Ideas for a new business in the Villages

[steve3860]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

[graciegirl]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

I cannot think of anything that isn't an unrealistic goal. I think your friend should try to find a job rather than start a business.

[oldtimes]

I wish someone would bring the Cousins Maine Lobster truck back to The Villages

Franchise | Cousins Maine Lobster (https://www.cousinsmainelobster.com/franchise/)

[Stu from NYC]

Without knowing his backround and abilities do not know how to answer the question.

[Two Bills]

A Space Rocket Launch pad would be fun.
Dog poop recycling plant.
A roundabout practice area.
A large swimming pool that allowed swimmers.
So many thing that are needed. :icon_wink:

[davem4616]

I'm gonna go way out on a limb here and make some suggestions...

I don't believe that there are any flight training schools inside TV for people that have a hankering to learn how to fly

also missing are the street vendors that sell sausages on the street corners (and umbrellas when it rains)

haven't seen any manufacturing inside TV....and somebody's already grabbed 'the pillow market'...but I'm guessing that he'd make a fortune if he could produce bagels like they have in NY

just saying

[JMintzer]

I'll bet this guy has a few ideas... All of them are gonna' make him a fortune!

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Honeymooners_Jackie_Gleason_1963.jpg

[retiredguy123]

A reliable service to drive people to the doctor, shopping, airport, etc.

[stanley]

Top Golf

[DAVES]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

I was in my own business. When, people say think, wow you had your own business, the reality is, the boss is a fool but you cannot say so, there is no hiding anything behind his back at the water cooler. On a typical job 40-50% of you income is benefits. Self employed, there are no benefits. Add to that the fact that you are on call 7 days a week
24 hours a day. You can make good money. You can also loose your investment.

Far as no competition, the reality is if there is no competition there is no business either.

[Papa_lecki]

Depends, are they financially secure? Are they trying to fill time - and any income is a bonus or are they trying to make a sustainable salary.

if you read this forum - a GREAT, dependable honest landscaping service would make a fortune.
I am not sure golf cart repair/oil change is a huge money maker
Renting/selling/serving golf clubs wouldn’t seem to be a huge money maker

[Decadeofdave]

This may sound curt, quitting too early is a big, big miscalculation.
Get some planning advice (score)before you
make a new business miscalculation.

[cswett5234]

Two ideas that need a little refining (don't be too judgmental, just trying to assist)....ONE an in-home pet sitter, one who will sit with your pet for a min of 4 hrs a day (fee around $50 per day). This person should be bonded and insured. I see many Villagers who desire to visit family and have to put their pets in "pet daycare", this way, the pet stays at home. They should also be able to administer meds should it be required (thinking of a diabetic cat for example).

TWO....how about a "Daily Helper" type of job. This person could be hired for $100 a day and perform a host of tasks, such as assist in cleaning out closets/garages, rearrange furniture, assist with packing/unpacking if you are moving or have just arrived, assist with hanging curtains, laundry, or (if possible) help with technology (IPads, Kindles, PC, macbooks, TV remotes, etc...), perhaps even drive a person to/from the store, choices are almost endless! I know, you're saying isn't that friends are for? Well, if you just moved to TV and don't know anyone yet, this could be helpful.

Broke my heart when someone created a post a few weeks ago, they just moved to TV and needed help unpacking and setting up her home, she was recently widowed and had no family....so sad, with I were there to assist! Okay, interesting to see what others suggest.

Clint, Freeport, Maine

[SusanStCatherine]

I'd love a microbrewery. Probably would only work in newer areas with the youngest people.

Many electric golf carts with lead acid batteries can be upgraded to NiCad and the old batteries will need recycling.

[billethkid]

I'd love a microbrewery. Probably would only work in newer areas with the youngest people.

Many electric golf carts with lead acid batteries can be upgraded to NiCad and the old batteries will need recycling.

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: (while remaining polite!)

[DAVES]

Depends, are they financially secure? Are they trying to fill time - and any income is a bonus or are they trying to make a sustainable salary.

if you read this forum - a GREAT, dependable honest landscaping service would make a fortune.
I am not sure golf cart repair/oil change is a huge money maker
Renting/selling/serving golf clubs wouldn’t seem to be a huge money maker

In High School 1967-1969 ish I ran a lawn mowing business. For a 5,000 sq foot lawn I would charge 7.00 a week $28.00 a month. In today's, dollars roughly 28x9=252 a month. These guys do not make a fortune.

[DAVES]

Depends, are they financially secure? Are they trying to fill time - and any income is a bonus or are they trying to make a sustainable salary.

if you read this forum - a GREAT, dependable honest landscaping service would make a fortune.
I am not sure golf cart repair/oil change is a huge money maker
Renting/selling/serving golf clubs wouldn’t seem to be a huge money maker

I'm not sure but, I would not be surprised to find this is fishing for someone with money
to shoulder all the risk.

[Marathon Man]

A Space Rocket Launch pad would be fun.
Dog poop recycling plant.
A roundabout practice area.
A large swimming pool that allowed swimmers.
So many thing that are needed. :icon_wink:

:clap2:

[RobertWR]

Remove all the labels and stickers associated with Covid.

[DonH57]

I like the roundabout practice area idea but, that might make things worse!

[vintageogauge]

There are many franchise opportunities open in the southern villages such as Jimmy John's, Jersey Mikes, just about any fast food franchise except McDonalds as they are already coming, Dairy Queen, a "real" butcher shop would go over well as would a "real" bakery, a good German restaurant. Notice my suggestions are all food related however we could use a UPS store down here too, Orthopedic doctors that accept Medicare Supplements, and here's the big one, a Primary Care Group made up of MD's, not DO's, that also accept Medicare supplements such as Blue Cross.

[dewilson58]

Without knowing his backround and abilities do not know how to answer the question.

:bigbow:

[photo1902]

:bigbow:

I'm looking for someone to sponsor my dance lessons. I want to become a PotatoChippendale dancer.

[Stu from NYC]

Topless bar?

On ladies nights would have tons of ladies oogling the guys.

[Fredman]

He could open a Costco

[sail33or]

Generally if a business was needed, The Villages owns it. (Insurance, Banks, Golf Carts, Real Estate, etc. Right.)

However, smaller, riskier ideas are possible with such growth of seniors in one area.

1. Handy Man Services
2. Bakery
3. Donut Shop (Not Blah Duncan Donuts)
4. Quick Change Oil (Possible home service)
5. Personal Aid Services (Business)
6. Medical Devices Rental
7. Medical Aid Home Installations
8. Entertainment Management
9. Party Organizer/Planner (Lots of Anniversaries, Birthdays, etc.)

