Dakota State University Alumni are proving that the Internet is a valuable asset in today’s electronic world. Several alumni have gone to cyber space to enhance their businesses. From mobile home repair to optometry, DSU Alumni are using skills they learned at Dakota State to reach people from all regions of the United States and the world.

The following is a question and answer session with six DSU Alumni who have made a presence in the online community.

Alumni: MARK BOWERS

Business Name: www.mobilehomerepair.com

A: I graduated from DSU in 1989 with a Business Administration degree.

A: We are the Internet’s number one Web site for helping the consumer repair and understand their manufactured/mobile home. In other words, we give lots of free repair advice via our forum, offer a newsletter and have a catalog of articles for reference. Plus we sell self-authored specialized booklets and kits on repairing mobile homes. We also offer links to reputable parts suppliers.

A: When I was at DSU in the 80’s, the Internet wasn’t a very big deal. Wanting

to get on the internet and not being able to afford to hire someone to do

it, I taught myself website programming (html).

A: Because of the online income I get from selling the books I’ve written, my wife is able to also work from home. In essence, we’re both self-employed. She runs the office/internet sales, while I’m out working in the field. Because of all the advice/articles I post on my website, it gives me instant credibility to any area residents who are considering hiring me. Right now I probably do one to two repair jobs a month because of my website.

Recently, a lady from Pipestone, MN, e-mailed me out of pure frustration. She wanted to move her mobile home from Pipestone to Sioux Falls and was hitting roadblock after roadblock in finding a good house mover. I don’t move mobile homes (yet), but I did e-mail her a name of a mover. She hired that mover and all went well. Then she needed someone to move her two expensive decks. She hired me to do that, and again everything went smooth. When I left her home, she thanked me over and over again for having my website. It was because of my website and contacting me that her big move was a great experience! Wow, does that make me feel good. Also because of my website, this year I landed a nice consulting job with FEMA.

A: My initial website started in early 1999. During my busy season (the warmer months), I don’t get a chance to do much website programming/updating. So most of the updating is done during the slower winter months.

A: As I continually write more books and add to my website, I see in the future a steady source of income. Hopefully within the next 3 years, that source of income will be great enough that I won’t have to work so hard out in the field and can take more time off. The first year I started my website I lost money. This year I attribute my website to at least $10,000 in income. Next year’s goals are $15,000-$20,000. Plus my wife gets to stay home with our child.

Alumni: LARRY LEE

Business Name: www.qualityforsalebyowner.com

A: I graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business.

A: Our website offers clients information on how to sell their home for no commission or fees.

A: This is a lead generation for our mortgage business. We get to pre-qualify any clients who call on the for sale signs. When the seller sells his/her home, they immediately become a buyer so that we can furnish financing for their new home purchase.

A: Two years ago.

A: As the real estate market turns into a buyers market (due to the current down turn in the economy), more home sellers will seek methods to save the commission on their home sale. Also, as it takes longer to sell a home that is on the market, some clients will opt to refinance their existing home rather than sell it.

Alumni: DARREL AND TRISH KILLIAN

Business Name: e-venture-inc.com

A: Darrel graduated in December of 1998 with a degree in Information Systems.

Trish graduated at the same time with a degree in Business Administration and Information Systems.

A: To begin with, e-Venture is a web site development business, offering aspiring entrepreneurs a cost effective way to build an online commercial presence. We enable businesses a means for marketing their products or services as well as calculation of real time invoicing, shipping, credit card processing and inventory management. Once created, a client’s site is fully manageable by them or their employees without having to contract with a web developer for continued updating and maintenance or maintaining an IT staff to update and maintain the site. Each site can be fully maintained from a browser such as Internet Explorer from a PC by a person with basic computer skills.

A: When we started this business, most online business sites were static web sites. This method of marketing a product was slow, at best. A customer, upon seeing an item they wanted to purchase, would have to call, fax, or mail their order. We started getting requests from individuals to create web sites that would allow them to market something but in a manner that would eliminate the ongoing cost of retaining a web developer to update and maintain their site and allow the customer the ability to purchase via the web in real time.

A: When we first approached the process of marketing and creating web sites based on the wants and needs that people were requesting, many potential customers were skeptical. As the trend of online real time marketing started taking hold, however, we started getting more and more inquiries. Presently, most sites we build are full blown e-commerce sites.

A: Our origin dates back to the mid 90's. Initially, all members of our current company operated as freelancers, developing static web sites for anyone that wanted one. A couple of the sites listed in our portfolio are sites we created back then. We discussed creating our company many times and in January of 1999, we pooled our talents and customer base to form one company.

A: That is a difficult question, given the state of the economy and present world affairs. Presently, consumers are a bit nervous about spending money. Given that, along with the fact that many people are still not sold on purchasing over the net, it only compounds the problem. As a result, prospective online businesses are also taking a "wait and see" attitude. We believe that the Internet and e-commerce are here to stay. It's predicted growth is difficult to say, however, we believe that once consumers adjust to the new state of life in these trying times, they will return to their normal consumer patterns. We believe the future is bright for Internet marketing. Persons that have a product or service to market will also see this, and as a result more and more online businesses will come on line as markets improve. Our online presence will make our services available to them when they decide that they need a web site to market their product or service. 

Alumni: TOM FARRELL

Business Name: www.lindseylake.com

A: I am a 1970 graduate of Dakota State College with a major in Health and Physical Education and a Minor in Business Education.

A: We use our online presence to promote our business much like a brochure or other mailing pieces would be used. It shows our campground, our rental campers, our rates and links to area information.

A: The online presence has provided another promotional vehicle for our business. Currently about 30 percent of our new business comes to us either via the website or via e-mail. It has accounted for some of our growth, but has not been a single factor of success.

A: We have had an online presence for the last four summers.

A: It will continue to be a very large part of our promotion strategy. We also will be looking at providing for online reservations.

Alumni: MICHAEL VANERDWYK

Business Name: www.bioverse.com

A: I graduated from DSU in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

A: Bioverse has developed a “clicks and mortar” approach by blending a traditional business model and distribution chain with the communication and education benefits the Internet offers. The Internet is an exceptional and proven communication tool for Bioverse. We are able to provide current and accurate information as well as provide customer support.

A: Bioverse is phasing in its Internet strategies gradually. Step one is to provide basic product and company information to customers and distributors and communicate with them via email. By leading with education, the theme of our site is teaching people about the problem and the solution Bioverse offers. Step two is to establish the Bioverse e-commerce site as a sales engine.

A: Bioverse has benefited by using the Internet as a cost effective advertising, marketing and sales supplement to the activities already being undertaken. We have become stronger in marketing, education, information and communication. Additionally, we have made direct sales and increased sales through our distributor and dealer networks.

A: Bioverse started its website in 2000.

A: In the future we will be able to provide real time inventory, sales reports, distribution management, and alliances and joint ventures with other e-commerce companies. We will offer visitors to our site simple prize drawings, interesting articles, basic games and links to other related sites.

Alumni: DAN TAFT

Business Name: www.taftoptical.com

A: I graduated from DSU in 1973.

A: Our business offers information, services, pictures of the staff and the office hours.

A: We got started online about a year ago.

A: A vast number of businesses in our area list web pages almost automatically with phone numbers. We felt that more of our clients use computers with Internet access so it was not a difficult decision to go online.

A: I think for a business to have a web page shows an appreciation and a need to support the latest in technology. I have had many people comment on “seeing” us on the web instead of commenting on an ad in the newspaper or radio.

A: We may use our online for booking appointments and as a message center in the future.