ISBDC Puts Sisters in Drivers’ Seat

Those who frequent Illinois tollroads dare not leave home without their IPasses. The presence of that little white transponder mounted to the windshield promises lower tolls, no loose change to juggle, and, if the traffic gods are smiling on you, the ability to cruise through IPass lanes instead of stopping to pay your toll.

But what about infrequent tollroad travelers? Or multi-driver households that might share vehicles (think teenagers)? Enter Karen Rafalowitz and Ellen Jakubicek. The sisters saw a need and envisioned a more convenient way to share one transponder between vehicles. After consulting with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) at McHenry County College, they produced a cardboard prototype that became SharePass®.

Transponders slide into the plastic SharePass holster, which can be mounted to the windshield instead of the transponder itself. SharePass offers a cost-effective way to share one IPass account between vehicles.

Karen and Ellen soon incorporated as Creative Conveniences by K&E, and today the SharePass product is carried by Jewel-Osco, White Hen, Ace Hardware and many other retailers throughout the Chicago area.

Since Karen’s background is in nursing and Ellen’s in education, they needed a crash course in understanding key business principles necessary for success. Throughout the product development process, counselors from the ISBDC provided professional support services that included production strategy, sales and marketing strategy, accounting review, as well as legal and accounting referrals. An ISBDC seminar on publicity and marketing also helped the pair plan their product launch.

Karen and Ellen are continuing to work on their business plan with the assistance of the ISBDC as sales grow and production increases. They are reviewing brokerage relationships that will launch the product to a wider market. Eleven other states use tollway transponders that fit the SharePass product and the current trend towards open road tolling offers a growing market.

To schedule your own appointment with ISBDC staff, contact Catherine Jones at (815) 455-6098 or sbdc@mchenry.edu

11/17/06