Need advice -starting new business

[Sr7110]

I am getting ready to retire, and I'm interested in starting a new business here in the villages. Anyone have any input on the greatest need?

[Two Bills]

For a first post, you have thrown yourself in at the deep end.
What was your skill set before retirement?
Would it be useful in TV.
Better the devil you know.

[retiredguy123]

I think the greatest need is for reliable, affordable transportation both locally and to airports and cruise departures.

[gatorbill1]

Repair turn signals - seems a lot do not work here

[BrianL99]

I am getting ready to retire, and I'm interested in starting a new business here in the villages. Anyone have any input on the greatest need?

I always thought "retiring" meant you didn't work any more?

[dewilson58]

do search on ToTV.................we have been down this road before.

[vintageogauge]

Something that doesn't require employees because there are none.

[Boomer]

Invest in some buckets, a ladder, some squeegees, and study up on the best way to wash windows.

Very little investment and you will never run out of windows to wash in TV.

Boomer

[Pairadocs]

I am getting ready to retire, and I'm interested in starting a new business here in the villages. Anyone have any input on the greatest need?

Many amusing answers here, but you didn't mention your experience or even your interests. If you glace through the daily paper classifieds, you will see there are almost no ideas that have not been pursued, or franchises we don't don't have. My opinion is we could sure use a Waffle House inside our boundaries, but others would say we have too many breakfast cafes now. As someone mentioned, with about 3000 (yep !) types of lessons, clubs, activities, sports, etc. you might first try a full year or two and see if you can't find many of your favorite interests and hobbies, and even try some you have never before considered ? Take a few art classes if you have never had any interest in art, or join a philosophy club, a travel group, a scuba group ? You may just find that running a business, stress and deadlines, demanding customers, or any number of the negatives, may not be what you want after all ? And, if you find you just can't stand life without some working hours, there are all kinds of villages jobs at gates, pools, golf courses and rec centers. People often come thinking they want to have a job, and soon become way too busy to work, so they quit constantly !

[villagetinker]

Also, look carefully at your deed restrictions if you are thinking about running your business out of your house, generally NOT allowed. I do not have any specific suggestions for your business. Also, you might look into the newer sections of TV as there appears to be a lack of local businesses in that area.

[Michael G.]

#1. Manage a Costco Store.

#2. Be a police officer with a willingness to write speeding tickets at lest one every 1/2 hour.

#3. Set up a doggie care business so people can to out to eat without taking their mutts along.

[vintageogauge]

The south of 44 villages need just about every type of business imaginable, fast food to sit down food just about any retail store you can think of however there are very few if any retail spaces available for lease, so not only is there a lack of employees down here, there's really nowhere to open a business until more retail space is built so there you go.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

One thing we're in short supply of:

Primary Care Physicians who accept new patients and Florida Blue insurance, both Medicare and not-Medicare, especially in the northeastern half of the community. Ones who speak English well enough that the average 60-year-old American-born retiree wouldn't have trouble understanding.

So there's a goal for ya. Let us know when you've completed your residency.

[Michael G.]

One thing we're in short supply of:

Primary Care Physicians who accept new patients and Florida Blue insurance, both Medicare and not-Medicare, especially in the northeastern half of the community. Ones who speak English well enough that the average 60-year-old American-born retiree wouldn't have trouble understanding.

So there's a goal for ya. Let us know when you've completed your residency.

Good one, I'd welcome that person.

[GatorFan]

The South end of The Villages/Sumter County needs a Chic-fi-A

[Pairadocs]

#1. Manage a Costco Store.

#2. Be a police officer with a willingness to write speeding tickets at lest one every 1/2 hour.

#3. Set up a doggie care business so people can to out to eat without taking their mutts along.

