Project Home Services On-Demand Valpak 3

ValYou Mapping the On-Demand Economy

The Master Minds: Nicholas Ausse Amanda DiCicco Roberta Green Matthew Motta Meghan Rothman Aaron Wasserman

Table of Contents Page 3 4 6 8 17 28 35 43 57 62 63 64

Executive Summary Meet the Team Vision & Mission Research Competitive Advantage Identification and Analysis Introducing ValYou New Business Model Personas and Journey Maps Reflections Ideas worth Exploring Conclusion References

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The Master Minds is pleased to present to Valpak with this business proposal as being the go-to solution for new residents and homeowners.

We understand the dynamics of the on-demand for Home Service market that Valpak faces and recognizes that the On-Demand Economy will have a “Big Effect on the Local Tampa Bay Economy�. We believe that the ondemand market is in its growth stage and that we are uniquely positioned to successfully help new residents quickly find necessary service at a great value and to create local trusted relationships.

Having duly examined your situation, we are confident that our proposed strategy will effectively address your needs. Our goal is to create, develop and grow market share with the on-demand consumers by finding trusted home services providers in the consumer's local area; leveraging existing business partners, and developing new relationships.

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Meet The Team Nicholas Ausse is completing his final semester working on a BS in Finance.

Nicholas has been married to his wife Nadia for 3 years, and the two were blessed with their first child Sophia, in March of last year.

Amanda DiCicco is a senior studying Entrepreneurship and Marketing. Born in Long Island, she works full-time at Dex Imaging and with the Tampa Bay Rays. She loves her two cats, traveling, and superheroes.

Roberta Green is working on her Accounting degree. She has six siblings, one of them her twin Robert. She has worked for Raymond James Financial for 38 years. She looks forward to spending time with her 8 grandchildren on their biannual trip to Magic Kingdom.

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Meet The Team Matthew Motta is graduating this spring with a major of Business Economics with a minor in International Business. He will have his own restaurant within ten years.

Meghan Rothman is finishing her Bachelors in Accounting this Spring and is seeking post-graduation placement within the local Tampa Bay area.

Originally from the Northeast, she works for Macy’s Credit Operations as a Partner Center Strategies Senior Supervisor for five years.

Aaron Wasserman is finishing his Bachelors of Entrepreneurship where he has been learning about start-up strategy and high growth while experimenting with collaborative processes. A self-proclaimed technophile, he is a fan of adventure in the outdoors, sustainable urban homesteading, and games of many kinds.

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Vision

Mission

We see Valpak as the goto solution for new residents and homeowners.

To help new residents quickly find necessary services at a great value and to create local trusted relationships.

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We believe that the On-Demand Economy will have a Big Effect on the Local Tampa Bay Economy 7

Research Contents: Environmental Analysis - Economic Outlook - Technology Trends - Privacy

Research

On-Demand Economy - Definition - Common Challenges SWOT Analysis - ValPak - Local Service Provider - Home Service Consumer Business Model Canvas - Old ValPak Model 8

Environmental Analysis We started our analysis with PESTEL. A PESTEL analysis is a framework used to analyze and monitor the external environmental factors that have an impact on the organization.

With several major trends impacting the world, we are going to focus mainly on the major trends affecting the Home Services industry and the emerging On-Demand economy.

These factors are: Political - Economic - Social Technological - Environmental - Legal

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Technology Trends Trends point towards increasing tech capabilities and connecting everything to the internet (even the kitchen sink!)

Cisco’s Important and Emerging Technology Big 4: Cloud - Mobility - Analytics - Social Internet of Everything (IOE) - Industry Issues Software-Defined Networking - Consumerization Security/Privacy - Big Data - IT Appliances

Bottom Line: People use smartphones to

Learn - Share - Navigate

66% Of Americans Own A Smartphone (according to 2015 Pew research) 10

Break down of the Economic Outlook ECONOMIC Consumer Spending - http://www.forbes.com/sites/billconerly/2015/11/20/economicforecast-2016-2017-and-business-to-do-lists-for-the-new-year/#1b161c032ab8 Consumers have been increasing their expenditures by just under four percent per year, right in line with disposable income.

StPete-Clearwater Area: Housing Market is improving with about 2000 homes currently being constructed to meet demand and an estimated 26,200 homes expected over the next 3 years.

