In 1991 David Hayes had a great idea for a new software company. He admits,
however, had he not possessed the business skills gained by completing the UNF
MBA program, it would probably have remained just that – a great idea.
Hayes worked at two Jacksonville health care systems long enough to decide
there was a better way for hospitals to become more efficient. “I learned that
about one–third of every dollar spent on health care can be attributed to waste.
I knew there was an opportunity to make health care more efficient and to become
involved in developing a company that could make a difference.”
With the help of a software designer, Hayes developed a program similar to an
airline reservation system that allowed hospitals and physicians to more
efficiently schedule patient appointments. After securing an investor group he
established Tempus Software. Although he acknowledges there were some lean times
at the beginning, he eventually turned Tempus into an $8 million a year company
before he sold it in 2004.
“UNF gave me the knowledge which I either didn't learn in my undergraduate
studies at Auburn University or had simply forgotten.”
Specifically, Hayes recalls the help he received from Lowell Salter of the
Small Business Development Center in learning how to write a business plan as
well as instruction by faculty members Don Wiggins and Gary Fane. “Frankly,
although I was confident in my abilities, I didn't know what it really took to
start a company. I gained specific knowledge in determining the financial needs
of a startup, in developing an effective business plan, and in obtaining
funding.”
In 2000, Hayes met Coggin faculty member Fred Pragasam who asked him to
become an adviser for SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise). Today he's become one
of SIFE's biggest supporters because of the real–world experience it offers
students.
“We find that students who graduate from the SIFE program have a higher rate
of employment and are much more successful after graduation.”
Hayes is so enthusiastic about the program he has created an annual SIFE
scholarship to help support its students.
Obtaining that practical experience has become a paramount goal for Hayes,
who teaches two courses in the Coggin College of Business. One of his classes,
an entrepreneurial course, explores the reasons people start businesses and how
they turn them into profitable enterprises. “I'm having a great time teaching at
UNF. It's been a very rewarding experience.”
As for the future, Hayes and his wife, Cathleen, also a graduate of UNF, are
interested in the arts. Cathleen is involved in community theater, and they are
both interested in creating a company involved in hand–made goods. They divide
their time between homes in Jacksonville and Asheville, NC.
He hasn't lost his entrepreneurial spirit. Hayes is also into auto
restoration and is fascinated by the opportunities that may exist. “It's a $35
million market that is highly fragmented,” he says, halfway considering yet
another business venture to help satisfy his entrepreneurial spirit.