Three EXCELLENT suggestions. Also want to mention to the about to retire individual, check out the UNLIMITED number of volunteer activities here. Honestly, if you really want to work, you can give your time and hard work to so many worthwhile endeavors you will never be bored ! From building homes for other with Habitat for Humanity (which we thoroughly enjoy... and never before had jobs that involved physical labor so you do not have to come with building skills, to all kinds of opportunities to help area children, our veterans, the hungry and the homeless. Are you a retired pilot ? You can volunteer to fly critically ill children, or if you are a nurse or nurses aid, you can volunteer to accompany an WWII vet on a tour of Washington D.C. war memorials. Before you jump, really explore what awaits you here !

[kkingston57]

One thing we're in short supply of:

Primary Care Physicians who accept new patients and Florida Blue insurance, both Medicare and not-Medicare, especially in the northeastern half of the community. Ones who speak English well enough that the average 60-year-old American-born retiree wouldn't have trouble understanding.

So there's a goal for ya. Let us know when you've completed your residency.

NE half of the community? Live in Spanish Springs and most of the doctors are in this area and there is a hospital here and a second one in Leesburg. Seems to me that there are not any medical offices in the new areas.

[kkingston57]

The South end of The Villages/Sumter County needs a Chic-fi-A

Need to budget in a traffic cop on this business.

[Papa_lecki]

NE half of the community? Live in Spanish Springs and most of the doctors are in this area and there is a hospital here and a second one in Leesburg. Seems to me that there are not any medical offices in the new areas.

They are building a teaching hospital near Middleton.

[banjobob]

Some type of expertise is needed first.

[CTFORSBERG]

to open any kind of business here is not worth it. I like someone said employees are awful here in Florida. Nobody wants to work. I guess it’s just that age group.. But there’s always plenty of opportunities on the Internet. Find yourself something that you can do from anywhere and work from home a few hours a day and then enjoy your retirement. But it would help to know what you did before. Good luck, you will love, THE VILLAGES!!!

[villageuser]

I personally think being willing to socialize with people in assisted living and/or memory care. Many times people just want someone to spend time with their loved ones while they may have to go out of state for some family emergency or event. Or even that life gets so busy sometimes, and they can’t visit their loved one as much as they’d like. The only other option is for them to get a CNA, but they cost $20 - $30/hr. But, usually one doesn’t need a CNA type person, they just need a friend to come make sure all is fine with their loved one.

[La lamy]

A lot of people here have had health/injury issues and I hear there's a need for personal therapists for home visits.

[Hardlyworking]

NE half of the community? Live in Spanish Springs and most of the doctors are in this area and there is a hospital here and a second one in Leesburg. Seems to me that there are not any medical offices in the new areas.

Well, you’re wrong.

[NoMo50]

Open a new bank. Can't have too many of those, can we?

[Skunky1]

Help those who can’t help themselves

[3Bulge68]

My 1965 Seeburg jukebox needs attention and I have checked for anyone that can look at it for hundreds of miles around, Does anyone know of a repairman that can at least look at it? Maybe that is a good business to suggest if the skills are there.
Any suggestions please let me know.:cryin2:

[nancymiller217@yahoo.com]

Pulling weeds.

[Gerrys]

All Pet Wash - pet washing stations.

[mikemalloy]

I am getting ready to retire, and I'm interested in starting a new business here in the villages. Anyone have any input on the greatest need?

I'd certainly patronize a golf cart wash.

[Veracity]

There is a huge need for reliable swimming pool maintenance.

[stargirl]

Someone earlier mentioned doggie day care as a joke but it actually is a good idea. In Tampa there are several and they are full with waiting lists. So many villagers have dogs and like to go on day trips I think it would do really well. No training really needed or too many employees, easy to find workers who love dogs.if interested maybe check out the Tampa ones.

