August

Aug
gustt 20
2009
009
9

FUTURE CEO STARS

In This Issue
You Ask, We Tutor !
By Jay Shechtman

This Issue is Proudly Sponsored By

NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation
 FUTURE CEO STARS
Introduces

NETWORKING without the WORK!!!

STAY CURRENT AND Connect with
OTHER YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS

Join Us On . . .

FUN EASY FREE

FUTURE CEO STARS August 2009
In This Issue…
5 Technically Speaking
Chip Lowe

8 Living My Dream
NFTE, Inc.

10 Youth to Action
Marketplace for Kids

13 Sunflower Shower
PA Leadership Team/Advanz

14 The Language of Business

National Museum of Education

16 You Ask, We Tutor!

NFIB yef

19 The Beauty of Recycling

Buchholz Academy

21 A Design for Success

Illinois Institute for Entre. Ed.
Why is Natasha
23 How the Cookie Crumbles
smiling? See page 8
Delaware Financial Literacy Institute

24 There Is NO STOPPING ME!

Zoë Damacela Published by The Consortium
for Entrepreneurship Education
1601 W Fifth Ave. #199
26 Pet Pantry Columbus, OH 43212
Ignite www.entre-ed.org
mashmore@entre-ed.org

28 Hanging Out Publisher: Dr. Cathy Ashmore

Editor: Mike Ashmore
Keirsten and Ebony Graphic Design: SPLASH Designs

30 For The Record Student Advisory President

Chip Lowe

31 Our Sponsors Web Page Design and Management

CWD
 Technically
Speaking
with
Chip Lowe
“A New Future CEO Stars”
T his summer has been quite a busy time for the
Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education and
myself! Together, the Consortium and my company,
CWD, have completely re-established their web presence,
a part of which is this magazine. I designed and now
maintain both the Consortium website (www.entre-
ed.org) and this new Future CEO Stars website (www.
fcsmag.com) that is also the home of our new online
magazine, which now features our state-of-the-art Web
Viewer, allowing you to quickly and easily browse our
entire history of issues online.

In addition to these new websites, the Consortium

and Future CEO Stars have also been keen on clueing
themselves into social networking technologies, which
will allow them to grow their target markets to reach
virtually anyone around the world! This is very exciting
considering how many more people can now gain
access to the endless amount of information about
entrepreneurship on the Consortium’s data-filled site,
and the continued inspiration from students’ stories
cataloged in the issues of this magazine.

There are a few areas of our new website I would like to

bring to your attention:

(continued on next page)

Future CEO Stars August 2009
4
Notifications
You can now sign up to receive email notifications when monthly issues are posted online.
Simply go to the website and on the home page at the top right you can enter your information.
It couldn’t be easier!

Past Issues
As I previously mentioned, you can click on the “Past Issues” link on our website menu bar
(at the top of each page) and view a complete archive of all of our issues. For even more added
convenience, you are able to select whether you want to view any particular issue in the Web
Viewer, or download it to your computer in PDF format (for printing or sharing with friends
and family.)

Videos
The Videos section has also been given a face-lift and is now much more user friendly! Check
out the page for yourself. In addition, if you have been featured in Future CEO Stars and
would like to make a follow up video, email me at clowe@futureceostars.com and we can
arrange to have your video featured on the site.

Social Networking
Social networking links to our Future CEO Stars Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages are
also easily accessible from the home page at www.futureceostars.com on the bottom of the
right sidebar column.

For Teachers
You can now access the Teacher Guide to go along with each issue easily on the site as well –
it’s built into the top navigation bar!

Our hope is that you will find these new features help keep you more connected than ever to
this magazine and that you will capitalize on them.
After visiting the new Future CEO Stars and Consortium websites, please feel free to check
my company website at www.cwd.me. If you need a website, you know where to go!

Though I’ve dedicated this particular month’s Technically Speaking column to the new
features of Future CEO Stars website, you can look forward to next month’s column which
will discuss how you can use new technology to stay in touch with a group of any size, all as
simple as sending a text message from your cell phone! Come back next month to check it
out!

Future CEO Stars August 2009

5
 Future CEO Stars August 2009
6
 A Lesson in Entrepreneurship
Finding Solutions to Problems
Preparation: The graphic organizer for this lesson is available free for download at
www.usatoday.com/educate/ceostars

Introduction: This lesson will help you consider one career option that many people find risky, but
appealing - becoming an entrepreneur. In this lesson you will:

t Read about a problem that affects a lot of people.

t Imagine a product or service that could help fix the problem.
t Decide who might buy your new product or service and how you should market it.

