My story so far

AndrewG · Nov 28th, 2007, 05:22 PM

Hello,

My name is Andrew and I've been a member of Fastlane since November 3rd, 2007. I actually stumbled upon this site and loved it immediately. I joined and enjoyed reading all the success stories and information. I wanted to wait until I became truly successful to share my story but I figured I'd write the first chapter and update my progress in a few months. So here it goes:

I was born into a pretty well off family but it quickly changed. By the time I was in kindergarten my mother and father had divorced. My mother, sister, and I were living in a big house all by ourselves. My father brought my mother to court to take the house away from her but ultimately his kids as well. We didn't have a roof over our heads but he didn't think about, he wanted to get back at my mother. So we had to move into my grandmother's house, thank god for her, she has been amazing. We had no car, money, really nothing, but we had each other and our family. My mother worked hard and found a place for us to live. It was very small, one bedroom, but we made it work.

For a few years, my sister and I stayed in contact with my father. We would visit him on the weekends since he lived close. One year my grandmother decided to take us on a trip to Disney World. We went and had a great trip. But when we got back my sister and I found out that my father took off yet again. This time it seemed to be for good, to another state. I was probably around 8 to 10 when this happened. For years he never contacted us, not by phone, no birthday cards, nothing. My sister and I decided we wanted nothing to do with him and about 5 years ago we decided we want nothing to do with his family.

Throughout elementary school into high school, my mother worked hard to put food on the table. With little help from my father via child support. We lived in that same one bedroom above-garage apartment for 12 years. But we managed to afford some nice things such as a computer and internet.

It was tough watching my mother come home after a hard day's work and still not have enough. So in my freshman year of high school I said to myself "That's it! I don't want my mother to live and work like this anymore. I want better for my family!" That's the day I pulled into the fastlane.

I wanted to become successful and help my mother. I was young and foolish and thought it was going to be easy since I was always a very creative person. I thought that I could sell my ideas. So I went out and did that. For about a year I designed and developed inventions while contacting hundreds of companies to see if they were interested.

Obvisiously I didn't have any luck with that. So I moved on to web based ventures. In my sophomore and junior years I started several sites: a search engine, music site, and some others. Some got a little bit of success but nothing made me any money. I was learning the best way there is. I knew I had to keep going and let nothing distract me. I gave up hanging out with friends, which was good because most high schoolers are up to no good. I read books, magazines, brainstormed, everything I could, anytime I could.

Then my senoir year, I created and launched my best venture yet. It was a bottled water business with a unique twist that never had been done before. I formed an LLC and was very serious about it. I create a website, found a bottling company to work with, and did lots of promotion. The response was great. I won a contest held by a business magazine and was feature in a bottled water industry magazine. But the company never took off and I didn't make any money.

Now I was in college and I was depressed. I didn't know where I was going to go next. I kept brainstorming and tried several more ideas. Nothing took off but I kept going and I still am today. Now, I'm 19 years old and I'm a sophomore in college. Currently I'm working with a business partner to create an application for Facebook. I found a void in Facebook and the applications. I came of with the idea and we are creating an app to fill that void. It has a very good chance of becoming extremely viral and one of the top apps on Facebook. We should be ready to launch in the next few weeks.

After hundreds and hundreds of ideas and attempts I hope this is the one that takes me to the next level. My family and I are out of the small apartment and things are getting better. But I still want to be able to provide more for her and allow her to relax for once without a care in the world.

So there's my story so far. I will update it in a couple of weeks or in a few months to describe my progress. I want to thank every member of Fastlane to Millions for creating and being a part of this great site.

- Andrew

JScott · Nov 28th, 2007, 06:02 PM

Andrew -

All I can say is that for someone who is only 19, you've had more entrepeneurial spirit than most people will have their whole lives. Everyone has ideas, but you're actually implementing yours, which is the key differentiator between you and most others.

I'd be willing to bet you're going to fall into the category of those who succeed big-time.

Only piece of advice is not to let the set-backs get you down. If you're one of those people who gets it right the first time, you're probably more lucky than good. Nothing wrong with learning from experience, and making each venture better and better.

