11. Where does the napkin come in?

1. I am a political science and economics major.  I have run for school board and am currently a campaign manager for a county commission race.  I am skilled in social media development, graphic design, public speaking, and communication/relations.  I also have experience in retail because I have worked for Publix for the last three years (one as a front service clerk and two as a cashier).  My aspirations in life include becoming the President of the United States, but I do not want to be a career politician.  This is why Dr. Pryor suggested that I avoid going into consultation where I would end up permanently in politics, but in the background.  Because that is what I had in mind, I am still on the fence about how to continue.  If I were to move into the ice cream business, I do not see it becoming a major factor in my life other than a source of income because I am not really passionate about it.  If there is anything I would truly like to do it would be it would be to get into investment of small business.  I think there are many opportunities for small businesses to grow and compete with large corporations, but these entrepreneurs do not have the resources to grow themselves.

For the remainder of the questions, I will continue with the Creamed Gator concept until I can come up with something better.  Please bare with me, I have a campaign event for my client coming up, so that has been at the forefront.

2. I am offering ice cream to customers.  As a start, it would probably be pre-made popsicles from the store, but as I have the opportunity to grow, I would like to introduce a soft-serve recipe unique to the company (now that I think of it, I would use parmela milk used for gelato).  Beyond that, I would probably also try to introduce hard ice cream in a variety of different flavors.  I could possibly venture into milkshakes, smoothies, and floats, but I would keep ice cream the primary product.  However, like Disney's alcoholic DoleWhip with coconut rum, I think it would be awesome to allow customers to experiment with different ice cream alcohol combinations.

3. My customers are college students (and alumni who enjoy acting like they are still in college on game day).  We are all Gators living in Florida and because it is so hot on campus, we need a way to cool down.  Also, we are always looking for new ways to socialize.  This is a great thing to include.  Think about the end of a game and you have been sitting in the heat for its entirety, and you want to celebrate a huge Gator win (or console a loss) you go out with your friends.  The best way is food or dessert in a nice cool area.  I saw the McDonalds after the first home game and it was packed.  I think the opportunity for an ice cream place is great.

4. Customers will care about the product because it ice cream is a pretty universal concept.  Like I said, there is nothing new about this.  It is a need on campus, and literally anyone can fill it.  Customers will pay money for the product because they are familiar with the concept, and want ice cream over a soda or water or a full meal.  It is perfect for those just looking for dessert and something that will keep them cool in the Florida heat.

5. I think being a college student helps because I understand that price is a huge factor for whether or not students will be able to purchase the item.  Also, being a Gator myself, I want to do something that will benefit my peers.  I have no ice cream creation skills so I won't be able to set myself apart there initially, but I do like my gelato consistency idea.  What would help me I think is my knowledge of marketing and design.  It would allow me to get in front of the right avenues quick without much of a cost, hopefully.

Summary: I think overall, a lot of things are disjointed.  Like I said, this is an idea that most people could do successfully.  It does not necessarily have to be me, especially considering that I am not passionate about ice cream.  Not to mention, ice cream shops are not exactly the direct road to the White House.  Another main aspect that concerns me is that this does not really have a societal impact.  So what if people can now get ice cream, it does nothing to actually help people.  It is a luxury to have when you have extra money, not something that would be used on a daily basis and create a societal shift.  In my life, I would like to have a greater impact than selling ice cream.  It also does not provide for much growth.  The only reason that you see chain ice cream places is because they leech off the funds of their corporate partners (i.e. Dunkin' and Baskin Robbins) or they place themselves in the market at a higher price point and the more quality ice cream (i.e. Coldstone).  I really need to go back to the draft board and come up with something that will have the impact I want to have in society.  I think I have the skills to get there, and ice cream is not going to work me to my fullest potential.