Member of the Month

GayWolf420
June, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

The Entrepreneur Thread

profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22738 - Karma: 77,014
Who out there has it in their soul? What business ideas have you tried? Success stories? Failure?
11 years ago
149 48
profile picture
acualywasdolan
Posts: 1172 - Karma: -747
I started ns but nobody gives me credit for it
11 years ago
6 30
profile picture
Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11955 - Karma: 12,308
I have 0 but want to be rich with minimal effort, do I qualify for this thread?
11 years ago
10 2
profile picture
last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
I have a few ideas. I want to learn how to custom boot fit and make it more affordable so that way people can get the most out of skiing in their boots. I will probably launch a boot fitting shop out of a garage of a house I will eventually get. Maybe I'll stock up on some lightly second hand boots to keep consumer cost down if the boot will be a good fit for them.

I'm also interested in commercial property as well.

I just finished reading a business book and have had way more ideas in my head about starting a business more than ever.
11 years ago
0 2
profile picture
CitizenKane
Posts: 5794 - Karma: 22,498
in middle school I used to sell gum to kids at insanely high prices. had to stop though because some dweeb squealed on me
11 years ago
22 1
profile picture
.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7583 - Karma: 12,749
I intern for a start-up which is fascinating. You get to see so much and learn about the process.
11 years ago
4 0
profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22738 - Karma: 77,014
last_tangoI have a few ideas. I want to learn how to custom boot fit and make it more affordable so that way people can get the most out of skiing in their boots. I will probably launch a boot fitting shop out of a garage of a house I will eventually get. Maybe I'll stock up on some lightly second hand boots to keep consumer cost down if the boot will be a good fit for them.

I'm also interested in commercial property as well.

I just finished reading a business book and have had way more ideas in my head about starting a business more than ever.


Dude you need to figure out the perfect match between the fact that online retail is the future, and the fact that without boot fitting you're fucked. Figure out that sweet spot nirvana and you're stoked. My *theory* on this is something like a shop where you can try on every single model, order 'em online and then pay to get 'em fit. No idea how you could pull this off without carrying inventory though.

joopsegalin middle school I used to sell gum to kids at insanely high prices. had to stop though because some dweeb squealed on me


I actually used to do that too. Supply and demand though man - if you have gum and kids want it fuck it they pay for it. I used to give sticks of gum on credit and charge like crazy compound interest per day. Once had a guy pay me $20 for a single stick.

Personally I say that's filling demand, and anyone who would 'rat' on you is a fucking communist.
.MASSHOLE.I intern for a start-up which is fascinating. You get to see so much and learn about the process.


Hah I bet man. Being on the streets where this shit happens is insane. When business ideas hit the real world, all kinds of insanity happens.
11 years ago
5 0
profile picture
SFB
Posts: 8895 - Karma: 26,366
i had a lemonade stand once
11 years ago
4 3
profile picture
op14
Posts: 1769 - Karma: 4,586
SFBi had a lemonade stand once


EVeryone probably drove by and saw how ugly/retarded you looked and donated to your cause
11 years ago
18 1
profile picture
-emile-
Posts: 6613 - Karma: 8,595
I sell sexual favors for money , it works decently.
11 years ago
7 0
profile picture
acualywasdolan
Posts: 1172 - Karma: -747
Mr.BishopDude you need to figure out the perfect match between the fact that online retail is the future, and the fact that without boot fitting you're fucked. Figure out that sweet spot nirvana and you're stoked. My *theory* on this is something like a shop where you can try on every single model, order 'em online and then pay to get 'em fit. No idea how you could pull this off without carrying inventory though.



I actually used to do that too. Supply and demand though man - if you have gum and kids want it fuck it they pay for it. I used to give sticks of gum on credit and charge like crazy compound interest per day. Once had a guy pay me $20 for a single stick.

Personally I say that's filling demand, and anyone who would 'rat' on you is a fucking communist.


