The first time I ever really thought, and worked like a entrepreneur without even realizing it in the moment was in 5th grade. My best friends older brother was selling boxes of candy to fundraise for a club in his middle school. I would buy the boxes for 20 dollars, (a dollar for each candy: skittles, kit Kats, sour worms, etc.) , and then sell each candy individually on my bus for 3 dollars. At the moment I just liked to make some money, but I didn't realize I was making a business. That lasted for a semester, and at the start of summer going into 6th grade I decided to move onto bigger things. Me and my friends started removing our neighbors weeds from their driveways and gardens. For the next two years all summer I'd go from house to house trying to sell my services. Thinking backThis was the first time I ever had to sell myself, or my product to clients. After my freshmen year of high school, I got my first real Job as a surf instructor. I was the youngest crew member and eventually worked up to be the manager of the surf camp. Ever since I was little, Ive always looked for ways to make money, whatever was my opportunity in the moment. Looking back I feel like Ive always been an opportunity taker and take whatever opportunity is in front of me. I believe I get this sense of entrepreneurship from my parents, especially my dad. My family moved here in 2003 for my dad who, a civil engineer, started building construction projects over here. In 2008 with the real estate crash my parents got hit harder then ever, and as immigrants in other country. My dad not only accepted this challenge, but founded a real estate company to buy out all the homes that had never been cheaper. I believe that fighting through the challenges I'm faced with and adapting to survive is in my blood. This is what caused my interest in entrepreneurship, to be able to find the next opportunity and take it.
This is really cool to read about how you realized your first business idea came in fifth grade. I believe a critical part of being an entrepreneur is having the drive to be great at whatever it is you do and you portray that drive when you explain your achievements as a surf instructor. Additionally, it is awesome that your father is an entrepreneur and seems as if he would fully support you on any of your entrepreneurial ventures and provide guidance to you.
ReplyDeleteNice story Inaki. I used to also sell candy bars at school when I was in Middle school for profit. Until administration stepped in and put a stop to it that is. My family was also hit by the recession as we had to move to Florida for work, but it all worked out in the end since we're both at UF .
ReplyDeleteInaki,
ReplyDeleteThis was an incredible story to read about. Being a surf instructor is really impressive at that age. I am from Long Island, New York so surfing here is not nearly as big as it is in Florida and California. I recently bought surfboards with my friends two summers ago and still think it is a really tough hobby to pick up on. Being able to do that your freshman year of high school and being good enough to teach it to other people is really impressive. It is awesome to see how hard your family has worked and adjusted to a different country.
Dear Inaki,
ReplyDeleteI remember when I used to sell chocolate bars to kids at my school to raise money for a fundraiser. I never thought to upcharge to make a profit for myself though. However, looking back on it now, I totally could have sold each chocolate bar for 2 dollars and made 50 dollars for myself per box I sold. It seems you had an eye very early in your life for great investment opportunities. Hopefully this class will help me further develop the eye for those opportunities!