technology

Two inspirational and inspiring young entrepreneurs

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While many teens and young adults are doing the usual thing - be it going to school or embarking on internships and first jobs - there are some young people out there with an entrepreneurial spirit that just can't wait to flourish.

When an inventive idea sets in, go-getters like Hart Main and Caroline Pugh are ready to leap into action, using their youthful passion, energy, and intelligence to create new things and make a difference. Read on to learn more about the impressive two and what they have already accomplished in their young lives. Success from an early start makes these two entrepreneurs enlightening examples for the young and old alike.

Hart Main: ManCans

Via indeonline.com

When it comes to getting a jumpstart on success, Hart Main is one to follow. At the tender age of 13, Main had a mission, to create candles which featured "manly scents," along with a line catered to female candle fans as well (which came further down the road). ManCans, which are candles inside soup cans are unique and fun.

As per Times Reporter, "ManCans candles have gone from being made in Main's kitchen and sold to family and friends, to being made at Beaver Creek Candle Co. and sold in nearly 150 stores across the United States. ManCans also has donated thousands of dollars to soup kitchens."

With unexpected scents like New York Style Pizza, Fresh Cut Grass, Burnt Rubber, Bacon, and Cigar, these candles are unlike what we're used to seeing (and smelling). Each one sells for a reasonable $10, making them as affordable as they are aromatic.

Still under 20-years-old now, Main aspires to inspire other young budding entrepreneurs with his book, co-written with his father Craig, One Candle, One Meal. "Hart's story will show you that you're never too young to make a difference."

From a flicker of an idea to a raging success, Main and his ManCans are lighting the path for new brilliant inventions to come.

Caroline Pugh: VirtualU

Via bizjournals.com

Fitness-minded with a flair for technology, the now mid-20s Caroline Pugh is co-founder and COO of VirtualU, which as explained by Forbes, "Integrates 3D human modeling technology with fitness and healthcare space so that people can accurately track how their body changes as they work out."

As described by the company, "The VFit™ 3D body scanner is the first sub-$10K device with millimeter precision, capable of producing highly realistic 3D models in just 20 seconds. Our current solution allows fitness gym members to scan their bodies and track body fat, lean muscle mass, and circumferences of the neck, biceps, chest, waist, thigh, and calf."

Pugh developed the idea while she was a sophomore at Virginia Tech. According to Huffington Post, "She led a team of 13 and raised $1.8 million in capital." Along with her studies, she had a passion for invention that propelled her to create and innovate. And as per Forbes, "She was awarded the CIT Gap 50 Award as most likely to build Virginia's next generation life science, technology, and energy companies." Pugh apparently was not the only one who knew she was on to something.

What is Pugh up to these days? Huffington Post reports, "She is the Chief of Staff to Aneesh Chopra, who is the first Chief Technology Officer to the United States. At Mr. Chopra's firm called NavHealth, Caroline works to make health systems nationwide more intelligent. Using data analytics and research insights, NavHealth ensures that patients have access to vital knowledge so that they can make informed decisions regarding their health."

Making her mark in the world of technology entrepreneurship, Pugh is a shining example of talent, perseverance, and success. And even though she has already done so much thus far, it's only just the beginning.

Stay tuned for more inspiring entrepreneurs and their success stories.

Via pexels.com

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The Internet of Things is slowly taking over the Earth

The Internet of Things — maybe you've heard of the phrase, maybe you haven't. Maybe you've heard it muttered around the workplace as your colleagues talked about their new voice-activated devices.

The IoT has been growing steadily since the start of PCs and smartphones. From there, we've come out with more interconnected devices including smartwatches and televisions — maybe you've heard of our little friend, Alexa? Now, it's estimated that by 2020, there will be more than 24 billion IoT devices on the planet.

Source: BI Intelligence Estimates, 2015

However, IoT devices don't have to specifically be computers or screens really — they come in the form of our everyday devices. Smart cameras and water bottles can aid you at the beach while smart plugs and safes can help you out in your dorm or apartment.


