Category Archives: Product Reviews

Mortgage and Real Estate Entrepreneurship…

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A friend recently asked me to evaluate an interesting Utah Business Opportunity. Like many proclaimed self employment opportunities in Utah, this business is perhaps a little vague at first glance, offers incredible returns, but requires that you sign up and speak with a representative to get more information.

Although it is difficult to really see the entire model from the website, my initial research leads me to understand that this is a multi-level marketing company that sells a promotion package to refinance mortgages my making minimum payments and investing the remainder in their sales packages. It should be noted that I have signed up for their online seminar, but until I get cleared/contacted for the link, this review needs a follow-up…

Anyone who knows me, also understands that I will defend multi-level-marketing as a legitimate, if not more specifically, an effective form of marketing sales and distribution. There are however some basic economics of this utah mortgage business opportunity which a person should be made aware of when making decisions about his or her involvement.

From an economic stand point of this business opportunity a few key indicators should be noted:

First the upside: Mortgages are pre-assigned money and offer big marginal returns for Distributors. Just about everyone has a mortgage. These people are all making scheduled payments on their mortgages. The money is already cut out of their checks budgets and this means that a single sale or sign-up can make a significant difference in your bottom line.

Now some downside: Low barriers to entry in a very regulated industry. Finance can be complicated and involve a large percentage of an individual or family income. I this circumstance low barriers to entry may not be a good thing. This means means fierce competition from relatively inexperienced distributors and significant potential for unprofessionalism. A business that says, no experience required, anyone can do it, means most often that people without experience can and will get involved. This can lead to people skewing the information they recieved to assist in closing a sale. In terms of a basic product and product information that can sell itself this is generally not an issue, family and friends cant get too angry if they don’t lose the desired weight or their hair doesn’t grow back–however, when dealing with something that can be as complicated as home mortgages and investment financing, regulation, professionalism and transparancy are a must. Low barriers to entry should raise some red flags to the consumer themself.

Futureopp is certainly not the first company to undertake something of this nature. Another similar model, may be found in the World Financial Group or WFG. They also “empower people from all walks of life” to purchase and invest in financial management tools.

So there you have it, but really check it out yourself and let me know what you think.

Clean Water–Profitable Technology

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I remember a discussion I had with a friend a while ago where he was convinced that if he was ever going to start a business, or invest in a commodity, he would invest in water. “It’s the biggest thing next to energy!” He cheered.

About two weeks ago I had an interesting meeting with a gentlemen by the name of Hugh Bradley. We had a number of telephone conversations and he told me about the interesting technology he had developed for water-softening / water-purification. It is a powerful mono-pole ceramic magnet that filters water with astonishing efficiency. Perhaps even more interesting is the fact that is manufactured in Payson, Utah. The names of the contracts Hugh professed were very significant, and the technology he touted was very interesting. His product is marketed and distributed through an independent contractor network.

It is a new product line and I couldn’t find anything about his company online. He prefers to keep it that way, as a product which he believes will absolutely sell itself.

I personally could not help him distribute his product, not only for time constraints, but also because I felt that as a business investment his proposal was too much emotionally/religiously based. It was fascinating conversation, none-the-less, and I would encourage anyone to look up Hugh Bradley and his Bioengineering Solutions for water purification to learn more about his opportunity.

My family has magnets and I also spoke with another mentor who runs magnets on a number of different properties. Magnets are great, but they do lose power over time. There are also a number of restrictions with the type of pipe on which you can place them. I would definitely look into it first the company and technology and reviews before either buying or selling magnets for water softening.

Water purification however is an incredibly fascinating and lucrative industry, especially in areas where water is a scarce resource. Magnets, chemical or mechanical each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Checkout the website for this arizona water softener company. This company offers a salt-free solution that still provides the benefits of softwater system. Here’s a list of the benefits they offer with their water softener installation in Arizona. If you are planning on going with a mechanical system rather than a magentic system, I have heard they are reliable. Honestly though, I don’t know much more than that. In any case, you don’t need to take my word for it, but if you are around the Pheonix or Arizona area you could call the owners of the company and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.

Good Luck!

Simplifile Your County Documents

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I have a little sister who works for company that scans and digitizes legal documents. It is a fun little company that requires some initial contracts and some consistent employees, but appears nonetheless to be a relatively low maintenance company. I think that to own a company that only requires management 5 days a week from 9-5 would be really fun.

Intrigued by the idea, I did a little research and threw the idea around with a number of different mentors. Really, the physical space and cost of labor to store, sort and retrieve physical documents can be astounding. As policy and regulations grow in a myriad of industries, so does the need to record, sort and retrieve documents.

