I hope you and your family had a nice 4th. Since the 4th of July is all about independence, wouldn't it be great to have a business where you could have the independence to schedule where and when you wanted to work and had a party atmosphere environment? A business where patrons stood in line to be wowed by your delightfully tasty and healthy drinks and that you could start out part time and grow into full time?
Our entrepreneur this month found a business with all of those qualities and more. His road to entrepreneurship wasn't a "smooth" ride and he had several challenges he needed to overcome. With his perseverance, it's "smoothie" sailing now.
Congratulations Scott, and welcome to the world of entrepreneurship!
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Scott Shuda
Maui Wowi
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Scott Shuda and I started talking about his interest in business ownership in June of 2010. He held a business administration and accounting degree from Marquette University with an emphasis in marketing. He was presently in a contract accounting position for a large Fortune 100 manufacturer as a credit analyst. For the past 10-15 years he had thought about a career change and possibly owning a business. Because he had worked for a caterer during college he had an interest in businesses that were food related, but was open to other possibilities. He had looked as some of the big brand food franchises like Culvers, Dairy Queen, Panera Bread, Qdoba, Zoup Soup and Kona Ice. He found most were rather pricey and out of his investment capabilities.
We worked together on the profile for a business that would fit Scott's lifestyle, income, wealth and equity goals. We focused around a business model in the service or food area. Scott wasn't sure at this point if he would quit his job and become a business owner full time or perhaps find a business model that would allow him to keep his job. So we decided to investigate both possibilities. We selected several different business models for Scott to investigate and validate, plus he attended one of our Franchise Expos for future exposure to franchise models.
During this initial period that Scott and I worked together, he was looking after his elderly mother. As her health deteriorated, he had to move her out of her home and into a facility for her continued care. I was going through something similar with my mother, so Scott and I often compared notes. Because of the added responsibilities of looking after his mom, Scott needed to put our franchise investigation on hold with a follow-up in six months.
Six months later Scott and I reconnected and decided to continue exploring his possibilities. We decided to take a fresh approach and come up with new ideas for him to investigate and validate. Of interest to Scott was a spa franchise that leased space in motel chains, a popcorn franchise with a mall based kiosk, a custom wine franchise and a smoothie franchise with a Hawaiian theme.
After talking to each franchisor and several franchisees of each concept, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies bubbled to the top of Scott's list. He had sampled one of their delightful smoothies and loved the flexibility of the business model and the fun Hawaiian theme. In Scott's own words, "The opportunities, the freedom and the ability to have fun while still making money have always been a dream of mine. Maui Wowi Hawaiian is perfect for helping me accomplish this."
Founded in 1982, Maui Wowi is a fun, flexible, and simple business model that allows local franchise owners to build their own businesses promoting all-natural, healthy, high quality products under the Maui Wowi Hawaiian brand umbrella. They are known for their signature smoothies utilizing proprietary non-fat yogurt recipes, fruit juices from exotic locations, fruit purees, and all-natural flavorings. They also offer an exclusive line of Kona espresso and Cappuccino drinks as well as a gourmet line of blended coffees from Maui, Kona, Kauai, and Molokai which has evolved into a distinct brand that offers the best of the Hawaiian Islands.
Maui Wowi started out with a unique mobile kiosk which franchise owners to take various events in their territory. They expanded to fixed locations in high volume areas like convention centers and stadiums and now offer a store front model as well.
Scott decided he wanted to start out with the mobile cart model, which is really cool. The cart has a definite Hawaiian look with thatched roof and bamboo front. The franchise operator and employees wear Hawaiian shirts with flower leis and optional straw hat. The look of the kiosk just screams "party time". For private parties, alcohol can be added to the smoothies for a spirited event.
Scott's journey to entrepreneurship still had a few bumps in the road or challenges that he needed to address. His back issue had flared up and he might need surgery to correct a herniated disk. Moving the kiosk from event to event requires some physical effort and we were both worried whether he would be handle the situation. Fortunately, physical therapy and medication improved his condition.
Like many potential owners, funding their business venture is a challenge. Scott was no exception. Scott was creative and used a combination of rolling over his retirement funds along with refinancing his home and pulling out some of the equity.
In June of 2012, Scott went to training and officially started his business. One year later, Scott has two carts operating with plans to add more in the future. He continues to work his full time job while he builds his business empire. Scott's Maui Wowi cart can be seen at various community events in Southeastern Wisconsin. His tasty smoothies and coffees have pleased patrons at birthday and graduations parties, store and business grand openings, local festivals and sporting events. Scott also likes to work with local caterers to bring a fun beverage addition to their events.
When I asked Scott for some feedback on our journey of discovery and finding Maui Wowi, here is what he had to say. "I appreciate all the guidance that Marty has given and continues to give me. Marty and I not only connected on a business basis, but on a personal level as well. Marty truly cares for the people he works with, then and now."
"I used Marty not only to research new and different franchises, but I also used him as a sounding board for ideas. Marty's comments were not always what I wanted to hear, but helped to steer me away from some not so good ideas and back to good ideas.Without Marty's assistance, I would have probably found a franchise, but not the right franchise for me. Maui Wowi Hawaiian is the right franchise for me and my family. Mahalo nui loa Marty!"
Mahalo nui loa means "thank you very much." Maholo nui loa to Scott for allowing me the opportunity to be your coach and helping you find your dream business.
If you're having an event or party where you'd like to add a fun, healthy, quality beverage, please give Scott a call at 414-750-9629 or e-mail him at HawaiianParty@MauiWowi.org and learn how bringing his mobile cart to your occasion will be an instant hit. You and your guests will feel like you're on a Hawaiian beach enjoying the fruits of the island. Party time!
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Scott dreamed of being a business owner for years before we finally got together to explore his options and possibilities. His journey had several challenges that needed to be addressed and completed. Scott's perseverance is a true quality of an entrepreneur. Although his journey to entrepreneurship wasn't a smooth ride, his smoothies sure are. His business dream has been accomplished and his future looks "fruitful" just like Maui Wowi fruitful smoothies.
