associated with a lack of sustainable practices in every day life. Therefore, there are very few companies who have become fully dedicated to becoming completely eco-friendly.

7) Business/Entreprenurial Mindset:

Coming from a family who all have backgrounds in business, I have always had a passion for business and entrepreneurship. I have dreamed about my own venture, and I believe this it makes it even more special that I have finally taken my first steps.

8) Diversity

Coming from a Latino background, I am able to reach a wider market. I am fluent in both English and Spanish, which are arguably equally as important in the city of Miami.

9) Confidence

Without confidence, I do not believe any idea will come to fruition. I am extremely confident in myself and my idea, as it is one that will benefit the world and educate people on an extremely urgent matter.

10) Passion for environmental education:

Personally, I believe this is my biggest advantage. There are several companies who claim they are interested in practicing sustainability, however, I am genuinely concerned about the issues regarding this matter and I will hold true to that throughout my entire venture.

20A – Growing Your Social Capital

1) Carlos Sanchez - Domain Expert
Carlos owns acres of land in Mexico and has been doing sustainable work for the last decade. He graduated from UC Berkely with a degree in sustainable management. He knows the industry in and out, and has offered to help me in my ventures. He was introduced to me by the mother of my best friends' girlfriend. We met not too long ago to discuss sustainable products and the endless possibilities associated with this change. Due to his experience, Carlos has connections ranging from high-ranking Amazon employees and very credible suppliers.

2) Alberto Carvalho - Market Expert
Alberto Carvalho is the superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools. He was born in Portugal and attended Broward College. He is always seeking new ways to educate the youth on issues that will directly affect them throughout the course of their lives. He understands how kids, teens, and young adults think. He was my principal in 9th grade, and he would love to get together soon to discuss how we can implement a sustainable/eco-friendly support group at every school in the county. Alberto has a network that ranges across the United States, and he surely has a platform in which he can be heard at any given time.

3) Alex Barreras - Supplier
Alex is an architect who graduated from Florida International University. He has helped me understand this process a bit more because he has experience in importing sustainably sourced materials from Mexico and creating his own products with it. He is the father of one of my friends, who I actually interviewed for another post. Alex loved the idea of me getting involved with sustainability, so he offered help me connect with other potential suppliers, and helped me understand how the process worked. He has a ton of experience in this field, so I any advice or resources he brings to the table will be surely beneficial.

This experience has been very helpful. I have learned several things about networking, and the importance of knowing the right people in order to facilitate other tasks. I now know there are certain things that I just don't know, but with the help of the right people, I can begin to understand these things. This is my first mass networking project so I have no prior reference, but I am very eager to continue this, and hopefully build on it in the near future.

19A – Idea Napkin No. 2

1) Hi! My name is Yehudy Lander. I am a third year Business Administration student specializing in International Studies. I am a determined individual who will always go the extra mile to ensure something is done right. I have a passion for sustainability and eco-friendly ways of life. I hope to one day develop this idea of mine in order to reach large audiences and have the platform to discuss plastic pollution. In turn, I would offer them solutions with my sustainable products.

2) I am offering several eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives to everyday single-use items that cannot be recycled and are considered a danger to our environment if over-polluted. This would range from reusable water bottles to metal straws. This would fit the unmet need of those who are interested in living more sustainable lives, but have not found proper alternatives to the items they use on a daily basis.

3) This product should appeal to anyone who is interested in doing their part for the environment and the pollution crisis. However, this would appeal more to the youth and young-adults. My products are seeking to tackle an issue that will affect them in the future. Additionally, this will definitely appeal more to people who live near a large body of water in order to witness the effects of pollution first-hand.

4) Like I stated before, people who are interested in a better outlook for the future will surely care about living more sustainable lives. Those who have witnessed the crisis we are currently going through will jump at an opportunity to do their part.

5) I believe my desire to carry out tasks properly and efficiently is something that sets me apart from many. When I do something, I make sure it is done right, rather than done too fast. I'd also like to believe my passion for environmental sustainability is something that separates me apart in a sense that I am doing this for more than just a paycheck. I am interested in seeing change, and I would to do everything in my power to ensure this happens.

