Column:
Hot Box Cookies opened by ambitious college students
Published Oct. 2, 2008
One time my friend Zach kicked a 50-yard field goal. I thought he was, without exception, the coolest and smartest guy alive. After all, we’re defined by our accomplishments.
But then I went to college and now I have a different view of what a great accomplishment is. Not to take anything away from Zach, who has quite a leg, but some things take a little more testicular fortitude and deserve a little more recognition.
Like these guys Corey Rimmel, Adam Hendin and David Melnick who just started a business right here in Columbia. When I first heard about their idea to start a cookie shop I assumed it would be a couple guys pedaling around on bicycles delivering cookies they made in their apartment to inebriated MU students.
Pretty soon, however, I drove by their shop on Broadway and saw a massive sign that read, “Hot Box Cookies.” Apparently they were serious.
Most students I know are partying four days a week and studying just enough to stay here. But these three just signed their life away on a Small Business Administration loan and will all be working full-time, employing and managing students their own age.
“I am most proud of being able to say that I opened my own business,” Melnick said. “There is a huge sense of accomplishment in knowing that we did something most people, especially college students, never get the chance to do.”
Then again, the point of college is to set you up with a job that makes you happy. If they own a successful business before they even graduate, then schoolwork will become more of a hobby for them, rather than a meal ticket.
“It will be hard to keep up with all of the school work, I mean, I think we are all just hoping that we can continue to get somewhat decent grades,” Melnick said.
Even though they made it seem like it’s pretty easy to just open a business, it’s not. There is a damn good reason why starting a business in college isn’t a popular endeavor.
According to BusinessKnowHow.com, new employer businesses have a 50-50 chance of just surviving for five years. That’s one hell of a coin to flip with more than 10 times as much money as you’re worth.
Regardless of the risk, these three friends were passionate enough about what they’re doing to put in motion a business plan with surprising promise, given their rookie status in the business world. Being friends has, as unusual as it may be, made being business partners more enjoyable.
“People said this experience could ruin our friendship, but I’ll tell you that has not and will not happen,” Melnick said.
While everything seems to be up in the air right now, one thing is certain. I am going to eat those cookies like it is my job. As a matter of fact, consider this my application to be an official taste tester.
Regardless of how unlikely me landing that job is, these three have taught me a thing or two about how the business world works.
First you get the job, then you get the khakis, then you get the money. As of right now, they are two for three.
