The International Boat Bailing Bust

The International Boat Bailing Bust

"So what are we going to do for the Final MBA Project, Fern?"

"You're asking me? Come on, Elliot, you're Mr. Creativity."

"We need to ask Xavier and Myrna. That's why they put us in teams."

"Well, four heads are better than two."

The group met at University Commons. They found the first stages both exhilarating and frustrating.

"Dr. Marhkam says it has to be a bonafide company, complete with registration, licenses, trade marks, marketing and distributing: we have to do the whole nine yards, gang."

"The best way to make this international is through the Internet."

"Right, but we need to create a business before expanding it."

They brainstormed, but found the results vague.

"Let's narrow it down. Since we're in Florida, how about something to do with the state?"

"Like Tourism."

"Good, but let's keep narrowing. What makes Florida so attractive to tourists? And what season should we zero in on?"

"Weather and water. And during Winter Break. College students from all over want to get away from the cold and lie on our beaches."

"Right. So let's create a company that caters to the party-minded college student."

"I suggest it NOT be something that already exists. We need something brand new, something that will catch students' imaginations. Then it could become a fad. We want a company with a future, not just a present."

"How about a sand castle building contest? University students could plan their strategy before they come, try to make theirs better than last year's. That'd make it an all-year thing and make it more interesting."

"That's good. But as neat as sand castles are, they've already been done. But you used a magic word: CONTEST. Now, what kind?"

"Whatever it is, I think we should take into account the townsfolk. It should bring in revenue but not hurt the residents."

"Whatever it is, it must have something to do with water."

No matter how the four thought, they could not arrive at anything worthy of an MBA project. So they put it on hold and went to Myrna's property near Marathon for the weekend. They rowed two leaky boats around the bay. "You know, gang," said Fern, "to keep us from sinking, I had to sit on a hole the entire time."

Xavier added, "And I spent more time bailing than rowing!"

During the evening beach party, Elliot thought out loud, "You know, we just might have found our project. This afternoon, in the boats."

"When we bailed. Why not have our MBA business be a boat bailing contest? That'd fit all the criteria, including being a first."

And with that, the project was born. They would establish it at Marathon: the land was free and in the middle of nowhere. They hoped its location would draw northern hordes, yet be close enough so visitors could visit the megalopolises.

"Look at this map. Marathon is off the beaten path, but within easy striking distance to a national marine sanctuary, the Institute of Marine Science, The Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys."

"There's a State Park nearby, too. With camping."

"Perfect for the budget-minded student."

"And check this out, the Dolphin Research Center. Will that draw the people who want more than bailing boats and partying on the beach?"

"But that's not all," said Xavier, looking at the map. "The San Pedro Underwater Archeological Preserve is nearby, too."

"Also The Theater of the Sea. I'd go there. You can only watch so many bathing beauties bouncing about the beach and boats being bailed."

Agreed that Marathon was the place, they focused on the contest. The group knew that life boat racing was big around the world. So they made the vessel the standard for the contest. Fern would research the Official Coast Guard life boat.

"You know, that's bound to attract the Aussies and Hawaiian students. I think this will be international thefirstyear. All we have to do is iron out the particulars now."

"Then spread it over the Net."

"All right. Since everyone will be in a partying mood, we need the boat anchored. We need to construct a solid base to nail the boat on."

"We also need a uniform pail. I suggest we do not allow metal pails with bails. The kids are bound to throw and bend them. That means they won't be able to carry as much water."

"But isn't that a good thing? It'll oblige them to be careful."

"If you want to go max on that, useglass. Like five-gallon pickle bottles. No bail, no bending, and you definitely have to use care."

The business team worked through the night refining the details. The next day, though tired, they focused on how the project could make money.

"Like, boat bailing will be the drawing card, but that won't bring in any cash. This isn't supposed to be a simple tourist attraction."

"We sell food, especially beverages. And we rent out housing."

Their plan kept expanding. And as it grew, they found they would need health licenses, portable toilets, and contact the police so every step would be legal and safe. Then they listed nearby attractions, hoping to garner sponsorship: tours to Key West, Miami night life, trips down Alligator Alley, Jungle Larry's Caribbean Gardens in Naples. There were so many details that the four were busy the entire semester back at State.

In the meantime, they officially registered their business: The Great Boat Bailing Contest, Inc. They laid out their plans to Professor Markham and the MBA class. It brought the roof down. Everyone sensed it was not just an abstract plan to satisfy a class assignment but a viable enterprise worthy of joining. Quickly the news spread throughout the university.

"There's this company the MBA students started. A Winter Break bust!"

"Call your friends. Contact fraternities and sororities. Get them to Marathon. This is the newest, hottest, greatest thing yet, and all organized bystudents!"

Within a month a great number of Florida students had signed up for the many, necessary jobs. Many reasoned, "Why not make money and vacation at the same time?" GBBC had no trouble recruiting employees.

The Computer Science students volunteered their services: they created a professional web site that rivaled the best. And to make certain it was visited, they included the address in every e-mail sent to universities around the world. With the help of the computer, the Big Bust, as it came to be known, was a success before it hit the beach.

At the last minute, Fern had an Edison Experience. "Guys, guess what I came up with?"

"Another way to make money, I trust."

"Exactly. We construct booths. In one we sell swim suits. Another,

hats. All the paraphernalia northern, snow bound students associate with Florida. The kids won't have to leave Marathon for anything!"

"Fern, you're a marvel."

Dr. Markham was impressed by the entire operation. He gave it a resounding A and promised he would visit the business during Break.

"A good plan is one thing, but there's nothing like therealthing."

As it turned out, the entire Business Department found itself on the Marathon beach in March, all hired by and working for the student-operated concern. It was a booming success. Boat Bailing Teams from Australia, Hawaii, Sweden, California, all the places the group expected participants to come from, but also a team from Alaska, Montana, West Virginia, Switzerland, Mongolia, and the University of Manitoba. Their entrants commented, "This isgreat. A water event for us land-locked students. Bravo, GGBC!"

And so the foursome pulled it off and with style. Fern, Myrna, Xavier, and Elliot became famous because they had captured the imaginations of students world-wide. And they made money. Enough to install electricity and fresh water and other amenities for campers on the Marathon land for future Busts. In only three years, the Olympic Committee looked seriously at sanctioning Boat Bailing for international competition.

"I'm glad I was in the MBA Program," pronounced Myrna to prospective students. "Where else can you try out ideas and iron out wrinkles before it's too late?"

And Elliot, speaking at the University Recruiting Rally, said, "Now imagine this: still in our twenties, the members of my MBA Study Group are Board Members of a company that leaped into international stardom its first year, scouted by the Olympics our third, and do you have any idea how much money we make each Spring? Creativity rules!"