[boothechihuahua]

If I were going to start a small business around TV I would probably do one of the following:

Continuous gutters. There is some startup costs with the machine to roll them out but the margin on gutters is extremely high.

High pressure hot pressure washing (houses, driveways, etc.). Many of the pressure washing businesses with professional equipment are booked for months out and charge an arm and a leg.

[JMintzer]

I'm looking for someone to sponsor my dance lessons. I want to become a PotatoChippendale dancer.

https://media4.giphy.com/media/N8EHkQjICc2A/200w.gif?cid=82a1493b6q4r1u0stg11fc1a484tufox0a2gd 0dqvgjdl1xf&rid=200w.gif&ct=g

[John41]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

Home watch, pet watch. There is competition though.

[Coal Miner]

Open an airport, car wash, dairy queen

[Skunky1]

A good donut shop featuring cinnamon cake and real eclairs!

[Girlcopper]

A reliable service to drive people to the doctor, shopping, airport, etc.
Perfect. Almost like his own private Uber. There arent many local taxi services in the villages and its badly needed. I think he would make a fortune if he runs it correctly, can prove to be reliable and on time and have decent drivers. Go for it!

[Annie66]

Originally, we are from Western NY. In that area, plus one in Tempe AZ, they commercially cook hot dogs, sausages and hamburgers over real charcoal. I really miss that style of eating out. It was always a treat to have a Ted's hot dog! I'm confident that if that someone began a business such as this, it could become a beloved tradition.

[banjobob]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

Get a job , forget the hassle of business .staffing ,taxes , overhead etc, who needs it I did it for forty years. No more!!

[gettingby]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

We are retired business owners. I see business opportunities almost every day here. If your friend can’t see them for themselves then maybe they don’t have the vision required to be successful in business. In other words it’s not for me to put ideas in their heads. If the passion doesn’t exist within them they won’t make it anyway. I suggest they get a job and open their eyes when they get here.

[tsmall22204]

Why did you even ask this question? Let your friend do a market study based on his expertise (you didn't mention that he even had any) and decide for himself. Moving to a retirement community means just that!

[ibodyWALK]

[QUOTE=SusanStCatherine;1963034]I'd love a microbrewery. Probably would only work in newer areas with the youngest people.


I am moving down in a few weeks and shortly after will begin furthering due diligence and feasibility. Background in all levels of business development makes for an exciting opportunity that’s well timed. The key is location and structure. As the best Brewery's have are less modern with a repurposed atmosphere. Like old multi bay garage with areas to brew, serve and interact.

Will be looking for partners who have all degrees of engagement / investor / working / silent etc.

The World of Beer concept is dated and served it’s time

[BlueHeronFan]

Start a lawn service with push mowers instead of the riding mowers that everyone seems to have set to root burning level. Where I used to live nobody used the riding mowers unless they did their own lawns and it was just a small one. Used to have a service where the crew would jump out with 3 Lawn Boy mowers hit a yard and be gone in 20 minutes or less. It's actually funny watching neighbors having an interior lot being mowed with a large riding turn on a dime mower.

[nick demis]

A mini casino and slot parlor.

[slpierce21@gmail.com]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

Just checking in to see if you are looking for brick & mortar business or an Online business. I do have some ideas...perhaps we can chat.

[ibodyWALK]

I am moving down in a few weeks and shortly after will begin furthering due diligence and feasibility. Background in all levels of business development makes for an exciting opportunity that’s well timed. The key is location and structure. As the best Brewery's have and less modern with a repurposed atmosphere. Like old multi bay garage with areas to brew, serve and interact.

Will be looking for partners who have all degrees of engagement / investor / working / silent etc.

The World of Beer concept is dated and served it’s time

[Susan Garbarino]

Papa Murphy's Pizza!

[PurePeach]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

A Willy’s Mexicana franchise! They were very present in metro Atlanta and were packed during lunch and late afternoon Dinner. Their food is fantastic
And we so miss them.

[Freehiker]

Weed dispensary

[J1ceasar]

For the most part I think all your replies have been nonsense. If your friend really wants to start a business he has to ask himself a few questions. Does he want a job here that has a lot of physical outdoor work. If so that people are always looking for good handyman / lawn people. Of course that involves being outside and 90° heat 10 months out of the year. If he's looking for a job that he can do himself I would suggest looking at either a delivery service of some kind, putting together way fair type Ikea/furniture. Or as there's only one person right now doing this learning the business of cleaning gas grills there's one guy in The villages doing this with a 3-month waiting period yes there's a physicality to this but you do get a good pay per hour. I've also been an entrepreneur like many people and I can tell you many of the good ideas are taken but if he has good work ethics shows up on time and cleans up after himself, whatever he does he will be successful as it's a large growing community. Remember he has to really think about how much money and whatever he wants to put into this. I've known people that were very happy just cleaning home windows or store windows with a bucket and a squeegee that cost 10 bucks. There are also plenty of people looking for house cleaners which are about 25 to $35 per hour now. And I am sure he can find the job as an assistant manager at any of the restaurants and there are so many jobs available you mean what I just start doing that for the first year while he gets settled in. Good luck and feel free to keep asking

[J1ceasar]

PS all you need to do is look at some of the ads that'll pop up here on this website blog to get a good idea of what's really selling and needed

[b0bd0herty]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

Landscaping/Mowing services, Flooring Company, Pet Care, Water purifier/softener sales...

[cj1040]

Reliable and reasonable house watch with or without vacation mowing. He will be amazingly busy after a little advertising. It is hard to find mowing without a yearly contract.

[vinricci]

Home made egg rolls. Different varieties. All the Chinese restaurants here seem to get theirs from same place.

[Bacimom]

Pool/Spa maintenance company that is reliable & dependable. I hear regular complaints about the lack of service, no shows, etc. With T&D selling their maintenance biz, the market is now wide open.

[vinricci]

Someone to fix “MISDIRECTED REQUEST “ error that keeps coming up.

[Plain&peanut]

We just moved permanently to Marsh Bend. I’m looking to do these services.

[KYtoTV2021]

Lawn service. The current rates are way too high for the time. These guys are making over $100/hour for cutting grass.

[jclrxman]

A Bagel Pace with New York Bagels

[giorgio1948]

Dairy Queen franchise:boom:

[ImaTravelBug]

A car wash on 466 or 301 area. Optional self wash or drive through.

[Ashch]

mobile dog grooming business
Dog boarding facility

Child care facility( currently1 year wait to get your child in any of the facilities around here. Big shortage of child care. Parents are frantic to find some place for their child while they work.)

[MrFlorida]

He should open a Costco store.

[024engine]

Tell him to look into a Ledo's Pizza franchise. He will knock the other Pizza places dead. I promise. Have them check it out.

