How To Reinvent Yourself

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SingleDad offers the best advice on Wealth and Career decisions. James Studinger shares a story on a great example that we can all learn from during these difficult economic times.

Michigan has been talking about “Reinventing” for years now – from our economic dependence on the automotive market, to the individuals who are looking for work.

Sometimes change happens to us, and other times we create the change. It’s not always welcomed, it’s sometimes scary – but in time change is often viewed as a stroke of genius.

Such was the case for Curt Fournier and Vicki Januszewski. They owned and operated a successful client centered mortgage company in Michigan. Then they were hit by the perfect storm of the failing lending and housing industry. But their most difficult challenge came when Curt learned he had cancer. “After going through a period where I was not able to imagine how it could be possible to survive, that I would certainly die – I felt I had a chance to start over” said Curt.

Having made an incredible full recovery from stage 4 testicular cancer that had spread to Curt’s lungs, they were ready for change. But exactly what – they didn’t know.

Unbeknownst to them on a steamy 2007 summer day as Curt and Vicki bagged dog poop to be stored for next week’s trash – reinvention was peeking through the weeds. Vicki asked Curt to build an outside toilet so they could just flush it and forget about it. So Curt went to the water treatment facility and asked if that would be a problem. They told him to go patent the idea. Dog waste isn’t just a stinky inconvenience; it’s also an environmental nightmare. Flushing down the toilet is the friendly green clean solution, but most people don’t feel so clean carrying it in their house. And so they bag it destination landfill.

Thus began the birth of Powerloo – For What Dogs Do. Curt and Vicki emerged from a battered industry and created change, which would prove to be their stroke of genius.

In our star struck society we are used to seeing people after they’ve made it big, and not realize what it took for them to get there. There is a steep learning curve to manufacture an idea which Curt and Vicki began to climb. There were patent protections, legal documents, fundraising, engineering, market analysis, business plans, more fundraising, more engineering, design, tooling… The daunting work and unknown might keep many from trying at all. But in realizing the humble beginnings of others who made it there is encouragement to the possibilities.

“The Powerloo is a practical solution that brings convenience to every pet lover. It allows for a scoop and a simple step to remove the pet waste forever. Our customers tell me they never thought such a convenient solution would also be such a conversation piece.”

Being in the business of dog poop comes with its share of humor. One can’t help but remember the movie Envy where Jack Black invents VaPoorizer and goes on to great wealth. Could a movie become real life? They will soon find out.

Powerloo is a first of its kind – revolutionary and yet so intelligently practical. They didn’t skimp on quality, wanting to produce a Michigan made product Michiganders would be proud of.

It’s designed to compliment any landscape and withstand pressure of a commercial environment such as a kennel or veterinary office. This righteous throne is rugged to withstand the demands of an army of dogs.

People buy it directly from the manufacturer, www.powerloo.com. They get on-line, pick the color and place the order. Especially that it is such a new concept; they assist all the way through installation to make sure it’s being used as quickly as possible.

“The one thing I would say to anyone who is at the bottom of the hill looking up is to get inspired”, says Curt. “They are looking at the end (of loss or unknown) but every end is also a new beginning. Keep an open mind to possibilities. We stayed in Michigan to tap into our core roots. There is enough people right here that can help you, no matter what level of experience you already have. Even in the most challenging of times, when we can’t see past tomorrow, we reach out to others, brainstorm and find a way to make it happen. You don’t have to have all the money or answers. But you have to have the courage and willingness to grow and learn.”

I’m lucky in my job to witness the inventiveness of people to discover solutions. With so much talent in Michigan tapping into creativity and the infrastructure to execute, much better days are ahead.

James Studinger is the owner of JPStudinger Group, a Financial Advisor firm in Bloomfield Hills MI and author of Wealth Is a Choice and Vice Chair of the Michigan JumpStart Coalition. He offers securities and investment advisory services through NFP Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. NFP Securities, Inc. is not affiliated with JPStudinger Group. http://www.jpstudinger.com/ email to james@jpstudinger.com. 248-643-6550

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through NFP Securities, Inc., a Broker/Dealer and Member FINRA/SIPC and a Federally Registered Investment Advisor NFP Securities, Inc., is not affiliated with JPStudinger Group

Richard JaramilloRichard “RJ” Jaramillo, is the Founder of SingleDad.com,
a website and social media resource dedicated to single parenting and specifically for the newly divorced, re-married, widowed and single Father with children.
RJ is self employed, entrepreneur living in San Diego and a father of three children. The mission of SingleDad is to help the community of Single Parents
“Make Life Happen…Again!”

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Richard “RJ” Jaramillo, is the Founder of SingleDad.com, a website and social media resource dedicated to single parenting and specifically for the newly divorced, re-married, widowed and single Father with children. RJ is self employed, entrepreneur living in San Diego and a father of three children. The mission of SingleDad is to help the community of Single Parents “Make Life Happen…Again!”