Invite for Business Minded People

[Dan]

Hi all,

I've been talking with a couple people here about business ventures, self employment, etc. We would like to get a group of select people together to brainstorm business ideas, ventures, and ideally get something started.

If you are interested in being part of the group, please post here. Include a quick description of your experience with business ownership and what you'd like to see happen in this group.

This is going to be a serious thing so if you're not into participating or don't have the time, please skip it.

Once the replies here die off we'll put together a group and get a PM started.

Thanks,
- Dan

[Dan]

Hi all,

I've been talking with a couple people here about business ventures, self employment, etc. We would like to get a group of select people together to brainstorm business ideas, ventures, and ideally get something started.

If you are interested in being part of the group, please post here. Include a quick description of your experience with business ownership and what you'd like to see happen in this group.

This is going to be a serious thing so if you're not into participating or don't have the time, please skip it.

Once the replies here die off we'll put together a group and get a PM started.

Thanks,
- Dan

[Dan]

Hi all,

I've been talking with a couple people here about business ventures, self employment, etc. We would like to get a group of select people together to brainstorm business ideas, ventures, and ideally get something started.

If you are interested in being part of the group, please post here. Include a quick description of your experience with business ownership and what you'd like to see happen in this group.

This is going to be a serious thing so if you're not into participating or don't have the time, please skip it.

Once the replies here die off we'll put together a group and get a PM started.

Thanks,
- Dan

[Darren]

Dan,

Excellent idea - like-minded individuals, with a common goal, tend to get results!

If your business models and ideas/brainstorming will include an international aspect then I'd be delighted to throw my hat in the ring!

My experience is mainly within manufacturing and the sales and distribution thereon - most of this specifically in the engineering sector and capital equipment.

I own a share in an engineering group currently as well as interests in leisure venues, and food importation. In the past I've had interests in a varied cross section of businesses from Internet IPO's (!) through to international outsourcing ventures (predominantly in Eastern Europe, China and India).

I am 36 years old and have travelled pretty much all over the globe conducting business within all the major cultures.

Oh....and I've got an H2 (amongst other things! :-) )

I think the identification of the relevant skills and experience of the group members is the starting point - followed by a brain dump of business ideas and concepts - then a debate over the merits of each concept to quickly get to a few key "workable" business models....from there a couple of teams to branch off and work-up quick feasability studies on each key concept then back for a debate on those.

The group needs to be dynamic, decisive and have a broad mix of skills and experience.

Looking forward to it already!

Darren

[It\'s a Dry Heat]

I would like to hear what It's about. And would like to be a part of the original go down group. I have lots of ideas. And run a little internet business. I've done everything on my own. www.enichesoftware.com (http://www.enichesoftware.com)

[ShaggyX]

Well, I dont have the capital or the ideas to start a business of my own...but if you need any help (whether it be technical, or mundane crap) let me know.

I have been doing various forms of computer tech support for the past 4 years as well as some Network Admin work. I might not be as qualified as you would like, but I am a quick learner. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[JamesT]

Im up for it. We have a small select group that meets monthly to brainstorm and it is VERY helpful.

I started my own company 4 1/2 years ago with $735.00 in the bank. We had two staff memebers. Me and a girl who answered the phone while I was out doing service calls. We are now 14 people strong and at 1.4 million per year in sales. PRINTER SOLUTIONS www.fixmyprinter.com (http://www.fixmyprinter.com) for details.

[pushrod]

I'm real tired of practicing law. What are you thinking about doing?

[Dan]

We are not considering anything in particular yet. That's the point of the group, to brainstorm ideas and maybe implement some of them.

I'll leave the thread open for a few more days so don't expect to jump right in. After everyone has had a chance to reply if they're going to, we'll get a group together in a PM.

[frank6150]

I would love to be part of the group. Granted I'm not online as much as I used to be but I can make more time as I am always looking to venture into some kind of new business.

As far as experience goes I have always been on the retail end of things but I have some pretty good knowledge of wholesale having dealt with many companies over the last 10 years.

Currently I own 2 grocery stores, have some rental property and I have a little computer business on the side during my spare time. Aside from that I help here and there with the advertising group for our main distributor.

I really like to spend money too so a new business sure would help the habit seeing as I am running out of it thanks to my sisters wanting big paychecks. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Paul L]

Great idea Dan
I would be very interested. I have & manage a very diverse and successful high-end woodworking company. The other company is the commercial building on short notice, a niche that is very entertaining and challenging. Count me in!

[H2Oguy]

I don't have much time to offer between my job and continuing to grow my Hummer equipment business, but in the interest of growing my business and having the opportunity to brainstorm, design, and develop something I am very interested. I am not much of a business man but I have been very blessed with design and fabrication skills. Let me know

Neil Dana

www.h2ohummers.com (http://www.h2ohummers.com)

[BAMFH2]

Dan,

Count me in.

