Product details

This case is about the start-up of Marianas Environmental, LLC (MELLC), a small business in the island of Guam. The initial business idea of MELLC was to recycle used vehicle tires and produce four main types of crumb rubber and two types of marketable waste. Though the business idea seemed promising, MELLC experienced hard time with its start-up. The obtaining of permit from Guam EPA was unexpectedly delayed and the business with the Australian machinery equipment supplier turned out to be a nightmare. As a result, MELLC was forced to cease its operations with tire recycling. Nonetheless, MELLC survived by doing business of heavy equipment rentals. The company is now waiting for the crumb rubber machine which will be shipped from California to Guam to resume its tire recycling business within the next year. The primary subject matter of this case is entrepreneurship. Other issues described in this case are related to small business management, business strategies, and impact of government regulation on business. The difficulty level of this case is three and up, which is appropriate for junior level and beyond. This case is designed for discussion in two class hours in an entrepreneurship, or a small business management, or a government and business course. Students are expected to spend about two hours for outside preparation, consisting mainly of reading the case and of familiarizing themselves with the business environment in the Western Pacific region.