1. As a class, define “entrepreneur.”

2. In groups of three, read aloud an article in USA TODAY that focuses on a problem many people are
experiencing.
s While you read, highlight the specifics of the problem.
s Once you’re done reading about the problem, you’ll be finding a solution that you can sell.
s The more people who experience the problem, the more likely it will be that you can make a
profit on your solution.

3. On the graphic organizer, write the headline and a one-sentence summary of your article and fill in the
problem column.

4. Imagine that the three of you are young entrepreneurs who are interested in solving the problem the
article addresses.
s Brainstorm a product or service that would fix the problem.
s Make sure it is something that can be created and sold.
s In the second column, write one sentence that describes the new product/service and gives a
few details.

5. At the bottom of columns one and two, fill in the box that asks how your product or service will fix the
problem.

6. In the target audience column, identify whom you would sell your product/service to and why.

7. Brainstorm how you would market your new product/service. How could you advertise while staying
within your limited budget?

8. As a class, share the problems you read about and the solutions you devised.

9. On your own, think about and answer the final two questions on the graphic organizer.

10. As a class, identify all the different reading strategies you used in this lesson. How can you use them
when reading for other classes or when taking test?

Learn more about USA TODAY Education!

Call: (800) 872-3415 ext.5917
Visit: www.education.usatoday.com
 Living
My
Dream
m Istockph
Images from o o.com
hot

By Natasha Spedelle

I f someone told me when I was 15-years old that starting my own business would lead to
a full scholarship at a college in New York City, I would have had my doubts. If they told
me I’d win a Coca-Cola® scholarship that 96,000 other people applied for, I probably would
have fainted. And I wouldn’t believe them if they told me I’d be interning at Teen Vogue
magazine for a year.

Yet all of these dreams came true because when I was 15-years old, I started a fashion jewelry
business and won a small award. At the awards ceremony, Arnie Abram from the Network
for Teaching Entrepreneurship tapped me on the shoulder and asked, “Would you like to
attend a summer business camp?” I went to the two-week camp, and then a 16-week program
called The Business Incubator. I learned so much, and my whole attitude changed. I became
more professional and I handled myself differently. I gave out business cards and gathered
the e-mail addresses of my clients. I used the money I made to buy more inventory, put
some into savings, and started a charity, The Pearl Project, through which I’ve donated more
than 6,000 pearl necklaces to Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that promotes the
economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network
of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

I subscribe to nearly 20 fashion magazines and their pages always motivate me. I offer the
newest styles of jewelry at a discount. When women and girls of all ages come to my table at
events, I have what they want.

I entered more contests, and to my amazement, I won some of them. My resume began to
look pretty good. When my business got too big, my mom helped me out because in our
house, school always comes first.
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Future CEO Stars August 2009
8
When it was time to apply to college, I had B’s and a few A’s, but my SAT scores were not great.
Some universities rejected me, but others were very interested. At my Harvard interview, the
discussion focused on The Pearl Project. But it was Eugene Lang College at The New School
in New York City that looked at my entire record and offered me a full scholarship. I’m now
in my junior year there and I love my school.

Did starting a business change my life overnight? No, it was a lot of hard work, but I stuck
with it. It never stops. Last year, I opened a web site, blingbling4sale.com. This year I will
start a Facebook page for my business.

If I had to name three secrets to my success I’d say they are...

Persevere
I would not be here today if I gave up at any
point along the way. Things do get tough, but if
they do, I just slow down and ask other people
in business for ideas on how to be successful. I
also think it’s important to have a mentor.

Reinvest
I always put 30% of my sales in an envelope
marked “Capital.” I had to pay the envelope
first, so I would always have money to buy new
inventory, or restart the business after a bad
season. I never had to ask anyone for a loan
because I had the Capital envelope.

Try new ideas

Some ideas work, some don’t. I recommend
challenging yourself to come up with 10 new
ideas and then pick the best one or two. You’ll
never know if an idea is successful until you try
it. But don’t go big; start a new idea as a small
test.
Taking it to the STREETS!