[joansullivan]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks
It seems hard to find a good old fashioned Gardner...one to weed, trim and maintain plants/bushes would be a great job. The other thing that I think would be helpful would be a "handyman" to come and do the things that are not major, but that we old folks either shouldn't do (for safety reasons) or don't want to do any more. This could included transportation to the airports as well. If he likes to cook, there is a "Chefs for Seniors" here and the chef needs help. Best of luck and Welcome!

[kyralud]

How about a good bakery?

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

It should be something he really likes to do. Since we don't have his background, that's hard to answer. Since its about keeping busy, not $, how about starting a club, or helping in a club, joining a club... that will more than keep him busy... 3,000 clubs of all types here. Now if its about $ pocket money... then that's another story... I would go with the Simpler the better... type of job... picking up Meds for someone homebound, or driver to and from doctors apts. We have plenty of pet sitters... but people also need emergency pet sitters to take their pets INTO YOUR HOME on a temp bases. These are for people who are in hospitals , short weekend type vaca, or just for emergencies... because people are moving and need time to relocate... ( could be for a month) these are really needed here... like I said emergency only... you pick and choose... only one fur baby in your home at a time...

[haysus7]

Two ideas that need a little refining (don't be too judgmental, just trying to assist)....ONE an in-home pet sitter, one who will sit with your pet for a min of 4 hrs a day (fee around $50 per day). This person should be bonded and insured. I see many Villagers who desire to visit family and have to put their pets in "pet daycare", this way, the pet stays at home. They should also be able to administer meds should it be required (thinking of a diabetic cat for example).

TWO....how about a "Daily Helper" type of job. This person could be hired for $100 a day and perform a host of tasks, such as assist in cleaning out closets/garages, rearrange furniture, assist with packing/unpacking if you are moving or have just arrived, assist with hanging curtains, laundry, or (if possible) help with technology (IPads, Kindles, PC, macbooks, TV remotes, etc...), perhaps even drive a person to/from the store, choices are almost endless! I know, you're saying isn't that friends are for? Well, if you just moved to TV and don't know anyone yet, this could be helpful.

Broke my heart when someone created a post a few weeks ago, they just moved to TV and needed help unpacking and setting up her home, she was recently widowed and had no family....so sad, with I were there to assist! Okay, interesting to see what others suggest.

Clint, Freeport, Maine

Great ideas♥️

[slpierce21@gmail.com]

Hi....I was wondering if you were looking for a brick & mortar or an Online business? Let me know and I will give you some ideas.

[KRMACK55]

I cannot think of anything that isn't an unrealistic goal. I think your friend should try to find a job rather than start a business.
With the lousy wages paid here ? Please they’re better off being a contractor here but being honest,fair and reliable.That would be refreshing

[PennyAnn]

Any type of service business. There is always a shortage of lawncutters, landscape maintenance people, window washers, house cleaners, personal support care, shoppers, etc.

[Michigan Farmer]

Good quality lawn care. Not just mowing or not mowing at all but someone to care for lawns properly and pro active. If you wanted to go bigger, big demand for walk behind mowing, bagging, and dethatching. Irrigation service as well

[Phof1]

Dog or pet transporter. Or meals to your door

[amsajeti]

a strip joint

[Jean G]

There is a huge shortage of all home improvement services. Everyone books months out. Handyman services, landscaping, concrete, driveway painting, masonry, painting, etc.

[BlackhawksFan]

Originally, we are from Western NY. In that area, plus one in Tempe AZ, they commercially cook hot dogs, sausages and hamburgers over real charcoal. I really miss that style of eating out. It was always a treat to have a Ted's hot dog! I'm confident that if that someone began a business such as this, it could become a beloved tradition.

You could cook out in your own backyard

[BlackhawksFan]

...meals to your door

You mean like door dash, uber eats etc.

[Kim McGraw]

We can hire people to mow our yard, but they do not trim bushes. It would be nice to hire someone to trim bushes and plants.

[cwalter]

A good bakery with real doughnuts.

[BlackhawksFan]

a strip joint

But all the employees have to be 55+ 😂😂😂

[bargee]

///////

[LateBoomer]

new resident here. what TV needs more than anything is more restaurant selections. Especially upscale ones. The restaurants that are here are either very mediocre or are absolutely over-run by people constantly. I would think there would be capacity for more choices. it's the one thing I miss about Tampa.

[Boilerman]

Papa Murphy's Pizza!

I love and miss them!

[Curtisbwp]

Retired too youn???
I retired at 53, moved to the villages and have never looked back. I love it.

[dewilson58]

new resident here. what TV needs more than anything is more restaurant selections. Especially upscale ones. The restaurants that are here are either very mediocre or are absolutely over-run by people constantly. I would think there would be capacity for more choices. it's the one thing I miss about Tampa.

As soon as there is the demand, there will be.
Why open if not profitable??

:shocked:

[dewilson58]

We can hire people to mow our yard, but they do not trim bushes. It would be nice to hire someone to trim bushes and plants.

Fertigator does.

[Spalumbos62]

Two ideas that need a little refining (don't be too judgmental, just trying to assist)....ONE an in-home pet sitter, one who will sit with your pet for a min of 4 hrs a day (fee around $50 per day). This person should be bonded and insured. I see many Villagers who desire to visit family and have to put their pets in "pet daycare", this way, the pet stays at home. They should also be able to administer meds should it be required (thinking of a diabetic cat for example).

TWO....how about a "Daily Helper" type of job. This person could be hired for $100 a day and perform a host of tasks, such as assist in cleaning out closets/garages, rearrange furniture, assist with packing/unpacking if you are moving or have just arrived, assist with hanging curtains, laundry, or (if possible) help with technology (IPads, Kindles, PC, macbooks, TV remotes, etc...), perhaps even drive a person to/from the store, choices are almost endless! I know, you're saying isn't that friends are for? Well, if you just moved to TV and don't know anyone yet, this could be helpful.

Broke my heart when someone created a post a few weeks ago, they just moved to TV and needed help unpacking and setting up her home, she was recently widowed and had no family....so sad, with I were there to assist! Okay, interesting to see what others suggest.

Clint, Freeport, Maine


Oh...I so agree...almost like someone for the "honey-do list"

Also we rent out our place certain months and you can't ask the cleaning service to do some of these small jobs..ie:replace a toilet seat, change light bulbs...things that are just at that threshold of a handyman man. You can't ignore these little things, not fair to renter, but you don't want to keep jumping onto a plane either.
Boy...this person could make a killing.

[CFrance]

This may sound curt, quitting too early is a big, big miscalculation.
Get some planning advice (score)before you
make a new business miscalculation.
I second talking to SCORE. (Used to be Senior Core Of Retired Executives, but I think they don't have to be retired anymore.) It's a volunteer arm of the SBA who will provide him with a mentor who will advise him of all he should be thinking about when deciding to start a small business. And it's free.

