Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS ----- Urban Pioneers - Exploring the Frontier of...
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Transcript of Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS ----- Urban Pioneers - Exploring the Frontier of...
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Urban Pioneers - Exploring the Frontier of Sustainable
DesignPresented by Brita & Matthew Willis
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Presentation Overview
• The team• Our vision• Opportunities in sustainability• The concept • Competitive advantages• Next steps• Personal Lessons
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Brita & Matthew Willis
• Want to start our own business
• Complementing professional experience
• Mission-driven• Community-oriented
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Our Vision
•Add value to others’ lives•Live out our own beliefs•Express individuality
•This vision provides flexibility in how we implement it
Provide individuals with ways to combine beauty, functionality and sustainability in their living space
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Opportunities in sustainability
• Boom in sustainable building market
• Furniture & furnishings market expected to grow 7-8% in 2007
• Consumers looking for ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle
• Sustainable companies’ growth outpacing normal market growth
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Healthy Living
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Options for Market Entry
Interior designers / Architects
Distributor / Wholesaler
Showroom
Dealer / Retailer
Design Company
Design Company store/website
Commercial End Customer Residential End Customer
ImporterBroker
Our choice: Build experience and brand name through residential retail location, then extend into commercial sector as broker.
Implications: Moderate capital investment and risk exposure
Swedish trade
council, 2005
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Competitive Environment
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
The Concept
• Sustainable furniture & furnishings– Nordic influence
• Services to promote sustainable lifestyle• Consumer:
– Mid-20s-40s homeowner interested in social responsibility and design
• Connect consumer to designer
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Competitive Advantages
• Exclusive agreements with designers• Cutting edge of sustainable
technology• Knowledge of production process and
materials
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Next Steps
• Become experts in sustainability• Build a network in NW USA
• Explore possibilities:– Create own product line– Include coffee shop next to the store– Expand to multiple locations and act as
a commercial broker
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Personal Lessons
• Clear boundaries between business and personal time
• Entrepreneurial spirit v. business reasoning
• Convince through clear communication
Matthew & Brita Willis ------ URBAN PIONEERS -----
Thank you for listening!