[maggie1]

:1rotfl::BigApplause:Repair turn signals - seems a lot do not work here

[Joecool]

If you don't really need the money try 6 months of the retired life really go to activities attend functions meetings concerts etc you might find that your life is way too busy I know mine sure is

[vintageogauge]

NE half of the community? Live in Spanish Springs and most of the doctors are in this area and there is a hospital here and a second one in Leesburg. Seems to me that there are not any medical offices in the new areas.
Lots of doctors in the Brownwood area including primaries and a lot more coming. We take care of all of our healthcare down here using Medicare and Blue Cross supplement and if a hospital is needed we use Leesburg.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Operate a cash business, self employed, handyman. 30$ per hour, fixed price jobs list .

[MrFlorida]

Open a Costco

[Johnsocat]

Also, look carefully at your deed restrictions if you are thinking about running your business out of your house, generally NOT allowed. I do not have any specific suggestions for your business. Also, you might look into the newer sections of TV as there appears to be a lack of local businesses in that area.

YES!! The Nation's first and only golf cart accessible Waffle House!

Or an ice cream truck fleet!

[skippy05]

Lesson 1: The average 'customer' in The Villages is here because they have lifetime skills at pinching pennies. Your best shot at making money is something with booze in order to loosen that grip up a little.

[NoMoSno]

Pulling weeds.
^This
A crew could stay very busy.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

I am getting ready to retire, and I'm interested in starting a new business here in the villages. Anyone have any input on the greatest need?

If you need to ask the question you are far from ready. Look around. Assess your skills. Determine where you might have a competitive advantage. Put together a plan. Have a few experts review it. Most new businesses fail, so don't under estimate the need for a lot of upfront work.
On the other hand, if you don't need the cash and have hobbies, any business that merely offsets the cost of the hobbies can be a good business.
Good luck.

[villagetinker]

My 1965 Seeburg jukebox needs attention and I have checked for anyone that can look at it for hundreds of miles around, Does anyone know of a repairman that can at least look at it? Maybe that is a good business to suggest if the skills are there.
Any suggestions please let me know.:cryin2:

I sent a PM.

[Decadeofdave]

Caregivers, car service, personal shopper, house cleaning, house sitting

[NJRICHARD]

i am getting ready to retire, and i'm interested in starting a new business here in the villages. Anyone have any input on the greatest need?

how to drive a golf cart safely, while drunk!

[jamesrcorbett]

Open a good bakery.

[patrice]

I think if you are looking for a business to star, I would say local and affordable transportation within The Villages. It would be great to have better transportation to and from the airports.

[MrChip72]

The south of 44 villages need just about every type of business imaginable, fast food to sit down food just about any retail store you can think of however there are very few if any retail spaces available for lease, so not only is there a lack of employees down here, there's really nowhere to open a business until more retail space is built so there you go.

Many (most) modern businesses don't involve any retail space. There's a significant shortage of service based companies in the southern areas for sure. House cleaners, landscaping, and other service based businesses.

[MorTech]

Competent Lawn Service including Irrigation Service is always good.

[Hifred]

The greatest need is for a dependable, high quality service. There are a lot of things that need to be done around the house and finding good dependable services such as lawn care, weeding, palm tree trimming, house cleaning, home maintenance... All the things I did around the house when I was young but need help with now I find everyone else does too and therefore services are expensive, in high demand and not always reliable.

I found many services do not keep to a schedule, come when they feel like it and don't always do quality work. Professional house cleaning services are very hard to find. Most places surface clean but don't clean well.

[MX rider]

Repair turn signals - seems a lot do not work here

Lmfao!!! Now thats funny!!!

[vintageogauge]

Many (most) modern businesses don't involve any retail space. There's a significant shortage of service based companies in the southern areas for sure. House cleaners, landscaping, and other service based businesses.
There are plenty of good services available down here it's "stores" that we don't have, all kind of stores. After six years of growth, we are finally getting our first pizza shop and still don't have a sandwich shop and only one fast food burger joint.

[Shimpy]

#1. Manage a Costco Store.

#2. Be a police officer with a willingness to write speeding tickets at lest one every 1/2 hour.

#3. Set up a doggie care business so people can to out to eat without taking their mutts along.