Future CEO Stars August 2009

9
 Entrepreneur
Program Stimulates
Youth to Action
By Molly Sullivan
I t started with brainstorming about problems,
thinking of new ideas, and discussions of
being your own boss. In one of the more rural
areas of North Dakota, ideas came to life as nearly
50 students in grades 3-6 from two communities
brought their ideas to life. Through this
collaboration, student imaginations came alive
with ideas, and the results were amazing!
For six weeks, these students discussed different
aspects of being an entrepreneur, selected a project
which would serve as their start-up business,
designed the layout for the product they were
developing, and created the physical product. The
projects ranged from lemonade stands to board
games, bird houses, and an original dance CD.
During the development and creation process, the
students also learned about cost-profit analysis,
marketing strategies including the creation of their
own web page, and the importance of teamwork
in a business setting.
At the final “End of Year Bash” students who
worked on lemonade stand projects came together
to sell lemonade. One enthusiastic young student
took the construction of the lemonade stand to
the highest level by constructing a 7 x 10 foot
lemonade stand from scrap lumber with help
from his father. And the lemonade was top-notch
with fresh lemons added to each glass. Gallons of
lemonade sold for $.25 a glass.
Being entrepreneurs in the true sense of the
word, all students took part in producing a CD
featuring interviews of the students explaining
their projects, performing, and advertising the
10
“End of Year Bash”. The final production of the
video was sold by the students at the Bash.
The students were all very innovative, many
designing not only practical, but very artistic
products as well. One of the most impressive
businesses established during the Marketplace for
Kids program was the lemonade stand. This was
a group effort from the students and although
challenging at times, they all developed outstanding
teamwork and leadership skills. Not only was their
ability to work together to coordinate a business at
an event impressive, but their decision to donate
all of profits to the school nurse who was battling
cancer was extremely inspiring. Nearly $150 was
donated to the Ft. Yates Elementary School Nurse.
These students are true servant leaders and have a
bright entrepreneurial future ahead of them!
As in all entrepreneurial activities, there were
some hurdles along the path to success. A few of
the stumbling blocks along the way included the
transition from the mental or drawn conception
of the product to the physical construction.
Creating the displays and websites also had
their challenging moments, as deep questions
were asked of the students that forced them
to think about their projects on a higher level.
Throughout these challenges the students learned
the importance of communication, compromise,
and most importantly a positive attitude! Even
though we did experience these hardships along
the way, the support staff from Marketplace for
Kids and both schools helped move the students
beyond these hurdles and in the end create very
successful products.
(continued on next page)
Future CEO Stars August 2009
 Living in a rural community where imagination
should be an integral part of childhood, it can be
stifled by lack of resources and encouragement.
Through the efforts of energetic leaders, these
students thrived and excelled in their innovative
thinking process turning ordinary household items
and beginning business ideas into a successful
adventure. They excelled in teamwork while
exploring their own individuality on projects.
This programming was piloted by Marketplace
for Kids, a unique educational program
offering encouragement for developing young
entrepreneurs. In this pilot program, the focus was
on students in grades 3 through middle school,
with the intention of stimulating entrepreneurial
thought and activity in the youth of the region.
The Fort Yates and Selfridge schools were selected
for this pilot program.
recognition and development of their inventive,
creative thinking, and problem solving skills.
Nine Educational Days highlighting the successes
of participants’ projects are held throughout the
state. These Education Days provide a forum
to present and explain their projects which are
demonstrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and
creativity.
Marketplace for Kids also provides a variety of
classes and educational exhibits to help young
people develop their business skills, enhance
personal development, and build friendships
with other future leaders. Marketplace for Kids
demonstrates the special role of youth in improving
the economic future of our communities.

While Marketplace for Kids provided the learning

experiences, the program worked in conjunction
with the Standing Rock “Night Lights” program.
“Night Lights” provides service to approximately
500 students on the Standing Rock Reservation
each school year. Enrollment includes students
from Standing Rock Grant School, Fort Yates
Public School, St. Bernard’s Mission School,
Solen/Cannonball Public School, and Selfridge
Public School.

The goals of the “Night Lights” program are to

address academic underachievement and provide
after-school supervision; expand educational and
cultural opportunities; provide a safe, drug-free
environment for Standing Rock children and
their families; provide motivating, hands-on,
culturally relevant activities that are linked to the
regular school day; and to provide educational
continuity and success for all students. “Night
Lights” is supported by the 21st Century After
School Federal Grant Project.