I strongly believe all these elements fit together nicely and will hopefully become a recipe for success. The customers and care for this idea are plentiful. I, myself, am a young adult who shares this vision with many others, and hopefully we can all come together to do our part in becoming more eco-friendly.

Feedback Memo: I did not receive much feedback on my previous idea napkin. However, I have learned more about myself since then, and I have been able to envision what this idea would look like if it came to fruition.

18A – Create a Customer Avatar

1) I believe the prototypical customer for sustainable products, with a genuine interest and passion for the idea would be an:

• 18-24 year old male or female

• This person loves the beach and is an avid surfer. 

• They would drive a gray Toyota Prius due to the gas mileage and the kinder environmental footprint. 

• They love watching nature documentaries and surfing competitions. 

• They do not have children, and probably don't plan on it until their mid 30s due to their laid back lifestyle. 

• They do not read much, but when they do, it is related to marine biology or ocean conservation.

• They are not very into politics, but would more likely than not have a liberal mindset.

• Live in a coastal city such as Miami Beach

• Live with parents

• Attends a local community college or university

2) I believe I can relate to this prototypical customer in several ways. We share the same age range, we love the beach, and do not have children. I also happen to live in Miami, which is a coastal city. I would say this is not a coincidence due to the fact that I am describing a mix of me and friends from Miami. It is unlikely that someone living in a non-coastal town with no passion for the ocean will feel the need to pursue such an idea.

17A – Elevator Pitch No. 2

1)

2) I did not receive much constructive criticism on my previous post. However, I believe I spoke up a little more in my second elevator pitch, and was certainly more confident in the message I was delivering.

3) As I previously stated, I took a more confident approach to the elevator pitch. I delivered my information in a more informative & convincing manner.

16A –What’s Your Secret Sauce?

1) Describe five ways in which you think you have human capital that is truly unique.

 There are several things that I believe make me truly unique. My biggest distinction lies in my travels. I have visited several countries and continents, which I believe has made me more open-minded and wise. The amount of experience I have gained from a cultural standpoint is something I greatly value. Aside from this, I believe I have picked up some very important life skills throughout my time at UF. These skills include a good education, a creative mindset, and a whole new array of abilities.

2) Interview the five people who know you the best.

Audio files linked.

Father (Yehudy F. Lander) - "Yehudy is very determined when it comes to setting his mind to something and accomplishing goals. He is always striving for perfection, and refuses to give less than 110%."

Mother (Olga Padilla) - "Yehudy is an emotional guy with a big heart. He has a passion for business and has always possessed an entrepreneurial mindset."

Friend (Justin Haber) - "Yehudy is ahead of the curve in terms of his developed mindset and outlook on life. He has always been a hard worker, and has always seemed to hold himself to the highest possible standard."

Friend (Mateo Chance) - "Yehudy is my go-to person for advice. He is very reasonable and usually figures out solutions to situations in an ethical manner. He possesses the skills of a good leader and/or mentor."

Friend (Nikita Daswani) - "Yehudy is not afraid of a challenge. He is very diligent and precise when it comes to carrying out tasks. I would say he is one of the most reliable people I know."

3) Reflect on the differences. 

After the interviews were completed, I was very grateful to hear about the things my close friends and family were able to say about me. It certainly seemed like they went above and beyond with their answers, but I appreciate their words. I do feel like I hold myself to a high standard, but there are certain elements I can improve on such as time management and communication. Overall, I believe my list for #1 should remain intact.

15A – Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 2

1) Interviewees:

The people I selected to interview are all ocean conservation enthusiasts. They go by the names of Coby Barreras, Theo Quenee, and Christopher Loggia. They all share similar interests when it comes to sustainability. However, they are respectively studying, medicine, photography, and health sciences.

3) Alternative Evaluation:

Coby - Upon interviewing Coby, I learned he was most interested in the quality of the products. He understands sustainable products could prove to be more expensive than non-reusable/non-sustainable materials such as plastic. Due to this, he is willing to pay more to ensure the quality of the products.