Keep your head up, and good luck with the Facebook app!

AndrewG · Nov 28th, 2007, 06:33 PM

Thanks! I try not to let my "failures" get me down. I learn more from them than I've learned in school.

Yankees338 · Nov 28th, 2007, 07:13 PM

Wow..very interesting read! It's amazing what you have done already. Even though you may find this odd (or not), you're an inspiration to me. With all of that enthusiasm and experience, you're bound to find success one day. Keep your head up, and I truly wish you the best! Good luck with the app! Let me know when it launches so I can add it!

AndrewG · Nov 28th, 2007, 07:19 PM

Wow thanks! No one has ever said anything like that to me. I'm honored.

I'll be glad to tell you the app when we launch.

-Andrew

encsteph · Nov 28th, 2007, 07:32 PM

Andrew,

Wow! Absolutely Amazing!

If I had been even half as dedicated and motivated as you are when I was 19 I would be a heck of alot further along then I am now.

Keep up the GREAT Work!

If there is anything a fellow New Jerseyite can ever do please don't hesitate to ask.

Eric

Yankees338 · Nov 28th, 2007, 07:54 PM

The last 3 posts have been from Jersey Boys

PhxMJ · Nov 28th, 2007, 08:28 PM

You have a great story that is unfolding ... just don't forget to enjoy the journey, the learning processes, the successes, the failures. Despite that fact that you said "We didn't make any money at that" you have had success. Congrats on a multitude of factors: The drive, the motivation, and most important, the reason.

Keep us posted on your venture ... a Facebook app with the opportunity to go viral is definitely FASTLANE!

AndrewG · Nov 28th, 2007, 08:36 PM

Thanks encsteph and PhxMJ.

Yeah I need to enjoy the journey more. I'm sometimes too focused and rushed on getting there.

yveskleinsky · Nov 28th, 2007, 10:08 PM

I am continually amazed at what an exciting time we live in- and how many creative people there really are in the world. Good for you for going for your dreams time and again. ...Tony Robbins once said that there is no such thing as success or failure- only results. If you don't like the result you are getting, change the approach.

Keep up the great attitude! We're all here cheering you on!

LaughedAt · Nov 29th, 2007, 06:10 AM

WOW, I'm your age, and believe me, what you've done so far is just AMAZING!!!, really, congrats, I hope you reach the level of success you want, and I have no doubt that one day we're gonna read other chapters of your success story.
Keep up the good work and good luck!

AndrewG · Nov 29th, 2007, 08:02 AM

Thank you again everyone. All of you have inspired me to keep going and to make this latest venture a success!

S928 · Nov 30th, 2007, 09:15 PM

Andrew, I greatly enjoyed reading your story. You're truly ahead of the ballgame.

AndrewG · Nov 30th, 2007, 10:26 PM

Thanks. It's only the beginning.

AndrewG · Dec 2nd, 2007, 01:18 PM

Alright, I'm excited now. My partner and I have finished version 1.0 of our Facebook application. Our application is called Super Inbox. If you are familiar with facebook and it's application then you have heard of Super Wall. Super Inbox is similar to that. It allows users to message each other but with more advanced features such as embedded images and videos, different fonts and font colors.

If anyone has a facebook account please add Super Inbox: http://apps.facebook.com/superinbox/ and I'd be more than happy if you would friend me: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=682454131

Thanks everyone! I'll keep you posted on the app's progress.

-Andrew

czach41 · Dec 2nd, 2007, 01:25 PM

Great story Andrew. I love your perseverance in the face of hardship! I do not mean to slam what you are doing the slightest bit; I am just ignorant to how people make profit off of facebook applications. Could you enlighten me please?

AndrewG · Dec 2nd, 2007, 01:29 PM

No problem. Facebook app developers can place advertisements within their application's pages. But not on a user's profile. They can sell services or products as well. And a few developers have been able to sell their applications. It's basically like any other internet business except it runs within facebook.com.

Yankees338 · Dec 2nd, 2007, 03:11 PM

Looks like you got the app up and running ahead of schedule. Nicely done! Friended you btw.

