TIME magazine Lists the Segway as "Top Ten worst Tech failures..."

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

A business sense is something many engineers should, but probably will never, learn.

Many engineers would love to leave their corporate jobs to start a company that sells products geared towards FIRST teams, and use this as a platform to launch into other markets, but most would fail. Andy Baker was able to do it, which shows he has that business sense that is lost on most engineers.

It's almost sad how bad some of the engineers are, in my years of interning, I worked with some that seemed to really have no concept of how to do business.

It is my opinion that AndyMark is setting a standard and acting as a role model for business sense and applying the wisdom gained. It could be that we have arrived at a point to explore this and the impact that the members of the FIRST community can have on the future dreams of business owners and corporations by role modeling as business owners and entrepreneurs, developing and implementing the concepts that are lacking, therefore, creating opportunity for failure.

Many FIRSTers have no problem posting opinions in ChiefDelphi regarding different aspects of team development and practical applications to be used during build. There may be a time fast approaching for the need for mentoring and sharing practical applications and career development as business owners and entrepreneurs. It is identifying itself as a need.

At some point, I can see a recognition of some sort being developed to acknowledge the successful achievements of mentors, alumni, and perhaps, students - who have plowed the row, mentored, shared valuable lessons, training, and philosophies in succeeding in the area of business and entrepreneurship. AndyMark is paving the way for those who are paying attention and looking to the future of great possibilities.

.02
Jane

[Rick TYler]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

It is my opinion that AndyMark is setting a standard and acting as a role model for business sense and applying the wisdom gained. It could be that we have arrived at a point to explore this and the impact that the members of the FIRST community can have on the future dreams of business owners and corporations by role modeling as business owners and entrepreneurs, developing and implementing the concepts that are lacking, therefore, creating opportunity for failure.

And don't forget what Tony Norman and Bob Mimlich have done with Innovation First (IFI). FIRST ran on IFI electronics and other parts for years, and their VEX product line is now serving a rapidly-growing youth community. IFI employees and sponsorship still support a number of FRC teams.