Been in the tech business for the past 14 yrs and own my own computer sales/repair/outsource IT company now.

Would be very interested in sharing ideas - war stories - etc with the gang.

[H2Finally]

Alright, I would request to join in -- at the very least to see how this could be pulled off with everyone being everywhere. This will be interesting!

Oh yeah, my credentials: a bunch of stuff from manufacturing, developing shopping centers, retail, running restaurants, sales, to inventing stuff (even got a US patent http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif). My forte is negotiation and sales.

[Adam in CO]

Okay, I'm interested. I have a feeling that this group could generate some incredible ideas.

[IPStack]

I would lik eto be included, I have a ton of ideas as well. I think this could be a good idea.

[\"Doc\"-sqrd]

OK, I'ld be interested as well. I can't guarantee that I will end up contributing anything of use to the group but I like a challenge.

I'm the Honorary Texas Chairman of the NRCC Physician's Advisory Board, serve on the Physician Board of Directors for the MedWell Group and the Advisory Board for MotoCoolStuff.

I am President of APEX Radiology,PA, and have developed a new business plan for Delantera Sportfishing which I hope to "launch" this year end or first quarter of next year.

I am currently a practicing radiologist and have served as Chief of Staff for my hospital and Director of Radiology. I am a member of the Medical Executive Committee and serve on the Strategic Planning Committee for the hospital.

I have managed two NIH-funded research laboratories and have served in Assistant Professor faculty positions at a medical school in the past as well (in my former life as BS,MS,PhD http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif).

[Peyton77]

If their is a company H2 involved i may have to participate....

[Bevo]

Dan,
Count me in if there is still room. Internet marketing, relationship management and negotiations are my forte. I also have good IT skills.

[Circuitguy]

Count me in!

I have a extensive background in marketing, advertising, all aspects of retail/wholesale sales and distribution, logistics, HR, LP, and all aspects of real-estate sales/broker, all aspects of automotive sales, repair, parts, and accessories. I also currently own website and have interests in several other sites as well.

I would love to be involved with this venture. Keep me informed. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif BIG

[Tucson Beast]

Dan,

Very interested - Please count me in.

Background - 28 year in medical business - former Chief Operations Officer for a $75 million national company providing outpatient services - also a high school basketball coach (my passion).

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Jason]

Dan,

I certainly would be interested as well. I operate a little website http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif, among other things.

Regards,
Jason

[Kevin W]

I would be very interested. I have owned my own interior design and custom home building company for a number of years. I also buy and rehab homes to resell. Love the idea of working on new ideas that could be exciting and profitable for a large group.

Kevin

[Hog Hunter]

Interesting. I'd like to be in the loop.
I am a California lawyer and have been in practice for over 25 years. I am also a co founder of a biotech company, (a portion of which we sold to a publicly traded company several years ago) and serve as an officer and general counsel.

[timgco]

Hello Dan, I am interested to see what kind of ideas we can put together. I have done PR work, Advertising, Inside/ Outside Sales and Sales Management. ...count me in on the PM.

[Mikew]

Count me in too!
My background includes 30 years with Ford Motor Co. where I was involved with Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance, Value Stream Mapping, Ford Production System, team building, training and a host of other initiatives.
After retiring I started Mountain Graphixs (http://www.mountaingraphixs.com), formerly, Aztec Graphixs, the company that made the H2 decals.
Please keep me posted on further developments.

[Yetti]

since most people I know think I have the IQ of a shell fish I will stay back and help with marketing & product application.

[Spike]

Dan,
Count me in too. In the off chance you guys strike gold, I don't want to be left out! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ckhagman]

Well I could be interested. I am in the process of starting my own company with 2 other partners as well as developing some property in my area with a group of investors. Some of it might involve Hummers also.

I am currently involved in sales and distribution of petroleum equipment.

Everything that is installed at a gas station or lube center.

[cyberaxe]

Why Not...........
(might as well "pretend" i'm doing something constructive while reading these threads!)

I'm a third generation "refer man" (refrigeration) that exspanded the family bid-ness into the kilowatt/puter fields (electrical / computer networking and controls)

I was a English Lit major in college (no sh!t) so everything i know i learned the old fashioned way.....broke it first and had to figure out on my own how to fix it.

[devilsfan]

This is intriguing, and I would like to see where it will go.

I have little business experience on my own, other than working for my father (who owned his own bank equipment company for 15 years before retiring at age 50). So am I somewhat familiar with business admin. I am highly creative and have been offered several jobs in graphic design just based on my portfolio work. I have access to a lot of major graphics programs and can easily turn out logos or brochures.