Sales Estimated Vacancy Rate: 2.2% Rental Estimated Vacancy Rate: 8.6% Labor force and employment is increasing

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This chart provides a statistical representation of forecasted employment growth of over 2% and a median household increase of over 4% in the Tampa Bay Area for 2016. The expected growth in these statistics could indicate potential for an increase in consumer spending in the home service economy.

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According to PNC Financial Services Group, regional tourism is getting stronger as more people nationwide gain employment and discretionary income rises. Additionally, increased in-migration is a second pillar of support as continued U.S. economic growth enables workers to build wealth, sell their homes and retire in Florida. Combined these two factors are driving growth in construction, professional services, consumer spending on retail trade, leisure and hospitality services and sustained expansion in education and healthcare. This broad base for growth is enabling Tampa Bay’s momentum to outpace the U.S. by a wide margin and to lower the jobless rate to 5.4 percent in mid-2015 from 6 percent in the prior year. (See Chart). The workforce grew at a rapid clip during the same period. This is a good indication that confidence in the local economy is strong enough to attract job seekers.

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Why Start in the Tampa Bay Area/Florida? ●

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Second most populated area of Florida with 2,824,724 people as of 2011 according to the State of Florida.

According to CNN, Money it is one of the top 10 areas to move to. ○ Florida as a whole has about 1000 individuals moving to it daily. ○ People are moving to Florida at three times the rate of any other state, excluding Texas.

MacDill Air Force Base is one of the biggest employers in the area bringing families from all over the US to the Tampa Bay Area.

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Privacy and Trust Trust is a valuable asset of ValPak, which must be maintained both with service providers and their customers.

Many emerging companies are finding innovative ways to reduce risk for both themselves and their users.

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The need to perform thorough and extensive background checks on contractors and employees of those contractors who will be used

by Valpak through their new ValYou application is of critical importance to its success. Valpak must do their due diligence in order to reassure the users of ValYou that they are getting reputable and qualified professionals to perform their home service needs.

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What is an On-Demand Economy? “ an economic activity created by technology companies that fulfill consumer demand via immediate provisioning of good and services.�

(Business Insider)

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Review PROS

CONS

Angie’s List is a member-only site, there is a greater control over their reviews as each is verified to be from a legitimate member who has actually used the company’s services.

It cost money, even if you don’t end up using any of their services.

They offer a customer service department who can put you in touch with companies you are interested in using and mediate problems if any rise.

Angie’s List exists only in part to help consumers find good, reputable business. They also have very self-serving interests.

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Review

PROS Already a trusted name for consumers, your target homeowners included.

Amazon is already convenient for homeowners, this add another level.

Younger homeowners who already trust Amazon will be exposed to services.

Good source for unquestionable reviews, which is a strong signal even for homeowners who aren’t purchasing through Amazon.

CONS Unrealistic expectations from homeowners.

High fees for the contractor.

Many home service middle sites competing for your attention, charging you money already.

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Review PROS

CONS

Home Advisors allows you to leverage their brand to gain trust and get your first clients. It also allows you to reach customers that you otherwise wouldn’t have the marketing abilities or funds to reach.

Home Advisor can use any information on your profile to direct links to their site. This essential allows them to use your name to promote their business.

Once you have set up your account, it’s very easy to manage.

Leads for bigger jobs are expensive and often cost more than $50.00.

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Issues Facing the OnDemand Economy It seems as though everyone wants to be the next Uber because they made it look effortless but what are some common challenges being faced by new entrants?

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Balancing Cost and Motivation ○

How to keep the costs to clients as low as possible?

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How to manage training, managing, and motivating labor?

Regulatory and Political Problems at Scale ○

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Uber is dealing with massive political and social backlash

Challenges Getting to Scale ○

Low Barriers of Entry means lots of competition coming in

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No Brand Loyalty means a higher cost of keeping customers 21

On-Demand Economies Reveal Higher Wage Rates Primary research demonstrates “average ondemand wage rates remain higher, even after accounting for marketplace fees and differences in wage levels by geography and by profession” 1.

Home Services “non-offshoreable”

2.

Improved labor quality transparency

3.

Ease of access

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SWOT Analysis:

a tool used to identify a company’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as explore its external opportunities and threats.

