Arnie Benn

Los Angeles, California, United States
Member since May 08, 2012

I have always been an educator at heart, and after having left teaching to venture into business and technology a decade ago, it feels really good to be building a business that enables kids & teens to learn one of the most essential life lessons - healthy money habits. Quote_down

About

I am a(n):

Entrepreneur

If you're an entrepreneur or corporate innovator, why?

I want to change the world.

My favorite startups:

Square, Curbsy, KiteEdu

What's most frustrating and rewarding about entrepreneurship/innovation?

A mountaineer should no more be frustrated by the height of Everest than he should feel unworthy of reward at the summit.

What's the No. 1 mistake entrepreneurs/innovators make?

Over-estimating the size of their market and their potential market penetration.

What are the top three lessons you've learned as an entrepreneur?

Get to market without needing large amounts of capital.
Be willing to pivot and aware of the need to do so.
Trust your gut.

Full bio

AllowanceTree was inspired by my background teaching teenagers of all ages, and by the economic challenges we face — as a country and as individuals.

As a former middle and high school teacher (Math, Chemistry, Music, Filmmaking), I believe the skills essential for the next generation of adults must be taught during adolescence, and that the most effective learning is fun, experiential and not condescending.

Currently, our youth are not being taught how to approach money effectively. And I share their experience. As a child, my parents couldn't effectively teach me how to manage money because they were not taught. We all had to find our way as adults, and it was disturbing to me how many people are in the same position. AllowanceTree is designed to address that.

In addition to education, I spent the last decade working in the fields of video content production and online marketing and distribution. As an entrepreneur at heart, it seems fitting to me that the business I am building is one that teaches children to manage money wisely, and hopefully enable them to start their own businesses in the future.

A few boring bio details if you want them: I grew up in South Africa, and I have two ferrets that live with me, cage-free, which is fun.

Please share your feedback, comments or questions with us. Our aim is to develop AllowanceTree into the most powerful, practical, financial teaching tool available for kids.