M Davis Blog for UF

Opportunity ·        The special needs population has grown immensely.  Either from population growth or due to other forces not explained, the current statistics indicate that 1 out of every 7 children has some form of developmental disability.  With this increase comes the need for additional therapies that take time away from the child, parent or sibling from doing other activities.    ·        This affects the entire family ranging in ages from 2-99, but most specifically the special needs child who does not have additional opportunities to participate in interesting programs that are adapted to their abilities.  Specifically for the northwestern Hillsborough County area. ·        The need is to have a center that provides services and additional activities for the special needs individual from 5 years of age through adulthood where the siblings and...

1)     Identify the exit strategy you plan to make. Do you intend to sell your business in the next 5 years for a large return? Do you intend to stay with the business for several decades and retire? Do you intend to protect the venture as a family business, and pass it down to your children? The business is very personal to me.   My intention is to stay with the business and retire as well as pass it down to my children to continue on the good work of the organization.   The center would give purpose to my youngest daughter when she is an adult with little opportunity and I would want her sisters to help her carry on with helping others. 2)     Why have you selected this particular exit strategy? I have selected this exit strategy because it was basically the reason for selecting this opportunity and pursuing it.   Helping my daughter and leaving her a business she can continue to help the community like her.   This would ...

1)     What was the general theme or argument of the book? “How to Fail at Everything and Still Win Big” by Scott Adams is the book I read for this assignment.   The theme of this book is how to capitalize on failure and to have systems in place rather than focusing on specific goals.   Adams life lessons give a different outlook and stress self-care and how to take risks where you are most comfortable.   With any risk comes chance for failure which you can use to adapt and eventually succeed. 2)     How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003? The book describes creating systems rather than goals which I feel goes along with this course as we are working each week on building an opportunity one step at a time.   This system process helps you make adjustments along the way, regardless of timing because you are working on each specific task at a time. 3)     ...

1.          Tell us about a time this past semester that you failed -- whether in this class, or outside of this class. Don't spare any details! It'd be even better if there was something you tried several times this semester, and failed each time. This semester has been a struggle for me as I chose to take 3 summer courses along with working full time and being a single mom.   Although, I am certain my daughter would have preferred to have more of my attention, I would not say that is a fail.   What I did fail at was in completing tasks at my job.   I took unplanned days off to study and take tests which put my work behind.   It is difficult especially with this class as assignments are due on Friday by midnight.   2.        Tell us what you learned from it. I am aware that my job should be the top priority.   I addressed my absence and delay with the partner at the of...

Existing Market In developing my concept I have already touched on additional products or services, however once the core services are successful I think the next steps would be to include a café in the center and possibly organize meetups and support groups for parents to discuss concerns of raising special needs children.   Offering refreshments, light snacks, specialty coffee’s and teas in this café would employee those with special needs who have taken the life enrichment courses and vocational training.   Organizing parent group discussions we would also be able to provide a safe place for the child to hang out while the parents are meeting. Existing Market Interviews 1 – My first interview was with a mom while we were both waiting for two hours during a special summer camp.   There is no option to leave while the children are in the camp for safety reasons, however there are no offerings for the parents while we are waiting.   She explained how hard i...

Opportunity ·        The special needs population has grown immensely.   Rather from population growth or due to other forces not explained, the current statistics indicate that 1 out of every 7 children has some form of developmental disability.   With this increase comes the need for additional therapies that take time away from the child, parent or sibling from doing other activities.     ·        This affects the entire family ranging in ages but most specifically the special needs child who does not have additional opportunities to participate in interesting programs that are adapted to their abilities.   Specifically for the northwestern Hillsborough County area ·        The need is to have a center that provides services and additional activities for the special needs individual from 5 years of age through adulthood where the siblings and parents are able to...