Week 4 Reading Reflection

In this week's reading on creativity and innovation, what stood out to me most initially was my own identification to the steps of the creative process. The way the process progresses is the way it has always happened when ever I have had a new idea. I had never thought of it being a process that could be divided in clear steps, but now that I am able to reflect on my own experiences it fits well.

The only part of the reading I found confusing was the section on probability thinking. The author claims that dice can be used as an example that predictive power increases as the experiment is repeated, but the probability of rolling a "4" is the same rolling once or after rolling it 1,000 time. 1/6.

My questions to the author would include what they felt are the best techniques for bridging the gap from coming up with the desired solutions to implementing those solutions. This is, in my opinion, the most difficult step. Coming up with the next million dollar idea is commendable, but until that idea is developed into something concrete it is useless.

My only disagreement with the author would come with what I stated previously about probability thinking. It is possible however that I misinterpreted the analogy. Perhaps the only other point I might contend would be the claim that all people are creative in some degree, but I would not necessarily agree with that as I think what many people see as creativity is merely repetition with slight variances.

Top 5 World Problems

Top 5 Problems

1. Water Scarcity
2. Finite Energy Sources
3. Terrorism
4. Corruption
5. Social Division

Top 5 Solutions

1. Fuel Competition
2. Harsher punishment for corruption
3. Fair and proactive management of water resources
4. International coalition against ISIS
5. Fostering national unity and identity.

All of the problems I listed are severe, but I chose Water Scarcity as my number one due to the fact that we simply cant make more water. What the planet provides us is what we have. While we do have the ability to create more drinking water through desalinization and reclamation, this only works in certain areas and doesn't change the fact that there are to many people living in areas prone to drought. Without careful management of water supplies moving forward we may very well see some "Water Wars." The other problems I listed are urgent and important, but without sufficient water supplies civilization simply cannot exist. 

As for my solutions, I picked fuel competition as the most implementable because it has been implemented in certain areas like Brazil with great success. I am a firm believer in the free market, and the oil industry's monopoly on the transportation industry stands in stark opposition to the concept of a free market. It would take a small comparative investment to modify the majority of the road traveling fleet, consumer or commercial, to accept multiple fuel sources or sources other than petroleum. In fact the municipal buses in my area now run off of CNG. 

Wek 3 Reading Reflection

What stood out for me the most in this week's reading was the sheer amount of traits found in entrepreneurs. It's typical to think of an entrepreneur as simply a "Go Getter" and nothing more but there is much more to them than that. There was nothing I found particularly confusing about this chapter. The entrepreneurial mindset has a duality and the author illustrated this well. The main question I would ask is where does one draw an objective line when notating the difference between an entrepreneur and a gambler? I found nothing wrong with the information presented in the chapter as most of it was objective. Motivation is a tricky thing to measure and categorize, and it manifests itself differently in all of us, so perhaps the only thing i would question is the ability to create an accurate flow chart of motivation.

Idnetifying Local Opportunities

1. "Interstate Project Gets Bad Ranking." 

 http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7F0B4DA2C0ED8?p=AWNB

This story highlights a report that was recently published that listed Tampa's never ending interstate expansion project as one of the 12 worst in the nation. The problem is well known to anyone who has ever driven into or out of Tampa. The highway system has become an entangled mess, half of which is under construction at any given time. The report also highlights FDOT's intention to demolish a historic church in Tampa Heights that is currently used as community center and garden. At this point I honestly believe they would do something like that. The problem here belongs to FDOT directly but its effects are felt by the community. There is a reason the I-4/ I-275 interchange is known as "Malfunction Junction."


         2. "As Ranks Of Drivers Fall, Mass Transit Needs Surge".

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8445B9C882360?p=AWNB

Tampa has next to no public transportation. Buses make up nearly all of what little there is. This story connects Tampa's longstanding problem of lack of mass-transit (most of the money having been spent on bigger roads, a problem detailed above), with a new study showing that fewer people are learning to drive. This means that more people will rely on public transportation and therefore be forced to live in a city that can provide it. As above the problem belongs to the City of Tampa but its effects are felt by the people. More investment in public transit is needed in this area.

         3.  "Citizens Below 500K Policies."

