Robert Saunders launched a summer moving and storage company College Storage and Student Services after surveying customer needs, determining funding, and ensuring family support.
"If you're passionate about a particular business, then research it well," Robert told me. His company, College Storage and Student Services, is located in Orange County, California and has expanded to serve over 300 students and their families.
"We have a passion for helping out students and parents and making that transition to college and understanding what the individual is getting into."
Robert says it's important to understand the mindset of the potential client, what corporate culture may result, and carefully projecting the funding need during the start-up phase.
"You may think, 'I need x amount to get started and it easily may be 2 to 3 times that amount."
Family support is also critical. "A start-up requires working late at night so a spouse or partner needs to understand that, be in agreement, and offer support. It also helps to have kids who are flexible because it may mean missing some of their events."
Entrepreneurs may also have to learn beyond their professional backgrounds. Robert worked at Southern California Edison for 30 years and spent 10 years on the electric transportation division.
College Storage and Student Services reduces pollution and emissions by letting families select housewares online and shipping at competitive rates to reduce a family's need to drive to and from stores and storage facilities.
"With my business, I've had to develop logistics plans and handle employee issues," Robert explained. "We have 3 full-time employees but we may hire up to 30 seasonal workers."
Click here to read this article on College Storage and Students and Collegeliving101.com.
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