| Topic: | SIXTH ANNUAL "UNUSUAL ENTREPRENEURS SHARE WILD SUCCESS STORIES!" |
| When: | July 23, 2009 - Registration & networking 5:00 p.m.; Program begins at 5:45 p.m. |
| Where: | Holiday Inn North Campus, 3600 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor |
| Cost: | Free for NEF members; $20 for non-members; $5 for students |
Program Partners:
Stakeholder Sponsor:
Sometimes it's luck and sometimes it's timing – and yet other times it's the sheer genius of a wacky idea. Hear from entrepreneurs who've discovered and capitalized upon unusual or obscure market needs to build a business.
Panelists:
John Antone: The founder of Axis Music Academy, John is taking the concept of private music lessons to a whole new level. Launched in 1986 as Axis Music, the firm was initially a four-studio guitar lessons center. John has grown the business, now called Axis Music Academy, to three 3,000 sq. ft. locations in Canton, Southfield, and Macomb. They offer lessons in 10 additional instruments, including voice, and presently provide more than 1,000 lessons per week using "proprietary" teaching methods customized to the goals of each student.
Curt Fournier: The founder of Linden, MI, based GreenDog LLC, Curt has developed the “PowerLoo,” an outdoor, hands-free, flushable toilet for dog waste that solves environmental and health problems, as well as the “yuck” factor of poop-and-scoop disposal. The system is tied to residential water and sewer lines and works just like an indoor toilet. There is even an optional heating unit to prevent freezing in colder climates. Targeted markets beyond homeowners include breeders, doggy day-care centers, and pet-friendly apartment communities.
Chris Lin: Creator and CEO of Mandy and Pandy and author of the Mandy and Pandy books, Chris is an American born Chinese. His book series, based on the adventures of his daughter Mandy, teaches kids basic Mandarin the fun and easy way. Previously, Chris lived in Taiwan and China for over two years and was Marketing Director of Ford China, where he developed the business and brought the Chinese government in as a large customer. He has an Economics degree from U-M and an MBA from the Ross School of Business.
Moderator:
Jesse Bernstein, most recently President & CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce: A long-time Ann Arbor resident with a strong track record of community involvement and business experience, Jesse is a guy who knows a good business when he sees one!