Theo - Theo, like Coby, did not have an issue with the prices. However, as a photographer, Theo prefers a sustainable product with cool and unique designs. He says that is the element that would stand out the most to him; encourage himself to purchase more products.

Christopher - Christopher is always looking for new ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle. However, he does not seem to believe it is worth spending more on products when he can create make-shift products, such as water bottles and reusable bags, at home. He would certainly donate towards the cause, but does not seem like he will be a consistent contributor.

4) How/where do they buy?

Coby - Coby prefers to buy products in person in order to test and get a feel for what he is purchasing. He rarely uses credit/debit cards and always seems to prefer to pay in cash for the products/services he acquires.

Theo - Theo is an avid online shopper. He loves the variety of goods and services he finds online; from the comfort of his own home. He also very much enjoys purchasing and browsing for items on social media. As a result of this lifestyle, he often uses credit/debit cards for his purchases.

Christopher - Christopher actually seemed to be 50-50 on his shopping habits. He said he does not shop very often, therefore whenever he does, he seeks the most efficient and cost-saving way possible. Sometimes this comes via online shopping, or other times he prefers to do it in-person. However, Chris rarely carries cash and says he usually pays for his purchases on his credit/debit cards.

5) Post-purchase Evaluation:

Interestingly enough, I received almost identical answers for each individual interview in regards to their post-purchase evaluations. All three of the friends I interviewed stated that they cared mostly about how often they will use their products, and how long they plan to use it for before they decide to no-longer use it anymore or upgrade. However, due to the cause behind the products, they all said they would feel pretty good about buying these products regardless of how often they use them.

6) Summaries:

Summaries found in answers for questions four & five.

7) Conclusions:

After conducting these interviews, I realized there is a lot of potential for this segment. It seems like it can to be appealing to several different types of shoppers and thinkers. It seems to fall in line with several forms of alternative and post-purchase evaluations, along with how and where people will buy the products.

14A – Halfway Reflection

Tenacity & Paying It Forward

1) This class has been relatively easy to manage, yet very informative due to the countless amounts of life skills involved. I have learned to plan better, and have adjusted my schedule to meet the Friday & Monday deadlines. This includes proper planning and time management. Additionally, I am new to blogging so I have spent more time practicing grammar and writing skills. This blog has allowed me to think more clearly, and improve on my past assignments.

2) Although I haven't had a "giving up" moment just yet. I have felt a bit down due to the stress from other classes. My accounting class has been quite difficult and it has demotivated me at times. However, after putting in long hours of work, it feels quite satisfying to know I did all I could. At the end of the day, that always gives me the boost I need to keep on going. All in all, I do believe I have built up a tenacious spirit and I hope to build on that as we get deeper into the semester.

3a) Stay focused, stay organized, and never procrastinate! Meet those deadlines and you will succeed in this class.

3b) Whenever you feel down and out, try to keep a positive mindset and think about how much room you have for growth.

3c) Consider this more than just a class. View it as an opportunity to grow as an individual and build your entrepreneurial mindset.

12A – Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

1) The segment I am choosing for these products is high school students.

2) Conducted interviews with three high school students.

• Emilio P.
• Valeska L.
• Denisse G.

3a) Emilio lives on an island called Key Biscayne. His island has experianced high amounts of flooding in recent days due to yearly "king tides." However, Emilio has noticed that with these tides come a great deal of pollution; particularly plastic, on to his streets. He is witnessing first hand the issues associated with plastic pollution. 

3b) Valeska lives in Miami Beach. She loves surfing but recently hasn't been able to go out on to the water due to high levels of seaweed caused by a lack of oxygen reaching seafloor phytoplankton. This is caused by trash on the surface blocking sunlight from reaching levels beyond that of the surface. She, like Emilio, have both witnessed how pollution can affect us in so many ways.

3c) Denisse lives more inland. She lives about 30 minutes away from the beach. However, she is in her schools' ocean conservation club. She may not have to deal with flooding and polluted water, but she has learned a great deal about how the oceans have both short and long term effects on the world we live in.