[Spalumbos62]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks


In my son's place of business he does allot of fancy light detail to vehicles...I always tell him he should go to TV and work on jazzing up golf carts. Gosh, he can make the lights go to the music.

[brfree1411@aol.com]

Not inside the villages themselves but things for young people to do. Possibly Wildwood or Lady Lake.
Trampoline indoor park with different levels, Incredible Pizza type place with indoor rides, video games, laser tag.
That way the kids at the local schools plus grandkid visitors can enjoy.

[dyendell]

Dog grooming

[jagdl]

Why not an ice cream truck? I would buy every time they come by. Also great around the squares and neighborhood parties.

[drgoofy]

Look into getting a Tropical Vibes franchise. It would go over very well here. That's what I would do if I were younger...

[Papa_lecki]

The upscale restaurant seems like a good idea - but i dont think the economics works.

The full timers just won’t support them 12 months a year - maybe a few times a year, a little more often when snow bird friends are down.
Snowbirds may eat out more often and want more upscale, but that’s a 3 ot 4 month business model.

[martinam22]

The villages could use a Boston Market

There are many franchise opportunities open in the southern villages such as Jimmy John's, Jersey Mikes, just about any fast food franchise except McDonalds as they are already coming, Dairy Queen, a "real" butcher shop would go over well as would a "real" bakery, a good German restaurant. Notice my suggestions are all food related however we could use a UPS store down here too, Orthopedic doctors that accept Medicare Supplements, and here's the big one, a Primary Care Group made up of MD's, not DO's, that also accept Medicare supplements such as Blue Cross.

[photo1902]

Someone to fix “MISDIRECTED REQUEST “ error that keeps coming up.

Now that's funny and witty!

[Madelaine Amee]

There is undoubtedly a need for many different types of services, I am sure a food truck would do very well here, a good reliable lawn care service etc. etc., but, I have lived here a long time and watched people open restaurants and service businesses and seen them go under.

The average Village residents do not seem to want to pay for excellence, either in restaurants or services.

The food truck is a great idea, but where would you be able to set it up without getting permission from the Developer who owns everything here. You could maybe get permission to have it outside TV and there would be no business. I don't believe you would get permission to put any kind of eatery on the streets of either of any of the Squares and that is where the customer is.

Then think about the licenses you would need from the State and the list goes on.

This has to be the very worst place to try to start a business unless it is something you can run from your home.

Another big drawback is the weather in the summer, it is very difficult for people to do manual labor in our heat. My own lawn service was excellent for several months, then one of the young men involved got an inside job and the young owner cannot find anyone to do the job as he does.

[coralway]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks





Day trade - it's what I did after retiring early in 2014.

[COLTempleton]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

A woodworking store or franchise. There are a lot of woodworkers here and no source of tools, equipment or wood.

[vintageogauge]

Lawn service. The current rates are way too high for the time. These guys are making over $100/hour for cutting grass.

We pay $35.00/month for our rental villa, 2 men, small mowers, edge, trim, and clean-up. They do an excellent job and not getting rich doing it. I honestly don't know how they make any money driving all around town, and keeping their truck, trailer, and equipment in working order

[vintageogauge]

There is undoubtedly a need for many different types of services, I am sure a food truck would do very well here, a good reliable lawn care service etc. etc., but, I have lived here a long time and watched people open restaurants and service businesses and seen them go under.

The average Village residents do not seem to want to pay for excellence, either in restaurants or services.

The food truck is a great idea, but where would you be able to set it up without getting permission from the Developer who owns everything here. You could maybe get permission to have it outside TV and there would be no business. I don't believe you would get permission to put any kind of eatery on the streets of either of any of the Squares and that is where the customer is.

Then think about the licenses you would need from the State and the list goes on.

This has to be the very worst place to try to start a business unless it is something you can run from your home.

Another big drawback is the weather in the summer, it is very difficult for people to do manual labor in our heat. My own lawn service was excellent for several months, then one of the young men involved got an inside job and the young owner cannot find anyone to do the job as he does.

Have you ever waited in line to get a sub at Jersey Mikes in front of Lowes, if there was one of those south of 44 it would make a killing. If I was 10 years younger that is the franchise I would be after. The southern villages is a great place to start a new business, thousands of homes, thousands of workers, and lots and lots of privately owned commercial space along Warm Springs and 501. If it's good enough to open a McDonalds down here it will surely support many other convenience food businesses.

[La lamy]

Tons of pages of suggestions so far, so you probably won't see this, but just in case, I've been told physical therapy assistants is needed around TV. Lots of people who have had surgeries need motivation/helpers to get through their therapy/exercising.

[oldtimes]

There is undoubtedly a need for many different types of services, I am sure a food truck would do very well here, a good reliable lawn care service etc. etc., but, I have lived here a long time and watched people open restaurants and service businesses and seen them go under.


The food truck is a great idea, but where would you be able to set it up without getting permission from the Developer who owns everything here. You could maybe get permission to have it outside TV and there would be no business. I don't believe you would get permission to put any kind of eatery on the streets of either of any of the Squares and that is where the customer is.


There are a lot of venues in the area that invite food trucks. The Cousins Maine Lobster truck used to come regularly to Ednas on the Green and the Woofgang Bakery in Palm Ridge plaza and there were long lines waiting before they even showed up. They just got tired of doing it and wanted to try something else.

[boothechihuahua]

seamless gutters. There would be some startup costs with the trailer, roll former, supplies, etc. but there is a lot of money in it.

[Bella6368]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks


How about an ice cream parlor of some sort down at Sawgrass Grove. It' the new meeting place closest to the Village of St. Catherine's. It's the next big up and coming area of the Villages, like a Town Square, but not on the same scale as Sumter or Brownwood, and I'm pretty sure people have been asking about an ice cream business for Sawgrass Grove. Worth looking into.

[Almanurse1]

Love the roundabout practice idea!!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

A "hire-a-wife" service sounds great, someone else suggested it but didn't use that term. Basically - someone who will cook once a week a dinner with enough leftovers to provide portioned lunches for 3 days. Who will straighten out your piles of stuff on the table, take in your mail, take out the trash, clean the litter box, get you to your appointments, help make your appointments, make sure you get your bills all paid on time with in-person reminders, update your relatives that you're still alive and well and could use a greeting card once in awhile, nag you to clean your dentures and change your hearing aid batteries, etc. You wouldn't be authorized to pay any bills for your client, but you would help them keep track of what bills need to be paid and when.

A hot dog cart also sounds glorious. I've heard there used to be one, once, but it's disappeared.

