Assignment 13A

Reading Reflection

I read about Andrew Carnegie

What surprised me the most was how successful he was before the age of 20. Heck really before the age of 18.

I admire his drive and his ability to learn when he came over to America. He tried his hardest to hide his Scotch accent. When he taught himself Morse code, he learned how to memorize it without writing it down. And when the broken messages would come through the lines he could piece them together without asking the sender to repeat them. I also admire how much he took care of his mother during his success. He made sure that she had servants and a nice house and lived in the best area away from the soot of the manufacturing.

I think what I admired least about this man was his ability to turn off his emotions and be heartless. When he was watching the railways for two weeks while his superior was gone out of town, there was an accident on the tracks and he quickly lost his temper and took action without asking, resulting in one man being fired and 2 being suspended without pay. In a time where work was hard to find, I did not like how quick he was to jump on someone who did not deserve it. He even admitted in the book that he felt he had over reacted but did not wish to go back on his words for fear of how that might have looked on him.

Carnegie did encounter adversity. That happened just because he was a Scott and he did not attend school. But because he continued to read and teach himself about many things, including politics, he continued to succeed. He was also a very small man but he demanded attention with his writings. He took a big stand on politics and that of slavery. He prided himself in helping his country with the movement of soldiers and weapons on his train lines. He also started the Carnegie Institute of Technology. He donated so much of his money in his later years after selling his business to J.P. Morgan. He opened almost 3000 libraries. He wanted to educate people and he admired teachers.

Carnegie was very competent in business and how to work his way up the ladder. He excelled at everything he did. He observed those around him and was also a self taught man. He was also very good at bluffing. He bluffed his way into his steel company so to speak. He worked for the Pennsylvania railroad for so long he was tired of their freight charges. His bluff to build his own railroad paid off, as PA lowered their freight prices. Carnegie also eventually came to own every piece of industry he needed to make his own steel business successful.

Carnegie's political dealings were a little confusing to me. Trying to read the old writings of that time period, combined with politics, doesn't make much sense to me

If I could ask him 2 questions......Why do you omit your father from so much of your writings?
If he could see where the industry was today, what would he think and what would his thoughts be on further advancement.

Carnegie I think believed in hard work but he didn't like the physical work part. He liked to be the office man. He worked hard in that aspect, never truly leaving work at home. He had power lines strung to his home so he could take care of emergencies right away had there been some mishap on the tracks. Carnegie believes in hard work but everyone has their version of hard work. I share this opinion whether you are a laborer or an office man. He saw his mother support their family for so many years instead of his father, he wanted make sure he made a different path for himself.

I like to run marathons. It pushes me and gives me an excuse to visit new places.

Assignment 15A

Buyer Behavior


Interviews

Eddie mid 30's works for Apple as an online specialist. very tech savvy

Eddie is big into electronics and gadgets. He also likes to do his research before buying anything. He will check the reviews and the manufacturers specs etc. Even if it's a simple purchase like shoes. He also prefers to shop online. He does not like brick and mortar retailers. He also like only the top of the line things. Price doesn't matter to him. Eddie also likes to buy everything on credit cards and pay them off at the end of the month. He usually ends up second guessing his purchases but hardly ever returns things. He is guilty of selling things he doesn't like and buying something else. Like a Nikon camera he purchased a few months ago for his side business of photography. He sold it online for half of what he paid for it and then bought a more expensive one.
( I wish I could be Eddie haha)

Monika early 20's works in retail for Buckle

Monika loves to shop. She hates shopping online unless there's something she really can't get in a store. She is on a tight budget so online shopping is probably better for her but she prefers the instant satisfaction of a purchase. Things also don't have to be brand new either. She like to go to resale shops and flea markets too. She prefers to pay in cash or with a debit card because she knows she gets herself into trouble with her credit cards. She keeps them for emergencies only. She makes sure her purchase is something she really needs at the time so she doesn't regret spending the money on it later. Although it she finds it cheaper some where else she will try and get the better deal.

Darrel mid 40's Bakery manager for Publix for 25 years

Darrel is a bit old school. He pays for everything in cash and hates to shop online. He hates shopping period unless its garage sales or pawn shops. He is a regular Mr. fix it and does handyman work on his days off. So he wants things right now and he will haggle the price with you if he can. His house is paid for and so are all of his vehicles. He doesn't want new and the latest and greatest. He wants to pay for something once and keep it for 10 or 20 years. He doesn't ever have buyers remorse. However his wife usually likes to make more purchases on a whim.

