I have been exposed to entrepreneurship my entire life. When my parents saw an opportunity in the market, they took it. Some of these ventures were a bust, but for the most part, worked out well and resulted in a prosperous undertaking and a learning experience. Most recently was my father's journey into the roofing business. To give clarification, my father is a medical salesman and has been his entire life. Although it may not make sense to undertake such a different avenue for a business, he worked hard and took an opportunity that was present.
Our family is very familiar with a set of remote islands in the Bahamas called the Abacos. They recently made headlines as being in the direct path one of the worst hurricanes on record. A category five (hypothetically a cat six) tore through the island and was even directly in the eye of the storm. The wreckage was immense and the community needed resources and skilled workers to rebuild. This mission was time-sensitive because the economy of the islands depends on tourism and major renovations needed to be done in order to be ready for the summer season.
From this unfortunate tragedy, my father worked out a way in which to bring skilled, US workers to the islands to rebuild the many roofless houses. Because he was familiar with the island, and the methods of which materials had to be shipped to and from the ports, he decided to undertake the process of creating a business to provide labor and resources for the island. He saw an opportunity and was able to execute a business plan that benefitted both him, the citizens of the island, future tourists, and local and foreign laborers.
I enrolled in ENT3003 because I want to better understand the technical dynamic of entrepreneurship. Already, many of the things I held to be true about these sorts of business ventures have been proven to be false. This just goes to show that I have much to learn, and I am ready to undertake the process.
Our family is very familiar with a set of remote islands in the Bahamas called the Abacos. They recently made headlines as being in the direct path one of the worst hurricanes on record. A category five (hypothetically a cat six) tore through the island and was even directly in the eye of the storm. The wreckage was immense and the community needed resources and skilled workers to rebuild. This mission was time-sensitive because the economy of the islands depends on tourism and major renovations needed to be done in order to be ready for the summer season.
From this unfortunate tragedy, my father worked out a way in which to bring skilled, US workers to the islands to rebuild the many roofless houses. Because he was familiar with the island, and the methods of which materials had to be shipped to and from the ports, he decided to undertake the process of creating a business to provide labor and resources for the island. He saw an opportunity and was able to execute a business plan that benefitted both him, the citizens of the island, future tourists, and local and foreign laborers.
I enrolled in ENT3003 because I want to better understand the technical dynamic of entrepreneurship. Already, many of the things I held to be true about these sorts of business ventures have been proven to be false. This just goes to show that I have much to learn, and I am ready to undertake the process.
Dear Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog post, I especially enjoyed reading about your family's willingness to take risk and explore new business avenues. My father also did something similar by opening up his own medical orthopedic practice. It was interesting to read about your father's ability to see potential in a very damaged community and make a difference by bringing in skilled U.S workers. In regards to your reflection I completely agree with your statement and I as well want to better understand the technical dynamic of entrepreneurship.
Best regards,
David Dietrich.
Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteWow, I really loved this story so much. It was so moving to me to hear that your dad has helped so many people on the island get back on their feet again. I have some family living in Puerto Rico and have been affected by the hurricanes, so this story felt special to me. It's great to hear that your dad took his skills to an advantage to help so many people out during such a rough time.