4) When I interviewed these students, they seemed to be very open to finding solutions. I asked them whether or not they believed using more sustainable and eco-friendly products such as metal cups, metal straws, and reusable water bottles would be a good first step in both spreading awareness and doing their part in becoming "green." They all jumped at the idea. They went on to do further research on pollution statistics and researched even more possible alternatives to work with.

5) Summary includes all parts of number 3, and number 4.

6) I believe this is a perfect target segment as high school students seem very open to change. Convincing older people seems to be complicated for several reasons. These reasons include lack of awareness, lack of care, or they view it as an inconvenience to switch now. High school students are just beginning to get a taste for the real world so it would be in their best interest to ensure they have a world to live in.

11A - Idea Napkin No. 1

1) My name is Yehudy Lander and I am a Business Administration major in the UF Warrington School of Business. My most defining talents are my teamwork abilities, communicative skills, and strong desire for perfection. I very much enjoy marketing and have a passion for the environment. My aspirations for this potential business venture would be to focus on green marketing and environmental awareness. Due to the increased familiarity with environmental issues, there is a good amount of potential for this idea.

2) My products will offer customers an opportunity to live more eco-friendly and sustainable lives. Additionally, products such as metal cups, metal straws, and water bottles are all reusable. This would essentially lead to savings. All in all, these products provide a win-win solution for the people and the planet.

3) The demographics for this business are extremely wide. This could potentially benefit anyone who has an interest in doing their part for our world. However, with the main focus revolving around plastic pollution, the idea would most likely appeal to people living in coastal cities. This would also appeal to businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and bars looking to go "green."

4) I believe customers would surely see value in these products. More and more people are becoming more environmentally aware, which has lead to the increased popularity in green products. This will provide satisfaction to all customers due to their ethical decisions.

5) Overall, I believe ethics are a large reason behind the failure/success of many people/companies. This business demonstrates all three qualities illustrated by the triple bottom line; profit, people, and planet. With proper knowledge of the issue, and a determined mindset, I strongly believe the possibilities for this idea are endless.

I believe these elements very well fit together. My interests and ideas lineup very nicely. Additionally, the products in which I could potentially deliver could certainly appeal to a wide variety of people. Companies are also seeking to go green as well. It is a win-win for all parties involved and it seems that all elements compliment one another.

10A – Elevator Pitch No. 1

9A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

Who: I interviewed five people who live in hometowns that are not in a 25 mile radius of a major body of water. Although this issue should alarm everyone, the five people seemed to not understand the magnitude of the issue due to the lack of plastic pollution in their respective hometowns. Overall, it would be hard to pitch this idea to areas in which plastic pollution is not an issue, or areas that do not prioritize environmental matters.

What: Although this may not seem like an imminent need, it is certainly something we should want. Just because you do not believe you are apart of the problem, or you believe this issue does not pertain to you due to your geographical location, it does not mean you can not contribute to the solution. If this trend continues, many experts in science community have stated the uncertainty for the near future of our environment.

Why: To many, this issue is simply irrelevant. Others may view it as an inconvenience. Going to a supermarket and using plastics bags is very easy and requires no thought. This may also be a product of mis-information and a simple lack there of. Unless you have a genuine concern for the environment, finding a solution for these matters may just not appeal to many.

Inside the Boundary	Outside the Boundary
Who: People living in coastal areas, people who are interested in environmental change, people interested in green, eco-friendly causes	Who: Misinformed people, living in non-coastal areas, living in areas with small amounts of pollution, not interested in change, lazy
What: Efforts to save the environment and slowly transition into a plastic-free society	What: Convenience, disinterest for creating positive change
Why: More aware about the issues we are facing in regards to plastic pollution	Why: Not aware about the dangers of plastic pollution, or very misinformed on the subject

*There is always a possibility that some people do not have the financial means to become more eco-friendly, while others have probably already become plastic-free.

8A – Solving The Problem

Solution:

As I previously stated, the solution to the issue of single-use plastics lie in the alternatives available, and the level of awareness that is spread on the matter. The plan for this begins with hosting beach clean-ups to inform consumers of how they affect the environment around them. I could potentially sell metal, paper, or bamboo straws, reusable bags and water bottles, and maybe even clothing made with sustainable resources such as recycled plastics. This can also be done through presentations at local elementary, middle, and high schools, and scheduled meetings with city officials. All in all, I would be providing a service to the community while running a profitable business.