I think it really depends on the type of person you are. If you're a person that's really on a tight budget you are more likely to have buyers remorse, for basically spending that money that you shouldn't have. Then again if you're like Eddie, where money really isn't a part of your decision, you might never be satisfied with a purchase. You may think that there's something better out there. Eddie also like to send off for the newest Iphone when it comes out. whether he needs a new one or not. I think all of us do tend to research things whether we think we do or not. Even if it's comparing two different boxes of cereal at the grocery store. One's cheaper with the same ingredients, while one has a name brand and costs a bit more.

Assignment 14A

Halfway Reflection

1) Tenaciousness is a competency. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course? 

I have to make myself think outside the box. It's hard because I don't want to be an entrepreneur. I've never really wished to be a business owner or an inventor. i like working for someone else because to me it's safe. I've had to make myself see things from the other side. But with that being said I also have to basically run my own business within a major business. That's what being a manager is.

2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?

I've felt like giving up for quite a few things in this course. I don't like interviewing people and writing about it. I also hate recording myself. I had to do that for a previous course and not a single bit of it was enjoyable for me. I've actually skipped 2 assignments in this course so far because i just didn't want to do them. I'll pay for it in my grade. I might not get that A I want but at the time I didn't care enough to do it because of things going on outside of the classroom. That's not the attitude to have but sometimes it just happens. I've given up on this degree several times as well, having to push myself through and get this far. I don't think my attitude is tenacious. This class is not hard, it's actually very easy, it's just my mindset that gets in the way.

3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset' ?

I would stay ahead of the game. I started that way and then got too comfortable and started slipping. I'm not behind by any means but I definitely push the threshold for due dates now. The professor is awesome and his lectures are enjoyable. If you throw yourself into the assignments it will be most enjoyable. Just keep an open mind when thinking about a business concept or idea.

Assignment 12A

Segment
Children and young adults. The parents of these children are the ones I chose to interview. One child (age 10) has autism and has a problem interacting with others.
The second child (age 16) is a paraplegic
I also chose 2 peopl to interview that would have a need for one of my trained horses.
One gentleman is an endurance rider that competes across the country. The other woman is an officer for the mounted unit back home in Florida.

Interview recap
The demand for both the sale of these horse and the riding program was met with positive feedback. The mother of the autistic child said she has previously taken her daughter to riding lessons before they moved here and it has helped tremendously with her confidence and interaction with others. While interviewing her she made it a point to tell me she would be my first client if I ever decide to pursue this here in the area. The 16 year old loves animals and didn't know riding horses would be an option for her. I even shared with her the special horse shows and paralympic equestrian games that other compete in.
My two interviews for the sale of my mustangs were great. I happen to ride the trails occasionally with the gentleman looking for an endurance horse. He has racking horses which do well on his trails but he was looking into the mustangs after going to an extreme mustang makeover competition. He would certainly be interested in my horses should I happen to have one come up for sale. The police officer currently rides for the mounted unit in Pinellas Park. They use draft horses currently but she also trains horses herself. She was very intrigued by this business idea. She loves the rescue horses and would help promote my business and love to have some of these horses on her unit.

Describing this segment

I think this business would be met with open minds and willing clients. Again it would all depend on where and how you did it. But hearing the positive feedback from different potential clients was great. I think the best place for this would be on the outskirts of a larger city. One of the mothers suggested I team up with 4-H for volunteers, which I think is a great idea.

Assignment 11A

Who Am I?
I am a bakery manager for Publix Supermarkets, a previous art student, cake decorator, and florist. I've spent most of my almost 30 years in the service and hospitality industry. At one time I was taking the culinary route and working in kitchens while pursuing my culinary arts degree. I am a very hands on person and excel well in an artistic setting. This is one of the main reasons I am so good at my current job. But I also have a passion for horses(and all animals), specifically rescues and rehabs
However, none of these things apply to what I actually wish to do when I retire from Publix. I'm pretty decent at running the financials of a business and understanding what it takes to make those things work, and watching my parents do it for so many years. This will help my future endeavor tremendously.
My dream business revolves around horses. I myself have 3 horses, two of which are mustangs that I adopted from the BLM wild mustang program. I have trained them from the ground up and have put countless people on them, from novice and children, to experienced and elderly. My business concept revolves around rescuing animals like this and not only finding them new jobs and homes but also using them to rehab others. Weather that would be handicap individuals, war veterans, children, abuse cases etc. I have volunteered with a few horses for handicap programs over the years and have always held a passion for it.
This business would never generate a huge profit, in fact it would most likely be a non-profit organization.

What am I offering? I'm offering 2 things.
Professionally trained BLM mustangs that are safe for beginners all the way to expert riders.
I am also offering therapy horses to those that need rehabilitation themselves
At some point I would like to host training clinics and help promote the adoption of these animals that need homes.