[Full-timer]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

Yeah. A good restaurant. Most here are just OK.

[Ktygrett]

A golf shoe “hut” where shoes are cleaned and new spikes put on shoes. It’s great for us with arthritic hands
The only one I have seen was in Myrtle Beach and I used it often.

[zendog3]

Here are a few businesses I have been thinking of for myself. (Obviously, I have skilled in these areas.) 1. Life coach, 2. Public intellectual, 3. Influencer, 4 ethicist, 5. gigolo.

Seriously: we could use a really good cajun restaurant.

[Villages Kahuna]

'...but I'm guessing that he'd make a fortune if he could produce bagels like they have in NY

just saying
You must be missing Brooklyn Bagels on 441. Boiled and baked just like NY. With the ‘flavoring’ on both top and bottom! Our NY friends say they’re even better.

[Villages Kahuna]

Have you missed both superbly well-equipped Villages Woodshops? One on Rolling Acres Road, the brand new bigger one across the street from Eisenhower Rec Center.

[Rlheinz19@yahoo.com]

concierge service -
One stop shop for everything from arranging transportation to house painting

[kkingston57]

Lawn service. The current rates are way too high for the time. These guys are making over $100/hour for cutting grass.

$100 an hour? We have an average sized home in TV with 3 irrigation zones and pay $65 a month. They do my yard 3-4 times a month and usually they have 3 people who are in and out of here in about 10 minutes. If they cut grass 3 times a month their man hours would be 1.2 hours. $65 is cheap as they have other expenses, such as WC, fuel, insurance, administration and equipment(their mowers cost as much as our golf carts).

[photo1902]

Have you missed both superbly well-equipped Villages Woodshops? One on Rolling Acres Road, the brand new bigger one across the street from Eisenhower Rec Center.

What is the current wait time to get a membership to the woodshop?

[DaddyD]

Most people WAY underestimate the fixed operating costs of many businesses.

While I 100% agree that there is a dearth of independent non-franchise restaurants in this area, restaurants have one of the highest failure rates of all new businesses. Rent in a good location would likely be super-expensive, and finding reliable employees a huge on-going hassle. But oh how I wish there were more good ethnic restaurants in the area!

I'd also wish there was a good "dive bar" with decent food & drink prices, darts & pool tables, with a dance floor that had good live music on the weekends.

And/or a cool restaurant / bar bistro that hosted national/regional touring bands during the weekends, maybe some cool jazz nights during the week, live comedy a few times a week. I'm probably in the minority here, but the music @ the Squares with local bands that play nothing but covers of songs we've all heard a million times before bores me to tears.

OP's friend wouldn't get rich without expanding and taking on multiple crews / employees, but small businesses with high potential for success that one could open for less than $40,000:

Pool maintenance service
Lawn care business
Irrigation system installation & maintenance
Gutter installation / cleaning & maintenance
Pressure washer / window washer / screen replacement
Mobile golf cart repair
Small engine repair
General Handyman service
Interior / exterior painting service
On-site computer repair & training
Mobile car detailing & window tinting
House cleaning service
Property management for absentee homeowners
Small furniture moving and assembling

Nothing new under the sun, many of the above ideas have already been mentioned.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'd also wish there was a good "dive bar" with decent food & drink prices, darts & pool tables, with a dance floor that had good live music on the weekends.



Turns out there are places like that. You just have to go outside the bubble. There's the Gator Bay Bar and Grille in Leesburg, on the way to Mt. Dora. They have live music, reasonable prices, fried gator and po boys as their specialty foods, karaoke night, burgers and fries, hotdogs and fries, $2.25 domestic drafts, a glass of cola is $1.25, etc. etc.

[DaddyD]

Turns out there are places like that. You just have to go outside the bubble. There's the Gator Bay Bar and Grille in Leesburg, on the way to Mt. Dora. They have live music, reasonable prices, fried gator and po boys as their specialty foods, karaoke night, burgers and fries, hotdogs and fries, $2.25 domestic drafts, a glass of cola is $1.25, etc. etc.

I've been there & like it! But it's 40 minutes away from me, too far to drive on any kind of regular basis.

Seemingly there's a large enough year-round population here to support more food / entertainment options, but evidently not.

[Blueblaze]

This one's so obvious. I'm tempted to risk my retirement savings and go after it myself.

The only bad thing about moving here last March was that half our stuff wound up in storage, with our hobbies mothballed. My wife's a quilter with a 12' quilting machine, and I'm a tool guy who likes to build things -- furniture, cars, motorcycles, and even an airplane once. We bought a big house (for the Villages) with a big garage (we thought) and tried to downsize. It wasn't enough.

I can't believe the Developer hasn't already thought of this. There must be thousands of car guys alone in the Villages with the same problem.

You would buy an acre and build a big metal building on it. Divide it up and sell it off, 600 sqft at a time. Collect maintenance fees. Build another one and keep raking in the dough.

There ya go! You're welcome! Just remember, I GET THE FIRST ONE!

[joan729]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

Italian ice and Boardwalk Fries stand would be a great business.

[jebartle]

How about a fast food fish joint like, long John silvers, capt. Ds

[dewilson58]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

Well Steve17.............did the villagers give you ideas??? Did you summarize for your "friend"?? I think you should provide feedback.

:popcorn:

[vintageogauge]

This one's so obvious. I'm tempted to risk my retirement savings and go after it myself.

The only bad thing about moving here last March was that half our stuff wound up in storage, with our hobbies mothballed. My wife's a quilter with a 12' quilting machine, and I'm a tool guy who likes to build things -- furniture, cars, motorcycles, and even an airplane once. We bought a big house (for the Villages) with a big garage (we thought) and tried to downsize. It wasn't enough.

I can't believe the Developer hasn't already thought of this. There must be thousands of car guys alone in the Villages with the same problem.

You would buy an acre and build a big metal building on it. Divide it up and sell it off, 600 sqft at a time. Collect maintenance fees. Build another one and keep raking in the dough.

There ya go! You're welcome! Just remember, I GET THE FIRST ONE!

You can rent exactly that right outside of Fenney, I believe they are 500 sq. ft, maybe some larger with a little office, air conditioning, restroom, etc. There are also a lot of them on C. Thomas drive in Wildwood just behind Lazy Days RV. A lot of car guys rent them as well as some small businesses, one guy is running a baseball card business out of his unit.

[Shimpy]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

This almost identical post was posted over 10 years ago.

[DaddyD]

I wish somebody would open a restaurant with a good quality Sunday Brunch buffet with all-you-can-drink Bloody Mary's & Mimosas!