Local Service Provider These individuals are already known within the community but have limited marketing capability due to time restraints and lack of capital.

Money spent locally provides exponential economic benefit

Home Service Consumer These individuals are making the final purchasing decisions for the household service needs but may not know the providers within the area.

ValPak Has strategic partnerships to help expand the new On-Demand Economy.

ValPak Strength: ●

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Connected to COX Media Group - a recognized brand and source of knowledge Business model focused on building relationships within the community

Opportunity: ●

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Expand market share leveraging the new OnDemand Economy Expand Product Offerings Grow with existing friends and build new relationships within home service industry

Weakness: Threats: ●

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Franchise model contractual requirements complicates broad-company projects Currently focused on delivering mature products: Direct Mail and Web Presence

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Newcomers and Rivals are currently testing the market Changing regulations across all areas of operations 23

Local Service Provider Strength: ● ● ●

Known within the community Relationships with other service providers Owners typically involved in daily activities

Opportunity: ● ●

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Natural disasters means work Money spent locally provides exponential economic benefit Many area homes are due for renovation

Weakness: Threats: ●

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Marketing challenges with limited available capital Limited capacity to pursue growth projects

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Rivals with capital can enter and disrupt Legal and Political requirements and taxes 24

Home Service Consumer Strength: ●

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Freedom of Choice - They get to make the final purchasing decision Have relationships within the community

Weakness: ●

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Avoid Extreme Relocation Tend to stay within regular geographic areas May be subject to Homeowner requirements

Opportunity: ● ●

Can reach out to friends for advice New On-Demand services can make life more comfortable

Threats: ● ●

Loss of Security - May lose income Extreme Weather is always a threat to a home or business

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ValPak’s Current Business Model ●

Two-Sided Platform connecting local service providers with a targeted audience of consumers ○ ○

Value to Service Providers Value to Consumers

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Key Partnerships

Postal Service

Key Activities

Selling Direct Mail Key Resources

Land Labor Capital Cost Structure

Wages

Operations Materials

Value Propositions

Connecting Local Service Providers with a Targeted Audience of Consumers Marketing Help for Small to Medium Business

Customer Relationships

Trusted Advisor Channels

Customer Segments

Local Service Providers

ValPak App Envelope to New-Hires Revenue Streams

Revenue

Current Business Model - Simplified

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Introducing:

ValYou

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ValYou at a Glance: ValYou is an integrated application that allows users to quickly and easily find trusted home service providers in their local area.

ValYou is a Google Map overlay that allows users to view certified home service providers in their area.

Valpak will use existing business relationships with: Samsung, to leverage their base of smartphone users, and Google Maps, to drive search queries, and develop new relationships with: IBM’s Watson, to leverage Big Data in analytics and prediction and to provide ValYou a streamlined entrance into the marketplace.

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Bridging the Gap of Porter’s Five Forces

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Breakdown barriers of entry with strategic partnerships with trusted allies.

Work together to disengage the rivalry and promote healthy interactions.

Leverage the bargaining power of ValPak through doors that are already open.

Enhance bargaining power of suppliers and buyers through ValYou. ValPak has the channels of communications already in place. Let’s use them.

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Create a ValYou-able tool that not only will shrink the potential budget but allow for a more streamlined entrance into the marketplace.

Strategic partnerships will allow Valpak to minimize their initial investment which will help sustain long term profitability.

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New Business Model Why ValYou? Previous app failed to achieve sustainable growth.

A low-cost way of entering the market.

Suppliers are Verified.

What is ValYou? Value is added through app.

Pivot ValPak’s current smartphone application with Convenience of using dedicated app. a basic re-branding and limited feature development App becomes a trusted advisor. and relaunch with a focused go-to-market strategy.

How to launch ValYou? Target area employees by offering local HR Managers a New-Hire Solution smartphone app with custom deals.

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Key Partnerships

Local Area Businesses with > 100 Employees Service Providers

Key Activities

Networking with HR Managers Key Resources

Trusted & Established Service Providers

Value Propositions

Connection to Trusted & Established Service Providers

Customer Relationships

1st To Welcome Channels

ValYou Envelope to New-Hires

Cost Structure

Customer Segments

New Employees Moving to the Tampa Bay Area

Revenue Streams

Wages and Commission for Sales Team

New Business Model

Financing ValPak/CTM

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Partnerships Valpak has a long history of strategic partnerships that have helped strengthen their overall brand.