Who am I offering it to?
This is really going to be for a very specific demographic. Age and sex really plays no part in this business. The sale of the horses would be for the fellow equine community. But horse like these are also used in the Marine Core, the mounted unit for the U.S. Border Patrol, and several other law enforcement operations. This type of horse is also the ideal mold for endurance riders and those traveling across rugged terrain. They are a good sturdy horse with strong feet due to their background and living on the wild plains across the country.
The riding program would be geared more towards handicapped children and adults, war veterans, those with mental illness, or even those that are just rehabbing from a bad accident.

Why do they care?
People are willing to pay for programs that help their children and loved ones. This also gets them out of the house and into the fresh air. Most people have a kind heart for animals and they've been proven to help with things like PTSD and depression. Riding horses get's an entirely different grouping of muscles working, while teaching you balance and stability.
The sale of these horses will be a little harder for people who look down upon this breed. A lot feel they have no honorable blood lines and therefor should not be worth much. There is however a growing recognition for these horses. A lot of people in the horse community love the story behind them and wish to add one to their family.

What sets me apart?
There are already several rehab programs like this throughout the country, A lot do not survive due to funding, this is where the sale of horses helps out. But the trick to this business would be location and teaming up with a licensed psychologist.

I believe all these elements fit together but any equine business is a risk due to the high costs involved. It's all about teaming up with the right people and getting your name out there.

Assignment 8A

As stated previously in my blog:

Opportunity

A nation wide concealed weapons permit that requires an extensive background check and allows you to renew at the national level instead of the state level.

To dive into more detail of this opportunity I'll explain to you my frustrations. I'm originally from Florida and that is where I obtained my CWP. They are not an open carry state and their laws are more strict than the other two states I have lived in. I moved to Texas where I had reciprocity but did have to get a new permit to match my new TX license or I was not allowed to purchase any firearms. So I needed to go through another background check and pay $140 for a new permit. My FL permit was around $200. I moved back to Florida a few years later and had to once again change my permit. A year and a half ago I moved to TN for work. Guess what? Another freaking permit change. But this time I'm required to take ANOTHER CWP course. So not only do I have to pay for the course again but I also have to pay for another license at $100 plus the course fee.

So this is where my thought of 1 permit across the country comes in.

Product/Service

To obtain a nation wide permit you would need to pass an extensive background check and complete a training course. Gun laws would need to be the same across the nation as well. Weather that is to conceal or to open carry. They all need to be the same.

Assignment 7A

Opportunity

A nation wide concealed weapons permit that requires an extensive background check and allows you to renew at the national level instead of the state level. 

Who

Legal United States Citizens with clean backgrounds

What

Citizens are unable to obtain a CWP that is valid in all 52 states and requires a training course and background check.

Why

Currently CWP's are different for every state and not every state has reciprocity. You also have to transfer your CWP to a new state if you move, often times having to retake the class and pay extra money. Some states don't even require you to take a class. 

Hypothesis

I know there are many other people who feel this way. Currently the NRA is pushing for a bill to pass that would allow reciprocity in all 52 states. This would not however require all states to deem training courses necessary and to have 1 unanimous permit. They would still have each state issuing their own permits. Some states don't even require a permit for you to carry. open or concealed(Mississippi, Vermont, and Wyoming)

Why do we not have this already?

Mainly because all gun laws across 52 states would have to be reconfigured and those that are opposed to guns and where they should be allowed would probably pose a huge problem. It would take years of planning to put something this large into effect. 

Interviews

Interview 1.)  Male, Late 20's,Special Agent for Customs and Border Protection

Do you believe a nation wide CWP would benefit those who currently carry and those who wish to carry?

Yes and No. I myself am not required to have a CWP, my carry is recognized anywhere due to my position and my security clearance. However if I was to retire and go to a local law enforcement agency, most would require I obtain a CWP. I think reciprocity throughout the country would make traveling a lot easier for most citizens. If something like this were to happen I feel like stricter gun laws would need to be enforced for those that violate them.

2.) Do you believe that all states should require mandatory training classes before allowing any citizen to obtain a CWP?

Yes I do. There are too many people that are afraid of guns or do not know how to properly handle one. Gun safety is a huge issue. If the time ever comes for that person to actually defend themselves with a weapon, all sense of calm goes out the window. We should prepare those that wish to carry a firearm as best we can by teaching them the proper skills, physically and mentally.

3.)What are your thoughts on our current CWP laws?

It really depends on the state. I feel there are too many laws that are lax. There are currently 26 states that issue permits without ever actually requiring someone to shoot a gun! Do you know how stupid that is!? The kind of damage a person could do to themselves if they've never shot a gun before and try to protect themselves.

4.) The NRA is currently trying to push for reciprocity in all 52 states, issuing permits like a license. How do you feel about this?

It's a decent idea but I feel it would be a disaster. Too many fights and it would mean that all states would have to agree to honor other states laws. 