[Blueblaze]

You can rent exactly that right outside of Fenney, I believe they are 500 sq. ft, maybe some larger with a little office, air conditioning, restroom, etc. There are also a lot of them on C. Thomas drive in Wildwood just behind Lazy Days RV. A lot of car guys rent them as well as some small businesses, one guy is running a baseball card business out of his unit.

If it's the place I found, it's a 45 min drive from my house. Might as well be in Ocala. And there's a waiting list. And the rent is $1500/mo -- that's a mortgage with no resale value.

If somebody built a building like that and started SELLING the units, that place in Wildwood would be empty in a month.

[billethkid]

This almost identical post was posted over 10 years ago.

The major difference?

The busy season population back then is now the slow season population!!

[vintageogauge]

If it's the place I found, it's a 45 min drive from my house. Might as well be in Ocala. And there's a waiting list. And the rent is $1500/mo -- that's a mortgage with no resale value.

If somebody built a building like that and started SELLING the units, that place in Wildwood would be empty in a month.

They would have to be sold as condo units if the local leaders would allow it, you will then have condo fees, and the cost of land plus building costs today would make them very expensive. I bought a 16 x42 unit with heat and no air up north in 1997 at a cost of $42,000.00, I couldn't even guess what one would cost today and down here they will need AC. The fact that there is a waiting list on the rental units would make one tend to believe that is what should be built as an investment

[stebooo]

Indian food

[hhart]

There is a website for finding help in any area of the country including around the villages. Its called taskrabbit.com

[Stu from NYC]

Italian ice and Boardwalk Fries stand would be a great business.

Surprised there is no italian ice kiosk or stand alone stores around here.

[bgnn54]

A good sandwich shop on the Historic side, open buildings are available,

[JSR22]

Surprised there is no italian ice kiosk or stand alone stores around here.

Jeremiah's an Italian Ice store just opened in Trailwinds next to Marcos.

[Madelaine Amee]

Indian food

Had one, did not make it. Not enough custom for Indian Food.

[Madelaine Amee]

I am very late in joining this post; however, I saw an ad recently for a company called MedHaul. A woman somewhere recognized the necessity for transportation for elderly people needing to get back and forth from their medical appointments and started this company. Great idea for TV.

Transportation is desperately needed in TV.

[Tblue]

I did not read all the replies, but has anyone suggested a rental service that rents things for kids. Anything for a high chair, car seats, fishing poles, squirt guns, games, bikes, tricycles, footballs, bats all the things grandkids did not bring with them. Things that for the most part grandma and grandpa just don’t have around the house anymore.

[CFrance]

I did not read all the replies, but has anyone suggested a rental service that rents things for kids. Anything for a high chair, car seats, fishing poles, squirt guns, games, bikes, tricycles, footballs, bats all the things grandkids did not bring with them. Things that for the most part grandma and grandpa just don’t have around the house anymore.
There are a few, but you have to act early and fast.
rent baby stuff the villages fl - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=rent+baby+stuff+the+villages+fl)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

A good sandwich shop on the Historic side, open buildings are available,

There's Michele's, they have pretty good chili and they're apparently well known for their schnitzels and meatloaf sandwiches.

[patfla06]

Surprised there is no italian ice kiosk or stand alone stores around here.

They just opened an Italian ice place in Trailwinds next to Marcos Pizza.
Someone said they also sell gelato.

[vintageogauge]

After reading all of these I have decided there is a need for a new Lionel model train store in the area so I am opening Nick's Vintage Trains in the remodeled old hobby shop located at 113 N. Main Street in Wildwood directly across from the Wildwood City Hall. Everything is going well for a mid-September opening except for the red tape involved in getting a sign permit from the City, a city that wants to attract new downtown businesses. Anyway I will have a large inventory of prewar and postwar O gauge trains along with new Lionel and Williams trains along with Woodland Scenic O scale structures. Watch for the opening and hope to meet some of you at the store in the near future.

[JSR22]

After reading all of these I have decided there is a need for a new Lionel model train store in the area so I am opening Nick's Vintage Trains in the remodeled old hobby shop located at 113 N. Main Street in Wildwood directly across from the Wildwood City Hall. Everything is going well for a mid-September opening except for the red tape involved in getting a sign permit from the City, a city that wants to attract new downtown businesses. Anyway I will have a large inventory of prewar and postwar O gauge trains along with new Lionel and Williams trains along with Woodland Scenic O scale structures. Watch for the opening and hope to meet some of you at the store in the near future.
We have my husband's lionel trains in their original boxes from 1951. Do you think there is a market for them?

[PNaughton]

I'm gonna go way out on a limb here and make some suggestions...

I don't believe that there are any flight training schools inside TV for people that have a hankering to learn how to fly

also missing are the street vendors that sell sausages on the street corners (and umbrellas when it rains)

haven't seen any manufacturing inside TV....and somebody's already grabbed 'the pillow market'...but I'm guessing that he'd make a fortune if he could produce bagels like they have in NY

just saying
he could produce bagels like they have in NY. Exactly! My nephew opened two bagel places, one in upstate NY. and one down here in the south and he is doing quite well.Otherwise as was suggested he could get a job.:welcome:

[Madelaine Amee]

We have my husband's lionel trains in their original boxes from 1951. Do you think there is a market for them?

Yes, train sets, especially in their original boxes, are very collectible. You might try searching on the internet for the make and model number and see what you can find. Ebay is a good place to start. You might also want to Google model train auctions where the real buyers hang out.

[JSR22]

Yes, train sets, especially in their original boxes, are very collectible. You might try searching on the internet for the make and model number and see what you can find. Ebay is a good place to start. You might also want to Google model train auctions where the real buyers hang out.

Thanks for the advice.

[vintageogauge]

Thanks for the advice.

Or you might want to bring them to my store where we can go over them, put them on the track to test them and then get a true value from someone that has been buying model trains by the thousands for nearly 50 years. If you would like to do that please send me a message.

[Stu from NYC]

Jeremiah's an Italian Ice store just opened in Trailwinds next to Marcos.

Super we can go to Marcos for dinner and next door for dessert. Thanks for the post.

[Luggage]

That's a good response. In the world of today, there is nobody to hire so ideally I would suggest a business he can do himself 100% at least starting out. If he's active there are opportunities out there. I used to have a client who would say don't bring me the new stuff as I have to explain it to everybody just give me the old stuff that sells and sells and sells. Similarly I would say there's always room for someone who checks your sprinklers, does your grass, details golf carts, where is a handyman,. If you are not looking for a physical job, then in reality there are tons of things to do on the Internet or as a service business, such as being a photographer, slash web design in the US anywhere from your home, even a personal shopper over the internet can be successful. And there are plenty of people making good money, walking dogs

[beckylou152]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

I’m sure it costs too much for insurance, but I think a subscription driving service would be great, like a small van service in the villages. Also some kind of non medical companion service for lonely widowers (just companionship). I also think a technical help company where technicians come into your home for installation, instruction, and repair of technical devices like computers, WiFi routers, smart home devices, etc. I also believe there is a shortage of yard workers. For shops in the squares, I think missing are good bakeries and sweet shops!