#4 Start a monorail service to Disney and Orlando airport. (MCO)

[Normal]

I am getting ready to retire, and I'm interested in starting a new business here in the villages. Anyone have any input on the greatest need?

Whatever you consider, consider the possibility that your staff could be reduced overnight to a one man workforce, YOU.

[MrChip72]

There are plenty of good services available down here it's "stores" that we don't have, all kind of stores. After six years of growth, we are finally getting our first pizza shop and still don't have a sandwich shop and only one fast food burger joint.

You can get almost anything from Amazon or the website of your favorite stores within a day or two. The Publix deli is better than most sandwich shops and a better value if you compare their subs to most others.

No matter how south in TV you live, I would be surprised if you still don't have at least 3 pizza places that would deliver to your home for a small fee or none at all.

[villagetinker]

To the person with the juke box, i sent you a PM, I have repaired several over the years.

[BobnBev]

Mobile knife/scissors sharpener in a van that will come to your house.

[Toymeister]

Mobile knife/scissors sharpener in a van that will come to your house.

I've considered this as I've accumulated several professional sharpening devices though the years. The issue is getting to the home or your minimum charge. As someone said with our penny pinchers how many will fork out 40 for you to come out to their home.

[vintageogauge]

You can get almost anything from Amazon or the website of your favorite stores within a day or two. The Publix deli is better than most sandwich shops and a better value if you compare their subs to most others.

No matter how south in TV you live, I would be surprised if you still don't have at least 3 pizza places that would deliver to your home for a small fee or none at all.
The fact still remains there is nothing down here, and no retail spaces available to speak of at this time although there is plenty of dedicated land waiting for construction to begin such as the intersection of Warm Springs and Meggison Road and on 301 south and west of the turnpike.

[MrChip72]

The fact still remains there is nothing down here, and no retail spaces available to speak of at this time although there is plenty of dedicated land waiting for construction to begin such as the intersection of Warm Springs and Meggison Road and on 301 south and west of the turnpike.

"Nothing down here" is quite a stretch. A dozen restaurants within a 10 minute drive, Publix, McDonald's, 7-11 almost ready to open.

[vintageogauge]

"Nothing down here" is quite a stretch. A dozen restaurants within a 10 minute drive, Publix, McDonald's, 7-11 almost ready to open.
Please read all of the post before you reply. I acknowledge there was a fast food restaurant, namely McDonald's and the pizza shop coming, virtually nothing else. Very, very little south of 44.

[fdpaq0580]

Also, look carefully at your deed restrictions if you are thinking about running your business out of your house, generally NOT allowed. I do not have any specific suggestions for your business. Also, you might look into the newer sections of TV as there appears to be a lack of local businesses in that area.

There went my Amway business.

[fdpaq0580]

All Pet Wash - pet washing stations.

Opened "Jetwash for Pets". Pressure washer for cleaning, leaf blower for drying. Closed after two hours. Everything smaller than a St. Bernard just disappeared?!? Everything that remained looked like it had been in a water spout and tornado at the same time.

It was fun while it lasted.

[NotGolfer]

Maybe read Goldwingnut's post and from there some wisdom will come to the folks "down south". Other than that, the OP's question was their first post on ToTV. I didn't see anymore responses from them after all the "pages" here!

[DAVES]

I am getting ready to retire, and I'm interested in starting a new business here in the villages. Anyone have any input on the greatest need?

Forgive me but as I read through replies I think many are teasing. Important questions why start your own business? I was self employed-wow your own boss. BIG DEAL. People do not comprehend that on a typical job at least 40% of your income is untaxed benefits.

No SKILLS are mentioned. Based on my EXPERIENCE. No competition may sound great BUT, no competition often means there is no business. I like to write things out. It makes me clarify my thoughts. SKILLS-MONEY TO INVEST IN THE BUSINESS-COMPETITION-REGULATIONS-CREDIT RATING-ETC