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8445B9C882360?p=AWNB

This article illustrates a problem being solved in Florida and also an opportunity for businesses. Citizens Property Insurance Corp. commonly referred to as just "Citizens" now has fewer than 500,00 policies, which is a good thing. Citizens was formed as the state's insurer of last resort and quickly became the largest insurer in Florida after many private insurance firms bowed out due to the hurricanes we received. The problem created then was for the homeowners, Citizens' rates were enormous, as I learned first hand when I worked for a marketing firm for contractors. Now that Citizens' membership is decreasing, it shows the private insurance market is returning, which results in much lower rates for homeowners.

         4.  "Tampa Seeks Park Funding."
 
 http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A2A900EEA3BA50?p=AWNB

The Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa is now projected to cost over $30 million. The city faces the problem of budgetary restraints in order to finish the project and is now asking the state for help. The main problem is in the use of money set aside by Amendment 1 in 2014 is disputed. Some say it was against the intent of the voters for so much money to be put in a park. The problem belongs to the legislators who as usual, are unable to compromise.

         5.  "Innovation Is Problem For Florida".

 http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A2A900EEA3BA50?p=AWNB

In a recent report, Florida was listed as 35th in a ranking of the most "Innovative" states. While we scored well in a few categories such as tech density and number of patents, we we held back by very low scores in STEM concentration, R&D density, and number of STEM degree holders. This is a problem for business and education in Florida. For our economy to keep pace we need to have high tech industry and and educated populace to man it's ranks.

Very Short Interview No. 1

The entrepreneur I interviewed is my boss, Chris Britt. She and her husband Gary purchased a Signs Now franchise 30 years ago and it is still in continuous operation to this day. Over the years they have owned three other Signs Now franchises in Tampa and Carrolwood but eventually sold those off, keeping their original. Chris manages the shop in person while Gary manages the finances.

First I asked her what set entrepreneurs apart, and after some consideration she said it was a determination to never give up even when times got tough. They were hit hard in '08 but managed to stay afloat, again through sheer determination. Next I asked what I should hope to learn to be a better entrepreneur and her response was time management. It is easy to get caught up focusing on a single task for so long that you miss your other responsibilities. Finally I asked her what she disliked the most about entrepreneurship and owning her own business and she came back quickly with "The long hours." I expected that response as Chris works late almost everyday, sometimes stretching into the wee hours of the morning. As an hourly employee I have the privilege of leaving at 5:30 regardless of the workload. She of course does not share this privilege and knows it is on her to ensure all of our work is done by the customer's deadline, even if that means picking up the slack herself.

I found this interview to be informative. Ever since I was first hired I have passively observed how she ran things. I have considered it to be a case study in how to run a successful business. This interview allowed me to make a more active observation and provided valuable insight into the mind of an entrepreneur.

Worlds Biggest Problems

1. Water Scarcity. Some have predicted we may very well see "Water Wars" in our lifetimes. This isn't a problem unique to the poorer areas of the planet. Over the summer we saw these problems take shape here in our own country in California. This is a complex problem with many causes, overpopulation being front and center. My suggestion would be for municipal governments in at-risk areas to take a more active role in managing water supplies, and ensuring agricultural consumers are not abusing the public supply.
2. Finite Energy Sources. While we are currently enjoying gas prices we haven't seen in a decade, it will not last forever. Eventually the wells will dry up, and when that day comes we had better have a proper infrastructure built to supply our energy needs. My suggestion would be to open up the fuel market to ethanol, methanol, and CNG in the near term, and expand investment in electric and hydrogen propulsion for the future.
3. Poverty. Poverty is a problem that has plagued man since the dawn of civilization. It has to many causes to list and has led to war and revolution around the globe. My only suggestion would be for international organizations to focus on ensuring people have access to education and a free market. 
4. Apathetic, distracted populations. Democracy fails when people stop paying attention and become complacent. This allows individuals who do not have the interests of their people at heart rise to power. Returning civics education to our schools would be a start, but the best answer would be to foster an environment where citizenship is prized not just for its handouts but also its responsibilities. 
5. ISIS/ International Terrorism. Terrorism represents a threat to civilization, both west and east. As the late Jeff Cooper said "The only answer to violence is more violence, applied by the right people in the right way. A true international coallition must be formed to meet this threat. Not one based on alliances from the Cold War, but one that brings together the West and the East together in common cause.
6. Corruption. Governments are supposed to be the voice of and advocate for the people. To fight corruption the laws must change to view the betrayal of the public trust in this manner as the heinous crime that it is. One corrupt individual undermines the entire system of government, especially when the perpetrator is given nothing more than a slap on the wrist. 
7. Waste. No society can ever achieve 100% efficiency, but we can certainly try harder than we are now. When living on a planet with finite resources we should take better care of what we have. We are now seeing the effects of previous generations' mishandling of resources, and if we want to have anything to pass on to our decendants than we must understand that that will entail sacrifice. 
8. Social division. Society seems more divided now than ever before. If we do not learn to put aside our differences soon it is highly likely we wont have a society any more. Difference of opinion will never go away, but what is most important is that we restore a sense of national identity. Once we can all agree that we are at least on the same team perhaps then we can more forward. 
9. Greed. Greed is seen in every class of society, from the top 1% to the bottom of the ladder. Some would argue that greed is a part of human nature, an extension of our survival instinct. The only solution, if you can call it that, is for society as whole to understand that fulfillment doesn't come from having the most stuff. 
10. Suicidal altruism. Our western liberal values and Christian traditions have taught us that we must provide help to those in need. These values certainly aren't wrong, but they must be measured against the cost. No society can withstand an unlimited constant influx of unassimilated foreigners. For us to help the world first we must ensure our own people are safe and secure.