We can limit the effects of Porter’s Five Forces by joining forces with the competition instead of instigating a rivalry.

The strength of the Valpak brand can be leveraged into a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship with a potential competitor.

https://blog.kissmetrics.com/online-business-strategicpartnerships/

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Metrics of Success or Failure of Entrance into On-Demand Economy ●

User Activity

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Conversion Rate = Ratio of User Searches * Follow-Through Clicks

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Cost to Convert = Conversion Rate * Advertising Dollars Spent by Service Providers

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ValYou Customer Growth Over Time

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Measure of ValPak Customers that Advertise Via ValYou

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Ratio between Service Providers and ValYou Users

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Service Provider Ratings

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On-Demand Competition Metrics ●

New Application Downloads

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Activity of Users

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Retention of Application Users

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Rating Systems for the Application

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Month on Month Growth

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Increased print presence ○

Strategic placement to attract those in need of home services ■ ■

Home improvement retailers DMV brochures ●

Brand Awareness Driving traffic from print & online to the app

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Blue Envelope when registering Local markets

Local cable ○

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Option to sign up for

Leverage available COX media outlets to promote app

Online ○

Using existing online platforms to promote app 40

Brand Awareness â—?

â—?

Though ValPak is already a household name we want to make ValYou the first stop that families go to when looking for On-Demand Home services. We are primarily targeting families that are new to the area and need assistance in finding the right company to help improve their current lifestyle. We want to make sure that we are right their with them through all their moving touchpoints including places like the DMV - where they would be getting their new licenses - and on their local cable channels - where they would be learning about the area.

ValYou will also use ValPak’s current distribution to help market and vice versa. Businesses that are currently paying for marketing space in the ValPak blue envelope will be able to add on their link to the ValYou map. Members of ValYou will also be able to sign up for the blue envelope if their house is not currently receiving the special offers. This will help both companies while also helping the customer with getting involved in the way that they choose.

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Target Market ●

ValYou’s target market will be based mostly off of individuals that are relocating to a new area.

The first market we will be testing is the Tampa Bay Area.

We will then continue to expand throughout Florida.

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New Tampa Bay resident ○ ○

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Personas Broadening Valpak circle of relationships

New Tampa Bay service provider ○

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Homeowner Renter

Individual Contractors (handymen)

HR Managers ○

Connect new service providers to customers using Valpak’s trusted, community brand

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Simple User Experience 1 A Faucet is Leaking 3 Communications

2

Google Maps is Used to Select a Service Provider

are Established between the User and the Service Provider

4 The Service Technician Completes the Repair

5 A State of Zen is Achieved

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Newark Family Newly Arrived FL Resident (Homeowner) Personal Data: Husband Richard (39), wife Kelly (35), daughters Sarah & Caitlin (8 & 5) and a golden named Harvey. $55,000-$70,000 joint income, which is subsidized by Kelly’s Rodan & Fields product sales, which she primarily gains by postings on social media. Both graduated from James Madison University.

Relocation Story: Moved to Florida from Virginia for a career opportunity with increased salary; purchased $230K home in Shore Acres, St. Petersburg.

Core values: Democratic, church-going, kids involved in recreational sports leagues, enjoy hosting social events, and love outdoor recreational activities such as tubing, kayaking, and going to local parks

Favorite Quote: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.

Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. ~ Chinese proverb

Where they get their news: CNN, Wall St. Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, ESPN

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Newark Family Digital Interactions: Richard scans news and sports online but is not an active online shopper. Kelly actively posts on Facebook & Instagram, and shops online retailers for ideas but prefers to make purchases in brick & mortar stores (when available) Objections: Want a quality home improvement experience that is completed right the first time Goals/Challenges: Add a Florida room, exterior deck area and install pool. Have plans for a summer vacation and are having difficulty planning work around this.

