Feed Your Mind

Steven Bohannon , United States

I am 61 years old and have had Parkinson's Disease for nearly 12 years. I had to retire early when I was 53. Since then I have written children books and more, led a support group My story is in a book called 'Surviving Adversity' by Gord Carley. I have worked on an innovative business idea for the 6+ years. Leading a support group and working my business idea have been my way of fighting back.

Concerning my business idea, I have run into many doors that shut in my face and broken promises during the last 6 years, but just when I stop making progress and consider giving up, another door opens. After hitting another dead end about 3 years ago, I ran into the person who coached my son's soccer team many years ago. I told him about my project and asked if he knew anyone who could help. He did not at the time, but a few days later and referred me to a well know corporate attorney in Seattle. He has been a tremendous help and led me to most of the individuals on the teams I have had.

One of the biggest challenges in putting together an effective team is that I cannot pay a salary at this time. I can only offer equity to start, but that does not work for many people. Those who have taken that deal usually have another job and work on FYM when they can. Dabbling in making a start up grow does not work well and that plus my health challenge is why our growth has been slow. Each one has helped move us forward in varying degrees and I appreciate that. However, it is now time to get a dedicated team to bring this home.

I am dedicating this effort in memory of my dad who had PD for 23 years and my family. I watched him decline to the point of shaking so bad he would put his arms underneath him to stop the shaking,his whole body then shook. Then he went to as nursing home for his last 3 years and as I visited it was if he were a statue, he was so stiff. And finally he passed away because he could no longer swallow. It is at times as hard or harder for the family who supports the one with the disease. After being around or part of this disease for over 1/3 of a century, I would love to help put it in the history books. Like a friend in the MJF Foundation very simply said "Let's cure this thing, we don't need it!"

The following gives you a snapshot of the Journey of Feed Your Mind and offers some insight about me.

Education:
CWU - BA Business and Psychology 1971
Golden Gate University MBA with marketing focus 1976

Career/Retirement Announcement:
“After over 31 years of service, Steve Bohannon has elected to retire from General Mills effective December 20. During those years he has consistently delivered outstanding results. Beyond results though, has become known to both his team members and his customer as an innovator – a real “out of the box thinker”, who could translate ideas into strong tactics/actions. Steve’s passion for finding better, more efficient ways to do things has led to a variety of changes in our national systems. It was not uncommon for our systems people in Minneapolis ask that Steve be on task forces because they knew that he would always have ideas on how to make our systems better. He has long been a resource on our team for people young and old to problem solve. His experience, positive approach to tough issues, and ability to deliver strong results are among the many qualities we know we will miss.”

The Concept:
The FEED YOUR MIND vending solution offers a variety of products that educate and entertain for all ages. Our product mix includes Crossword Puzzles, Sudoku, Games, New and Used Books, Novels, Cards, Self Improvement Books, Maps and more. Additionally, we offer a variety of healthy and nutritious good tasting snacks to choose from. Waiting at places like Airports, Bus and Ferry Terminals, Banks, Subways, Train Stations, Doctor’s and Dentist’s offices, Hospitals, Courthouses and Auto Repair Shops top the list of places people find themselves waiting for longer than expected periods of time. FEED YOUR MIND offers the perfect healthy alternative. With our solution, consumers can now replace their boredom with reading a book, playing a game with their children, and/or working a crossword or Sudoku puzzle.

We have had only 10 machines for some time now, but we just reached agreement for placement of several machines at a major university. We also just reached agreement with a major company that manages retirement communities to test 3 machines in 3 different locations. The university plans to have a major PR event in the spring to kick this off. This could be the tipping point that we have been after for over 3 years.

Next Story »