I currently work as an interior designer, so I'm used to dealing with picky, sue-happy clients on tight schedules who want everything done yesterday. Plus, I know which colors look purty. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Stacy

[Albie]

Count me in, 7 years in IT mgt. with 2 comming from a Start up. I also have tons of hookups in Vegas. "Tax free Nevada"

[ratesguy]

Count me in. I have 28 years in oil ang gas and electric utility regulation, so I might be useless but I have ideas.

[Black 05]

Hi
I am interested, over 30 years in manufacturing and have 4 patents. Involved in dirt late model racing and own my own company, Custom Innovations. I also have my own machine shop with CNC equipment.

[Big Bob]

I would like to be involved also.
I have been in the Retail Service Station business for over 15 years and have have done some ground up retail development along those same lines. I would love to see what this diverse group could come up with.

[sKauGhTiEe]

Dan, Put a BIG check mark by my name as well. Networking is a big factor in success, and this is a perfect model for that. I'm young but full of creative thinking and ideas. I'm closing on my first Real Estate deal (4-plex) and the goal is to get to this soon ---------> Its All About Real Estate (http://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/Pages/MFE%20Pages/2004/apr/onlinecover/cover0404.asp)

Lets get ProActive on this......

[Dan]

Thanks for all of the interest. I'm going to close the invite tomorrow and discuss with the other guys over the weekend. We should have a group and PM ready on Monday.

[Big Z]

Alright, you've peeked my interest! Count me in. I'll brag later! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Orbital H2]

This looks like it would be an interesting forum, please count me in on this. I have 20 years in project management in aerospace (planes and satellites)

[JMV1210]

Count me in! I am currently a Superintendent of Manufacturing for a pharmaceutical company, which makes sterile injectbales.

I have been working for this pharmaceutical company in NJ for 2 1/2 years.

In addition to experience I have a Bachelors of Science in Business and a Masters in Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall.

On the side, I am currently starting a online web based business. I have just completed my business plan.

Experience
Below is a overview of my experience
Nov of 00-02

Manufacturing Supervisor/ Solid Dosage Forms
Manager/Supervise for approximately 20-30 non-exempt and exempt Supervisors, Group Leaders, Tablet Production Operators and support staff of Solid Dosage Forms Manufacturing.

Responsibilities include production schedules, process, people, material, equipment, ensuring quality and regulatory standards as referenced in GMP’S, SOP’s, DEA, OSHA and Abbott standards.

Coordinates and plans daily work assignments, ensure process compliance, and maintain production schedule to meet demand requirements.

Responsible for employee training, performance, welfare, purchasing projects and equipment maintenance. Possesses effective people handling skills, motivates personnel and is responsible for communicating goals, job performance and training of direct staff.

Duties encompass production areas including Weighing, Granulation, Final Blend, Compression, Encapsulation, Film Coating and liquids.

Completes projects to improve production efficiency, upgrade/maintain equipment, improve the quality of the finished product, which includes change control.

Confirms accurate documentation for all process steps, initiates XDS electronic documents, including process deviation, NCMR’s, TSP forms, complaint investigation and change control reports.

Posses technical skill to make assessments of production aberrations.

Brings process to logical stop, recommends course of action to correct issues implements necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.

Responsible for the reconciliation and security of the controlled drug substance materials during processing and storage.

Maintains security and status for all Solid Dosage Forms and Packaging in-process security storage locations.

Provides all pertinent information by working with SAP to support financial inventory system and materials management. Insures accuracy with the movement of raw materials, finished goods and all in-process material documents.

Interacts with both internal and external vendors to accomplish established goals and projects.
Interacts routinely with QC, QA, PD, and technical Support to address/support production issues, investigations, deviations, and completes validation activity.

Writes, updates and approves revised departmental SOPs and ensures adequate training is conducted to maintain operator competency with respect to equipment and process.

Supports budgeting and capital planning by monitoring direct controllable cost, overtime, and supporting capital projects.

Experience
Oct of 1995-Nov 00

Supervisor/Team Leader/ Technical Operations
Provided supervision and leadership for approximately 10-15 non-exempt Tablet Production Operators, Group Leaders and support staff of Solid Dosage Forms Manufacturing

Perform all phases of manufacturing of Bayer products including, granulation, tablet coating, active suspensions, solutions, and final blend.

Posses strong analytical skills in proper operation of processing equipment, including: the Glatt Fluid Bed Dryer, Vector Hi-Coater, Lodige MGT Granulator, Azo Screener, Alexanderwerk RFG Sifter, and Quadro Comil.

Documentation, including: proper information recording for samples sent to Quality Assurance and Quality Control. In addition, equipment , batch information and Born On Manufacture Date (B.O.M.) are documented.