Aaron Brown, a quality control specialist, mentioned to me that the sheer amount of work it takes to map out and track work flow management alone is astounding. And often very problematic for businesses. This ofcourse means it can be very expensive to customize into your system. Effective is good, but simple and efficient is better.

I was pleased to find a company online that seems to address, (although in a very specific niche) the need for a simple and cost effective method to electronically backup hard copy documents and expedite and track the often maticulous process of work-flow management.

The company is Simplifile. Their niche is county recording. They offer an electronic filing service for counties, attorneys and people who do titles/deeds/property records. I’m sure it could apply to just about any industry that requires electronic document recording. (Although I think it would be a stretch to apply it in an accounting/financial records setting.)

As long as a company is already fulfilling the need, I can’t see myself trying to pioneer one myself. Probably better just to use their services. Here a link to their new website, (in case anyone is interested) and a couple of articles that tell more about ‘em.

Positive or negative experiences with their services would be helpful.

Thanks!

Car Insurance Rep

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In the Rock Chip Repair Business, I have had to work with a lot of different Utah Auto Insurance companies.

Although there are still several months left in my Rock Chip adventure, I do ocassionally think about what it would be like to start up an insurance. company.

The immensity of capital and finance experience to build a good insurance company is staggering. Nothing I would jump into anytime soon, but certainly I could look at starting an insurance marketing company. There is certainly money in repping for insurance companies.

This little preface may help you understand the following thought:

Across the 6+ locations I manage, there is a significant difference in the demographic and types of insurance.

Of the insurance companies that people seem to be the happiest with, there are a few that are great to work with, (at least in glass-only claims).

All State

Geico

Bear River

As a technician I would have to say that All State is the easiest to work with and Geico is the most friendly to work with. Geico also seems to really have a system down to take care of the customer and actually help them feel good about putting a claim through.

Geico also has a really easy system to do claims online at their website. They seem to have the best grasp of centralizing the number of different ways to speed up insurance.

It’s also kinda fun to think about the direction that the company is headed. Warren Buffet owns it and still endorses it as a good business decision.

Let me know what you think!

Culinary Crafts Review…

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They say that past performance is the greatest indicator of future performance… (Well an economist might not tell you that)… But when it comes to a special celebration or meeting, you don’t want to go wrong in choosing your caterer.

If you’re looking to start your own catering business, be aware that there is some pretty stiff competition out there. If you’re looking for some services to help a grand opening or other function for your small or medium sized business, remember that a successful event can have lasting success.

So when it comes to finding the best caterer in Utah its really a pretty simple choice. Culinary Crafts has won Best of Utah Caterer for four years in a row.

Although the price is a little more than you run of the mill caterer, their service is hard to beat. When planning a party or special corporate venue, these guys are top on my list for caterers.

I’m pretty impressed by their website. They are careful to pay attention to detail. Like most of my product reviews, I would suggest checking out their culinary craft yourself… And then come back and let me know your thoughts…

Jay Lynn Studios Photography

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I have quite a few friends who have developed into professional photographers. And a few more who have taken the leap and worked to start their own photography business or studio. This can be a very competitive industry. The barrier to entry is relatively low, but the cost to gain and maintain a clientele is very difficult. If a studio is open for longer than 5 years that’s a very good sign.

I was asked to write up a review for JayLynn Studios Photography. Although I’m no professional myself, I’ve worked with over a dozen professional and amateur photographers with business, weddings, reunions etc. There are very few which I would personally recommend or endorse. JayLynn’s is one of those. I really do consider JayLynn to be perhaps the Premier Photography Studio in Utah.

Looking for a good photographer can be really frustrating. After looking at their website for work samples, really call them up and ask them for a few references. (Weddings is a perfect example of something you really just can’t afford to mess up on). The best references you can get to verify the quality of the photgrapher is really from the references references. Make sure you call people that weren’t on the list from the Studio.

JayLynn Photography Studio has excellent work and phenomenal customer service. You’ll pay a little extra on the front end, but the quality and experience really do last generations. At all of the weddings I’ve been to with JayLynn Photographers, I have only seen the finest results. (Trust me, I’m what one might consider a not-so-photgenic-person to say the least, and I even dared to look at photos I’m in, time and time again.)

Really though, if you’re looking for a Utah Photographer, I would suggest you check ‘em out for yourself. And please keep me posted with any input or additional experiences that would be helpful to other readers.

Franchise Management

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I’ve recently been working with a Rock Chip Repair Company. My job has been to identify and negotiate locations all across the Wasatch Front. I’m also in charge of hiring, firing and scheduling at each location. In a sense, it has a been a miniature model of developing a franchise chain.

Although fairly simple in its model, it has proven to be an incredible learning experience. Each location, although may look the same, has a number of dynamic characteristics. Zoning laws, landlords, customer traffic, location visibility, employee personalities, etc.

