Michael Perez, 16 – Business Plan
Tail Times
Miami, Florida

"I came close to being diagnosed with diabetes. Overcoming this difficult challenge has benefited me tremendously."

Michael Perez participated in NFTE at the South Florida Demonstration Summer Entrepreneurship Academy, a new program in the Miami-Dade County Schools in 2006, at John A. Ferguson Senior High School. He developed his plan for Tail Times during this program.

Tail Times is a “comfortable and entertaining environment for dog owners to leave their dogs,” Michael says. What sets his idea apart from other kennels in his area is offering a “cageless” environment for the dogs, so they can play together and run around. “Tail Times provides a safe and fun place for dog owners to leave their dogs, reducing the owners’ stress and increasing their productivity as employees. My business makes a difference by offering my customers peace of mind that their dogs are receiving the best care possible.”

Michael has struggled with a challenge faced by increasing numbers of teenagers—high blood sugar, which could lead to diabetes. “Unfortunately, I have a family history of diabetes,” he says. Michael changed his lifestyle. “I have given up eating fast foods frequently,” he says. “I have reduced the sweets in my diet.” He exercises every day. Michael’s hard work got his blood sugar level back to normal.

Michael plans to implement his business plan this summer. After graduating from high school he hopes to attend the University of Miami.