Question 2: Case Study Abstract
Earth-Kind, headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, in the USA, was founded in 1993 by Kari Warberg Block (Kari). Kari’s entrepreneurial journey started when she began selling potpourri and organic produce on her farm. She then went into manufacturing, selling an agriculture-based rodent repellent- Fresh Cab- that provided a non-messy, environmentally friendly solution to the rodent menace that plagues farms and homes the world over. In the process, she also invested in the community by employing handicapped people and supporting family farms.
Kari began in a small way, working out of her home and involving her children and neighbours. But by 2013, the business had grown tremendously and had a cumulative sale of USD $40 million and annual revenue of USD 5 million. In recognition of her achievement in running an environmentally and socially responsible business, Kari received awards and recognitions from several reputable organisations. Kari proved that a woman could be soft, caring, kind and capable of helping humanity and still be a strong person.
Based on the above case study:
- Discuss the various capabilities and characteristics entrepreneurs, like Kari, require at different phases in their journey. (15 marks)
- Kari was considered to be ‘soft, caring and kind’. Debate whether you think these characteristics are generally needed for entrepreneurial success. (8 marks)
- Are environmentally friendly products, in your view, a wise entrepreneurial initiative in the 21st century? Justify your position. (7 marks)