My Bug List

1. People who leave shopping carts scattered in the parking lot. This has always bothered me as loose carts tend to block otherwise open parking spaces, and is just a sign of general laziness as a cart rack is usually no more than ten to twenty yards away. I can't say this is a totally unmet need as Aldi has come up with a good solution with their "Quarter Locks" as I like to call them. In order to get a shopping cart at Aldi one must put a quarter in the little receiver to unlock it from the rack. If you return it at the end you get your quarter back and from what I have seen this system works. 
2. People who do not use turn signals when turning or changing lanes. This is a safety hazard especially since the ones who never seem to signal are usually the ones distracted by their phones. 
3. Large brick power transformers. This is likely a common complaint. Most of or modern electronics run of of DC, which means in order to power our devices a transformer has to be used to convert line AC to DC. This often results in a large brick with the receptacle built in. These bricks can block multiple outlets on a power strip which limits its usefulness. The solution to this would be to include a small extension with the transformers similar to a laptop charger, although this of course would raise the cost of materials. 
4. People being generally rude. There simply is no excuse for it. Holding open a door for someone or returning a friendly greeting from a passer-by takes little to no effort. The world is a bad enough place as it is, being generally kind and respectful makes it a little more bearable.
5. Stop lights without any sort of variable timing. Getting caught at a stop light late at night and sitting through a whole cycle with out a single car crossing your path is frustrating and wasteful. With cost of integrated electronics and the "Internet of Things" coming to fruition, it's high time our traffic control infrastructure was updated to keep pace. I would estimate that the cost to the public treasury would be offset by the overall savings to society.
6. Click-bait trash. The internet was supposed to bring the combined knowledge of mankind to the masses. All it seems to bring anymore are selfies and click-bait trash. Finding legitimate, unbiased information seems harder now than ever before. "Journalists" no longer make their money by investigating and seeking the truth, they make it by throwing together fifteen screen shots of twitter that "Perfectly describe being a 90's kid", supported by ad's that are probably loaded up with Java exploits.
7. Netflix asking if you are still watching. I understand this is a useful feature if you fall asleep, but Netflix has changed how we consume media. They should take that into account they next time they force you to move for the first time in three hours. 
8. People who bring their vehicles to get lettered without washing them first. This complaint is unique to my line of work, but if you want me to put a bunch of vinyl logos and lettering on your vehicle, wash it first. Otherwise you may not be happy with the result. 
9. Not having the ability to adjust alignment on cuts. Another specific of sign shops. When producing a large number of small decals, they are printed in one large sheet and run through a plotter to cut them to the desired shape. The problem is that sometimes the weight of the material causes the alignment to shift as it is run back and forth along the x-axis. There is no way to stop and change the alignment once it goes off and the result can be half or more of a run can be wasted.
10. Chronic Procrastinators. Can be frustrating to anyone in any made to order industry. Being a small shop with relatively old equipment, we rely on our skills and customer service to stay competitive. This means if your deadline is tomorrow and you forgot about it until today, we will do our best, but the quality may suffer. Take your time and do it right.
11. The line at the Chick-Fil-A on Causeway and Providence. About the only fast food i can eat without feeling greasy and ill, but the line is always stretching around the building at almost any hour of the day.
12. Lack of public water fountains. Florida summers can be brutal, and with obesity at all time highs people could use some encouragement to leave their A/C'd comfort for a while to get some exercise. A refreshing water fountain can really help to offset the effects of our "Surface of the sun" ambient temperature.
13. Ineffective and wasteful government. Has plagued man since the dawn of civilization and still no one has found the answer. 
14. Home owner's associations. While they personally don't effect me I have many clients that they do. To me the thought of paying someone to tell you what you can and can't do on your own property seems ludicrous. Those same people reserve the right to confiscate your own property for failing to pay their ransom. I suppose the comparison could be made to property tax, but at least property tax provides funding to local schools. The only thing HOA fees fund are gates, and guys like me to make more signs telling you what you can't do. I don't claim that their should be no organization on the neighborhood level, but many HOA's act like petty tyrants. 
15.  Everyone has Fibre but me. Every other building in my complex has FIOS except mine. As a result i have VDSL, and am paying more for slower speeds than I was when I had FIOS. 
16. The 9 A.M. Lotto player. Usually retired, disabled, or simply out of work; They're in their pajamas going for the true variety pack of lotto tickets, and are keeping you from buying your coffee and getting to work on time. There is no solution to this problem that I can see other than adding another cashier.
17. Poor service at retail stores. Not to say all retail workers don't care, but there are those who simply can't be bothered to help you. This problem has many causes beyond the individual. Working a menial job for little pay is hard, I know, but we all have to get through it. I have found that taking pride in your work can be difficult in circumstances like these, but it is necessary to get through it with some level of dignity intact. 
18. Celebrity gossip. As previously mentioned journalism is in a bad way. The situation is made worse when stories about celebrity gossip constantly overshadow coverage of major world events. When more people are concerned with what happens with the Kardashians than with Syria there is a serious problem. 
19. Double Parking. If you can't fit your Honda Civic in a single parking space in a crowded parking lot I don't think you need a license. 
20. Chronic Complainers. While ironic on a list of complaints, there are few things worse than a person that simply can't stop complaining. Life is hard, and all of us have to deal with things on a daily basis that make us want to pull our hair out. But everyone has problems and we are all in this together. I have found that once you stop complaining, the answer usually makes itself clear. 

