Listen to this podcast and be inspired by these teacher entrepreneurs: Susan Stinson of Southern Regional Middle School (NJ), Carin Zinter of Holyoke Community College (MA) and Carrie Hentz of Hudson High School (WI). What struck me from this conversation was their fanatical level of customer service which is such a key ingredient to the success of any business. Thanks to Susan, Carin and Carrie for sharing your stories. Enjoy! 

Details:

• 0:00~1:31 Introduction
• 1:31~15:34 Teachers introduce themselves and their side hustles
• 15:34~19:04 What makes a good beekeeper?
• 19:04~22:47 What’s it like to sell on Etsy? What’s it like knit?
• 22:47~33:44 How does being an entrepreneur help you in the classroom?
• 33:44~34:09 A word from NGPF
• 34:09~35:16 Setting prices
• 35:16~38:51 Creating premium products 
• 38:51~44:53 Best thing you’ve done for a customer
• 44:53~47:46 Finding the time for a side hustle
• 47:46~51:40 Words of inspiration 
• 51:40~52:12 Conclusion

Resources:

• Suzinstitches
• C & C Orchards and Honey Bee Sanctuary
• One Last Cast Gear

Quotes:

• “[My beekeeping background] has that benefit of making me human to my students, which is a constant challenge that we [teachers] have, but there are so many things I have learned from beekeeping that I can translate into lessons in the classroom.” -Carin

• “When you get that first 5-star review with a picture of your product in use and someone is ecstatic about it, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.” -Sue

• “It’s not always fun and when you’re battling through those times when it’s not fun and it’s messy and it’s frustrating and you’re tired -- it’s important to remember why you’re doing it.” -Carrie

About the Author

Tim Ranzetta

Tim's saving habits started at seven when a neighbor with a broken hip gave him a dog walking job. Her recovery, which took almost a year, resulted in Tim getting to know the bank tellers quite well (and accumulating a savings account balance of over $300!). His recent entrepreneurial adventures have included driving a shredding truck, analyzing executive compensation packages for Fortune 500 companies and helping families make better college financing decisions. After volunteering in 2010 to create and teach a personal finance program at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, Tim saw firsthand the impact of an engaging and activity-based curriculum, which inspired him to start a new non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance.