Future Builder Crash Course Enterprise Development Spreadsheet

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Future Builders Crash Course: Operations Manual (SOP)

> [!IMPORTANT] > Mission Goal: Enable 1% of the global population to build their own homes by 2028 (approx. 10,000 events/year). > Current Status: Pilot Phase. Focus is on transitioning from "Survival Mode" to a "Self-Sustaining, Replicable Product."

1. Executive Summary & Financial Model

To scale to 10k events/year, each event must be cash-flow positive or neutral without relying on external subsidies.

1.1 Current Economics (Baseline)

  • Revenue: ~$40,000 (20 participants @ ~$2k tuition)
  • Expenses: ~$125,500
  • Infrastructure Improvements: $70,000 (One-time/CapEx)
  • Materials (House): $30,000
  • Food: $14,000
  • Tools: $5,000
  • Machine Rental: $4,000
  • Fuel/Electric: $2,500
  • Net Position: -$85,500 (Loss)
  • Recovery Strategy: Sale of finished house ($50k - $100k net revenue).

1.2 Target "Sustainable" Model

To achieve scalability, we must reduce variable costs and increase "Finish Velocity" to ensure the house sells.

  • Tuition Target: Increase value proposition to justify higher tuition or more participants.
  • Food Efficiency: Reduce $14k food bill via bulk prep and simpler, nutritious menus vs. ad-hoc catering.
  • Materials: Partnerships/Sponsorships (e.g., Menards, local lumber) to drive down the $30k material cost.

2. Organization & Governance

A "hybrid" command structure is required to balance the intense focus needed for the build with the human needs of participants.

2.1 Roles

  • Build Commander (Marcin): Absolute authority on the house build. Focus: Velocity, Quality, Problem Solving.
  • Operations Manager (Specialized Role): Dedicated "Elite" role separate from the build.
  • Responsibilities: Food, Safety, Logistics, Morale, Site Cleanliness.
  • Note: This prevents "burnout" where builders try to manage the kitchen.
  • Assistant Teachers: Specialized subject matter experts (SMEs) recruited for micro-topics (Electrical, Plumbing) to relieve the Build Commander.

2.2 The "Elite Team" Strategy

A small, specialized team splits time between the build and auxiliary support (Human Needs). This team ensures:

  • The "Hab Lab" is warm and tidy.
  • Food arrives on time.
  • Participants feel safe and heard.

3. Site Management Protocols

3.1 Waste Stream Separation (Critical)

Problem: Burn barrels filled with co-mingled trash and recycling. Solution: "Source Separation Station"

  1. Infrastructure: Deploy the 25 Coca-Cola drums immediately.
  2. Labeling: Paint/Tag drums clearly:
  • 🔴 TRASH (Landfill)
  • 🟢 RECYCLE (Aluminum/Glass/Plastic) - Wash before tossing
  • 🟤 COMPOST (Food Scraps Only)
  • 🔵 BURNABLE (Clean Wood/Paper Only - NO PLASTIC)
  1. Desginated Zone: Place stations at (1) Kitchen, (2) Build Site, (3) Dorms.
  2. SOP: Morning announcement reminder. Operations Manager checks bins daily at 2 PM.

3.2 Safety & Comfort (Anti-Cautionary Tale)

Goal: Eliminate "unsafe" perceptions that damage OSE's reputation.

  • Ventilation: NO unventilated diesel heaters in enclosed spaces. Install proper exhaust kits or use electric heaters in the Hab Lab.
  • Hangar Roof: Inspect and secure loose panels. If structure is dubious, cordon off zones until repaired.
  • Morale: Daily "Stand-up" to address safety concerns publicly. If a participant feels unsafe, work stops in that zone until resolved.

4. Food Operations Manual

Budget Target: Reduce $14k spend. Current Mode: Ad-hoc Catering (Expensive/Inefficient). Target Mode: "Camp Kitchen" Bulk Prep.

4.1 Catering (Backup/Treats)

When cooking is not possible, use approved local vendors:

  • Mexican: Señor Barrigas (Hamilton, MO) - Taco Bar (Steak/Chicken/Beans).
  • Pizza: Godfather's Pizza Express (Cameron, MO) - Meat Lovers/Veggie.
  • Chinese: China Restaurant (Plattsburg, MO) - Party Trays (Sesame Chicken/Beef & Broccoli).
  • Italian: Fazoli's (St. Joseph, MO) - Pasta Trays.

4.2 In-House Efficiency Plan

  1. Menu Planning: Fixed rotational menu (Beans/Rice/Greens basics + Protein).
  2. Bulk Purchasing: Purchase staples from restaurant supply (Costco/Sam's) rather than local grocery for every meal.
  3. Labor: "Work Exchange" role specifically for a cook, or rotating teams of 2 participants per meal (prep/clean).

5. Event Operations & Logistics

5.1 Materials Logistics

  • Initial: Manual runs to hardware stores (Lowes/Menards).
  • Target: 100% Delivery to Site.
  • SOP: BOM (Bill of Materials) must be locked 2 weeks prior.
  • SOP: Order placed for delivery 3 days before start.
  • Inventory: "Clerk of Works" checks delivery against BOM immediately. Missing items flagged instantly.

5.2 Teaching & Curriculum

  • Replicable Curriculum: All lessons must be documented (Video/Wiki) so they can be taught by others in future locations.
  • Micro-Topics: Break down complex skills (e.g., "Sweating Copper") into 15-minute operational modules.

6. Enterprise Development

To reach the 2028 Goal:

  • Documentation: Every operational friction point (trash mixing, cold rooms, late food) must be documented in the Enterprise Spreadsheet.
  • Feedback Loop: Post-event survey for participants. Did you feel safe? Was the food good? Did you learn?
  • Replication: This manual is the "Source Code" for future Franchise/Chapter nodes.

Original Spreadsheet

Using this page for the SOP as requested. See History for original.

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