Putting internal gripes into words is challenging. We can often find ourselves bothered by something without knowing why. Writing them down helps put them into perspective.  What I found most challenging was finding problems that can be solved. Admittedly many items on this list aren't fixable, or at least I don't know of a viable solution. I suppose this is what sets Entrepreneurs apart. Complaining is easy, solving is hard.

My Entrepreneurship Story

My Entrepreneurship story begins at a time before I have any conscious memory. When I was still a toddler my father decided to try his hand at self employment. He started a videography business, mostly filming weddings and corporate events. His finished product was great, he proved he was more than up to the task of filming and editing, but unfortunately there is more to a business. By the time i turned five his adventure was over and he went back to his old job. My mother and step-father started their own business in '99 and it is still in operation to this day.

They fix semi-trailers, and growing up I was often used as another set of hands to buck rivets. This was a valuable experience as I saw first had what it takes to run a business from the ground up. I also saw the immense sacrifices it takes when times are tough to stay afloat. Should circumstances allow me to pursue my own venture the way they did, then I would consider my self to be at an advantage, because i was raised by entrepreneurs.

My Introduction

My name is Luke Logsdon. I live in my hometown, Brandon, with my girlfriend. Both of my parents were entrepreneurs at one time or another. My father owned a videography business in the 90's and my mother and step-father owned a semi-trailer repair business. After high school I spent my freshman year at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University perusing a BS in Aeronautical Science. However I had to withdraw from that school due to finances. After that I attended Hillsborough Community College, majoring in Business Administration, before transferring to UF.

Aviation remains my career goal, specifically flight instruction. Between flight training and earning my degree at UF, I hope to land a position at a flight school and eventually work my way to Chief Pilot. In the mean time I work at a local sign shop to pay the bills. I enjoy our small shop atmosphere (there are only five of us), but sometimes it can become grating. While it is certainly not my first career choice, it is comforting to know that I have devolved enough of a skill set in this industry to rely on it as a back up should the need arise.

Entrepreneur's Mantra

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