Kendall Robinson- Owner of The Cheesecake Stand
What sparked your interest regarding starting a business?
My interest in business began at the young age of 11 when I started my singing/ songwriting career. I would design my own album covers, plan release dates and strategize my attack for selling my music. This is where my love for marketing began. I soon made plans to start my own record label and do this for myself and other artists.
Why did you choose this particular business to start?
I know a bakery is no record label but trust me on this one. The Cheesecake Stand began as just a shy kid looking to impress a high school sweetheart by making her favorite dessert. It became a tradition and as the love grew, so did the recipe. Soon, I seen the potential in making these cheesecakes not just for my relationships but for relationships all over. For there, I thought to myself, "why not create a product to bring all people together?". Today, The Cheesecake Stand will not only be an extension of my belief in supporting true love, it will be a staple in uniting people all while enjoying Yummy Cheesecake!
How has the OPRF School of Business assisted in your decision to start and run your business?
OPRF School of Business gave me the knowledge and confidence to believe it was possible. Going through the process of Business plans and marketing competitions proved to capture my interest and inspire. I got out of this class with my foot on the petal ready to take my ideas to the next level.
If you could tell all the OPRF School of Business students something about being an entrepreneur, what would it be?
My number one thing would be never become complacent. All you need is an idea to start a business but that idea needs innovation to Stand the test of time. Enjoy your accomplishments but keep an open mind to new ideas that can expand your business. If you are working for someone else, never let promotions or incentives distract you from reaching your potential as a business man/woman. You could get lost in the working world and not get around to starting your own business. In all, your success is limitless no matter where you are in life. Never give up!
What would you tell students who have not taken a class in the OPRF School of Business?
I would say “what are you waiting for!?”. OPRF School of Business gives you an opportunity to cover topics that are transferable to the everyday working life that awaits post high school/ college. A lot of times you find that general education is vital in being offered careers but doesn’t always cover some of the essential skills you may find yourself in need of like spending, investing and growing your money. Taking a business class also opens your mind to the possibility of creating money out of ideas that cost you nothing to think up. If you already have plans of being your own boss, even better! no matter what road you take in life, knowing how business and money works could end up providing you the tools for financial freedom.
What drives you to succeed?
My biggest drive is a combination of family, freedom and legacy. I want to be able to provide my family with all of their desires without financial struggle. If needed, I can be there at the drop of a hat by having complete control of my work schedule. That leads to the freedom. My goal to travel the world and live without boundaries can be fulfilled through the success I obtain. And lastly I believe that the day you die isn't the day of your last breath, it's the final breath of the last person that knows who you are. We all live through what we leave behind. Leaving that legacy drives me to succeed.
What are any take-aways from your education in the OPRF School of Business that you utilize in your business?
One big take away was our lesson on business plan writing in which I created a mock record label. It challenged me to think deeper on my ideas to ensure there is a chance for success and be able to speak to it if shopping for investors. When your mind is young and full of ideas, you tend to look over crucial details like operations costs, competition or the big important LOCATION! Even today, I look back at my business writing experience with OPRF to help me with my new Cheesecake business and my music. Having that set plan of attack has only made me more equipped for the challenges that may rise in the business world.
What is your most memorable OPRF School of Business experience?
My most memorable moment would have to be when we had our t shirt sales competition. This is where i discovered the fierce competitor deep within. Our group worked hard on a huskies design, got to come up with our pricing and plan our sales tactics. The best part was actually getting out there and selling shirts. It was cool to see all of our hard work not only completed, but on the backs of our peers at school once they went on sale. with them on the market, you then analyze buying habits and adjust to make the most out of our shirts. I don’t remember who won so let’s just say it was the team I was a part of. ;)
Where would you like to see the OPRF School of Business in 5 years?
I would love to see OPRF School of Business becoming a marketing powerhouse for the smaller after school programs like Spoken Word Club that are in need of new ideas but don't have the funding to support them. It's an idea that was thought up by my Jamael Clark and we have discussed how to eventually make the merger. This would give the business students an opportunity to put real life projects on their resume while assisting OPRF in continuing to create lasting programs with innovative ideas.
