Worthwhile

The idea for The Playground has evolved over time since I was in junior high school. I often daydreamed about a place where my friends and I could hang out after school that was made for us, not some boring room with white walls and one ping pong table. A place that kids would actually want to go to everyday.

I put the idea away and then in 2000 I came across it again. But this time I came up with a business plan. I came up with financial projections and an overall proposal of how I would start up & operate The Playground. I even had it checked out by the Small Business Development Center to make sure I had created a feasible plan, which of course it is.

Around that same time I also started writing letters to various city councils to get their support for my project. In doing so I met with the then Mayor of Pleasant Hill and the Teen Activities Coordinator for the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Parks District. They couldn’t help me with creating The Playground as a venue, but they suggested that I produce a show at their community center. So I did.

With the PH Rec. & Parks Dist. Teen Scene I produced shows at the Pleasant Hill Community Center, featuring local unsigned bands from the SF Bay Area. The first show was called Fever Fest and turned out to be a great success. I eventually went on to do shows in Concord as well, with the support of their Leisure Services department.

But because of the lack of consistency and quality venues I have taken a break from producing shows full time. If a great venue comes up within the Contra Costa area I would love to do another full-blown all-ages rock show, but until then I’m focusing on ways to find potential investors for my idea.

Now why should you take a chance on me and invest in my endeavor? After all I didn’t graduate from college and I don’t come from an affluent family.

What I do have is an unyielding desire to make my dream come true.

I have the drive, passion and determination to make it happen and make it successful. I know what is required of great entrepreneurs. It takes the ability to adapt, to ask questions, to see the big picture and the details, the ability to ask for help and to find those who share your vision. I want the long hours, I want to do whatever it takes to make my concept work and be a valuable asset to my community.

I would much rather be incredibly busy doing something that I love than to be bored out of my mind doing something that I hate.

Everyone says find your joy; find out what you’re passionate about and what you want to do with your life. Well I’ve found mine; I’m just trying to find other people who can see my vision and help me bring it to life.

Press
East Bay Business Times / July 2000
Contra Costa Times / July 2000