Marketplace for Kids encourages youth to explore

entrepreneurship and self-employment through

Future CEO Stars August 2009

11
 Future CEO Stars August 2009
12
 J ackie Zehner, an eight
year old from Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, recently entered
the InnovationErie Invention
Contest and received a very
special honorable mention for
her Sunflower Shower idea. The
idea of the Sunflower Shower
came to Jackie one day last
summer as she was standing
under the arching head of a
giant sunflower growing in
the front yard pretending to
wash her hair. “I’m taking
a sunflower shower!” she
laughed. Encouraged by her
parents, Jackie began drawing
pictures of different flower-
headed showers. Then on a trip
to Erie to visit her grandfather,
an avid tinker and inventor,
she showed him her pictures.
He thought it was a great idea
and suggested Jackie enter the
InnovationErie contest that
was taking place in his city.
A second grade student
attending Marzolf Elementary
School in Shaler Township,
Jackie has always loved
activities that involved
building and imagination. She
is constantly drawing up new
contraptions of her ideas and
sharing them with her mom
Future CEO Stars August 2009
and dad. This love of creating
runs in the family. Not only
is her grandfather an inventor
child, she blossomed when
given the chance to stand next
to her invention and talk to
and patent holder, her parents, the many interested attendees
both teachers, also received a during the Erie Art Museum
patent for their Magic Bean show. It filled her and her
idea and currently run a parents’ hearts with pride.
business that markets their Her dad even designed a logo
Magic Bean Wishes. Even and put it on a T shirt for her
her siblings are involved in the to wear during the exhibit. She
fun of creating: her older sister thought that was so cool! Later
Kiera is a wonderful artist when she found out they had
and has many notebooks of created a special award just
fashions she hopes to one day for her and presented her with
produce and her baby sister gifts, she couldn’t wait to begin
Ava is always telling wild and planning for next year’s show.
silly stories about monsters,
fairies, and princesses.
Jackie’s Sunflower Shower is
a colorful, customized shower
head designed in the shape
of a sunflower or other large-
headed bloom. The consumer
can replace their existing
shower head with this unique
and attractive alternative thus
adding flair to the home. It
received rave reviews at the
show in Erie and Jackie’s
family hope to market her idea
very soon. This article is brought to you
by AdVanz LLC and the
The Innovation Erie contest PA State Leadership Team
was a very positive experience
for Jackie. Naturally a shy
13
 The
Language
of
Business
By Gay Evans

T he word invention has its roots in ancient Indo-European languages. Isn’t it unusual that
our modern training called “Inventucation”™ combines “Invention” and “education”? Both
words were derived initially from Latin and then were used exactly with the same spelling in French.
The French verb, “inventer” means, “to invent”. And the French noun, “education” was taken
directly into the English language following the Norman Conquest by William the Conqueror who
defeated the English in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings.

The roots of our modern language included many French words, particularly those based in law,
religion, science and government. The educated Englishman of the Middle Ages needed to learn the
significant French words to converse with others who were knowledgeable. These important words
have remained in our vocabulary and have become a part of the vernacular.

This summer over 35 high school students at the University of Akron who were part of the Upward
Bound Math and Science Program had the opportunity to learn some basic French in addition to
the “Inventucation”™ training. This program included French vocabulary along with the Math and
Science which were the core of their six-week studies. The students, who will be 9th to 12th graders
this fall, stayed in the dormitories at the University of Akron from Monday to Friday at noon.

They attended classes during the day with professors in Polymer Science, Math, Language Arts,
French, Chinese and Farsi. The experience was a challenging and enriching opportunity to reinforce
their studies from the school year and to expand their knowledge in the subjects which were new
to them.

The French classes focused on basic terms which the students may encounter later in their lives. The
term “Inventucation”™ was reinforced, with the hope that some of the students might decide that
they could create an invention which might contribute to language learning. Since language studies
are best taught by immersing the students in as much of the language as possible, many visuals were
used. The French students were shown flashcards, visuals, and transparencies. They also heard
(continued on next page)
Future CEO Stars August 2009
14
 Images from Istockphoto.com
some new French music from French rappers and the French President Sarkozy’s wife, Carla
Bruni, who is presently producing CD’s which are popular modern light jazz.

The students also learned how to read French food terms which are used in menus worldwide, and
will be helpful for cooking. In addition, they experienced the marketing world of so many luxury
products, which are fundamental to the French economy. They were exposed to French fashion,
including fashion terminology, jewelry, watches, cosmetics, perfumes; French automobiles, home
products, including glassware and porcelain; French wines and bottled waters. They even had
the opportunity to have a cheese-tasting class where they studied the types of cheeses and learned
about the over 300 cheeses which France produces. They topped that class off with a lesson on
the differences between European and American chocolate. After studying French magazines,
the students analyzed the marketing styles and the difference in product focus in their media.

The students were made aware of the wide outreach of the French language worldwide, particularly
in the 22 African countries where French is the basic language of the government. They viewed
French art and did research on French artists, explorers, literary figures, musicians and historical
people. The French inventors and scientists were emphasized with a recent teacher invention which
demonstrates how the Foucault pendulum functions. They also saw an overhead demonstration
of the “Coriolis Effect”, invented by a local freshman in high school, which is presently selling
internationally.