Thus, IoT isn't just about the interconnection of devices anymore — it's about the way we live and think. When you build a smart home, you're not just using devices — you're a part of them. You think of ways to program your lights and AC that's not just shutting the blinds or pressing buttons on the wall.

Same with the way we learn — more and more schools now are incorporating tablets and interactive smartphone lessons into the classroom. Teachers can cut down on interruption time from transitioning, distributing and other menial tasks along with saving textbook resources.

But, how did we get here? Who decided that IoT was worth discovering and promoting?

According to 2014 Goldman Sachs and BI Intelligence Estimates, the average price of IoT hardware has been dropping and businesses will be the top investor of IoT. Also, agricultural companies, doctors, oil companies, insurance companies, retail, government and many more sectors are all increasing their use of IoT devices and sensors.

However, there are also very serious concerns about privacy and security, according to BI Intelligence. Hackers can easily get into accounts because IoT devices lack cybersecurity protections. This concern is oftentimes associated with government projects and can be possible even with self-driving cars.

But don't worry, engineers are working on the kinks in the system. In the meantime, you can keep up with IoT news from various tech websites, but you can also consult your friends, family and acquaintances.

If you're looking to build up your "smart life," most IoT devices have a home base on a smartphone — so start your build up there if you haven't already. IoT will definitely make your life easier and better — get on board before it's too late!

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8 Technologies Modern Businesses Can't Live Without

As a business owner, if you're not syncing your operations with new technologies for efficiency, security, and productivity, you're falling way behind. It already took a long time for businesses to get up and running from typewriters to computers, and from physical files to digital. But as technologies keep coming out, keeping your finger on the pulse is essential. Here are 8 technologies that will take your business to the next level.

1. HD Video Conferencing

Conference calls are so passé. We all struggle to take our turns, get clear reception, and follow the conversation as more and more people are added to the line. Not being able to see our collaborators is a detriment to productivity. That's why modern businesses are using video conferencing as a way to get that much-needed face time. If you're going to go all out for video conferencing, you might as well get it in HD.

2. Team Messaging

In the old days, if we had a question for one of our coworkers, we had to get up from our seats, walk over, interrupt them on whatever they were doing, and ask our question. Now, businesses are integrating methods of easy online communication a la the AIM of our youth, but all grown up. Slack is one of the leaders in the team messaging field, for its accessible layout and the ability to send and share documents with ease.

3. BYOD and Mobile Solutions

Gone are the days of landline phones! To enable the "work from home" movement, some employers are gung ho about the "bring your own device" policy. It saves money and space. Being mobile-friendly encourages your employees to use their phones. But careful, this could make goofing off look a lot like working. It does however, encourage working before and after business hours.

4. GTD® Software Utilities

For those of you that don't like acronyms, you should start to like them if you're going to have a modern business. GTD® stands for "get things done," and these special software utilities are designed to do just that. These include digital list managers, productivity add-ons, organizers, and note-taking and brainstorming tools to help increase efficiency at the office. Check out more, here.

5. The Cloud

Servers are an unnecessary space-killer in an office. Working on the cloud gives you the ease and convenience of sharing documents on a network (the Internet). Google Drive and Dropbox are two of some of the more popular cloud-based file storing services. Google Drive allows you to comment on documents and share folders so everyone can always be on the same page.

6. Digital Signature

Snail mail is a thing of the past. Now, contracts are being sent as PDFs. Instead of printing, signing, scanning and sending, businesses are using digital signatures to get the job done faster, and with a lot less paper. Here's how to employ the digital signature function on Adobe Reader.

7. CRM

Another acronym, folks. CRM stands for "customer relationship management" and is a valuable tool to track, manage and analyze customer behavior data to inform you on future strategy. This technology can be a useful way to improve a customer's perception of your business. But there are tons of CRM systems out there. Here is a guide from CRM Magazine on how to know what's right for your business.

8. Smart Payment Processing

If you're still mailing out invoices and receiving checks, you're missing out. All-encompassing payment processing solutions like PayPal for small business are out to help your business run smoother. This service allows you to accept diverse payment options, be eligible for credit, and get paid faster and more securely.

Technology is booming at an unprecedented rate. Is your business prepared to keep up?