Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

1) An independent contractor food delivery service
I've found this opportunity through personal experiences of getting food delivered and having the order arrive incorrect. I believe this opportunity exists because I have seen many others stressed out about this as well. The prototypical customer here are the people that use food delivery services such as Uber Eats and this opportunity would not be too difficult to exploit, it would only take one person per order. I see this opportunity because I have brought this up in conversations and have always had people in agreement. No one like to get their order messed up

2) A phone carrier only for police officers
I found this opportunity in the Palm Beach Post as there has recent events where citizens are intercepting the police dispatches. I think the opportunity is clear here as the police communication lines should be private to the police force and there should not be a chance that criminals can be listening. The prototypical customer here would be a police unit but this would indeed be very difficult to exploit because establishing a phone carrier is an expensive and lengthy process. I formed the belief that this opportunity exists because intercepting radio signals is not that difficult to the computer savvy and can still be done even if they are encrypted.


3) Milk protein as a plastic substitute
I've found this opportunity through seeing all the litter on the Florida beaches at almost all times. Climate change is real, it is difficult to argue against that so it is pretty obvious that we need to start making things out of sustainable substitutes to preserve the world for our grandchildren. The prototypical customers here are those who are concerned for the safety of our planet and activists. I see this opportunity because I absolutely hate seeing animals eat litter and bring garbage into there nests.


4) A tarp system that is laid before the roofing in houses in order to help in the case of hurricanes or tornadoes
I found this opportunity when seeing blue tarps on roofs after/during hurricane season. Florida roofs often get torn off resulting in tons worth in damages from water getting inside. If there was some sort of system to putting down tarps after the initial framework is done and then just leaving it in the roof in case of emergency, I think many families would be better off during hurricane season. It would not be absurdly expensive either, as tarps are pretty cheap. I see this opportunity because I have had damages done to my home during hurricanes and it is not a pleasant experience whatsoever.

Identifying Local Opportunities

1)  Roof ripped off Central Fla. home as storms roll through state - County gets some rain, cooler temps, but the drought may not budge

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0125%21January%2B25&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/1712CB87DE8E9DD8

Due to a tornado in Central Florida, the roof of a pastor's home was torn off leaving their house bare and exposed. Many of the roofs in Florida are often being damaged in extreme weather situations causing families to be in the face danger. There is a number of families across the state that have problems with their roofing and innovation could be answer to the storms and tornadoes.

2) City ditches plan for bike lanes on Swinton Ave.

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0124%21January%2B24&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/171276C6D2D45BB8

Swinton Avenue is a historic road that means a lot to many of the people of Delray Beach. It has been there for years and many of the locals grew up on this street, including myself. There has recently been some commotion because this two way road doesn't have bike lanes and the bikers want there to be lanes to ride in. On the other hand, the people of Delray beach don't want to sacrifice any trees or wildlife just to make bike lanes. This is a problem for the bicyclists and the conservationists and it could potentially be solved by splitting the sidewalk between a bike lane and a walking lane in my opinion.

3) Police radio fans bemoan agencies' use of encryption

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0121%21January%2B21&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17117910C22C1760

There has recently been controversy in the police force as a result of the police and fire dispatch radio signals being intercepted by civilians. While this may seem harmless, criminals can use this to execute crimes with less of a chance of being caught. As a result of the intensifying technology in hands of the public, the police have begun to encrypt their radio signals. This is a problem for the police force as all their communications can be intercepted.

4) Police: People believed to viewing lunar eclipse run over by police car

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0122%21January%2B22&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/1711CF0FBAFFFD18

On Sunday night just before the lunar eclipse, a police officer ran over two people who were laying in the street to watch the eclipse. The problem is getting ran over of course and is a problem for both the people in the street as well as the officer. A potential solution could be walkways/bridges over roadways for the purpose of stargazing.

5) Dog day at beach passes test in Boynton

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0121%21January%2B21&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17117910C030C078

Dogs have been banned from the South Florida beaches for as long as I can remember but almost every day people bring their dogs to the beach and get tickets/fines. Recently there was a test run for a "Dog Day" which brought both good and bad feedback. The problem here is for the dog owners as they can't bring there pets to the beach and those who do not like dogs as they are disgusted by the idea of stepping in poop.

Forming an Opportunity Belief

1) I have a belief that there is an opportunity in the business realm for a service that links potential employees with only international employers.

2) There are tons of job opportunities for highly educated professionals around the world and the skill sets are distributed throughout the world pretty unevenly This would be a service that matches employees with jobs in the country of their choice with high salaries for financial security. The need is for both people who cannot find a job in their home country as well as the countries that do not have as many trained professionals. This need has always existed and I would say I am about 75% sure there is an opportunity for this kind of service.

3) The prototypical customers for this service are the kind of people interested in working or moving overseas. I found three people who want to study abroad and continue working abroad after college.