In managing this small franchise, I am learning the importance of… well… management. There is no way I can be everywhere in a single day. I need to get the right people in motion and on the right track and then go on to my next location.

I can also see how important management is in owning a business. I’ve had to significantly reduce my hours at Worldwide Book Drive, and our manager there is doing a phenomenal job. He allows me to focus in activities that provide funding and publicity while the daily grind of operations takes place.

I’m learning. I want to learn more. Anybody have any books or blogs they would suggest for good management tips?

The Big Secret…

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I see the billboards on the freeway. I see the books in stores everywhere. So what is the big secret?

Simply put it is the age-old-addage of attraction. Birds of feather flock together. Karma. We buy whatever it is we pay attention. Or something like that …

I was first introduced to “The Secret” as a recorded appendage to The Richest Man in Babylon. I felt the principles they were teaching were great but it actually seemed to pale in comparison the classic tale of The Richest Man in Babylon.

A few months ago, a regular customer at Worldwide Book Drive gave me a copy of The Secret DVD. It was a very well done Movie that clearly explained the principles and was done in such a way that nearly all audiences can benefit their lives from watching it. I was impressed.

As an entrepreneur, The Secret does hold some water in terms of basic framework to build an individual’s or company’s success. From small business to large enterprise the concepts of gratitude, positive visualization and focus are universal and lasting.

I would suggest (as a Christian) that The Secret can seem to convey that you can accomplish everything on your own merit and seems to overshadow the necessity for The Atonement and a Savior. Obviously this production element works to include all religious affiliations. The secret can go hand in hand with mainstream Christianity, or nearly all religions for that matter.

Religious or spiritual preferences aside. The Secret is a great tool from which businesses, families and individuals can aim to benefit. At the least, its only a few bucks and be a great conversational piece.

But you don’t have to take my word for it… See for yourself :)

My Bosch! That’s good bread!

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So, I just got done making some dough for scones and I’ve set it aside to raise.

Before I keep going however, I should probably mention that this posting is shameless plug for a fabulous product, (Bosch bread mixers) and a reliable Utah store–I’m a big fan of local entrepreneurs.

Now there is something to be said for making dough by hand. Kneading and folding the dough can be, (emphasis on the can) very therapeutic. Breathing texture and flavor into a previously lifeless clump of ingredients can release stress and build needed shoulder and hand muscle.

Aesthetics and athletics aside however, home-made bread is healthier and provides a traditional feeling of accomplishment that is just great. Of course, you’ve gotta feel accomplished after all that work. But sometimes you don’t want to work for your bread… (I know, lame pun). Even with the help of most mixers the task of making enough loaves of bread to feed a family can take a lot of time and upkeep. Growing up, I remember what a task it was for my mom to get out her ancient bread mixer and mix up several batches of dough to make enough loaves for our family and friends. I remember thinking of what a waste of time and energy to make bread when we could buy a good loaf of bread for a buck or two.

A few months ago my previous cullinary paradigms were smashed. While having dinner at a friends home, she used her Bosch Mixer to make, (from scratch) 6 loaves of delicious whole wheat bread and pan of wholewheat-honey cinnamon rolls. The whole process didn’t even take 15 minutes. The clean up was incredibly easy and after a delicious meal, the bread came straight from the oven and we all had hot cinnamon rolls for desert. Delicious!

Now previously I had never thought that I would ever find myself really making a plan to buy a bread mixer, but that night it changed. A good bread mixer seemed like a real investment. For not even a dollar a loaf you can make perfect dough everytime. The Bosch Mixer comes with plenty of recipes and most Bosch distributors will also carry all of the ingredients and add-ons to cover whatever baking dreams you can stir up. It’s more than a K Tech or Kitchen aid. But the investment is clear… We’ve already planned it into our budget in my new household.

Most people will agree that Utah is the land of food storage and the like. It goes to reason that we also have the most stocked and successful Bosch Outlets in the US.

Don’t take my word for it. Check the website of one of the biggest Bosch Distributors in Utah, (and on the web). Or stop by their store in Orem Utah and see for yourself how a good bread mixer can be therapeutic and economic….

Wow, this was a little longer of an entry than I thought. Bread is a serious commodity.

Gotta run and check on my scones.

Let me know what you think about your experiences.

Cheesecake Factory: Chicken Madeira Delicious

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During a recent business trip to vegas, I took the welcomed opportunity to eat at one of my favorite restaurants, The Cheesecake Factory.

Their chicken madeira is truly a cullinary marvel. The texture and flavor are satisfying to the last morsel.

Unfortunately, The Cheesecake Factory is all corporate owned. I called their corporate office to see for myself. If they ever change their mind however, I would love opening a franchise in Salt Lake City. We do have some good restaurants, but a few more couldn’t hurt.