Blaine E. Grimes Summer Grant Recipient

Taleb Shkoukani
Marketing
Rusty McClure, Columbus, Ohio, USA

This summer I had the unique opportunity to work closely with Ohio Wesleyan alumnus Rusty McClure and his many entrepreneurial ventures. I was part of a team that executed the marketing plan of his two new books, Cincinnatus: The Secret Plot to Save America and Coral Castle: The Mystery of Ed Leedskalnin and his American Stonehenge, scheduled for national release November 1, 2009. I created databases consisting of addresses of high school and university golf coaches in certain cities throughout the nation that pertain to the market segments we are targeting. We would use the database to send out postcards that would promote the release of the books. I traveled quite a bit to Cincinnati to collect advance-reading copies (ARCs) of the book from the publishing company. I help put together press kits that consisted of numerous pages detailing the content of the books, the marketing effort behind the book, and information about the authors. These press kits were sent out to numerous sellers throughout the nation.

Another major entrepreneurial project I closely worked with was Fruitique, an organic cream based popsicle, started by Ohio Wesleyan alumna Amanda Cullison. I accompanied Amanda frequently to Whole Foods Markets throughout Ohio and Kentucky where we would sample Fruitiques and take orders. Sampling gave me the opportunity to take the role of a salesperson, which was a very daunting task for me. It enabled me to put myself out there and persuade individuals to try the product and purchase it. It did take a while for me to get the hang of things and accept the numerous rejections from customers. However, the experience was unique and I learned the importance of being personal with your customers. Furthermore, I opened and designed a Twitter account for Fruitique. A real highlight of the Fruitique project was that in late June, we broke new ground by implementing Fruitique’s first vending machine, which can be found in the Polaris shopping mall in Columbus, Ohio. Uniquely designed as a tropical tiki hut, this vending machine is unlike any other. I contributed to the design and installation for opening day at the mall. The vending machine was a huge success and hopefully more will be put in malls and corporate office buildings.

It was a great experience being part of a marketing effort that over the course of many months was slowly put together. I have really come to appreciate the effort and dedication of many of the entrepreneurs I worked with this summer. Their drive for success showed me the importance of planning your work and working your plan. Even though school may be around the corner I hope to continue contributing to the marketing effort of the books and the advancement of Fruitique.