7A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

1) Recognizing Opportunity

I have chosen to pursue the issue regarding single-use plastics such as straws, water bottles, and plastic bags. In order to carry this out we must focus on spreading awareness and slowly implement more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. However, our beaches and oceans are so polluted with these plastics that it is crucial that we begin to un-do our actions. 

2) The Who, What, and Why

Who: Users of single use plastics (restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, grocery stores, etc.)

What: The mass distribution of these plastics to uninformed consumers is leading to an excess of un-recyclable plastic waste, leading to the pollution of our beaches and oceans

Why: Uninformed consumers allow this to continue, along with the higher costs for alternative solutions

3) Hypothesis

There is opportunity for changes in the way we act as everyday consumers if we are presented with alternative solutions such as paper straws or re-usable bags if we are properly informed of the dangers associated with single-use plastics.

Testing the Who: This is an issue that will affect coastal areas and oceans worldwide. Eventually, alternatives will become a need if the effects of plastic pollution escalate to alarming levels.

Testing the What: This issue pertains to ALL single-use plastics as they are non-reusable and will be disposed of as regular trash.

Testing the Why: The reason people continue to use single-use plastics is due to the convenience and the lack of proper knowledge they have on the subject. Large companies who are uninterested in climate/pollution issues will rarely educate their customers/consumers on these issues.

4) Interviews

I interviewed five of my high school friends to further discuss and elaborate on this issue. Due to the fact that we all went to a high school with a focus on marine science and ocean conservation, they very much related to the issue and heavily agreed with the need to sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. The general consensus was that we must be more aware of our actions as daily consumers, and there should be more money allocated to finding alternatives and properly informing everyday people the dangers associated with the heavy usage of single use plastics that is so prevalent in the United States.

6A – Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

1) Regulatory
Link - https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article215486225.html

With the recent ban on plastic straws in several areas of South Florida, several opportunities are opened up to more sustainable; eco-friendly products such as metal, paper, hemp, and bamboo straws. The Miami-Herald article discusses the issues with plastic straws, and how easily they end up our roads, sewer pipes, and ultimately, our beaches. This will benefit every potential customer, especially those who are more understanding in regards to the issues of plastic pollution. I see this as a great opportunity due to the fact that I witness this issue first-hand, and by spreading awareness we could certainly educate our communities on the issues we're facing.

2) Regulatory
Link - https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/9/18/20872295/flavored-vape-ban-what-it-means-vapers

With all the scrutiny plaguing e-cig companies, legislators are pushing towards a ban on flavored vapes. This Vox article discusses the potential future of vaping, and how people will still likely be able to get their hands on flavored vapes. This may come via stockpiling now, or digging through the "black market web." With the amount of capital many of these large e-cig companies possess, they are surely going to implement a marketing strategy to retain customers if these flavored vapes are indeed permanently banned. This will specifically appeal to people with nicotine addiction, and refuse/prefer not to resort to regular cigarette usage.

3) Economic
Link - https://weather.com/news/news/2019-09-12-hurricane-dorian-impacts-missing-death-toll-damage-estimates

In the past few years, we have seen trillions of dollars in damage due to natural disasters. The latest disaster; Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, has demonstrated just how deadly and disastrous these issues can be. There is certainly an opportunity here to discover new ways to assist with disaster clean-ups. This will undoubtably serve millions of people around the world who are unable to rebuild and live proper lives following an unexpected event such as a hurricane, wildfire, or earthquake.

4) Economic
Link - https://www.vox.com/2019/3/18/18270916/labor-shortage-workers-us

According to this Vox article, there the U.S. economy simply does not have enough workers. There are 7.6 million available jobs, with only 6.5 million looking for work. There is definitely opportunity here for a job matching website that would essentially encourage people to go out and take these opportunities. This would benefit all 6.5 million of the unemployed if it assists them find a suitable career.