Enterpreneur
Seizing the free space in the market, starting a business. I have always dreamed of entrepreneurship, and I have realized quite a few business ideas. Some went further than others.
Beginnings
In the fifth grade of elementary school, I set up a small shop selling paper airplanes, small toys from Kinder Surprise, and other knick-knacks. The teacher found out and wasn’t happy about it.
My next business venture on school grounds began in the final year of high school. Our school switched the canteen operator, which led to an increase in the price of hot dogs and a decrease in quality. I couldn’t stand the fact that hot dogs were now microwaved instead of steamed. This led to the creation of an improvised shop called „Hey Dementia“, which operated from my desk. During breaks, I used a pot and an immersion heater to heat up hot dogs for hotdogs, and later I transitioned to making cheese and ham toasts with a toaster. All I had to do was wake up a little earlier before class and head to Lidl for hot dogs and buns. My prices were unbeatable, and the business became very popular. Other products I sold included mainly energy drinks and various snacks, which I sourced from a discount store called Zlevněnka, located conveniently on my way to school. Supply was solved elegantly, and customers were satisfied. Moreover, classmates didn’t even have to go to the canteen; they could buy toasts and other items directly from me in class. I also sold single cigarettes to smokers. The business ran for about four months. Our English teacher, who complained to the class teacher, unsuccessfully tried to shut it down. The business even had its own Facebook page, which still exists today. Its quirky promotional style matched both my age and the target audience. It was awesome.
The Van Business
„Levný převoz Se Šťopkou“ is a moving and transport company that is still operating, which I founded while I was still in college. At the time, I bought a small old van for cheap (16,000 CZK). It was terrible, always breaking down, and very boxy. I named it Bernadette. I started spreading the word among my friends and acquaintances that I was offering transport services, and clients gradually came in.
In the fall of 2016, after returning from a road trip in the Balkans, Bernadette sparked, sputtered, exploded, and started leaking. I had her scrapped and bought a bigger machine for a decent price (around 70,000 CZK) – a Ford Transit, which I named Harrison. This significantly expanded my moving capabilities. A year later, I earned my bachelor’s degree and headed toward a full-time job as a teacher. I found a replacement driver – Pavel Tománek, who continued moving and transporting with Harrison. In the fall of 2017, I bought a Mercedes Sprinter – an even longer van than the Ford. At work, I arranged for a part-time position and spent the other half of my time moving with the Ford, while Pavel drove the Mercedes – which we nicknamed the Red Bear.
I took great joy in this business, which not only allowed me and Pavel to travel around Europe, but also provided a nice income and good fitness. I recommend it to everyone. Moving isn’t rocket science; all you need is a van, enthusiasm, avoid breaking anything, and always smile.
In May 2019, I handed the company over to my friend Martin Formánek. I needed a change and space for new projects. The business is still running, and it makes me proud as if it were my own child. On Facebook and Google, it has a clean 5-star rating from dozens of clients. I think this project was very successful, and I gained more experience from it than from any school. During my time, we completed over 2,000 jobs.
Our mascot was my guinea pig – Sergei. We even shot the first commercial at our house, and the main star was that guinea pig.
We made another commercial on the theme of how to get furniture from stores to your home. I think it turned out really well