My Entrepreneurship Story

A lot of people move the United States for the big “American Dream” to live safe and to follow their dreams. Leaving my family, my friends and my culture behind was not easy for my family and I. Having to adapt to the lifestyle and learn the language and customs of people here in the U.S. was not easy and it took a long time to get used to. I like to think of my dad as an entrepreneur, looking back on the hard times he endured, I am proud of where we stand today. In Colombia, he was a salesman and he always talked about one day owning his own business. My dad started here in the U.S. with the family car, a white minivan. He would go to local stores and sell them basic products such as shampoos, soaps, toothpaste anything he could supply. He then started being the distributor for a small business; he would travel all around Florida making connections and contacts. Once he earned enough money he bought a bigger van and would carry all the products with him, selling them, advertising, and talking to people about potential buyers. Doing so, my dad became known around the areas he would go sell to. He would talk to people about him opening up his own distribution company. When my parents had enough money they decide to rent a warehouse where they would become their own distributors. Having some contacts and connections, my dad’s dream of owning a business started becoming a reality. The family business soon started to grow and expand now selling deodorants, medicine, hair conditioners, toothbrushes, ointments and many more. For years, my parents worked hard on expanding the name of the company and the company itself. At the prime years of the company, the company had grown to other states and we were starting to see the business take shape and be well established. After five years of being in the same warehouse, we were able to move to a bigger one. Today, my dad’s vision has not ended and wants to have his own laboratory to make and sell his own products. The company has made so many things possible for my family. About eight years ago my parents were able to purchase their own house, they have helped my sister financially with her Masters program, and have helped my brother with his baby, as well as pay for my own school here at the University of Florida. I am very thankful for my parents and the family business, it really has given us a comfortable way of life.

I enrolled in ENT 3003 because I would like to have that vision and way of thinking of one day owning something or having an impact in the society, it does not have to be something big but I would like it for it to be meaningful. I believe everyone has to start somewhere and what better place than here and now. I am almost done with my degree and the next big thing is around the corner. What I am hoping to get out of this class is to develop a business concept and learn how to seek opportunities that will help me grow as an individual. The next chapter of my life will open up to my career and this course is a stepping-stone for that and my overall growth.