S5e10 - Empowering College Sustainability: A Chat with Hand Me Dorm’s Johanna Rubin

This episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset podcast, hosted by Mark McNees from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, features Johanna Rubin, a finalist in the innovation challenge and the founder of Hand Me Dorm. Hand Me Dorm is an online marketplace designed for college students to buy and sell used dormitory items, aiming to reduce waste and make the move-out process more affordable and efficient. Johanna discusses the inspiration behind her business, stemming from her personal experiences with the inefficiencies of dorm move-outs and the unnecessary waste generated. The conversation covers key aspects of Hand Me Dorm, including its business model. It involves taking a percentage of transactions made through the platform and providing on-campus pick-up and drop-off stations. Rubin also touches on the challenges faced in the process, the importance of sustainability, and her plans to expand to colleges nationwide. Additionally, she shares her journey through the innovation challenge, highlighting the value of feedback and setting measurable goals for startup development.

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:21 Introducing Johanna Rubin and Hand Me Dorm

01:02 The Inspiration Behind Hand Me Dorm

02:25 Exploring the Business Model of Hand Me Dorm

03:07 The Seasonality and Market for College Dorm Items

04:06 Johanna's Experience with the Innovation Challenge

05:16 The Future Vision for Hand Me Dorm

06:40 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Environmental Concerns

08:28 Understanding the Operational Process

10:21 Evolving the Business Idea and Addressing Challenges

13:02 Marketing Strategies and Campus Engagement

14:40 Support and Feedback from the FSU Community

17:45 Reflecting on the Entrepreneurial Journey

19:09 Closing Remarks and Thanks