Product sampling in accordance with written procedures, including moisture testing for loss on drying (L.O.D.) to ensure our product is manageable for the compression phase.

Skilled in proper operation and maintenance of a variety of laboratory instruments and processing equipment.

Reconciliation of batch records to meet accuracy of FDA and Quality Assurance.

Advanced skills and understanding of laboratory analyses and technical processes.

Posses excellent oral and written communication skills in dealing with various levels of scientific/technical personnel.

Prepare and make recommendations to Department Manager.

Experince
Feb 94-Oct 95

Manufacturing Technician / Product Development
Team Leader Experience.

Assisting in trial runs during the compression phase and granulation phase.

Product Development processing equipment setup and breakdown.

Capsule inspection and weight checks for raw materials.

Raw material and finished product transfer.

Cleaning and sanitizing of processing equipment used for the granulation and the tablet coating process.

Inventory and stockroom control. Including material handling.

[Big Z]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Orbital H2:
This looks like it would be an interesting forum, please count me in on this. I have 20 years in project management in aerospace (planes and satellites) <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I lost a friend on challenger, after a year building Leasat. My Most memorable experience was having the opportunity to set in the Shuttle--on 39A, (part of the launch crew for the first two satellites launched from the Shuttle.) talk about pucker power! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Orbital H2]

Never worked the Shuttle, however I worked X33(RLV) proposal and got to climb all over the Endevear orbitor in the OPF, and watched them stack the SRBs in the VAB and got on the Atlantas on tle Launch pad to witness the umbilical mating. What a thrill. most of my life had been on the B-2 working crew life support, Sw and weapons integration. Last 8 years have been working IR payloads (not as thrilling).
I also spent some time up in Seattle (stuffed my race car into the wall at the exit of the chicane in at PIR

[RedGTS]

Put me down as well if it's still open. I am the managing partner for one of the offices of a fairly large law firm (~380 attorneys & $150-200 million in revenue). My personal expertise is in litigation, which we hopefully wouldn't need anytime soon, but I like to think I have other skills as well. Also, my firm has offices, contacts and resources all over the Southeast U.S., in D.C., and in Beijing, and those resources could be helpful.

[sbmike]

Hmmmm... I've waited to see how many people signed on to this notion and it now appears you have enough to constitute a bureaucracy. Having worked for the federal government for 35 years, I qualify as a fat cat bureaucrat so conceivably I could join your group. However, I intend to retire this year and since I already have a second career to pursue in retirement (teaching scuba diving), I'll just watch for now... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Good luck!

[Steve 2]

How about a retired Technology teacher? I am also a private pilot, dabbled in real estate and am an investor. I am also an H2 owner with lots of time on my hands.

[richirich]

I own a successful insurance agency in california. been doing it for 15 years. Count me in.

[Dan]

Okay everyone, that's it. The invite is CLOSED.

We'll be getting a group together in a PM after the weekend review.

Thanks for all of the great replies!

[Andy C]

Damm

I was about to ask to be included.

17 years in the oil industry - risk analyses and assessment - last project was the largest floating deepwater drilling rig in the world (it was the second largest but the largest one sank, I was not on that project luckily) - I operated in The Congo - Brazil - Trinidad - Kazakstahn and am now based in Florida where I am starting a marine security consultancy - IMO, ISM auditing etc.

So if there is room for one more I would be interested.

[HummerLvr]

Always late but worth the wait!

If you have any room I would like to be a part of this. Not sure what I can help with, but a womens perspective is always nice.

I have been in real estate for several years and have worked at a Civil Engineering firm mainly dealing with waste water management and have tons of acknowledge about admin and marketing. Plus I own a Hummer!

If it is too late that is alrigh too, just thought I would try. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Dan]

This is just an FYI for those who responsed to this thread.

We have gone through the replies and have included a few of you in our initial Private Message.

If you haven't already, check your PMs and give us your thoughts.

Thanks everyone for the interest in our venture. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[MONDO]

You can count me in. We manufacture custom jerseys, shorts, windbreakers, etc... for all kinds of outdoor and sports activities.

You can see more at

www.TotallyCustomJerseys.com (http://www.TotallyCustomJerseys.com)

Thanx
Mondo

[sKauGhTiEe]

I dont mean to bring up old threads, but was curious what happened with the "biz ideas"... thanks Dan

[sKauGhTiEe]

ohh... nevermind, wait, anything?? or did it die again?? (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/5106011751/m/406101198/r/406101198#406101198)

[Black 05]

They wouldn't let me in because I am from Canada

[Dan]

That's right, no stinkin canucks in this group! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Actually, that was a legal thing with the LLC. All members need to be US residents.

Anyway, nothing is going on with the group. It never got off the ground for various reasons.