AndrewG · Dec 2nd, 2007, 03:15 PM

Yeah, we worked a lot of long nights this past week. But its worth it. Thanks for friending.

AndrewG · Dec 2nd, 2007, 04:53 PM

About 10 users so far. Not bad for only being live since around 2 o'clock.

Nov 28th, 2007, 05:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
AndrewG Level: (8) Acura Joined: Nov 2007 Locale: New Jersey Age: 20 Posts: 267 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	My story so far Hello, My name is Andrew and I've been a member of Fastlane since November 3rd, 2007. I actually stumbled upon this site and loved it immediately. I joined and enjoyed reading all the success stories and information. I wanted to wait until I became truly successful to share my story but I figured I'd write the first chapter and update my progress in a few months. So here it goes: I was born into a pretty well off family but it quickly changed. By the time I was in kindergarten my mother and father had divorced. My mother, sister, and I were living in a big house all by ourselves. My father brought my mother to court to take the house away from her but ultimately his kids as well. We didn't have a roof over our heads but he didn't think about, he wanted to get back at my mother. So we had to move into my grandmother's house, thank god for her, she has been amazing. We had no car, money, really nothing, but we had each other and our family. My mother worked hard and found a place for us to live. It was very small, one bedroom, but we made it work. For a few years, my sister and I stayed in contact with my father. We would visit him on the weekends since he lived close. One year my grandmother decided to take us on a trip to Disney World. We went and had a great trip. But when we got back my sister and I found out that my father took off yet again. This time it seemed to be for good, to another state. I was probably around 8 to 10 when this happened. For years he never contacted us, not by phone, no birthday cards, nothing. My sister and I decided we wanted nothing to do with him and about 5 years ago we decided we want nothing to do with his family. Throughout elementary school into high school, my mother worked hard to put food on the table. With little help from my father via child support. We lived in that same one bedroom above-garage apartment for 12 years. But we managed to afford some nice things such as a computer and internet. It was tough watching my mother come home after a hard day's work and still not have enough. So in my freshman year of high school I said to myself "That's it! I don't want my mother to live and work like this anymore. I want better for my family!" That's the day I pulled into the fastlane. I wanted to become successful and help my mother. I was young and foolish and thought it was going to be easy since I was always a very creative person. I thought that I could sell my ideas. So I went out and did that. For about a year I designed and developed inventions while contacting hundreds of companies to see if they were interested. Obvisiously I didn't have any luck with that. So I moved on to web based ventures. In my sophomore and junior years I started several sites: a search engine, music site, and some others. Some got a little bit of success but nothing made me any money. I was learning the best way there is. I knew I had to keep going and let nothing distract me. I gave up hanging out with friends, which was good because most high schoolers are up to no good. I read books, magazines, brainstormed, everything I could, anytime I could. Then my senoir year, I created and launched my best venture yet. It was a bottled water business with a unique twist that never had been done before. I formed an LLC and was very serious about it. I create a website, found a bottling company to work with, and did lots of promotion. The response was great. I won a contest held by a business magazine and was feature in a bottled water industry magazine. But the company never took off and I didn't make any money. Now I was in college and I was depressed. I didn't know where I was going to go next. I kept brainstorming and tried several more ideas. Nothing took off but I kept going and I still am today. Now, I'm 19 years old and I'm a sophomore in college. Currently I'm working with a business partner to create an application for Facebook. I found a void in Facebook and the applications. I came of with the idea and we are creating an app to fill that void. It has a very good chance of becoming extremely viral and one of the top apps on Facebook. We should be ready to launch in the next few weeks. After hundreds and hundreds of ideas and attempts I hope this is the one that takes me to the next level. My family and I are out of the small apartment and things are getting better. But I still want to be able to provide more for her and allow her to relax for once without a care in the world. So there's my story so far. I will update it in a couple of weeks or in a few months to describe my progress. I want to thank every member of Fastlane to Millions for creating and being a part of this great site. - Andrew __________________ “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert Einstein. Visit Lyved.com - learn about life and about living life!