How Valpak meets goals & resolves challenges: Find the best fit for one or more service providers who can complete the objective within the preferred time frame

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Customer Interactions

Moves to Tampa Bay, FL ● ● ●

Shopping Experience

Needs renovation services No knowledge of local business quality Concerned about theft/vandalism of personal property

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Seeking best value for best price Sense of urgency in wanting services completed soon

6+ months later ●

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Seeking additional services to fix roof damaged in tropical storm Unsure of extremity of damage or necessary repairs

ValYou Offerings

The Newark’s Journey Map ● ● ● ● ●

Valyou icon on Google Maps Access to contact info Published process by which all contractors are vetted Multiple options meet service needs Pricing provided for basic services

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No fee or credit card info required at sign up Can login with facebook or Google+ account instead of providing personal email Ability to browse service providers and ratings Using google maps link can locate providers close to home

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Likely repeat experience due to successful initial usage of ValYou to locate service provider options Big Data analytics driven design highlights services frequented by seasonal weather to best meet customer needs 47

Rosa Thorne Newly Arrived FL Resident (Renter) Personal Data: Age 29, Hispanic American, divorced with two daughters, Isabelle & Maria (5 & 7). UCLA graduate marketing major. Just hired at Marketing Communications Specialist at Catalina Marketing Corporation; $60,000-$70,000 individual income.

Relocation Story: Leaving Sacramento after divorce. Has always wanted to live by the water and has been looking at options to move for > 1 year Core values: Moderate Democrat, raised Catholic, enjoys dancing but picky about sitters, kids love going to Busch Gardens & Adventure Island, Lowry Park Zoo, and the Clearwater Aquarium on the weekends Where she gets her news: iphone news app, Washington Post online, Tampa Bay Times Sunday delivery, local radio

Favorite Quote: “Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning�

Gloria Steinem 48

Rosa Thorne Digital Interactions: Skims Facebook & Instagram daily, shops using Ebates, Groupon, and several other retailer apps (Plenti, Macy’s, DSW), uses Pinterest to find DIY projects and design ideas, Waze for navigating best traffic routes Objections: Feels protective of her kids and needs high guarantee of safety from a reliable company to allow someone into her home Goals/Challenges: Renting a home with option to buy; likely to purchase.

Wants to begin making improvements at an affordable cost. Spends time price comparing to locate best value. Biggest challenge is lack of familiarity with local service providers.

How Valpak meets goals & resolves challenges: Small job service providers vetted through employment process, background check verified, wide range of suppliers that meet her criteria gives option to price-compare

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Customer Interactions

Moves to Tampa Bay, FL ● ● ●

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Needs minor services now: painting, fixture installation Scheduling difficulties Needs trusted, reliable person to complete work when she’s not home If opts to buy, will need more services later

Shopping Experience Looking for current needed services but also thinking about future renovative projects Price compares on multiple online platforms Wants end result to look good enough to put on Pinterest

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6+ months later ● ●

Closes on option to buy home Plans multiple home improvement projects over 5 year span ○ Interior decorating ○ Pool ○ Addition of garage

ValYou Offerings

Rosa’s Journey Map ●

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Valpak offers connections to contractors with thorough background checks 40+ year trusted name brand ValYou shows multiple service provider options to shop for one that fits scheduling needs

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Sees ValYou app advertised on other social websites and social media platforms ○ Google Maps ○ Savings.com ○ Facebook ○ Instagram Published pricing options for wide ranges of home services

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Likely to reuse ValYou due to initial experience Growth of services offered and more detailed customer reviews and ratings on app

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Luis Villa Newly Arrived FL Resident (Handyman) Personal Data: Age 27, Hispanic American, single, no children, $39,664 annual salary.

Intending to begin classes at a local college to obtain degree in Business Administration Relocation Story: After seeing on the news that people were leaving the NE and moving to Florida at a steady rate, decided to move from New Jersey to Tampa Bay where the customers would be to build a successful handyman business: Pro Fix. Core values: Social, Republican, strong work ethic, religious but doesn’t go to church frequently. Owns a small boat and routinely goes fishing, eats healthfully, runs, woodshop in garage - builds furniture which he occasionally sells by networking with people he meets at work and socially Where he get his news: FOX, ESPN, Bay News 9 Digital Interactions: uses email for some aspects of work, built business website on WIX. com,

Favorite Quote: “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions” Stephen Covey 51

Luis Villa Objections: Needs to maximize utility, not enough demand in previous location using only website and flyers to advertise, excessive travel costs rendered lower than budgeted profits Goals/Challenges: Wants gain experience and to build personal brand awareness, needs help with advertising.