[mikreb]

Indoor pickleball courts.

[Mathman]

Trader Joe's

[Stu from NYC]

Trader Joe's

Very surprised we have never gotten one.

[eingalls]

I started a home maintenance and repair business and in a matter of weeks was overwhelmed with business. If you know what your doing and have good customer skills you will have all the work you want.

[vintageogauge]

The train store is now open in Wildwood in the old hobby shop across from City Hall and all is well. Feel free to stop in and look around it's like having a private vintage train show, the cabinets are full and price tags going on all items. If you have trains or a train collection you want to sell, this is the place.

[Sherry Stevens]

Good ideas! I can actually see a need for both!

[Bogie Shooter]

Good ideas! I can actually see a need for both!

148 posts……which one?

[GypsyRN]

I love and miss them!

There's one on 441 in Mt. Dora!!:boxing2:

[pauld315]

Turns out there are places like that. You just have to go outside the bubble. There's the Gator Bay Bar and Grille in Leesburg, on the way to Mt. Dora. They have live music, reasonable prices, fried gator and po boys as their specialty foods, karaoke night, burgers and fries, hotdogs and fries, $2.25 domestic drafts, a glass of cola is $1.25, etc. etc.

You can just go to Margarita Republic in Spanish Springs for that. Definitely a dive bat with pool tables. The only thing they don't have is live music on weekends but their DJ is good.

[pauld315]

Indoor pickleball courts.

Something like this !

New pickleball venue Electric Pickle plans to open in Phoenix area (https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/life/2021/09/23/electric-pickle-pickleball-arizona-locations/5804491001/)

[CappyRam]

[QUOTE=SusanStCatherine;1963034]I'd love a microbrewery. Probably would only work in newer areas with the youngest people.


I am moving down in a few weeks and shortly after will begin furthering due diligence and feasibility. Background in all levels of business development makes for an exciting opportunity that’s well timed. The key is location and structure. As the best Brewery's have are less modern with a repurposed atmosphere. Like old multi bay garage with areas to brew, serve and interact.

Will be looking for partners who have all degrees of engagement / investor / working / silent etc.

The World of Beer concept is dated and served it’s time

[Hackercraft]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks
The Village’s VA clinic used to have a small cafe but it recently closed do to a lack of customers do to the Whuan/COVID crisis.
It might be good for a husband and wife business mainly breakfast and lunch was what they sold along with drinks and snacks. The employees were regular customers along with a few of us Vets. When this supposed crisis is over it could be a good source of income.

[Daxdog]

I don’t know if they would allow it but I was thinking if a “Hot Dog Cart” by the driving range at Sarasota would make any money?

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks[/QUOTE]

[marianne237]

How about a store that does alterations and repairs? There was such a business in Belleview that recently closed. There are people in the area that do all kinds of alterations, but it seems they operate out of their homes only. Dropping items off at one of the cleaners can take up to 4 weeks for return.

[rmd2]

There are many franchise opportunities open in the southern villages such as Jimmy John's, Jersey Mikes, just about any fast food franchise except McDonalds as they are already coming, Dairy Queen, a "real" butcher shop would go over well as would a "real" bakery, a good German restaurant. Notice my suggestions are all food related however we could use a UPS store down here too, Orthopedic doctors that accept Medicare Supplements, and here's the big one, a Primary Care Group made up of MD's, not DO's, that also accept Medicare supplements such as Blue Cross.

Ditto. Primary Doctors trained in the US. A good bakery shop.

[Orvil]

Ideas:

TV needs a self-service dog wash. I've got a friend with one in my hometown. He has expanded from five self-service stations in a 4-plex strip mall space to taking over all four bays and a mobile wash van. The 4-plex is now filled with a boarding facility, a training facility, a full service grooming operation with four full time groomers, the original self-service dog wash and a high-quality dog and cat food store. They also offer walk in pet nail trimming. He's making a really good living and has expanded into a second facility for one of his adult kids to run in a neighboring town.

Second idea is lawn sprinkler maintenance. Not installation. Just maintenance. We know guy that does this. He gets referrals from the installation and landscaping companies. It's not cost effective for the sprinkler installation company to come back and maintain their work. Lawn maintenance companies need to be moving on to the next job. This guy comes by appointment, tunes up your system twice year, if desired. When a sprinkler head or control box needs fixing, replacing or adjusting, he does it. There are two basic systems. He carries all the parts for both in a van. It could be expanded to a monthly check up system.

We had a friend that opened a lawn care business after retirement. He ended up selling it because he was too successful. He actually showed up. Half of life is just showing up.

[Bogie Shooter]

I don’t know if they would allow it but I was thinking if a “Hot Dog Cart” by the driving range at Sarasota would make any money?

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks[/QUOTE]
Nothing in the previous 150+ posts?

[vintageogauge]

Nothing in the previous 150+ posts?[/QUOTE]

Except for the new Model Train Store located at 113 N. Main Street in Wildwood that not only sells new and used model trains they also buy used trains and train collections. Everyone that comes in here says the same thing, it's about time someone opened a train store in the area. Nick's Vintage Trains.

[Djean1981]

From reading posts the last few months... It seems like there is a lack of transportation services withIN the Villages. Maybe a service that gives rides within the community and nearby. This would allow someone to get to a square, shop, community activity, doctor's office, or ride home from hospital, etc..

[D&Lsunfun]

I noticed. Top Golf was a suggestion. I agree.
After visiting Orlando facility, why not in the villages ?

[marianne237]

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: (while remaining polite!)

I think an alterations shop for clothing would do a good business. The cleaners do alterations, but are costly and take a long time for turn around.

[Carla B]

From reading posts the last few months... It seems like there is a lack of transportation services withIN the Villages. Maybe a service that gives rides within the community and nearby. This would allow someone to get to a square, shop, community activity, doctor's office, or ride home from hospital, etc..

Agree. An essential need, I think, starting now.

[RICH1]

Asking for a friend???

[Two Bills]

I think an alterations shop for clothing would do a good business. The cleaners do alterations, but are costly and take a long time for turn around.

Not a big demand in TV for clothes to be 'taken in.'

[Mortal1]

Normally you'd have to pay someone real $$$ for such suggestions. Must be nice you want it free. There are many businesses that can't be run from a home in the villages. If your friend(not you of course)isn't able to think of their own idea I would tend to think they might not be able to run a business in this fashion.

