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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2008-07-02, Page 12Crossroads 12 Times -Advocate Wednesday, July 2, 2008 Summer Company competition chooses Exeter entrepreneurs By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — Two Exeter area students were chosen to participate in the 2008 Summer Company compe- tition, starting full-time summer businesses. Dave Geoffrey is operat- ing South Huron Pressure Washing throughout Huron County. "I specialize in residen- tial and commercial clean- ing of decks, house/build- ing washing, driveways, fences, walkways as well as anything else that needs cleaning. My ser- vices are tailored especial- ly for cottage owners, business owners, and homes for sale," says Geoffrey. Brad Keys is running Retral Evolution. "It is a website that hosts games created by the Unity game development tool. This development tool provides quality 3D multiplayer games that are easily exported to be played on the web," says Keys, adding, "There are few websites on the web pro- viding quality 3D games that load in a reasonable amount of time. In addi- tion, there are zero web- sites hosting multiplayer games made by the Unity game development tool. I saw an opportunity too good to let go." The Summer Company offers financial assistance through the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (MSBE). Each applicant submit- ted a business plan with an application and partici- pated in an interview process. Geoffrey, who has expe- rience with pressure washers, using his dad Doug's throughout the years, says he wanted to get involved with the pro- gram for a few reasons. "I want to gain a lot of expe- rience on how to create and run a business. I plan to do this when I am older, so it's something I have plans for in the future." Keys agrees with Geoffrey. "I hope to gain the chance to show friends, family and future employers the work I did with this website and impress them. Gaining experience with marketing and learning the chal- lenges of entrepreneur- ship are also what I look forward to." Geoffrey says he's excit- ed about his business. "I expect a busy yet very fun summer. I am hoping for a lot of work, and to build a good foundation for my business." Keys is also excited but a little nervous about the challenges he may face. "There is still much work to be done, and I expect there will be sever- al bumps along the road as this company starts its journey, considering I have no past experience in operating a business. But I don't plan on letting any- thing slow me down. Geoffrey just finished school at South Huron District High School and plans on going to Brock University for his Honours Business Administration Co-op for four years, pos- sibly getting his Masters in Business. Keys just com- pleted his first year in Computer Science at the University of Toronto, and plans to keep his website going past the summer. Keys would eventually like to become a developer putting games on the internet. To contact South Huron Pressure Washing call 235-0558. To get in contact with Retral Evolution e-mail Keys at retralevolution@gmail. com Summer business owners — Exeter area students Dave Geoffrey and Brad Keys were chosen to partici- pate in the 2008 Summer Company competition. Geoffrey is operating South Huron Pressure Washing throughout Huron County, catering mainly to cottage and business owners and people selling their homes. Keys is running Retral Evolution, a development tool providing quality 3D multiplayer games that are exported to be played on the web. Above left Geoffrey stands by his work truck, while at right, he completes a job in Exeter June 26. Below, Keys sits by his laptop. Geoffrey and Keys were given financial assistance from the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (MSBE). Four other students were also successful applicants, including Wingham's Elias Chiddicks, Goderich's Matt Clarke, Lucknow's Geoffrey Lamin and Clinton's Jasmine Mitchell.The Summer Company inspires the younger generation to choose entrepreneurship as a career, giv- ing them the tools they need to run their business.The MSBE granted 300 Summer Company awards this year. The program provides up to $1,500 towards start-up costs, with the students eligible for an additional award of $1,500 upon completion.The students will also participate in a series of business training workshops, which are also open to the public. For more information contact the Huron Business Centre in Seaforth at 527- 0305. (Above photos/Nina Van Lieshout; At right/sub- mitted) Summer Company mentors —The 2008 Summer Company competition mentors are from left Rob Bundy, Donna Tayler,Alison Lobb, Paul Thompson and John McNeilly.Absent from the photo is Chris Lee. (photo/submitted)