My Unfair Advantage

My Resources

      1.) Background Automotive Knowledge

• A somewhat valuable resource, as most people don't know much about a vehicle past how to drive and what certain figures mean. However it is not too rare; many people can be found with the same knowledge on differing levels of understanding.
• Can be imitated if time and effort is put into learning specifics about the mechanics behind automobiles. The only way this resource could be substituted is through research each time a question appears, which is not very efficient in the first place.

     2.) Access to Certified Mechanics

• A very valuable resource. This allows access to insight into the automotive industry and the infrastructure behind maintenance companies. This is a little rare considering the fact that getting information out of a mechanic can be difficult unless prior relations exist.
• Would be difficult to imitate considering the amount of time necessary to create personal networks. Again this could be substituted through use of internet resource, but would not be efficient.

     3.) Access to UF Incubator Space

• An extremely valuable resource. This allows for business space and help with the initial start-up. Somewhat rare, as incubator spaces can be hard to find.
• Somewhat difficult to imitate with how uncommon these spaces are. These spaces could not be imitated very easily due to the amount of capital needed to create it. This also prevents substitutions from coming up.

     4.) Network of Programmers

• Very valuable resource to create an app. Difficult to find outside of an academic environment.
• Easy to imitate under the correct circumstances. Could only be substituted through learning how to program.

     5.) Personal Curiosity of the Automotive Industry

• Extremely valuable resource because of the amount of new information coming out every day. Would be difficult to find outside of the automotive community.
• Difficult to imitate due to the interest in the industry needed to keep up with the changes. Impossible to substitute.

     6.) Experience in the Customer Service Industry

• Highly valuable resource due to the fact that mechanic shops are, in a sense, customer service oriented. This would be easy to find, however, considering how many people have worked in food service and similar occupations.
• Very easy to imitate due to the high demand for customer service employees, but difficult to substitute due to the face that this experience is needed to understand the industry.

     7.) Studies in Business Management and Entrepreneurship

• Very valuable resource to have for understanding how to start a business. However, this is somewhat easy to find so long as a college education is obtained.
• Mildly easy to imitate in an academic setting and could be substituted through free online classes such as Khan academy, but would not be as effective.

     8.) Personal Perfectionism (When Needed)

• Valuable resource to make sure the best quality service is produced. Not quite easy to find as it has to be a personal belief.
• Again difficult to imitate as it has to be a personal dedication to perfection. Could be substituted through double checking policies and research, but would be very time consuming.

     9.) Personal Ability to Accept Change Easily

• Extremely valuable resource in a start-up. Not very easy to find, especially in those with little experience in dealing with major changes in how things are done.
• Easy to imitate if time is taken to adjust to frequent change, but impossible to substitute.

     10.) Experience in Creating Business Ideas

• Invaluable considering how necessary it is to understand how to create ideas and make them appealing. Very difficult to find considering the amount of businesses already existing.
• Difficult to imitate in the context of this experience being very hands-on and nearly impossible to find a substitute for.