Large scale advertising currently unaffordable and unlikely to guarantee success in a new area where he not an established supplier.

How Valpak meets goals & resolves challenges: Opportunity for employment with multiple contracting sources to gain experience, easy to use ValYou interface connects him directly with employers seeking people with his skills. Eventually can use as a platform to promote his own business, Pro Fix.

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Supplier Interactions

Job Seeking Has < 5 years experience Seeking PT/FT employment Needs flexible hours while going to school for AA Plans to open home services business in 5-10 with more experience and degree

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Hiring Process Wants to look at a wide range of employment options Due to flex scheduling needs, may accept more than one PT offer

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Employment ●

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Chooses employment with company with widest range of operating hours and services Continues to build personal brand

ValYou Offerings

Luis’ Journey Map ●

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ValYou hiring feature offers links to multiple companies within the area looking for employees Multiple options for company size & types of services provided Able to post basic resume and references

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By connecting to local companies, job seekers can schedule interviews Background check information verified Ability to shop multiple companies looking to hire PT contractor

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Wide range of service providers and service types match “best fit” suppliers to consumers Valyou hiring feature: likely to use when he is ready to hire for his own company

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Jane Collins HR Manager Personal Data: Age 36, African American, married with first child on the way.

Graduated from University of Florida with a degree in Human Resources.

Currently the HR manager for Taylor Home Rehab, a home services company located in Tampa; $90,557 median annual income Relocation Story: daughter of a military family, she moved a lot as a child and her family settled in Tampa during her high school years Core values: Politically Independent, process-oriented, abides by the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” principles, actively engaged in local St. Pete art community, enjoys going to the Saturday Morning Market in season and purchasing locally Where she gets her news: CNN, Tampa Bay Times Digital Interactions: email, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed, and Careerbuilder sites

“We build too many walls and not enough bridges” Isaac Newton 54

Jane Collins Objections: Difficult to achieve costefficiency balance, locate viable employees with qualifying backgrounds Goals/Challenges: Wants to improve hiring process to increase customer satisfaction. Limited budget for personnel training and continued management costs.

Wants to leverage more part-time employees, seeking those new to the area for wide range of work experience How Valpak meets goals & resolves challenges: Beneficial partnerships that connect available supplier resources to consumers in need. Additional benefit of 40+ year trusted, neighborhood brand name

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Client Interactions

Locating Contractors ●

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Need additional contractors to widen available time for providing services Want to employ part-time contractors for costefficiency and savings Wants to employ those with wide range of experience

Hiring Process ● ● ● ● ●

Interview Background check Training Operations management Integration into existing schedule & job assignments

6+ months later ●

Continually survey parttime contractors to build large network of low cost, flexible schedule employees

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Year-over-year improvements to app and website design engage suppliers with more efficient, user-friendly experiences Continual cross-promotion via social media platforms and other Cox media outlets to gain brand awareness and on-demand 56 economy market share

ValYou Offerings

Jane’s Journey Map ●

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ValYou app lists companies seeking help to fill employee base gaps ValYou app lists potential employees seeking work, including basic resume and references

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Leverages relationship with Valpak to add trusted brand name connection to service offerings Amplifies possible customers by advertising/promoting on multiple levels: ○ ValYou app ○ Website ○ Blue envelopes

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Reflections Matthew Motta- I enjoyed this project as it fused together the principles of strategic management along with real life situations and problems. I wish we had declared a leader or project manager at the beginning. This would of helped with the delegation of tasks along with keeping everyone on the same page. It is difficult with six strong minded individuals trying to solve one problem that has many different answers. Overall, I learned a lot and look forward to applying these principles in my future workplace environments.

Amanda DiCicco - This class has helped me broaden my perspective on the strategic marketing process. It was interesting and exciting to learn about the fundamentals of strategic planning and then be able to use them while working on a real life project. The feedback we received from the professor and partnering company, ValPak, helped us think outside of the box and feel more comfortable expanding our own ideas. Creating specific jobs early on would have helped make this project run smoother because each individual would have a piece or a subject to personally own.