Contact Info:
The Cheesecake Stand: http://www.thecheesecakestand.com
Email: k[email protected]
Phone: (708)642-4303
My interest in business began at the young age of 11 when I started my singing/ songwriting career. I would design my own album covers, plan release dates and strategize my attack for selling my music. This is where my love for marketing began. I soon made plans to start my own record label and do this for myself and other artists.
Why did you choose this particular business to start?
I know a bakery is no record label but trust me on this one. The Cheesecake Stand began as just a shy kid looking to impress a high school sweetheart by making her favorite dessert. It became a tradition and as the love grew, so did the recipe. Soon, I seen the potential in making these cheesecakes not just for my relationships but for relationships all over. For there, I thought to myself, "why not create a product to bring all people together?". Today, The Cheesecake Stand will not only be an extension of my belief in supporting true love, it will be a staple in uniting people all while enjoying Yummy Cheesecake!
How has the OPRF School of Business assisted in your decision to start and run your business?
OPRF School of Business gave me the knowledge and confidence to believe it was possible. Going through the process of Business plans and marketing competitions proved to capture my interest and inspire. I got out of this class with my foot on the petal ready to take my ideas to the next level.
If you could tell all the OPRF School of Business students something about being an entrepreneur, what would it be?
My number one thing would be never become complacent. All you need is an idea to start a business but that idea needs innovation to Stand the test of time. Enjoy your accomplishments but keep an open mind to new ideas that can expand your business. If you are working for someone else, never let promotions or incentives distract you from reaching your potential as a business man/woman. You could get lost in the working world and not get around to starting your own business. In all, your success is limitless no matter where you are in life. Never give up!
What would you tell students who have not taken a class in the OPRF School of Business?
I would say “what are you waiting for!?”. OPRF School of Business gives you an opportunity to cover topics that are transferable to the everyday working life that awaits post high school/ college. A lot of times you find that general education is vital in being offered careers but doesn’t always cover some of the essential skills you may find yourself in need of like spending, investing and growing your money. Taking a business class also opens your mind to the possibility of creating money out of ideas that cost you nothing to think up. If you already have plans of being your own boss, even better! no matter what road you take in life, knowing how business and money works could end up providing you the tools for financial freedom.
What drives you to succeed?
My biggest drive is a combination of family, freedom and legacy. I want to be able to provide my family with all of their desires without financial struggle. If needed, I can be there at the drop of a hat by having complete control of my work schedule. That leads to the freedom. My goal to travel the world and live without boundaries can be fulfilled through the success I obtain. And lastly I believe that the day you die isn't the day of your last breath, it's the final breath of the last person that knows who you are. We all live through what we leave behind. Leaving that legacy drives me to succeed.
What are any take-aways from your education in the OPRF School of Business that you utilize in your business?
One big take away was our lesson on business plan writing in which I created a mock record label. It challenged me to think deeper on my ideas to ensure there is a chance for success and be able to speak to it if shopping for investors. When your mind is young and full of ideas, you tend to look over crucial details like operations costs, competition or the big important LOCATION! Even today, I look back at my business writing experience with OPRF to help me with my new Cheesecake business and my music. Having that set plan of attack has only made me more equipped for the challenges that may rise in the business world.
What is your most memorable OPRF School of Business experience?
My most memorable moment would have to be when we had our t shirt sales competition. This is where i discovered the fierce competitor deep within. Our group worked hard on a huskies design, got to come up with our pricing and plan our sales tactics. The best part was actually getting out there and selling shirts. It was cool to see all of our hard work not only completed, but on the backs of our peers at school once they went on sale. with them on the market, you then analyze buying habits and adjust to make the most out of our shirts. I don’t remember who won so let’s just say it was the team I was a part of. ;)
Where would you like to see the OPRF School of Business in 5 years?
I would love to see OPRF School of Business becoming a marketing powerhouse for the smaller after school programs like Spoken Word Club that are in need of new ideas but don't have the funding to support them. It's an idea that was thought up by my Jamael Clark and we have discussed how to eventually make the merger. This would give the business students an opportunity to put real life projects on their resume while assisting OPRF in continuing to create lasting programs with innovative ideas.
Contact Info:
The Cheesecake Stand: http://www.thecheesecakestand.com
Email: k[email protected]
Phone: (708)642-4303