[slpierce21@gmail.com]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

What is his background?

[slpierce21@gmail.com]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks

What is his background

[Bogie Shooter]

OP was in June……ya think his friend is still waiting?:1rotfl:

[JoelJohnson]

Convert all the people that don't need Windows to Linux Mint. It would save them from having to buy a new computer for Windows 11. They wouldn't have to do updates (unless they want to). They really wouldn't need anti-virus software. And it would add life to an old PC.

[Djean1981]

Yes. I did find on the web that Sumter county does have a Transit service..

Their site states:.
Sumter County Transit offers door-to-door service and deviated fixed shuttle routes. And, that you should schedule 3 days in advance..


Transit | Sumter County, FL - Official Website

But, I think a transportation service within the Villages would do well.

[coralway]

Day trade - easiest living you can imagine. One of the reasons I retired at 45. That and my long AAPL investment

[Djean1981]

Lol.. Maybe hems .

[tc1963]

[QUOTE=davem4616;1962904]I'm gonna go way out on a limb here and make some suggestions...

I don't believe that there are any flight training schools inside TV for people that have a hankering to learn how to fly.

Great idea. Most definitely going way out on the limb. Food for thought though, a large population of the people here can barely see the road to drive a car let alone fly a plane. Seen a car driving down a golf cart path lately?:ohdear: Seen it too many times. Or how about the round-a bouts?:ohdear: A Plane would be really scary.:pray: Not a ride I want to take.:ohdear::pray: Just saying.

[MattD]

A Garvinos type store in Brownwood would be a great addition there.

[jrref]

Open another Brooklyn water bagel closer to Brownwood in the Villages. Their one store in Lady Lake is crazy busy all the time with lines out the door.

[SafetyJeff]

A cheese store... whould make millions as there is sooooo much WHINE in the Villages...:a040:

[Lottoguy]

Top Golf would be a huge success here! But, I bet the land and startup costs would be very expensive.

[Lottoguy]

1/ There is no business that cleans gutters in The Villages that I know of. 2/ There is no business in The Villages that cleans up dog poop in their yards. 3/ There is no business in The Villages that serves DEEP DISH pizza. 4/ There is no business in The Villages that customizes golf balls. 5/ There is no business in The Villages that has a mobile ice cream truck.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I would not advise a baby shower business.

[airdote22]

Start up a new Katey Bells

[airdote22]

Folks in Spanish Springs would very much appreciate a new Katy Bells.

[Djean1981]

Great ideas!

[Bogie Shooter]

1/ There is no business that cleans gutters in The Villages that I know of. 2/ There is no business in The Villages that cleans up dog poop in their yards. 3/ There is no business in The Villages that serves DEEP DISH pizza. 4/ There is no business in The Villages that customizes golf balls. 5/ There is no business in The Villages that has a mobile ice cream truck.

Any handyman will clean your gutters…..

[Get real]

clothing alterations

[Get real]

How about a store that does alterations and repairs? There was such a business in Belleview that recently closed. There are people in the area that do all kinds of alterations, but it seems they operate out of their homes only. Dropping items off at one of the cleaners can take up to 4 weeks for return.

sorry didn't see this. you beat me to it.

[vintageogauge]

South of 44 is a perfect area for a number of new businesses. Fast food of any kind, sub shops, barber, auto repair, bike shop, small engine/lawnmower repair shop, quality brushless car wash and detailing service, something similar to Dick's sporting goods, RC Planes and cars shop, quality furniture store, and more. With all the building going on both in The Villages and the surrounding areas south of 44, it's taking longer to get to northern destinations and any new business down here should do very well.

[Stu from NYC]

1/ There is no business that cleans gutters in The Villages that I know of. 2/ There is no business in The Villages that cleans up dog poop in their yards. 3/ There is no business in The Villages that serves DEEP DISH pizza. 4/ There is no business in The Villages that customizes golf balls. 5/ There is no business in The Villages that has a mobile ice cream truck.

Mystic ice cream has one and was in our neighborhood for a block party two weeks ago

[MrFlorida]

Golf ball cleaning service.

[Lottoguy]

I'm talking about a regular ice cream truck that has a route and schedule.

[Stu from NYC]

I'm talking about a regular ice cream truck that has a route and schedule.

Is there such a thing any more?

[vintageogauge]

I'm talking about a regular ice cream truck that has a route and schedule.

There was one that used to come around 4 years ago but I think Wildwood stopped it, permitting reasons or something like that. There was also a fellow that would drive around with a BBQ rib set up behind his truck and sold ribs, that too was stopped by Wildwood.

[ditka41]

A good hardware 2-3 miles south of 44 would be great. Also could use a Wendy's. (With both being golf cart accessible). --- Must be some kind of zoning and golf cart restriction situation?

[Doro22]

A reliable service to drive people to the doctor, shopping, airport, etc.

That would be great!

[Papa_lecki]

A good hardware 2-3 miles south of 44 would be great. Also could use a Wendy's. (With both being golf cart accessible). --- Must be some kind of zoning and golf cart restriction situation?

Only commercial space that is golf cart accessible is Developer Owned properties, I don’t know, but I would bet you pay a large premium, businesses with tight margins won’t be successful, unless you charge more.

[Bogie Shooter]

A good hardware 2-3 miles south of 44 would be great. Also could use a Wendy's. (With both being golf cart accessible). --- Must be some kind of zoning and golf cart restriction situation?

Doubt there will be another hardware...... with an ACE in Wildwood.

[vintageogauge]

There is plenty of private land south of 44 that would be suitable for a Home Depot, no need for it to be golf cart accessible, the new Lowes on 466A is not and they are doing very well. There was a 20 acre parcel for sale on 501 that abuts TV right across from the Monarch Grove entrance, it has great frontage, perfectly flat, deep, and wide, the price on the sign was $6,000,000.00 and the sign is no long there another 20 acres wooded right beside it also for sale, 40 acres will handle some large stores.

[karostay]

Whine shop..

[airdote22]

A friend of mine that retired too young is looking to relocate to the Villages and start some sort of business.

Does anyone have any ideas I can pass by him that would be good here? Something besides the obvious Golf Carts, Golf Clubs. There must be something out there that is missing here that even Amazon can't fill. Think outside the box. Thanks


Residents in Spanish Springs would like a new Katie Bells

[Stu from NYC]

Residents in Spanish Springs would like a new Katie Bells

Developer been there done that aint gonna happen. Sorry

[BigHoss18]

Tell him to look into a Ledo's Pizza franchise. He will knock the other Pizza places dead. I promise. Have them check it out.

Can't have too many pizza places. I looked Ledo Pizza up, and it looks like a place we would frequent.

[Mrprez]

Whine shop..

Not a building big enough around here.