Interview 2.) Male, early 30's, Border Patrol agent

1.)Do you believe a nation wide CWP would benefit those who currently carry and those who wish to carry?

Okay on the surface that's not a bad idea. The second amendment is a constitutional issue, and as such federal laws make sense. Here's why i think it's a terrible idea. If you do that, it would almost certainly restrict gun laws. They would not compromise and meet at the most gun friendly state's level. it would almost certainly be more towards the overly strict end. Which would immediately impact the whole country instead of just one state.

2.) Do you believe that all states should require mandatory training classes before allowing any citizen to obtain a CWP?

That is fine by me. If it's your right-not to be infringed. then forcing me to take classes is an infringement and I don't dig that.

3.) What are your thoughts on our current CWP laws?

I think they're crap and there shouldn't be any

4.) The NRA is currently trying to push for reciprocity in all 52 states, issuing permits like a license. How do you feel about this?

Driving isn't a right. it's not guaranteed by anything. Firearms are guaranteed by the bill of rights in the constitution. Literally right next to freedom of speech and such. We shouldn't have permits at all. Gun's ARE dangerous and we DO have a gun problem, but that's the price of freedom. freedom IS dangerous.

Interview 3.) Female, late 50's, mother of 2, current gun owner

1.)Do you believe a nation wide CWP would benefit those who currently carry and those who wish to carry?

Yes

2.) Do you believe that all states should require mandatory training classes before allowing any citizen to obtain a CWP?

Yes

3.) What are your thoughts on our current CWP laws?

They need to be the same in all states. Travel is restricted due to different state laws. Some require you to keep weapons in trunk or disassembled when renders them useless. There's not enough training to get a CWP. Example would be a 1 hour sit down class at the fair grounds. That's bad. You need weapons handling training. Some people with CWP's have never fired a weapon which is dangerous in an emergency.

4.) The NRA is currently trying to push for reciprocity in all 52 states, issuing permits like a license. How do you feel about this?

Not a bad idea but it still doesn't standardize things with all states. I think the standardization needs to come first.

Interview 4.)Female, early 20's, college student, never shot a gun

1.)Do you believe a nation wide CWP would benefit those who currently carry and those who wish to carry?
Yes. Having different laws in every state to own a gun is just dumb.
2.) Do you believe that all states should require mandatory training classes before allowing any citizen to obtain a CWP?
Yes. I've never owned a gun or shot one. I grew up with a military dad but he never taught me to shoot.
3.) What are your thoughts on our current CWP laws?
I honestly don't know much about them. I've moved around so much and I just reached the legal age to even purchase a hand gun.
 4.) The NRA is currently trying to push for reciprocity in all 52 states, issuing permits like a license. How do you feel about this?
It seems like a good idea. More simplistic.

Interview 5.)Male, late 50's, retired fire chief
1.)Do you believe a nation wide CWP would benefit those who currently carry and those who wish to carry?
Yes, it sure would make it easier for my wife and I when we travel.
2.) Do you believe that all states should require mandatory training classes before allowing any citizen to obtain a CWP?
Yes. There can never be too much training. I always encourage my men to go get their permits and take courses. 
3.) What are your thoughts on our current CWP laws?
The requirements for getting the permit need to be the same across all states. Even with reciprocity you still need to know each states law before you drive over the line. Current laws really need to be even across the board.
4.) The NRA is currently trying to push for reciprocity in all 52 states, issuing permits like a license. How do you feel about this?
Like I just mentioned, reciprocity is great in all states but the lawmakers of each state can still get you for not abiding by their laws. If you go vacation in a state that has reciprocity for your home state that's great. But if they have different laws you might have to disassemble your fire arm before you even enter that state and keep it locked in the glove box. some states have a 3 step law to get to your fire arm before shooting it. I feel like this will just cause more issues in the long run if all 52 states don't lay our the same foundation.

So I definitely feel like I bit off way more than I bargained for.  Interview 2 was probably my most intense and my most informative. He was originally a literature and journalism major in college before becoming a BP agent. How the heck that happened, I have no clue. but he definitely opened my eyes to a lot of things I had not thought of before. Such as the stricter laws and drivers license no being a right, it's a privilege. The older mother of 2 was definitely passionate about this subject. Her and her husband are huge supporters of the NRA but don't agree with the law they are trying to push. 

I originally thought of this opportunity because I have moved to so many states and they ALL have so many different laws and require you to obtain a new CWP. As soon as you change your drivers license to that new state your CWP almost becomes void because you can't use it due to the fact that it no longer matches your current address. Definitely a lot of food for thought on this. I do believe there is still an opportunity for all 52 states to come under the same laws and have 1 unified permit for this. Or drop permits all together and respect the same gun laws.