Hah I bet man. Being on the streets where this shit happens is insane. When business ideas hit the real world, all kinds of insanity happens.


Boot fitters like surefoot are stupid. Its all about finding the right boot- there is one for every type of foot/ankle. Surefoot has about 20 percent of all boot types in stock. What you need is a store that has 100 percent of the boots made. People need to try on boots from every manufacturer. Trying on a boot that has an inferior fit and molding it to compensate is absolutely fucking retarded. Have them try on 15 to 20 boots, see which fits the best, then mold if needed.

The whole idea of carrying one or two boot manus and molding them is ridiculous
11 years ago
3 1
profile picture
uyghur
Posts: 993 - Karma: 2,028
I just watched the wolf of wall street and was thinking about this... The creator of urban dictionary is a family friend, he said all he did was code up a simple website with a good idea. Add advertising and bam, millions.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,634
Me and my brother have had a few ideas, threw together some prototypes but nothing ever beyond that. One day we will get around to it, probably not, but I hope we do.
11 years ago
0 1
profile picture
~Gotama~
Posts: 821 - Karma: 3,160
Did I ever tell you about the time I invented snowboarding?
11 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Top_Gun
Posts: 258 - Karma: 469
I've been trying to make things for a long time but mostly either run out of attention, or get passed up by bigger companies.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
MTPOW
Posts: 173 - Karma: 115
I love this kind of stuff. In high school last year I wrote a business plan for a 3D printing company. Basically it was a Kinkos printshop with 3D printers.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
kingsskier
Posts: 6213 - Karma: 2,170
I'm currently starting a business in network management type solutions. Have capital investors, have a contract for a large job already. Just making sure I'm legal in the eyes of the man before I start anything. Kind had things happen backward than most, but that's what happens when you share drinks with hedge fund investors.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Vtsnowski
Posts: 3554 - Karma: 1,397
Microbrew skis, still in the R&D stage with prototypes.
11 years ago
3 0
profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22738 - Karma: 77,014
SpssBoot fitters like surefoot are stupid. Its all about finding the right boot- there is one for every type of foot/ankle. Surefoot has about 20 percent of all boot types in stock. What you need is a store that has 100 percent of the boots made. People need to try on boots from every manufacturer. Trying on a boot that has an inferior fit and molding it to compensate is absolutely fucking retarded. Have them try on 15 to 20 boots, see which fits the best, then mold if needed.

The whole idea of carrying one or two boot manus and molding them is ridiculous


Dude I completely agree with you. I've got some fucking wide-ass flippers for feet, so almost no boots work for me. I need a solid boot fitter relationship to even consider skiing. I wonder how you could take that model online.... any way you could remote assess a foot? Figure that out and you're fucking rich.

uyghurI just watched the wolf of wall street and was thinking about this... The creator of urban dictionary is a family friend, he said all he did was code up a simple website with a good idea. Add advertising and bam, millions.


Got lucky. You need a great idea and then you need luck.

Watch this:

http://vimeo.com/15799330


theBearJewMe and my brother have had a few ideas, threw together some prototypes but nothing ever beyond that. One day we will get around to it, probably not, but I hope we do.


You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

MTPOWI love this kind of stuff. In high school last year I wrote a business plan for a 3D printing company. Basically it was a Kinkos printshop with 3D printers.


I personally think that kinkos for 3d printing could literally re-define the world as we know it. There's probably a million people moving on this right now, but don't for a second think its not a good idea, or that its not absolutely wide open right now.

kingsskierI'm currently starting a business in network management type solutions. Have capital investors, have a contract for a large job already. Just making sure I'm legal in the eyes of the man before I start anything. Kind had things happen backward than most, but that's what happens when you share drinks with hedge fund investors.


Nice! Having a little capital around is key. Love to hear more about this too, but stoked that you're making something work. Right people + Right ideas = success.

