Archives for January 2012

The Innovation Underground hosted a group of student leaders from Texas A&M. The purpose of the visit was to give an in-depth look into the operations of a start-up venture i.e. The Innovation Underground.  Although the IU is a relatively new undertaking, the team behind the IU has over 25 years experience developing businesses.  The class of 20 to 30 students were addressed by Kristy Petty, the owner of the Village Cafe, and Joan Quintana, the director of Marketing for AdventGX.

Joan and Kristy lead student leaders through a tour of the Innovation Underground, explaining every step of the incubation process from selection of room sizes and paint samples to the business development process.  More specifically, Kristy describes her relationship with the IU/AGX team and her excitement over developments seeing her long-standing passion for entrepreneurship.

While touring the future home of the IU’s library and reception venue, Kristy and Joan explain their partnership in bringing awareness to agendas and issues surrounding Downtown Bryan, therefore revitalizing the area and bringing it’s diverse history to the forefront.  The main idea surrounding this goal is to get people re-involved with surrounding areas and to have them experience all the Brazos Valley has to offer.

Along with this effort, The Village Cafe’s main goal is creating awareness of local food, music, and art in the Brazos Valley.  The cafe has permanent and rotating art displays, with new artists being introduced every “First Friday” of the month.  The cafe tables and lounge-type seating allow for the perfect social environment.  For more information on The Village Cafe, please visit thevillagedowntown.com.

Notables from the Downtown Bryan Association meet at the Innovation Underground for a presentation going over analytics gathered from a survey conducted by AdventGX for the Texas Reds Festival.  Jose Quintana, the President of AGX, presents the findings of the survey as well as his suggestions on how the event could be improved.

AdventGX was established in 2004 and serves state governments, private industries as well as Texas communities.  With expertise in economic analysis, business development and entrepreneurship, AGX is the perfect candidate to offer this type of information.  In attendance were Ben Hardeman, Cassidy Barton, Chuck Konderla, Greta Watkins, and Kristy Petty amongst many other important figures involved in Downtown Bryan.

During the presentation, President Quintana offers implementation support by honing in on the expected outcomes, economic impact and high-level recommendations for improving the festival.  Some of the main issues were outreach and marketing in the Downtown Bryan community, econometric modeling, and analysis of opportunities.  The direct and indirect feedback of participants of Texas Reds Festival were also points of interest.

Visitors of the festival appreciated the hallmarks of the event, which were the Steak and Wine.  Many people simply supported the fact that the event was an investment in raising awareness for and revitalizing the Downtown Bryan area.  Visit downtownbryan.com for more information on the Downtown Bryan Association. For more information on AdventGX and it’s services, please visit adventgx.com.

The Innovation Underground team is happy to welcome Phil Haas, the creator and owner of Beautiful Abilities.  Beautiful Abilities is a healthcare service provider for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Haas has 25 years of experience providing service in the industry.  The care provider is also a management consultant company who’s ultimate goal is effective and sustainable operations for all their clients.  Residential and community services are expected to launch during the summer while the consulting branch of the company is ready to serve statewide.

The sensitive nature of this niche in the health services industry requires particular insight and expertise to gain stability and scale operations.  Phil Haas and Beautiful Abilities not only possess the insight and expertise, but also the vision to reach for the stars.  The consultant branch of the company is ready with effective tools and systems to ensure success.   Beautiful Abilities consulting services can also be tailored to fit your organizations individual needs.

Haas has made it his mission to provide worthwhile opportunities for those with mental abilities.  This goal develops these individuals’ capacities by helping them become more integral members of their community through gaining self-sufficiency and therefore raising their quality of life.  Beautiful Abilities Ranch provides day services that involve participants in meaningful collaborative experiences while in a cozy, ranch setting.  These work opportunities include small entrepreneurial ventures, horticulture, and animal & equine care amongst others.  Community, cooperation and the support that arises from this nurturing atmosphere leads to extraordinary achievements for everyone involved.

Beautiful Abilities products and services include:

– Taskmaster pro service

– Quality assurance

– Local market research

– Unique service design

– Niche & expanded area marketing

– Business consultant services

For more information on Beautiful Abilities, call Phil Haas at 979-571-4900 or email phil.beautifulabilities@gmail.com.