Exposure to “Inventucation”™ allowed these eager students to learn that

invention can be done in any discipline. Hopefully some of these 35
students will realize that thinking “outside the box” often means “thinking
in a different language”. They were enthusiastic and surprised that learning
another language can be fun. How wonderful it will be if they combine that
new skill with invention and provide a beneficial way to learn a language.

Future CEO Stars August 2009

15
 You Ask,
We Tutor!
By Jay Shechtman

IIm
mages
aag from Istockphoto.com

I n the fifth grade, my mom had just gotten remarried and was doing manicures and pedicures in
the house to help support my siblings and me. If any of my mother’s clients had children who
were struggling in school, she arranged to have them tutored by my siblings. I was impressed by
the amount of money my siblings earned, and I couldn’t wait for my turn to tutor. In ninth grade,
I would explain geometry lessons to other students, and they would often ask “Why couldn’t
the teacher explain it like that?” I decided to tutor just as my siblings had done, but I wanted
something bigger.

What started as an idea in my head four years ago has become one of the most popular tutoring
services in the local area. I have expanded “You Ask, We Tutor!” by hiring more than 10 additional
tutors to meet the demand for our service. Initially, “You Ask, We Tutor!” didn’t even have a
website. Now, customers access our website on a daily basis to contact us and make appointments.
We have tutored hundreds of students in the area and we are currently receiving calls each week
from potential clients that want to learn more about our service. Guidance offices in the local
public schools that were once skeptical about my business now recommend it freely to struggling
students.

“You Ask, We Tutor!” is the ultimate tutoring service in Weston, Florida, and the surrounding
area. Unlike other tutoring services where children are lectured to by an adult they can’t relate
to, “You Ask, We Tutor!” tutors are fun and engaging teenagers who have mastered the material
they teach. Not only do we offer tutoring for practically every subject taught in today’s secondary
schools, but our tutoring sessions are very affordable as well.

In the short term, we are currently working on creating an SAT and ACT preparation class to take
place both during the school year and summer time. As our popularity increases we will continue
See you next year in Chicago at IIEE’s Young Entrepreneur Conference!!!
(continued on next page)
Future CEO Stars August 2009
16
to hire more tutors. When I go to college I would like to expand “You Ask, We Tutor!” even more
by bringing it to my university. Eventually, I would like to see my business in every school district
across the country to provide students with quality tutoring for an affordable price. Finally, we
are exploring tutoring over the internet as well using a video program such as SKYPE or IChat to
work with students across the nation.

Our long term vision includes having a “You Ask, We Tutor!” in every school district across the
nation. It has been so successful in my community that not expanding it would be foolish. There
are so many students that need help learning, and I would like to bring that opportunity to them.
I would also like to enter the world of community service with free lessons for students that can’t
afford tutoring at all. This would also provide interested tutors with the opportunity to earn
required community service hours for graduation from their high schools.

I was named the 2009 “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” by the National Federation of Independent
Business and Visa Inc. and was chosen for this honor from more than 6,000 nationwide
candidates. This $10,000 educational scholarship will help defray the cost of my tuition at the
University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

Jay presenting his business concept

Future CEO Stars August 2009 17

The Beauty
of
Recycling

By Alexis Oliver

M y name is Alexis Oliver. I am 16 and

currently attend the Academy of
Entrepreneurship at Buchholz High School. I
am in the process of starting my own business.
I create bottle cap jewelry using 90% recycled
and post-consumer waste materials. I am
able to get recycled glass beads through the
African Fair Trade Program, which helps to
promote a free trade environment in African
countries. In addition, I use bottle caps that
I collect primarily from vintage stores and a
variety of other sources.
As for my profit, you may think it would be
difficult to market my jewelry, or even make
a high profit margin because of the amount
of time and effort that has to be put into
gathering the materials, and then putting
them together to form a final, sellable
product. But, in fact, I am able to make a
reasonable profit margin. I am even able to
donate a portion of my profits to various
charities on a monthly basis.
In the future, I plan to expand my business
and one day I hope to open my own boutique,
marketing not only jewelry, which I currently
produce and sell now, but also clothing. I
have designed several “post-consumer waste
clothing pieces.” Though you may think that
would be rather impossible, the truth is it
is quite the opposite: I combine “vintage”
and what some people might call plain “old”
clothing together to create new designs that are
both fashionable and innovative. Who knew
that an industry that promotes glamour could
produce a gorgeous and environmentally-
conscious product? Personally, it makes me
feel good to know that I am helping do my
part to keep the world safe, especially when I
can integrate it into something I already love
doing!

Future
Futu
Future
re C
CEO
EO SStars
EO tars August 20099
199
 It’s Here!
NFIB YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR FOUNDATION presents:

Classtime Just Turned Interesting.