Nov 28th, 2007, 06:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
JScott Level: (3) Lamborghini Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,289 Thanks: 34 Thanked 58 Times in 41 Posts	Re: My story so far Andrew - All I can say is that for someone who is only 19, you've had more entrepeneurial spirit than most people will have their whole lives. Everyone has ideas, but you're actually implementing yours, which is the key differentiator between you and most others. I'd be willing to bet you're going to fall into the category of those who succeed big-time. Only piece of advice is not to let the set-backs get you down. If you're one of those people who gets it right the first time, you're probably more lucky than good. Nothing wrong with learning from experience, and making each venture better and better. Keep your head up, and good luck with the Facebook app!

Nov 28th, 2007, 06:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
AndrewG Level: (8) Acura Joined: Nov 2007 Locale: New Jersey Age: 20 Posts: 267 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far Thanks! I try not to let my "failures" get me down. I learn more from them than I've learned in school. __________________ “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert Einstein. Visit Lyved.com - learn about life and about living life!

Nov 28th, 2007, 07:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
Yankees338 Level: (3) Lamborghini Joined: Jul 2007 Locale: NJ Age: 17 Posts: 1,500 Thanks: 251 Thanked 32 Times in 28 Posts	Re: My story so far Wow..very interesting read! It's amazing what you have done already. Even though you may find this odd (or not), you're an inspiration to me. With all of that enthusiasm and experience, you're bound to find success one day. Keep your head up, and I truly wish you the best! Good luck with the app! Let me know when it launches so I can add it!

Nov 28th, 2007, 07:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
AndrewG Level: (8) Acura Joined: Nov 2007 Locale: New Jersey Age: 20 Posts: 267 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far Wow thanks! No one has ever said anything like that to me. I'm honored. I'll be glad to tell you the app when we launch. -Andrew __________________ “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert Einstein. Visit Lyved.com - learn about life and about living life!

Nov 28th, 2007, 07:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
encsteph Level: (13) Pontiac Joined: Nov 2007 Locale: Southern New Jersey Age: 37 Posts: 30 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far Andrew, Wow! Absolutely Amazing! If I had been even half as dedicated and motivated as you are when I was 19 I would be a heck of alot further along then I am now. Keep up the GREAT Work! If there is anything a fellow New Jerseyite can ever do please don't hesitate to ask. Eric __________________ "You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try." ---Unknown

Nov 28th, 2007, 07:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
Yankees338 Level: (3) Lamborghini Joined: Jul 2007 Locale: NJ Age: 17 Posts: 1,500 Thanks: 251 Thanked 32 Times in 28 Posts	Re: My story so far The last 3 posts have been from Jersey Boys

Nov 28th, 2007, 08:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
PhxMJ Level: McLovin Joined: Jul 2007 Locale: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 2,751 Thanks: 80 Thanked 86 Times in 43 Posts	Re: My story so far You have a great story that is unfolding ... just don't forget to enjoy the journey, the learning processes, the successes, the failures. Despite that fact that you said "We didn't make any money at that" you have had success. Congrats on a multitude of factors: The drive, the motivation, and most important, the reason. Keep us posted on your venture ... a Facebook app with the opportunity to go viral is definitely FASTLANE!

Nov 28th, 2007, 08:36 PM	#9 (permalink)
AndrewG Level: (8) Acura Joined: Nov 2007 Locale: New Jersey Age: 20 Posts: 267 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far Thanks encsteph and PhxMJ. Yeah I need to enjoy the journey more. I'm sometimes too focused and rushed on getting there. __________________ “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert Einstein. Visit Lyved.com - learn about life and about living life!

Nov 28th, 2007, 10:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
yveskleinsky Level: (4) Ferrari Joined: Jul 2007 Locale: New Mexico Age: 31 Posts: 1,204 Thanks: 42 Thanked 59 Times in 41 Posts	Re: My story so far I am continually amazed at what an exciting time we live in- and how many creative people there really are in the world. Good for you for going for your dreams time and again. ...Tony Robbins once said that there is no such thing as success or failure- only results. If you don't like the result you are getting, change the approach. Keep up the great attitude! We're all here cheering you on!