LoafRiderMicrobrew skis, still in the R&D stage with prototypes.


Fuck yes dude. Its an increasingly saturated market, but one that will have substantial aggregate market share. Look at surfing or skating - tonnes of microbrew on-shore manufacturing. Plus, with an updated distribution model, you can actually make money in one of these.
11 years ago
4 0
profile picture
ModMommy
Posts: 10880 - Karma: 58,335
When I was 8 I rad a dog sitting business. It actually did pretty well, and was one of the cooler things I've done. I also had a pie business for about four years before I decided to stop it.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
kingsskier
Posts: 6213 - Karma: 2,170
Mr.BishopNice! Having a little capital around is key. Love to hear more about this too, but stoked that you're making something work. Right people + Right ideas = success.


Started with me sitting in Central Park NYC 7ish years ago thinking there needs to be public wifi there. I did some market research and came up with a business plan to provide free managed public wifi there and pursued it. Got undercut by AT&T and obviously no one will go with a start up over a large corporation.

Even though I have my BS in electrical engineering and a BS in computer science, I interned with a hedge fund group last year (the owner was a surgeon and the other partner was an Mech E/MBA). They are out of Kentucky originally, so, they like their bourbon. Drinking, telling them about that central park idea then telling them about a smaller scale more practical start up led to 6 months of making a business plan and doing some market research. Investors in, my friend partnered up with me and he had an in for a potential client. Dominoes fell into place, got super lucky by knowing the right people at the right time and now I am spending a lot of nights coding waiting for my LLC paperwork to be approved.

End goal is to get rich and open a distillery. This super legal home distilling I "dont" do is fun, but I want the real deal. But, I know most of those are money pits.
11 years ago
2 0
profile picture
whoa-dere
Posts: 10596 - Karma: 7,105
kingsskierEven though I have my BS in electrical engineering and a BS in computer science, I interned with a hedge fund group last year


do hedge funds and investment banks want engineers as interns or do they prefer business school people? I'm in mechanical engineering and I'd love to intern at an ib
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
kingsskier
Posts: 6213 - Karma: 2,170
whoa-deredo hedge funds and investment banks want engineers as interns or do they prefer business school people? I'm in mechanical engineering and I'd love to intern at an ib


Well, honestly business is the best bet for it. But, bad engineering students drop down to business majors (on average) if they cant cut it in engineering school. So, engineers almost always have the skill sets needed for business (maybe not marketing and sales because most engineers are socially awkward). If you have a really good GPA and good drive to learn, you may be able to land an internship. I was in an investors club and have had successful investments with guidance from my uncle (who does it for a living). Having a good GPA in engineering really doesnt matter when looking for a job in engineering. I know plenty of people with bad GPAs who landed very good jobs after graduation. However, when you are looking at a field that you arent groomed in, they want to see that you learn things well and will be able to pick it up.

Study up on it and network the hell out of anyone you feel is related to the field. Being able to network, kiss ass (yeah it sucks to do it) and make friends with people in good positions to help you later is NEVER a bad thing.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
whoa-dere
Posts: 10596 - Karma: 7,105
kingsskierWell, honestly business is the best bet for it. But, bad engineering students drop down to business majors (on average) if they cant cut it in engineering school. So, engineers almost always have the skill sets needed for business (maybe not marketing and sales because most engineers are socially awkward). If you have a really good GPA and good drive to learn, you may be able to land an internship. I was in an investors club and have had successful investments with guidance from my uncle (who does it for a living). Having a good GPA in engineering really doesnt matter when looking for a job in engineering. I know plenty of people with bad GPAs who landed very good jobs after graduation. However, when you are looking at a field that you arent groomed in, they want to see that you learn things well and will be able to pick it up.