Homework Just Turned Fun!
Johnny Money Online Game (JMOG) is a FREE interactive small business simulation game designed to
enhance high school students’ exploration of entrepreneurship. The flash-based Internet simulation allows
youth to learn about and experience the day-to-day functions of an entrepreneur.

s Infuse existing lesson plans on business

and entrepreneurship

s Use as an in-class or homework assignment

s Provide activities for homeroom, advisory

or after school programs

www.johnnymoney.com
 A Design
for Success
By Esther Stoneburner

W hen starting my after-school business class, I had already owned my business for four
years; however, I quickly discovered there was much I still didn’t know about running it.
In my business, “The Work of Her Hands”, I design and knit handmade fashions and accessories
to be sold at art shows and in boutiques. I have come across many interesting things since I started
it, but one thing I had never done was write a business plan. This was a requirement for my
class, and in my research I found that my ideal target market was the greater Chicago area. This
really stood out to me when our teacher announced a business conference to take place outside
of Chicago through the Illinois Institute for Entrepreneurship Education. I wasn’t sure what to
expect but was excited all the same.

When we got to the IIEE Young Entrepreneurs Conference in May, the first thing I noticed was
how professional everyone was. The schedule of events at the conference was designed specifically
for us to learn how to grow and enhance our businesses. They also had several competitions
throughout the weekend which provided competitiveness through our businesses and increased
our skills in social networking and representing our business. The business showcase came around,
and I was exuberant about the events for the night. The showcase is where students can “sell”
their business to the audience through a short commercial. I did a fashion show of my knitted
accessories and took 2nd place. This was very encouraging to know that my business had the
potential to increase and there were people who really appreciated it.

I left the conference inspired and excited about my business and the
final competition I would participate in through Battle Creek and the
Generation E program. Through all that I had learned in the class and
the experience I had from the conference, I received awards for “Best
Business Plan” and “Best High School Business” which also awarded me
capitol for my business and schooling. I want to go to the Illinois Art
Institute for fashion design and plan on using the knowledge I gained to
expand my business. I can see myself easily owning this business for the
rest of my life. If you ever start a business, make sure it’s something you
love doing. It makes it all worth while.
Future CEO Stars August 2009
21
22
Images from Istockphoto.com

How the Cookie Crumbles!

Relate these fortune cookie sayings to ventures and entrepreneurs
Live out of your imagination instead of out of your memory.
Opportunity is just around the corner.
Always make new mistakes.
Imagine what you could do if you knew you could not fail.
An old pot is the best around the kitchen.
One must be available, alert, active, and adaptable.
Be realistic-demand the impossible!
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

HERE IS YOUR CHALLENGE

Create entrepreneurial fortune cookies.
Use the recipe below or order cookies with fortunes you write yourself!

What you need....

4 egg whites, ½ cup melted butter, ¼ tsp. salt,
2 tbsp. water, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup flour, 1 tsp. vanilla

What you do....

• Cut and write 30 fortunes on small papers
• Mix sugar into the egg whites and blend until fluffy.
• Melt and then cool butter.
• Add flour, salt, vanilla, water, and butter to the sugar mixture.
• Beat until smooth.
• Grease cookie sheet. Pour batter into 3 inch circles.
• Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes.
• Place fortune on each circle and then fold it into thirds and bend gently in the center.
• Work quickly! (Cookies may be reheated if they cool too quickly to get the correct shape.)

Order fortune cookies with your own sayings!

http://www.kbbakery.com

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 There is NO
STOPPING ME!
By Zoë Damacela
This article is a reprint of Zoë Damacela’s First Place essay
contest sponsored by NFTE

F irstly, I did not have a privileged childhood. Growing up in a single parent home, I know
what it’s like to spend nights sleeping in relatives’ guestrooms, on floors or in basements.
I’ve moved more times than I can count, my young mother constantly struggling to keep up
with the endless stacks of bills. I didn’t know that things could be better. I assumed this was
how everyone lived—eating Ramen noodles and living on food stamps. Needless to say, I
was unable to keep up with my friends and their world of nannies and backyard pools and
countless toys that littered the floors of their bedrooms.