4) What is the exact nature of the need?:

Conrad - I wish to carry out an occupation that allows me to remain financially stable while also allowing me to travel.
Brady- I want to be able to experience other cultures while also being able to support myself.
Alex- I studied abroad last summer and it was an eye opening experience, I cant do another semester abroad at this point, unfortunately, but would absolutely love to work abroad,

When do they become aware of the need?:

Conrad- I became aware that I wanted to seek this occupation and a service to match me with a good career after I realized I've experienced a lack of travel and indulgence in other cultures.
Brady- I knew that this is an occupation that would fit me because of how much I enjoy being abroad and to provide service while travelling would be incredible.
Alex- I didn't know where to start. Although I want to work abroad I don't know of any platforms that would facilitate any connections for international job offers.

How long have you had the need?:

Conrad- For about a year.
Brady- 1 year and 7 months
Alex- Since I studied abroad last summer.

When did you first become aware of the need? Why?:

Conrad- I lost my job due to a lay off and decided I didn't want another job in the same town.
Brady- When I got accepted into college and realized that I wanted to gain new experiences.
Alex- I honestly didn't think there would be a way for me to do it, I don't know of any positions available, and I wouldn't want to take a trip internationally and ultimately fail to find a position.

How are you currently addressing your need?:

Conrad- Through various job applications.
Brady- Through various job applications
Alex- I've tried job applications, but there are few that I have found. Having some sort of agent/platform to connect me to more companies would be fantastic.

How satisfied are you with this solution?:

Conrad- This service that I am hearing about sounds like it will expand my job outlook and increase my potential to receive and maintain a job that allows me to travel with good pay.
Brady- The description of the service seems like a great match for my lifestyle and I can see myself being very satisfied in the future.
Alex- I think there is real potential, not just for me, I believe there is a real national need for a platform like this. Being able to expand job horizons beyond our border really appeals to me.

5) I learned that there is a real need for a platform like this and everyone I interviewed as well as others that I talked to were intrigued. There are many people interested in studying abroad and no way to facilitate connection for international companies.

7) All platforms for international jobs are confusing, hard to navigate and do not have many job options. Because of this I believe that my original opportunity is still there. I feel that the need was clarified/solidified during these interviews. The feedback that I received was entirely positive. Feedback from customers is vital to the success of entrepreneurs.

My Entrepreneurship Story

The first time I was ever really exposed to entrepreneurship was my junior year of high school working at Reflective Glass, Showers and Mirrors. I realistically had no decent work experience prior to this job so going into it was a bit of a struggle. From the moment I walked in the door, I was put on the spot and my potential was tested as they put me in charge of the front desk and making in-store estimations and sales. The business belong to my girlfriend's parents at the time and they started it by themselves, this is an examples of the kind of entrepreneur that I'd like to be.

I enrolled in this class because it is one of the electives for me to take during upper division construction management and I can use it to fill my current schedule. Beyond just that, I feel as if there is a lot to be gained from this class. I would not consider myself an entrepreneur at this point in my life but one day I would like to be able to.

Bug List

1) The dryer at my house can never seem to get the wrists on my shirt sleeves completely dry.

 This piece of equipment does not have enough heat capacity.

2) High pitched noises hurt my ears so those can go in the bug list as well.

 There is all sorts of annoying signals being emitted from my receiver and stereo.

3) When the pool is cold and nobody wants to go it is pretty upsetting.

 Sometimes I just want to swim but it is too cold.

4) Leaving my window open overnight allows all the bugs in and all the fresh air out.

 These windows just simply push open and are quite difficult to keep closed.

5) When people take my things without asking definitely belongs somewhere in this list.

 People seem to think they are entitled to things that are not theirs.

6) The fact that people who ride bikes on campus are totally oblivious to their surroundings and the traffic.

 Bikers think the road is just theirs.

7) People don't know how to park their cars on campus.

 They are always in between the lines so no one can fit in the next spot.

8) When my scooter wont start.

 The thing is old so it takes some effort.

9) When I take my scooter in to get it fixed and the repair shop takes weeks to even look at it.

 They are beyond too busy.

10) I hate seeing time be wasted.

 Time is precious and valuable but not to everyone.

11) Getting sick is definitely on this list.

 My immune system is not the best.

12) When you open your fridge and there is nothing in there.

 Time to go to the store.

13) When someone eats my leftovers and thinks that it is okay.

 Those are there for me.

14) Having a dirty room.

 I always like things to be clean and tidy.

15) When people don't listen to what I am saying.

 They are paying attention to something else.

16) Falling asleep before taking a shower.

 Getting my bed dirty is a nightmare of mine but sometimes I just can't stay awake.

17) Running out of clean socks, my feet get cold.

 I forget to do my laundry often enough.

18) When I cannot connect to UF wifi.

 There is too many students and not enough internet.

19) This one ties back to number 15, having to repeat myself.

 Not only is it a bug when people don't listen to me but when the information actually has some sort of importance and I need to say it again, I hate it.

20) Running out of soap or shampoo mid shower.

 Unfortunately I cannot get an endless supply of either.

Making this bug list really was not too big of a challenge for me. Not only do I have a lot of pet peeves, but I know what they are and why they are the way that they are. If I was more optimistic this assignment would be much more difficult.

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