Study up on it and network the hell out of anyone you feel is related to the field. Being able to network, kiss ass (yeah it sucks to do it) and make friends with people in good positions to help you later is NEVER a bad thing.


thanks. apparently i wasn't good enough to get in to the investors club at my school :(
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
acualywasdolan
Posts: 1172 - Karma: -747
Mr.BishopDude I completely agree with you. I've got some fucking wide-ass flippers for feet, so almost no boots work for me. I need a solid boot fitter relationship to even consider skiing. I wonder how you could take that model online.... any way you could remote assess a foot? Figure that out and you're fucking rich.



Got lucky. You need a great idea and then you need luck.

Watch this:

http://vimeo.com/15799330




You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.



I personally think that kinkos for 3d printing could literally re-define the world as we know it. There's probably a million people moving on this right now, but don't for a second think its not a good idea, or that its not absolutely wide open right now.



Nice! Having a little capital around is key. Love to hear more about this too, but stoked that you're making something work. Right people + Right ideas = success.



Fuck yes dude. Its an increasingly saturated market, but one that will have substantial aggregate market share. Look at surfing or skating - tonnes of microbrew on-shore manufacturing. Plus, with an updated distribution model, you can actually make money in one of these.


I think a giant warehouse in summit county called das boot would be a cool idea, but you would have the problem of people using your services (trying on boots and finding one they like) and then simply searching for it online to find the best deal. In order to compete you would have to either have an online distribution that could compete with other venders for cheapest price, or simply compete with price in the in store stock. I assume that if your prices in store were only 20 to 40 dollars over the best deals online, people would say fuck it and go with the convenience of simply buying on site. Also ppl around resorts likely dont want to wait for their boots to arrive since they are prolly there on vacation, which would help justify the markup.
Tiny boot fitter shops like surefoot will eventuslly go out of business for previously said reasons imo
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
kingsskier
Posts: 6213 - Karma: 2,170
whoa-derethanks. apparently i wasn't good enough to get in to the investors club at my school :(


It's not the end of the world. Networking is the most important part. I met my former boss who I interned for at a Kentucky Derby party and kept at it until I was confident and sent in a resume.
I started teaching myself by doing currency trading (which I was wildly unsuccessful at), then learned from my uncle (should have started here), read books and went from there.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
artfullydodged
Posts: 8358 - Karma: 1,674
Ive been kicking around some ideas on avy safety. Those airbag packs need to come down in price a little.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
nothing really big or impressive but i started my own treeworking business and even with a torn acl 2 months after startup, i have a ton of jobs waiting for me :)
felt so rewarding to earn money, cash in a part and reinvest the other part in new gear for the company :)
before my acl i was just about to get a truck for my business, luckily i waited to pull the trgger until after ski season
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
I'm trying to start a ski hostel in Southern VT. Shit is hard, man. I have the backers and the place but it is so fkn hard to get people to do shit or follow through when you aren't around.
11 years ago
6 0
profile picture
Mr.Huck
Posts: 6096 - Karma: 14,903
Mr.BishopWatch this:

http://vimeo.com/15799330




You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.


Doug that was awesome. Best de-motivational speaker I have ever seen. Everything he said was spot on.

As to original question, I have been working on Huck and Splash for probably close to 20 years. That may sound sad and pathetic, but along the way I have learned a lot. I know that earlier concepts would have failed. I know now that I am really close to something that will be very successful, and it will happen sooner as opposed to later. I love how he says that an idea basically has to consume you before you should try to turn it into a start-up. That's what Huck and Splash has been for me.
11 years ago
2 0
profile picture
cydwhit
Posts: 5079 - Karma: 43,075
In Junior High I ran a yard work business, now I am working for a startup, it is definitely a crazy fun learning experience.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TheClap.
Posts: 21685 - Karma: 4,254
Flipped shit on here/ebay/tgr payed for my college drinking tab
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7583 - Karma: 12,749
Mr.BishopGot lucky. You need a great idea and then you need luck.

Watch this:

http://vimeo.com/15799330




You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.



