Abstract:

The H St. NE Corridor is unique in many ways—historically, culturally, demographically and commercially. It is currently scheduled for revitalization, an effort challenged by the today’s economy and the public’s desire to see environmentally sensitive intervention.   Rather than adopting the “bulldoze and build” strategy of many other DC neighborhoods, efforts are being made to involve current H Street residents and business owners in the planning, design, and renovation of their community. A major goal of this initiative is to help the H Street NE business community realize the benefits of being a vibrant, profitable, and eco-friendly commercial district.

TThe “H St. NE Grows Green Initiative” kicked-off at a reception on Earth Day, April 22, 2009.  Members of the local business community learned about ways to “green” their community by improving building efficiency, cutting operating expenses, creating healthier spaces, and developing a reputation as a sustainable destination district. DC Greenworks and Green Living Consulting are providing resources to help businesses enhance their economic potential while reducing their impact on the environment.

An ongoing research project involving Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland MBA students is obtaining additional data on ways to promote sustainable business revitalization in this urban neighborhood.

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John has provided marketing research services to technology start-ups, non-profits, associations, and even professional bloggers.  These research services include: study development, programming online surveys in SPSS Dimensions and Sawtooth Software, executing email campaigns,  statistical analysis (such as conjoint, segmentation, and regression) and report creation.  John also has a Professional Research Certification (PRC) from the Marketing Research Association (MRA).  Some projects he has worked on include:

• Designed and conducted usability and readership analysis for JoshSpear.com, a trend-spotting blog consulted by marketers, brand managers and advertisers; presented data and proposed ideas for new features for the Spear Creative Group.
• Developed a vision and strategic plan for the businesses on the H St. NE corridor in DC to become a “green” community; partners included Green Living Consulting, DC GreenWorks, and the DC Government.
• Conducted an online survey for Sustainable Future, Inc., a non-partisan group that polled 750+ Senate and Congressional candidates about their positions on environmental issues.

Completed a fundraising strategy for DC Scores

About Compass DC

Through pro bono strategic consulting, Compass strengthens the capacity, effectiveness and sustainability of Greater Washington DC nonprofits.  Compass volunteer teams, mainly MBA alumni from top business schools, guide nonprofit leaders to generate near-term gains in effectiveness and capacity and long-lasting organizational imrpovements.

About DC Scores

DC SCORES inspires youth to lead healthy lifestyles, be engaged students, and become agents of change in their communities.

DC SCORES creates a positive connection fro students to the school and surrounding community by creating a bridge from the school day to after-school. We strongly believe that innovative and creative after-school programming help increase a student’s level of school engagement, physical fitness, self-worth, and sense of belonging in his/her community.  We hire and train motivated DC public school teachers to run the program at each school, thus providing each student with direct access to a trusted mentor.  Writing and soccer coaches are given a year-long curriculum, supplies and equipment, and are supported by DC SCORES program staff to ensure standardized, flexible and contextual daily lessons.  Our program maintains a lot ration of students to teachers and gives ownership to each school so that the school’s community embraces the program.

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Objective: Boost Volunteerism

United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) faced the operational challenge of wanting to increase its visibility and donor gifts in future years without the vast resources it once had. Volunteerism was identified as an important way to reach younger, socially conscious employees and to provide baby boomers with opportunities to have an impact on community life. UWCM positioned itself to achieve this goal by launching shareyourself.org, a site dedicated to connecting volunteers to opportunities in the Central Maryland region.

UWCM is in a prime position to achieve its goals by using the shareyourself.org website to capitalize on today’s trends, match volunteers and groups in needs, build its donor base, and improve the quality of life in target communities.

Hnutu Business Plan Executive Summary

Hnutu (etymology of the word “nut” from old English), is the producer and marketer of a new, premium, natural walnut butter.  The company’s mission is to produce, market, and sell the most delicious natural walnut butter for consumers seeking healthier options to peanut butter. Founded in early 2008 by John Koblinsky, Hnutu has been developing partnerships with walnut farmers, food processing facilities, and walnut associations to prepare for the launch its first product, a 12oz jar of walnut butter, in 2009.

Many wonder, why walnuts and why walnut butter?  Of all the world’s nuts, walnuts are considered king.  Labeled a “super food,” walnuts are packed with nutrients that contribute to good health. Walnuts are an excellent source of the healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids that researchers have found to protect the heart; promote bone health; provide anti-inflammatory benefits for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis; and help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and clinical depression.

Americans love peanut butter, but consumers are increasingly looking for healthier alternatives.  Hnutu wants to fill this void.  In 2004, there were $1.8 billion in peanut butter sales, up 11% since 2000. Year-to-year growth from 2003 onward has been on the order of 0.5%, according to a study by Mintel International. Nut butters other than peanut butter are now growing in popularity due to research and publicity about their health impacts. A recent national study, “The Profile of American Baby Boomers: Health, Diet and Consumption Behaviors and Attitudes” found that this group is now worried about fat, cholesterol, sugar, and salt, and are changing their eating/diet habits to address health and weight issues (NPD Group, 2005).

Hnutu will pursue an aggressive sales strategy to meet demanding sales goals.  Goals for unit sales are determined by the financial analysis, which considers the low profit margins for most food product sales.  Hnutu aims to sell 5,000  jars in its first six months, followed by 10,000 jars during the second half of the year. Two full-time employees will be hired to market the product, with a particular focus on stores that specialize in organic and specialty foods (e.g., Whole Foods, Ukrop’s, Balducci’s).  Currently there are no walnut butters on the shelves of retail stores in the Washington, DC area so Hnutu is easily able to differentiate itself from the other nut butters.

As a result of low profit margins and high production costs, Hnutu would have to make changes to its operations after the first two years. Without restructuring operations to become more vertically integrated, Hnutu would not be able to become profitable.  There is a current need to invest in more research and development related to product taste, storage, and marketing of health benefits.  After successfully addressing these issues, this product could be regarded as a delicious, healthy alternative to peanut butter.  Time to fix a Hnutu and jam sandwich…

Goal: Develop and present a business proposal for a new service/product that could be implemented by an existing business entity.

• Concept for new product or service
• Plan for its development
• Program for introduction and marketing
• Case for funding the project

Abstract

As the largest food retailer of natural and organic products, Whole Foods is a mission-driven company that is highly selective about its products and services. The company aims to reach $12 billion in annual sales by the year 2010 through new store openings and sales growth.  We propose an innovative new service, Whole Foods Fly-Buy, to help meet this goal.  This new service will be offered at the relocated Annapolis Whole Foods store, scheduled to open in 2008. The Fly-Buy service will provide consumers the convenience of purchasing select groceries or a fresh healthy meal from the comfort of their vehicles. The inventory of possible purchases will be carefully managed to ensure prompt filling of customer orders and to minimize spoilage. This service will be especially attractive to particular segments of the Whole Foods customer base, including working professionals and health conscious parents, who are often accompanied by children in their cars.  Fly-Buy represents another customer service channel to distinguish Whole Foods from other grocers competing for the hearts and minds of consumers.