The One Stop Shop For The Nightlife Experience
Twenty-one-year-old Brent Henderson is a senior at University of Central Florida, majoring in Finance and Marketing, and is the founder and owner of Party Tutor. Of course, the idea of a college nightlife discount website has been done before, but Party Tutor takes that idea and elevates it to the next step, providing students with not only alcohol and local bar discounts, but with everyday and after hours decreased rates. Party Tutor offers a service that equips students with everything they need for the full college experience.
Q: Explain what Party Tutor is:
A: Party Tutor is a website, iPhone, & Android App that provides College Students their local Drink Specials, Liquor Stores, Midnight Munchies (late night food), Sober Rides, and College Deals. It provides students with easy access to a variety of discounts to save money whether they are going out, grabbing something to eat, or just going to get a haircut. It puts the entire college experience in one easy-to-use App.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for Party Tutor?
A: The idea of displaying drink specials on a website has been around for a while, but I thought there was a need for more than that. When I realized that, I jumped on the idea. I started asking my friends what they would like to see on a college nightlife App, and put everyone’s ideas into what I like to think is a must-have App for college students. I basically started with the mentality to build the dream App that myself and other friends would have loved to have throughout our time at UCF.
Q: How have you been promoting your product to UCF students?
A: The word-of-mouth marketing has been extremely effective. The numbers are continuously growing, and I haven’t increased the marketing costs as much. Facebook and Twitter (@UCF_PartyTutor) have been very strong in helping spread the word as well. I’m very happy with the support I’ve gotten from users.
Q: How many universities does Party Tutor do business for?
A: Right now it is just UCF and UF, but I’ve got a few people working on FGCU, so that should be ready in the Spring as well. I’m planning on having a ton of other schools in the near future.
Q: What are your future plans for Party Tutor?
A: Eventually, I want Party Tutor to be at every big college town in the nation. I want to keep updating the website and App based on students feedback to make it a must-have nightlife and discount App for students across the nation.
Q: Any new ideas in the making?
A: As far as other business ventures, no. I’m always thinking of new ideas, but I know I need to focus 100% on growing Party Tutor and getting it to the level it needs to be.
Q: What is your next step after UCF?
A: Just to keep taking Party Tutor to the next level. Just staying focused and expanding the business. It’s been stressful at times, but I also really enjoy doing it and it always feels worthwhile when I get positive feedback from users.
Q: Who has influenced or inspired you to start this business?
A: I would have to say my father. He has run his own business throughout my time growing up and seeing how hard he works really motivates me. Growing up, he was always at work past 7pm so that he could create a great living for myself and my brother and sister and also put us all through college. I want to be able to do something that enables me to give back to my parents like they have given me.
Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring college entrepreneurs?
A: College is the best time to start a business, mainly due to the responsibilities and risk we hold throughout our life. Right now, we just have school and possibly work, but if you wait to start that idea of yours when you turn 35 or so, you might have a family and a secure job, which puts the risk sometimes too high to take the plunge into starting a business full-time. If you think you’ve got a good idea, I’d say do it now! The hardest part about starting a business is actually starting.
To get involved with Party Tutor, contact them through:
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/partytutor
Twitter: @UCF_PartyTutor
E-mail: info@partytutor.com