I remember when I was about eight years old; living in California at the time, all I wanted in
the world was a scooter. At the time, these new metal scooters were all the rage, and every one
of my friends had one. I begged my mother to buy one for me, and I know that she wished
she could, but the $60 price tag was way out of our budget. I suddenly felt like an outsider, all
too aware that I was the “poor kid”. Seeing me so upset by this, my mom proposed a solution.
She said, “If you can raise half the money to buy it, I’ll pitch in the rest. How about that?” and
of course, I was bewildered. Where on earth was an eight year old supposed to get $30 from?
But I wanted that scooter so badly that I set to work right away. I pulled out my construction
paper and my markets and stickers, and started to make dozens of greeting cards. Once I had a
good inventory of these greeting cards, I dragged an old table outside to the corner and started
selling my product. “Greeting cards for sale! Get your cards here!” I yelled out. I worked all
day selling my cards for about $2 each. But by nightfall, I had raised the $30 that I needed!
Just making that money by myself was so much more satisfying than even getting my new
scooter the next day, and it sparked an interest in business for me.

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Over the next few years, I started various handmade product businesses. I sold jewelry, artwork
and eventually, when I was fourteen, I sold custom made clothing. My clothing business was
the most successful of all. Suddenly, I was able to afford all the luxuries I could never buy
before. And I felt a great sense of pride because I made the money myself.

My junior year of high school-- when I was sixteen—I took a NFTE class that changed my
outlook on business completely. With the guidance of my teacher, Mrs. Kane, my NFTE
coaches, and of course, my mother, I built a powerful business plan and was able to truly
envision the success of my custom made clothing business. I took in all of the great advice that
was given to me, and I know that my business is so much stronger because of it. I participated
in the NFTE Business Plan Competition and found that other people believed in my business
just as much as I did because I kept winning! Every time I won and moved up a level, I
thought, this is it, this is where my luck ends. But the wins just kept coming. My confidence
skyrocketed. And I used the money that I won to purchase supplies and equipment for my
business.

Now I’m going to New York after winning 1st place in the Citywide Business Plan Competition.
I can’t believe how far I’ve come. I know that I couldn’t have done any of this without the strong
support of NFTE. Just a few months ago, my business was something I ran nonchalantly in
my spare time for a few extra bucks. Now, Zoë Damacela Apparel has become my life and my
passion and a very recognizable name in my community. I know that this is something I will
continue to work on for a long time and I know that this is all thanks to NFTE teaching me
that it doesn’t matter if you’re a teenager, or if you come from a bad neighborhood, or if you’re
family isn’t rich. All that matters is your determination to succeed.

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YUM! PET PANTRY

Images from Istockphoto.com

A “DOGGONE” SWEET SUCCESS
IN MICHIGAN
By Corbin Angus

M y name is Corbin Angus, and since February of 2009, I have been the owner of Pet Pantry, a
business where I make and market healthy pet treats. I was a student at the Calhoun Area Career
Center (CACC) for a year and a half, where I was enrolled in the marketing education class. I have always
had some sort of business, whether it was a vegetable stand by the road, selling farm fresh chicken eggs or
fresh processed chickens, and even baby chicks. I have pretty much been an entrepreneur since birth!

I have always had an interest in business, as I have wanted to be my own boss. I have had businesses in
the past and they have been okay, but I just recently wanted to start something that would go further and
could actually become profitable. I live in Bellevue, Michigan, and all of my entrepreneurial activities so
far have been based out of my home.

While enrolled in the Marketing program at the CACC, the second semester required that we start
and run a mini venture, completing a business plan that would be submitted to Generation E for their
Student Business Expo competition. Generation E is also where the second semester curriculum came
from, which was all based on entrepreneurship.

I also submitted a business outline for my business to the Prima Civitas Foundation and the IGNITE
Youth Entrepreneurship Team, where I competed with other local student-run businesses in their First
Annual Inventors Day Competition. I ended up tying for third place and received a $50 cash prize. This
helped greatly with the expenses of my business.

During June 24-26, 2009, I attended 4-H Exploration Days through Michigan State University Extension,
where I participated in a three-day class called Growing Your Existing Business. Here, I was able to sell
my treats to the other participants as well as network with other teen entrepreneurs and meet professionals
who I could turn to for their services in the future, if needed.

Lastly, I also took my business plan, product and idea to the Barry County 4-H Fair. While there, I
presented my business to a panel of judges who were just blown away with what I had accomplished with
my entrepreneurial project. For this, I received a “Best of Show” ribbon.

