Engineering Transfer program and intends
to study electrical engineering at Oregon State University. Simultaneously,
Troutner is starting up MyRobot, a company that sells two models of
robots to hobbyists and educators.
Troutner chose MHCC in part because of its location to his home in
Welches, Ore., and because of the personalized attention from quality
instructors.
“At OSU, there’s about 300 to 500 students in a dynamics
class,” said Troutner. “But at MHCC, there’s about
10 of us in the same class, which is much better for me.”
Troutner is using his engineering expertise to develop MyRobot’s
two prototypes, the Mini-T and the Model-T, which can be used for “mini-sumo”
robotic competitions and as educational tools. The sumo competitions
are similar to popular BattleBots matches, but do not use weapons or
remote controls.
“I was watching the trends in the industry and saw how popular
robotic lawnmowers and vacuum cleaners are becoming now,” said
Troutner. “Hobby robotics has really grown and I want to capitalize
on that.”
Troutner is seeking financial backers and has already had some investment
success thanks to his efforts to construct the perfect business plan.
Last summer, Troutner spent most of his time writing and revising the
plan, although he had no idea how to go about doing it.
“My dad and grandpa weren’t much help with that part,”
said Troutner. “My grandfather grew up in an era when a handshake
actually meant something and he didn’t have to deal with a lot
of legalese.”
Troutner sought help from his classmates, instructors, the Small Business
Administration, the Oregon Entrepreneurial Forum and SCORE, a small
business counseling service. After several drafts, Troutner believes
he has created a successful plan. Although he doesn’t have a lot
of venture capital invested, Troutner is hopeful MyRobot will take off
in the next 12 months and make him a pioneer in the hobbyist robot market.
“I want to retire by the time I’m 30,” said Troutner.
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