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.

Assignment 6A

Economic Trend #1

Dinner delivered trends and cooking made easy
*https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2017/07/03/home-meal-kit-phenomenon/102544292/
This article describes how Blue Aprons helps keep a busy lawyer on the go.

 *The opportunity exists because people these days are always on the go and don't have time to grocery shop or cook for themselves. Or they buy too much at the store and it goes to waste before it's used.

* The customers for this can range from college students to single's that don't want to shop for just one, to the busy lawyer or the tired teacher.

* This can and will be exploited because we live in an age that's always on the go and getting faster.

Economic Trend # 2

Craft beer and the not-as-fancy-as-you-thought styles
*https://www.forbes.com/sites/taranurin/2017/02/24/2017s-hottest-new-craft-beer-trend-is/#4e12521d29e8
This article outlines the popular beer trends of 2017 and the popularity of Oktoberfest and their German Lagers.

* The opportunity exists because we are seeing more people shifting towards the popular brewery hangouts. Oktoberfest has also become widely known here in the states. The young generation is turning out to be a big foodie group with expensive tastes in beer. We are also seeing more support for the small business industries like these.

* Customers for this type of opportunity would tilt more towards the hipster side. Although I know people young and old that love a good beer at their favorite hang out.

* This can be exploited because of the growing trend for local digs and easy start-up for these small breweries.

Regulatory Trend #1

Importation of Orchids (Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium family) from Korea to the US

*https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=APHIS-2015-0091-0001
The article explains why these orchids have not been previously allowed into the US due to risk of plant disease and pests.

* There's an opportunity here because orchids from these particular families are quite expensive currently because of the cost associated with growing them. By importing them the prices will go down and increase the supply of demand.

* Those customers most directly effected by this would be floral wholesalers, florists, and those that buy from florists such as brides, event planners, etc.

* This would be easy to exploit because there is a need for it among floral shops.

Regulatory Trend #2

African American Civil Rights Network Act.

*https://govtrackinsider.com/african-american-civil-rights-network-act-would-create-a-network-of-sites-important-to-black-639b97ac66
This article describes how and where a network of black history sites would go into effect for the National Parks System

* I believe there is an opportunity for those around us to be reminded of where we came from and the struggles and challenges that were overcome to get here.

* The customers would be anyone. School aged children going on field trips. Vacationers. Neighbors. Friends.

* This one might be difficult to exploit due to the current divide that seems to be happening across our states, and the current political arguments.

Assignment 5A- Identifying Local Opportuniteis

Article 1
Another St. Pete neighborhood laments loss of its grocery chain
http://www.tampabay.com/news/another-st-pete-neighborhood-laments-loss-of-its-grocery-store/2336542

The Skyway Plaza shopping center has remained desolate since the closing of Sweetbay supermarket in 2013. This area of St Pete is in need of revamping to bring in new retailers. The locals are crying for a grocery store to come back in. Similar areas are going through the same dilemma. retailers and grocery stores are pulling the plug due to lack of sales and stability. Brixmor owns the shopping center and is still receiving payments from the contract Sweetbay signed for the lease until 2020. The Urban Land Institute has been hired by the city and Brixmor to devise a plan for revitalization. All of these plans include new construction to rejuvenate the site. but they do not include plans for a grocery store. With 2 Publix locations within 7 minutes of the shopping plaza they don't see it happening. Medical offices and personal fitness studios are more likely options. A bright new shopping center would provide more economic stability to the community.

The problem
No retailers in the plaza

Who has the problem
The city
The owners of the property
Realitors
Residents
Visitors
Power company that supplies the shopping center

Article 2
Subs and Clubs reopens after forced shut down due to car accident
http://delrionewsherald.com/news/article_a8e12514-929d-11e7-9634-f7359c3d51fc.html

*Just a forefront to this story. I lived here for 3 years before returning to Florida in 2014. Subs and Clubs is delicious and a small town staple for more than 20 years!)

Subs and Clubs was forced to close 2 months ago due to a car driving through the dining room area earlier this summer. The drive through reopens today while the dining room still remains under construction and on hold due to a delayed shipment of furniture from Houston.