All of my products are healthy and homemade; there is nothing that you cannot pronounce on the label,
and they are so good that even I eat them! My current target market is really anyone with a dog or cat, but
mainly younger couples and small families with a pet. I market my product at the local farmers’ market
in my home town of Bellevue, and I also have them available online. I am currently in touch with a lady
in Detroit who is working with her local farmers’ market to get Michigan-made pet treats at her local
market. (continued on next page)
Future CEO Stars August 2009
26
 I thought that making and selling pet treats would associates degree in business management and
not only be fun, but it also would be an easy target entrepreneurship. I would then like to own either
market to sell to. According to the United States a pet bakery or just a plain bakery for fresh-baked
Humane Society, there are approximately 74.8 human goods!
million domesticated dogs and 88.3 million
domesticated cats in the United States. In 2006,
nearly half of pet owners considered their pets to
be family members. These are the people to target
my product to. After doing quite a bit of research
and seeing how much people actually spend on
their pets, I decided to go with this business idea.
Because my business has been doing well, I have
expanded and am now starting to offer birthday
cakes for dogs (because so many people consider
them a member of the family).

I have created a Web site, which is where I market

my products. To drive more traffic to the Web site
without paying an arm and a leg, I have partnered
with a local animal rescue operation called
Check out my products at
EARTH Services. They have placed me under
their links tab on their Web site, and I have been
www.petpantry.webs.com
donating 10 percent of my total monthly sales. I
have also placed my treats in the local hardware
store where I was able to have an advertisement
placed on their sign by the road, hoping to gain
more customers.

The main conflicts that I am working on are time

and space. My family kitchen is pretty small and
the oven is only so big. Each treat is hand cut
out with a cookie cutter, after the dough has been
rolled out. This is where I run into time conflicts.
I am currently working and will be starting my
first year of college in the fall, all while trying to
keep my Pet Pantry business going. I love the
business, it is great, and I never expected to be
where I am today. I thought it would only last
long enough to have my business presented at
the Generation E Showcase in May, but now it is
almost September and my business is still going
strong.

I will be attending Kellogg Community College

(KCC) in Battle Creek, Michigan to obtain my

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 For The Record
Making Sure Great Concepts aren’t lost in the
Political Spin Cycle

H ave you ever heard of Social Entrepreneurship? Basically it is getting involved in a business that not
only has the potential of being profitable but also is helpful to the community, environment or society
in one form or another. It’s actually a concept that has been around for quite a while but recently its meaning
is going through a transformation.

Initially the focus was primarily “Entrepreneurship”. The “Social” element was a secondary bonus. The profit
motive was the purpose for getting into the business. It’s not that entrepreneurs shouldn’t be concerned with
social responsibility, for long term success it’s usually a critical element but in today’s changing political and
social environment the “Social” element is sometimes the motive.

So what does this have to do with starting a business? Plenty!! Staying current with changing trends can
present opportunities that many may over look. Let’s face it, there are definite advantages to being the first
in a new field. Of course there is the down side of a huge learning curve but being the first often also leads
to being the leader.

Many look at our economic and environmental challenges, in the middle of a dynamically changing political
environment as a problem, but for the astute entrepreneur it can lead to many opportunities. Those that
see it as a problem are resistant to change but a real entrepreneur embraces change instead of fears it. The
true entrepreneur knows that change, either positive or negative, creates opportunity. It may require some
creative thinking, risk taking, and quick response but isn’t that part of what makes being an entrepreneur the
exciting career choice that it is?

One word of caution should be mentioned here. Social Entrepreneurship should not be confused with Social
Engineering. Entrepreneurship is a capitalist concept. There is nothing wrong with individual competition
in a free-market. It has received a lot of negative press recently but it is what our country is founded on.
In reality, capitalism is what makes being an entrepreneur possible in the first place. As long as being an
Entrepreneur first is the motive, Social Entrepreneurship that focuses on business to solve a social problem
can lead to economic success.

Although the term is sometimes misused as such, Social Entrepreneurship should not be confused with
socializing an existing business. The difference between these two concepts are as different as night and
day. Anything that is socialized (implied that it is publicly run) has no room for an entrepreneur and
eliminates all the positive elements that private sector free market operations provide. Remember that being
an Entrepreneur is still the point of Social Entrepreneurship.

Future CEO Stars August 2009

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 Friends of
FUTURE CEO STARS
This Publication is made possible through the Generous
Contributions and efforts of these GREAT Organizations

The COLEMAN FOUNDATION www.colemanfoundation.org

Advanz and PA Leadership Team www.advanz.biz
Buchholz Academy of Entrepreneurship www.spiritspotbhs.com
Delaware Financial Literacy Institute www.DFLI.org
IL Institute for Entrepreneurship Education www.IIEE.org
Marketplace for Kids www.marketplaceforkids.org
NFIByef www.NFIByef.org
The National Museum of Education www.NMOE.org
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship www.NFTE.org
USA TODAY www.USATODAY.com
CWD www.CWD.ME
Ignite - MI State University www.primacivitas.org
Quebec RCJEQ

Future CEO Stars August 2009

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