The Edson Initiative: Funds for ASU Student Entrepreneurs

In this economy, it seems like someone would have to be crazy to be an entrepreneur. But that’s just what ASU students are doing, thanks to funding from programs such as the Edson Student Entrepreneurship Initiative. The grant provides funding, office space and training for ASU students to pursue their ventures. The following three students rose to the challenge and have implemented a number of intriguing and interesting projects. 

Ian Merrill
Engineer and product designer for Desert Solar LLC (developing solar water heaters for home use)

What motivated you to start this venture?
The main reason for starting the business was to get involved in renewable energy. The increasing need for clean energy is opening a huge market in North America, and I felt that I had an idea that would fill a particular gap in the market. I just needed a bit of an opportunity to justify diving head first into developing solar thermal panels.

Why this product?
I wanted to offer … a solar panel that was affordable and useful for the average homeowner. Phoenix  is a perfect place to get started with so many pools, hot tubs and of course the incredible abundance of sunlight.

Has business been effected by the economy?
The economy has slowed progress considerably. What were expected to be initial sales quickly turned into free testing installations where family and friends were glad to have a free pool heater in exchange for us conducting tests during the design process.

What have you learned since start-up?
The process may seem hopeless at times, but it is important not to give up. The quickest way to progress is to try something and watch it fail, because it will always fail the first few times, but that is how you prove out a concept. Every science experiment needs a little smoke and fire.

Zach Hamilton
Founder of DevilWash (a pressure washing service that utilizes eco-friendly practices and equipment)

What motivated you to start this venture?
When I was in high school living in Michigan I started and operated Orchards Lawn. I started it when I was 12 and grew it from there through high school. I sold the company when I came to ASU for college. After the entrepreneurial bug bit me, I knew that this is what I wanted. A major goal of mine is to never have “a real job” and to work for myself until I retire (if I ever do).

Why this product?
The idea for DevilWash came to me after researching the cleaning process for aircraft. When I was in flight school, it bugged me that the aircraft were always dirty, and I figured out that it was the very strict water [regulations] that forced water reclamation. I read up on the Clean Water Act and realized that these principals need to be applied to all wash-water discharge, even in residential power washing. Phoenix has so much concrete and so little water that an eco-friendly pressure cleaning service could be a great business that I could start my career off with.

How is business going?
It is going fairly well. I would like to have more regular clients, but that’s just how things are. I have a few large jobs on the horizon that I can’t wait to complete. I am looking for clients such as hotels and apartment complexes that want their concrete looking great and to stay environmentally sound.

What have you learned since start-up?
I don’t think I could count all of the things I have learned. The biggest thing would probably be to promise quality and over deliver. I am always trying to get people to talk about my customer service because this quality is what will make my company stand out in the future.

Courtesy of Gram Studios

Kenneth Gram
Founder of Gram Studios, designer and manufacturer of contemporary furniture

What motivated you to start this venture?
I came back to school in 2008 to get a degree in manufacturing after working in the field as a welder for four years. I was excited to come back to school and wanted to take advantage of all the opportunities. I wanted to be more than a welder in a small-job shop … I have a few scars on my chest from open heart surgery and a pacemaker. I feel like these heart surgery experiences have defined me. It helps me to remember that everything could change in an instant, so I should take advantage of amazing opportunities like the Edson Student Entrepreneurship Initiative.

Why this product?
I dabbled in metal sculpture for a while before realizing I needed to be the next Michelangelo to be a successful artist. I decided to use my manufacturing and welding background to create furniture. Modern furniture has both the artistic and precision manufacturing qualities that I enjoy.

How is business going? What is your current business plan, and how is implementation?
I am excited to report that Gram Studios will be advertising in Phoenix Magazine in April. The Web site is updated with several pictures of couches. We will launch a new Web site with e-commerce features and updated looks soon. Manufacturing is going well, considering the limited equipment we have. I hope to get more funding to purchase fixturing and additional tools in the next Edson year.

What’s in store for the future?
Expansion of the shop and product line. I would like to automate some of the processes in the shop.

Contact the reporter at sbauge@asu.edu

Tagged as: Clean Water Act, Desert Solar LLC, DevilWash, Edson Student Entrepreneurship Initiative, Gram Studios, Ian Merrill, Kenneth Gram, Orchards Lawn, Zach Hamilton