Nov 29th, 2007, 06:10 AM	#11 (permalink)
LaughedAt Level: (13) Pontiac Joined: Sep 2007 Locale: Israel Posts: 35 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far WOW, I'm your age, and believe me, what you've done so far is just AMAZING!!!, really, congrats, I hope you reach the level of success you want, and I have no doubt that one day we're gonna read other chapters of your success story. Keep up the good work and good luck! __________________ "A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business" - Henry Ford

Nov 29th, 2007, 08:02 AM	#12 (permalink)
AndrewG Level: (8) Acura Joined: Nov 2007 Locale: New Jersey Age: 20 Posts: 267 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far Thank you again everyone. All of you have inspired me to keep going and to make this latest venture a success! __________________ “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert Einstein. Visit Lyved.com - learn about life and about living life!

Nov 30th, 2007, 09:15 PM	#13 (permalink)
S928 Level: (9) Cadillac Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 165 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far Andrew, I greatly enjoyed reading your story. You're truly ahead of the ballgame. __________________ "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage" - Anais Nin

Nov 30th, 2007, 10:26 PM	#14 (permalink)
AndrewG Level: (8) Acura Joined: Nov 2007 Locale: New Jersey Age: 20 Posts: 267 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far Thanks. It's only the beginning. __________________ “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert Einstein. Visit Lyved.com - learn about life and about living life!

Dec 2nd, 2007, 01:18 PM	#15 (permalink)
AndrewG Level: (8) Acura Joined: Nov 2007 Locale: New Jersey Age: 20 Posts: 267 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far Alright, I'm excited now. My partner and I have finished version 1.0 of our Facebook application. Our application is called Super Inbox. If you are familiar with facebook and it's application then you have heard of Super Wall. Super Inbox is similar to that. It allows users to message each other but with more advanced features such as embedded images and videos, different fonts and font colors. If anyone has a facebook account please add Super Inbox: http://apps.facebook.com/superinbox/ and I'd be more than happy if you would friend me: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=682454131 Thanks everyone! I'll keep you posted on the app's progress. -Andrew __________________ “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert Einstein. Visit Lyved.com - learn about life and about living life!

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Dec 2nd, 2007, 01:25 PM	#16 (permalink)
czach41 Level: (12) Chevrolet Joined: Oct 2007 Locale: Fort Collins, CO Age: 23 Posts: 47 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: My story so far Great story Andrew. I love your perseverance in the face of hardship! I do not mean to slam what you are doing the slightest bit; I am just ignorant to how people make profit off of facebook applications. Could you enlighten me please?

Dec 2nd, 2007, 01:29 PM	#17 (permalink)
AndrewG Level: (8) Acura Joined: Nov 2007 Locale: New Jersey Age: 20 Posts: 267 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far No problem. Facebook app developers can place advertisements within their application's pages. But not on a user's profile. They can sell services or products as well. And a few developers have been able to sell their applications. It's basically like any other internet business except it runs within facebook.com. __________________ “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert Einstein. Visit Lyved.com - learn about life and about living life!

Dec 2nd, 2007, 03:11 PM	#18 (permalink)
Yankees338 Level: (3) Lamborghini Joined: Jul 2007 Locale: NJ Age: 17 Posts: 1,500 Thanks: 251 Thanked 32 Times in 28 Posts	Re: My story so far Looks like you got the app up and running ahead of schedule. Nicely done! Friended you btw.

Dec 2nd, 2007, 03:15 PM	#19 (permalink)
AndrewG Level: (8) Acura Joined: Nov 2007 Locale: New Jersey Age: 20 Posts: 267 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far Yeah, we worked a lot of long nights this past week. But its worth it. Thanks for friending. __________________ “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert Einstein. Visit Lyved.com - learn about life and about living life!

Dec 2nd, 2007, 04:53 PM	#20 (permalink)
AndrewG Level: (8) Acura Joined: Nov 2007 Locale: New Jersey Age: 20 Posts: 267 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My story so far About 10 users so far. Not bad for only being live since around 2 o'clock. __________________ “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert Einstein. Visit Lyved.com - learn about life and about living life!

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