Web Master University Trucking, along with ResFridge, Wash U Wash, South 40 Video, East Coast Express and Nate’s Place, accommodate students through convenient services and goods, though the cost of such services are higher than those of larger service providers and retailers.
Sophomores Suman Adhya, Josh Kowitt, Benjamin Steward, and Todd Owyoung conceived the idea for ResFridge when they were freshman suitemates. They found storage off campus to be too expensive and wanted to set up a business that would deliver new and used refrigerators, microwaves, and other appliances to students living at all locations on campus.
ResFridge rents several different refrigerator and microwave sizes, and they also sell TVs, stereos, and DVD players. Students can reserve and pay for the units online at resfridge.com.
The appliances are directly delivered to the customer’s door, and ResFridge offers 24-hour repair service year-round. Renting from ResFridge has become a popular option for students, instead of buying a refrigerator and having to pay for the storage.
“They were prompt with the delivery,” said freshman Andrew Collins. “But it was kind of expensive. I don’t know if I’ll use them next year.”
This year, in its first year, ResFridge sold 200 units and made roughly $13,000 in profit. Adhya finds the business to be a lucrative endeavor, but he and his partners have also gained valuable experience as entrepreneurs.
“I have learned how to effectively deal with customers,” Adhya said. “I also realize you have to spend a lot of time on a business to do it right. Commitment is the key.”
Nate Briendel, owner of Nate’s Place, agreed.
“Washington University has given me the opportunity to live business,” Briendel said. “It’s a reality you won’t get in a philosophy class or in a business course.”
Nate’s Place offers Sprint and Verizon cell phone service; test preparation courses through the Princeton Review; and Campus Card USA, a card that allows for discounts at local businesses to the card’s holder.
Briendel currently has seven employees and plans on hiring two more with the opening of two new stores at St. Louis University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Briendel plans to expand his business further and hopes to eventually bring a car repair service to his store on campus.
Breindel, a senior majoring in psychology and marketing, opened Nate’s Place last August, and in the course of the year sold 250 phones. This August alone, Nate’s place sold over 120 phones.
Because of Briendel’s success, he said the he didn’t need to get another job this summer, since he is paid a salary and commission for selling cell phones.
University Trucking, like Nate’s Place, is looking to expand operations. The operation opened in 1977 at WU and is owned by Scott Neuberger, Mark Ely, and Mike Delman. They have plans to set up franchises on other university campuses around the country while negotiating a contract with UPS to improve their shipping capabilities. The company is currently building capital for their expansion.
According to Neuberger, University Trucking has a 500-plus customer base, with that number rising every year.
“There is a lot of expendable income on campus. Students desire our services and we work to meet their needs,” said Neuberger.
Neuberger finds the work to be more seasonal, with the busiest months coming in April, May, July, and August. The rest of the year, he and his partners work on expanding the business and planning for the upcoming shipping season.
To start a business here on campus, students must first send a petition to Karen Grimes, assistant to the Director of Operations. An internal board then reviews the proposal and hears a presentation from the prospective business owners. Finally, an external board made up of local entrepreneurs and businessmen looks at the proposal before the students get the official approval to open their business.
Student-owned businesses are supported and encouraged by WU, but the university takes no share of the profits.