I



Best video I have seen in a while. He is 100% right. Look for a problem, not for a solution. If you can find a niche with a problem, then the solution will come. That is how my current workplace was discovered.

Someone thought putting me in charge of a 6 figure Government Grant process was a good idea though...No pressure.
11 years ago
2 0
profile picture
milk_man
Posts: 5252 - Karma: 5,975
I wanna hook people up with subs and amps for a cheap price. Wouldn't be something I would do for my whole life though. It's absolutely ridiculous how much people pay Best Buy or audio places for subs. You can get them for so much less on Amazon if you can simply put the subs in a box that you also get off Amazon.


This guy I know just bought a similar set up as me. Two 12 inch subs in a ported box. He bought the low end Alpine subs which are pretty much the same quality as the Pioneers I have. He paid $600 for box, subs, and amp. My whole setup cost me $225. Also, it sounds sketchy but pawn shops are the way to go when buying amps. A lot of times they have a warranty that you can get with it for like 15 bucks.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
General_Ripper
Posts: 3327 - Karma: 189
Avalanche probe that reads itself then transmits findings to an app for everyone.
11 years ago
1 0
profile picture
last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
Mr.Bishophttp://vimeo.com/15799330


There are ways around what he is saying. You don't have to quit your day job. You can start your business part time.

I became more motivated by that because I'm dirt broke and have nothing to lose. I live in employee housing making $8 a hour and have no assets other than a okay credit score. The only thing I haven't done was talk to the customer yet because I have no idea how to fit somebody foot to a ski boot.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52730 - Karma: 175,375
I dabble in a lot of the lemonade stand stand. I've traveled the country selling water and jello shots.

I wanted to start a park building company with a buddy in 07/08 but couldn't convince him to do it. Kind of bailed on the idea after. There are plenty of companies doing it and a lot more places are killing it themselves these days.

I haven't really tried to open a business ever. If I went to school I def would have dabbled in some classes on the subject. It's what I'm into.

I've thought about saving up and buying a house, fixing it up and then renting it. Trying to multiply that way. Pretty much anything that allows me to do what I want without working a job I don't like.





CAUTION COOL STORY HANSEL BELOW

In 4th grade we did this thing in class where we bought sold and traded classroom items. I ran sales the whole time. I marked things up above the price and sold them for less and everybody bought them thinking they were getting a crazy deal. I was killing it. Then some girl cried to the teacher when she found out and the whole thing got canned.I don't really remember the deetz as it was a long time ago but something like that.
11 years ago
4 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52730 - Karma: 175,375
Oh shit. I've wanted to build and run a skatepark for a long time. That's probably my first business idea. I haven't had the funds the time or found the location yet. If I find the time and the spot I could probably borrow the funds to get it off the ground. That would be a really fun project.

I wanted to sell ramps when I was younger. I lived in a shitty spot and really couldn't sell many. Just built a lot for myself.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22738 - Karma: 77,014
theabortionatorI wanted to start a park building company with a buddy in 07/08 but couldn't convince him to do it. Kind of bailed on the idea after. There are plenty of companies doing it and a lot more places are killing it themselves these days.


Funny story...

I actually only took the job at Newschoolers to sell ads as a temporary stop-gap to get my park building business off the ground. I as well couldn't convince a couple of key players to commit, and eventually gave up on the idea and stuck with working at Newschoolers.

There's a ton of the big guys servicing the big resorts, but not the smaller ones. Out east its bone dry for good park consulting and event building.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TOAST.
Posts: 7788 - Karma: 40,219
Mr.BishopFunny story...

I actually only took the job at Newschoolers to sell ads as a temporary stop-gap to get my park building business off the ground. I as well couldn't convince a couple of key players to commit, and eventually gave up on the idea and stuck with working at Newschoolers.

There's a ton of the big guys servicing the big resorts, but not the smaller ones. Out east its bone dry for good park consulting and event building.


