3A- My Entrepreneurship Story

     Over the years, I have always had an interest business and entrepreneurship. When I was a little kid I would always say how I wanted to start my own ranch when I grew older. At a young age, I realized that to be successful in life and especially business that you had to have connections and a good reputation in the community. Growing up, I have always tried to build as many relationships and connections as possible. I have always kept a clean and reputable public image as well as setting myself up for success. By being a part of many organizations such as the National FFA Organization, Student Government, and more, it helped me become a leader. When I started taking college classes, every chance I got, I chose more business and market oriented classes, including an introduction to entrepreneurship class before the one that I am currently taking.
     Growing up, my dad has always owned his restoration and remodeling business, through which he has three employees. I have always tried to learn from him, and I wanted to see how I could one day become an entrepreneur like him. When I was fifteen years old, I decided I would try to create an apparel company for the country side of Florida. I went to a local business owner that I had built a bond with over the years, and I asked him for a loan. He granted me a $500 loan to try and start my business. I took the money and I started making hats with a logo that I made that  stood for Florida Cracker,, and I named my "business" Cracker Country Apparel.

I began selling the hats well, and I started to expand my variety while making shirts and koozies too. I had the initial loan paid off quickly, and I was making enough money to reinvest and sell more. The whole thing went well for around a year and a half, but I got to a point where I was limited with time, while working two jobs on top of my schooling, and I decided to stop making the products. It was a personal decision that I had to make to better myself in the long run. This was my first experience with entrepreneurship.
      Fast forward a few years, and I am graduated from high school, in college, and still working two jobs. I have always had an interest in livestock and I had some money to invest. My mother encouraged me to invest some of my money into something that I would see a return on. I wanted to invest in cattle, but I did not have the land to start such an adventure since I only had my family's ten acres to use. Using the knowledge that I had on livestock, I decided to purchase some goats, since I knew the land could sustain them. I went out and bought a herd of seven goats. Looking back and knowing what I know now, I should have never have purchased the first herd that I did. But that is how we learn, and I learned from my early mistake.
     As time progressed, I studied and learned everything that I could about goats, from learning the breeds, the diseases, the care required, and more. I bought more goats and sold the offspring, learning every step of the way. When it came around to fair time for the youth in my area, I helped  my sister raise her market wether, which she won grand champion with.

     Today, I am the proud owner of Horlocker Hill Goat Farm, and I have just over thirty head of goats at the moment since I recently sold a larger group. From the money I have made off of the goats, I have improved my herd genetics and now lease a fifteen acre piece of property as well as my family's ten acres. I one day hope to expand my operation even further and purchase cattle as well. This is my entrepreneurship story so far.
   
     I am excited to take this class this semester to better help come more aware of the mindset of an entrepreneur. One thing that I have learned is that you can always keep learning. I am excited to collaborate and grow with my peers this semester, and I hope that everyone has an enjoyable experience with the course.