For this post, students have been asked to tell about an
experience that they have had with entrepreneurship, as well as why they have
enrolled in this course. I have been fortunate enough to meet several student entrepreneurs
during my time here at UF. This has been a wonderful experience for me on
multiple different levels. In this post, I’ll give the 30,000-foot view on that
experience, and how that ties on to me enrolling in ENT3003.
Late during the fall 2016 semester, I was lucky enough to be selected as a member of the inaugural management staff of the Reitz Union Gator Retail Hatchery. My role was operations, which mainly consisted of staffing the store, and making sure that everything went smoothly during business hours. This was a hands-on chance for me to see what it takes to run a business without having to put up any capital or work crazy hours. Talk about the mecca of all internships for someone who is entrepreneurially minded!
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| The Hatchery's Original Flyer Ad |
“But wait,
what is the Reitz Union Gator Retail Hatchery?” I’m glad you asked. The Reitz
Union Gator Retail Hatchery is a retail space on campus for students who have a
product to sell. It is really an incredible opportunity for students because
the Hatchery only takes a percentage of profit, meaning that if a student does
not make any sales, they don’t lose any money. Being that it is such an
attractive venture, it did not take long for the Hatchery to gain some
momentum.
Over the course of the past year, I
have gotten to hear the story of hundreds of entrepreneurs, some students, some
professionals. This has shaped me and helped me grow to get to where I am today,
undoubtedly. Which is working on the third assignment for my entrepreneurship
class, by the way. I am in this class so that I can gain perspectives, and
sharpen my skill set in the field of entrepreneurship. It is my goal to work
for myself for most of my professional life. I hope that I will look back on this
course as one of the many stepping stones that I took towards a path of
business success.
Hey Michael! I got a good laugh reading your post. You pulled me in when you mentioned that you got to meet tons of entrepreneurs over the past year. I never really focused or was surrounded in the subject of entrepreneurship so hearing that someone that does and reading about his experience was really cool! I definitely will be looking into the Hatchery a lot more now, hearing about the things that they do to bring innovative ideas to life is awesome!
ReplyDeleteMichael- I enjoyed learning about your experience at the Reitz gator hatchery! Although I've heard about it I didn't know that they only took a small profit. I think that the Hatchery is a great idea as it holds students hands through opening a business as well as provides great insight on how to pursue future business endeavors. Thanks for the read!
ReplyDeleteHey Michael, learning about the hatchery at the Reitz Union was super interesting! I have heard of it before as a freshman but never really knew too much about it, and it's quite impressive the role you've been playing in that space. I admire the drive you have already, setting goals to work for yourself and be successful in the future. Not to mention, the Hatchery will be a new avenue for me to explore now.
ReplyDeleteMichael,
ReplyDeleteHearing about your experience in the Hatchery here at the University of Florida was awesome. Knowing that our University is dedicating resource to helping the future entrepreneurs of the world, whether it is through the hatchery or through this course being offered, is reassuring for the students that are seriously considering entrepreneurial ventures in the future. Being directly exposed to the great ideas that come through the hatchery daily is valuable experience that will definitely assist you in future endeavors. Thanks for sharing.