Destoy is doing stuff with some resorts.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52730 - Karma: 175,375
Mr.BishopFunny story...

I actually only took the job at Newschoolers to sell ads as a temporary stop-gap to get my park building business off the ground. I as well couldn't convince a couple of key players to commit, and eventually gave up on the idea and stuck with working at Newschoolers.

There's a ton of the big guys servicing the big resorts, but not the smaller ones. Out east its bone dry for good park consulting and event building.


I feel like there really was a huge demand for a while on the east coast. Now it seems like that time has gone. It's hard to get people onboard with your vision. At the same time it's hard to do anything without some people. What can you do ya know.

Destoy is starting to make some moves. They've been around for a few years but just starting to really grow. Straightline was pretty big out of vt back in the day but I don't even know if they build anything anymore. Haven't heard of them doing anything in almost a decade.



TOAST.Destoy is doing stuff with some resorts.


For sure. They're northeast cats. Good dudes. Actually pretty impressed. They started to make some moves the last couple years. They have a collab with windels and building a all over the place.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
jpastor
Posts: 431 - Karma: 848
I always have ideas brewing in my head, from back pack design, to architecture, to starting a website much like newschoolers, micro brew ski company, food truck, etc etc and just day dreaming of working for cool companies.

I have always wanted to work for start up company and this thread has got the cogs turning to maybe making one of these ideas come to life.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
dela
Posts: 63 - Karma: 102
last_tangoI have a few ideas. I want to learn how to custom boot fit and make it more affordable so that way people can get the most out of skiing in their boots. I will probably launch a boot fitting shop out of a garage of a house I will eventually get. Maybe I'll stock up on some lightly second hand boots to keep consumer cost down if the boot will be a good fit for them.

I'm also interested in commercial property as well.

I just finished reading a business book and have had way more ideas in my head about starting a business more than ever.


What book did you read?
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52730 - Karma: 175,375
In high school I wanted to start a placebo diet supplement company. I figured the placebo would be the way to go so that you can't get sued for poisoning people.

I just didn't have the means of putting it together. Would have been sweet though.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
RockNRollNghtClb
Posts: 2013 - Karma: 2,509
used to sling pencils in elementary




now i just cook crack

11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
MeenaSmalls
Posts: 888 - Karma: 1,776
SFBi had a lemonade stand once

alot of comedic value in this response
11 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
I'm a yung entrepreneur

flippin dime bags to all the herb connoisseurs
11 years ago
0 1
profile picture
Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
I'm a yung entrepreneur

flippin dime bags to all the herb connoisseurs
11 years ago
1 1
profile picture
acualywasdolan
Posts: 1172 - Karma: -747
theabortionatorOh shit. I've wanted to build and run a skatepark for a long time. That's probably my first business idea. I haven't had the funds the time or found the location yet. If I find the time and the spot I could probably borrow the funds to get it off the ground. That would be a really fun project.

I wanted to sell ramps when I was younger. I lived in a shitty spot and really couldn't sell many. Just built a lot for myself.

Where im from there is dire need for a skatepark. Theres none for a 15-20 mile radius
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
On a serious note though, running your own business is 100x harder than a lot of people realize at first. I've been watching my dad run his own businesses since I was a little kid and it can be really stressful if you have a family to support because it is not stable at all. It's not like you go to work for 40 hours and get your paycheck to feed your family... Some weeks you'll work 80 hours and not get paid a dime because you are busy running your company and making it work so you can get that check when the time comes. I think a lot of people (kids) underestimate the amount of work it takes to successfully start a company of your own that is something other than a website or a heat press/sewing machine in the garage. And even with those little businesses there is a lot of work that one can and should put in if you actually want to be successful and I think a lot of people see being as entrepreneur as a way to not "work" for somebody in the typical sense when in reality you have to do way more work yourself rather than having a job delegated to you by a boss.
11 years ago
3 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 9:32PM