The Problem
Longtime Del Rio staple was shut down for 2 months

Who had the problem
The owners
Employees
Residents
Customers
Vendors that supply the sub shop
Utilities that supply the shop

Article 3
DA Crump says opioid epidemic to worsen first
http://clevelandbanner.com/stories/da-crumpsays-opioidepidemic-toworsen-first,65346?

The District Attorney makes a statement about the worsening opioid problem in Cleveland and across other parts of Tennessee. This year Bradley county is already up to 18 deaths due to overdose and is expected to double that by the end of the year. 53% of these overdose deaths come from drugs in the medicine cabinet. The deaths range range from preteens to the elderly. Bradley county is teaming up with DA's all over the state to crack down on pharmaceutical companies and promote awareness.

The Problem
Increase in deaths of all ages due to overdose on opioids.

Who has the problem
Users of over the counter medications
Pharmacists
Parents
Retailers of the medicines
Pharmaceutical companies
School systems
Hospitals and Dr's offices
Attorneys
*There are so many to identify the list could seriously go on and on*

Article 4
 Food City starts home delivery of groceries in Chattanooga
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/breakingnews/story/2017/sep/07/food-city-starts-home-delivery/447695/

Food City is partnering with Instacart to provide home delivery of groceries ranging from a time span of one hour to seven days. The partnership provides Food City customers with a one year free subscription to Instacart for orders over $35. They are also offering shoppers $20 off their first order and prompting customers to use their Food City ValuCard at check out for additional savings and ValuPoints. There is a clear demand for high quality grocery delivery.

The problem
Grocery needs for people on the go or those that cannot get to the store themselves

Who has the problem
Busy parents
People without a vehicle
Elderly people
Teenagers
College students on campus without transportation
First responders that can't leave the station
Business owners with no time to shop

Article 5
Students kicked out of class for Trump shirts, school district apologizes
http://www.tribuneledgernews.com/ledger/students-kicked-out-of-class-for-trump-shirts-school-district/article_005658d0-9192-11e7-b82f-270cd529bc2a.html

The Cherokee County School District stands behind their students after a High School math teacher asked 2 of her students to leave class for wearing " Make America Great Again" shirts. The students were not in violation of dress code and the math teacher has not been named but disciplinary action, which has not been released, was taken. The principal of the school immediately appologized to the students and the family after being alerted to the issue.

The problem
Professional educators not keeping their personal political opinions out of their work.

Who has the problem
Students
Parents
Fellow educators
Board of Directors
Principals

Assignment 4A- The unmet need

I believe there is an unmet need for a 24 hour coffee shop in Cleveland,TN. I moved here from Dunedin/Clearwater, FL area where everything is open late or all the Dunkin Donuts are 24 hours. Here in Cleveland we have 3 college campuses and many retail shops with workers going in at all hours of the day. Most of the gas stations around here are not open 24 hours either. The pumps are open but the store fronts are not. There are few places to grab coffee and a bite to eat early in the morning or past 10 o'clock at night. Currently the Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts open at 5:30 in the morning. Someone like myself, who has to be to work at 5 am has no where to grab something. College students have no where to get out of the house and study late at night or early before class. Police officers, first responders, hospital employees have no where to go either.

Interview # 1

Fellow coworker for Publix. Cake decoartor. 21 year old female.

Monica has to be to work at 5 am to open the decorating side of the bakery. She drives from Chattanooga to Cleveland every day, which is a good 25 minute commute.

Question 1: Are you an avid coffee drinker?
Yes!

Question 2: Do you stop for coffee/breakfast on your way to work, or make it at home?
I'm not a huge breakfast person, I usually have a bowl of cereal in the morning. There's NOTHING FREAKING OPEN at 4 o'clock in the morning! At home (Florida) I stopped at Dunkin every morning on my way to work. Right now I make coffee to bring with me, but I suck at trying to make iced coffee, and at 4 in the morning lets be real, who wants to make anything. I would rather someone else do it and I just pay for it.

Question 3: When did you become aware of this need for a 24 hour coffee shop?
My first day in Tennessee!

Question 4: Do you only have coffee on your way to work?
No. I'll have it on lunch as well. There's also times when I have it late at night. For example when we work the holidays, the week of a major holiday we keep the bakery running 24 hours. Usually the 3 days prior to Christmas or Thanksgiving I go in at 10 pm and work all night with the bakers. That puts my lunch break somewhere around 3 in the morning. If I don't bring lunch with me I'm screwed because I can't purchase anything at work, the registers are closed. Usually at that point I just want coffee anyway.