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Reflections Nicholas Ausse - The most important thing I believe that I have gained from not only this class, but the project in general, was the experience of working in a group towards a common goal. I was unaware of what this class was going to be like when I registered, and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really know what to expect going into it. What I came to find out is that the subject matter we were discussing was on concepts that I did not have great knowledge of. It was geared more towards marketing and innovative thinking and not finance, like most of the courses I had taken up to this point. The principles and concepts that I have learned in this course I believe will help me when I am working with different departments, such as marketing, in my future career. Also, through working in a collaborative group I was able to learn from my teammates who had a much greater understanding of these ideas and the project as a whole, which will also be invaluable to me in the future.

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Reflections Meghan Rothman - This course has been an eye-opening experience for me this semester. I learned to view the decision making process, not from an operations standpoint (which is my primary viewpoint in my daily work), but from the perspective of the top executives who determine a companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s short & long term strategies and continually make changes to drive the company towards that goal, everchanging as it may need to be to remain alive and competitive within the industry. I have worked with a very unique and varied group of students within the class, who have both supported and challenged me as an individual. The project itself has been the least guided, and most creative project that I have worked on during my combined St. Petersburg College + USF coursework, and I think the lack of specific direction was the hardest hurdle to overcome overall. In my mind, our groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary opportunity was to more clearly define the direction the project was to take, and equally segment that work amongst ourselves with clear, definitive expectations that were agreed upon by all. The primary opportunity I see for the project is to be less singularly marketing driven, and as a capstone course, to better incorporate the content learned from other upper-level business courses - such as accounting, finance & information systems technology.

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Reflections Roberta Green - After being in the corporate world for38 plus years and coming back to school has been a big challenge for me as well as rewarding experiences. Looking back with I first enrolled in this course, I thought I was just taking a lecture class that will teach me the concepts of how to craft and execute a company'sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; strategy.

I am very amazed how this course was taught and was able to work on a real companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project. Being employed at Raymond James for a long period of time and the many hats I have worn; I can attest that the ValPak Project is definitely aligned to the many projects that occur in corporate America.

Hats off to Professor Diasio for bringing a reality of working on a real project to the classroom. Although in the beginning, it seems like we were not given complete directions and nor did we as group did not set specific goals or individual tasks; but in actuality, this is does works like this in corporate America.

Kudos to my fellow team members, You guys truly has been an inspiration to me! The diversity of our team has definitely helped us to create a successful strategic plan for ValPak next move.

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Reflections Aaron Wasserman - Working with other people is always a rewarding experience in some way or another. In this project, we did not get to choose our groups. This small choice had a major impact on the diversity shown in our group. This diversity did lead to some conflict but it also led to a better rounded product and a rich learning experience. There are strategic advantages to all group work (learning through teaching, leadership and getting along with others, understanding of self) which definitely manifested in this project.

As a future entrepreneur and consultant, this type of creative business strategy and experiential learning is extremely relevant to my career. Additionally, while ValPak might be in a late-stage mature industry, looking for their next unicorn strategy is a fascinating problem that challenges all levels of experience.

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Ideas Worth Exploring:

Using Smart Appliances and On-Demand Alerts for local service scheduling and trip automation

Leverage Big Data and Predictive Algorithms by developing a platform for local service providers that lowers the barriers to these tools to improve customer experience and resource utilization 62

The Master Minds is confident that our proposed strategy will create a unique opportunity to increase market shares by reaching more homeowners and renters, maintaining existing relationships, and establishing new relationships.

We sincerely hope that Valpak will consider us as a long-term partner and allow us to enter into a mutually beneficial relationship. We are available to answer any questions you may have and look forward to discussing this opportunity further.

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References https://blog.kissmetrics.com/online-business-strategic-partnerships/ http://www.pinellascounty.org/Plan/demographics/HousingUnitsByTenureAndOccupancyPinellas.pdf http://www.pinellascounty.org/Plan/demographics/IncomePinellasCounty.pdf http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/pced.site-ym.com/resource/collection/D0CC72B9-2234-4FFD-95CFC22DBF80BD57/St_Petersburg.pdf http://www.bls.gov/home.htm http://www.bea.gov/ http://www.census.gov/en.html http://pced.site-ym.com/?page=DataCenter

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Thank You! Any Questions?