Let's Brighten Up Life
Main Business: Interior design for rehabilitation care facilities and elderly housing u88.cn Enriching Small Projects
Entrepreneur: Casey·Bredwick
Startup Time: Began in 2001
Startup Capital: $50,000
It wasn't until her first step through the doors of a shelter that Casey·Bredwick began to seriously consider where she would spend her final days. The design concept of the shelter was similar to a funeral home, which shocked her. Bredwick immediately started researching the design styles of shelters and soon decided to shift the focus of her Jacaranda Decor Company to interior design for rehabilitation care facilities and elderly housing.
Her company was originally a residential design firm, but she changed its direction in 2006. As a pioneer in this design concept, it was difficult to obtain redesign contracts for elderly housing facilities, but Bredwick never gave up. She found new solutions for her projects, attempting to evoke memories of tropical themes, small villas, and seaside vibes. Now 51 years old, Bredwick communicates with residents, customers, and even employees to ensure that every design has a personal touch. She said, "We should find colors that represent grass and the sky; we shouldn’t paint walls gray. In short, our work should evoke memories in our customers."
In December 2006, Bredwick hired Morgan·Meyer as the marketing director to enhance and help expand the business. With the help of partner company FAH Inc., Jacaranda Decor has completed six projects since its inception. They are currently collaborating with the Pathway Living Shelter and Retirement Housing for Seniors, which owns nearly 300 properties nationwide. In the coming years, Bredwick expects to develop related furniture product lines and plans to use videos to demonstrate the needs of elderly housing. The company’s sales in 2007 were $750,000, and she anticipates a growth to $3 million in 2008. Bredwick said, “I have found more meaning in shelter projects because I am changing people's lifestyles.”
Charity Can Also Make Money
Main Business: Emblems for raising funds and increasing awareness for charitable causes
Entrepreneur: Kay·McDonald
Startup Time: Began in 2004
Startup Capital: $150,000
Kay·McDonald is a veteran in the fashion and jewelry industry who combined her love for jewelry with her lifelong passion for charity work to create her ideal business — Charity Emblem. After noticing the resurgence of charm bracelets in her field of work and the marketization trend of her charitable endeavors, McDonald conceived a new bracelet concept inspired by a custom-made charity emblem with a clasp.
Recalling one day, the 50-year-old McDonald said, "When I looked down and saw dozens of charity brochures, ah-ha, inspiration struck me. Most charities incorporate cute patterns into their logos, which can be extracted to create emblems, thus giving birth to Charity Emblem." Today, her company has collaborated with over 50 charities, including the American Red Cross and Save the Children USA, helping them raise over $650,000 in the past three years. The retail price of their products is $50, and they can be mounted on jewelry valued between approximately $10 to $230, including bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and various styles and designs of pendants. These charities can sell these emblems and jewelry at their events for 100% profit or sell them through the Charity Emblem website for partial profits, which can be accurately calculated on the site so customers know the exact donation amount when purchasing the products.
Looking to the future, McDonald hopes her company can partner with or sell to a large jewelry company to spread the emblem concept globally, making any act of charity portable.
Her company's projected sales for 2008 are $1.5 million. McDonald said, "Every day, we hear amazing stories from people who give or receive our products. 'Wearing certain accessories boosts motivation or enthusiasm.' We are amazed by these stories about the impact of our company's products."
Second-hand Sales Service
Main Business: Full-service second-hand sales
Entrepreneur: Ben·Wisensale
Startup Time: Began in 2006
Startup Capital: $1,000
When Ben·Wisensale's high school classmates had just obtained their driver's licenses, he had already stepped into the business world. This entrepreneur sold lemonade at roadside stands as a child and later helped his mother with second-hand sales, after which he founded his current company. His mother once told him, "You can make money by helping others; many people need this service." He took these words to heart and acted accordingly. Therefore, Wisensale established Grand Slam Estate Sales, which reduced competition in the second-hand sales industry. The company's employees are local high school students who can assist clients with various tasks, whether advertising, selling, or verbally pricing all items to ensure steady profits for clients. Unsold items during transactions are donated to the Goodwill charity organization, and donation receipts are provided to clients. The average cost per transaction is $450, and Grand Slam ensures clients earn a $50 profit, while Wisensale says most clients make $300. Despite being only 18 years old, this does not hinder the development of Grand Slam due to the provision of over 90 job opportunities and coverage by local media. Once the company finds investors, Wisensale plans to expand its business nationwide within a year. Potential franchise agents from San Diego and Dallas have shown interest in investing in Grand Slam, and the company's expected sales for this year are $80,000. Wisensale said, "Customers leave with money, they don't have to do anything to dispose of their excess items. It really helps them, and they are very grateful to us."
This article comes from 88fa Franchise Network http://www.88fa.org/, Original address: http://www.88fa.org/post/20.html