Question 5: How satisfied are you with your current solution for no 24 hour coffee shops?
Eh, it could be worse. Making coffee at home isn't the end of the world, it saves me money. But if Dunkin does ever decide to open 24 hours up here (Cleveland,TN) my coffee pot would probably go back into hibernation in the cabinet.

Interview # 2

Line operator for Flowers Bakery of Cleveland. 27 year old male.

Brad works the night shift at Flowers and oversees the production and packaging of breads such as Sunbeam and Natures Own. Flowers operates 24 hours a day with the exception of holidays and Sundays. Brad is local of Cleveland,TN

Question 1: Are you an avid coffee drinker?
I didn't used to be, but working the night shift has made me a fan of coffee.

Question 2: Do you stop for coffee/breakfast on your way to work, or make it at home?
I don't usually stop for breakfast because I work nights but I can usually make it to the Dunkin on 25th St before it closes on my way in. I hate making coffee at home. I'm too lazy.

Question 3: When did you become aware of this need for a 24 hour coffee shop?
When I started school at Cleveland State University (3 years ago). Pulling all-nighters became a regular thing for me before exams and major due dates for papers. Terrible I know but working and school at the same time didn't give me much choice in the matter.

Question 4 : Do you only have coffee on your way to work?
Depends. On my off day's I might drink soda or grab an iced tea.

Question 5: How satisfied are you with your current solution for no 24 hour coffee shops?
What solution? *hahaha*

Interview # 3

Operator for Mars Candy Co. Cleveland,Tn. 33 year old male.
Matt oversees the production of peanut M&M's. He has rotating shifts every 2 weeks which can put him into work as early as 4am or as late as midnight.

Question 1: Are you an avid coffee drinker?
Yes. I prefer it black.

Question 2: Do you stop for coffee/breakfast on your way to work, or make it at home?
Depends on what shift I'm working. If I happen to be on a mid morning shift I'll grab coffee at Starbucks on my way since it's right across the street from my house. If I'm working a midnight shift there's nothing open but 1 tiny gas station. Sometimes I'm desperate enough for the sh*ty gas station coffee, but I'd prefer to not drink burnt oil *haha*

Question 3: When did you become aware of this need for a 24 hour coffee shop?
When I first moved to Cleveland 3 years ago I was a manger for another company and worked a lot of overnights. I came here from Port St Lucie, FL and we had a 24 hour Dunkin. Tried to drive through Dunkin my first week here only to find they weren't 24 hours. Bummer too because I really want some Munchkins for a sweet pick me up on those midnight shifts.

Question 4: Do you only have coffee on your way to work?
No I'm one of those people that drinks coffee all day year round. Could be 98 degrees outside and I want a steaming cup of black coffee.

Question 5: How satisfied are you with your current solution for no 24 hour coffee shops?
I don't really have a solution. Both my girlfriend and I work non traditional jobs and we sleep in as late as we can before work. If nothing is open then we just grab a RedBull or suffer through *hahaa*

Reflection
All 3 of my interviewees work non traditional jobs, and 1 of them is a college student. They all seem to have the same needs as myself. Nothing is open 24 hours. I only conducted 3 full interviews but I did ask quite a few more people (upwards of 10) how they felt about a 24 hour coffee shop in the area. Specifically a Dunkin Donuts. Only one person said no, and it wad an older woman in her 70's who didn't feel it was right to have someone working that late for coffee. What I did learn that was surprising is just how many major industries are running around my area. Amazon, FedEx, VW, Mar's, Flowers. The list continues. All of these places run 24 hours.

Summary
All of my original opportunity is still here. My opportunity is still very accurate especially after talking with people around the area. Many people commute from here into Chattanooga. Lee University and Cleveland State are large campuses with thousands of students. The major companies like those listed above have thousands of employees. Then there's the employees of my Publix who start their shifts at 4 and 5 in the morning. There's so much opportunity for a 24 hour coffee shop, specifically Dunkin Donuts, up here. I chose Dunkin because it's well known and already established up here. There's one on campus of Lee University and one on 25th St which is literally right off the interstate at exit 25. If anything I believe this assignment solidified my belief.