Cards on the Table

I had a meeting with our CEO today. We tried to find a place in Adel to meet where I could share a business concept with him. Everything was closed, so we sat in the front seat of my car while parked at the Kum & Go.

I have an idea for a business that will help people raise money for their organizations.

Our school did a bike ride and we were very successful. What if I help other people do a similar bike-a-thon.

I wanted to meet with our CEO to see if our parent company would be interested in investing in a new fundraising company. Having the company I work for be an investor makes sense. Our company sells products to schools. If we with a fundraising component that we could draw on, it would be possible to increase our sales and increase the resources available to our customers.

Also makes sense because it would allow me to put all the pieces into place while keeping my day job.

The meeting went very well, however, we were unable to come to terms on percentages. Our board has a policy about majority ownership and control. Giving up control is NOT an option. been there, done that, lost my hat (because I went hat in hand). I was, however, given tacit approval to continue as long as the new fundraising venture doesn't interfere with my day job.

I guess you could call that a win, but now I will have to personally fund this entire project. I've lived on beans and rice before. I will do it again. My family will understand my passion.