Groupon Application

Leave it up to Brook to find the most crazy of adventures to apply for. Earlier this month a dear friend emailed me information about a one year long challenge through the company Groupon. To learn more about the challenge go to, http://www.liveoffgroupon.com/.

The basic concept - they provide unlimited coupons (restaurants, yoga, salons, hotel etc.), a laptop and a cell phone. If selected I will start with an outfit they provide and the items above and nothing else as all of my belongings, credit cards and savings will be locked up securely by the Groupon powers. The company asks that the contestant to travel to the 30 cities where Groupon exists. If the person they choose can accomplish this task they will earn $100,000.

Here are the links to my two video applications and my two essays below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1HrkD9TvGw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35tPQ9xkdKw

The "Chose me" Essay

“Oddly enough the crazy life you have lead has prepared you more for this opportunity than any other job” These were my brother’s first words when I told him about the Groupon challenge.

The “crazy life” my brother spoke of includes experiences such as having bicycled across USA solo, lived out of my car for two years while earning a masters degree, guided a blind woman in the World Triathlon competition in Germany, cooked gourmet meals after dumpster diving, hitchhiked to Burning Man, asked a plane full of people for a ride to my hotel in San Francisco, camped in a sheriff's office when caught in a lighting storm and mountain biked 350 miles to hitchhike back in one week.

When I bicycled across the country I consistently maintained a blog (www.brooksbiketrip.blogspot.com). Others tell me when they read my blog they vicariously live through me due to the raw, open disposition of my emotions and experiences.

I enthusiastically support the Groupon concept, and as a satisfied customer I have referred many people to the website. I firmly believe that Groupon would be proud to have a fun loving, friendly, social and caring person such as myself represent the company across many cities.

Similarly to Christopher McCandless from Into the Wild, I get a rush from the idea of not possessing or utilizing money directly (although unlike Christopher I am choosing to not burn my money). Through my journeys I have not only endured but embraced the paradox of a nomadic lifestyle combined with a communal spirit. Negotiating this paradox will be essential in the succeeding in the Groupon challenge. Additionally, my experience with utilizing internet communities such as Couchsurfing, Craigslist, Triphopping, Warmshowers and Facebook will also aid in accomplishing this goal.

This challenge could not come at a more perfect time in my life. On the same day I reached the Pacific Ocean after completing my cross country bike trip in June 2009, I collapsed in devastation when I learned the news of my mother’s brain cancer. My life swiftly transitioned from a female sojourner to a dedicated daughter caring full time for her cancer stricken mother. I spent six painful months pouring my energy into providing the best quality of care I could afford to my mom. On December 8th my mother lost her courageous battle to cancer and peacefully passed away. I found myself in the following weeks as a caretaker who lost her job and trying to find her new path. I had a profound revelation that pursuing a nursing career would be my next step. If I win the $100,000 I could easily afford nursing school to become an amazing nurse.

I am truly confident that the Groupon challenge and I are perfectly suited for each other. I am excited about every aspect of this challenge and look forward to our interview.

Business blog entry essay:

As I walked into Trio’s Aveda Salon in Ft. Collins, CO I felt an instantaneous calmness throughout my body created by the aromas of natural oils, the soothing music in the background and the pleasantly friendly disposition of each employee. The formality of checking in was followed with an offer of herbal tea or filtered water. I thought to myself, “If the front desk service was this high in quality, I cannot wait for my pedicure!” I sat relaxed sipping my tea while waiting for my nail specialist to sweep me into the back room.

I was greeted professionally with a smile by Amber (the nail technician) who escorted me to my throne. The incredibly soothing ambiance in the waiting area proved consistent with the back treatment area. I climbed into the chair equipped with heat, back massage and most importantly a remote control to ensure personalized comfort.

I throughly enjoyed both Amber’s company and her pedicure skills. She has worked as a nail technician since she graduated high school (10 years). After inquiring if she enjoys her job she explained to me, “It is really simple, I just love making people’s hands and feet look pretty.” I admire and find beauty in the simplicity of Amber’s statement. It is curious how much a person can feel good about themselves by the beauty of their feet and hands. Everyday Amber has the opportunity to provide that piece of sunshine to her clients.

On the neighboring throne sat a gentleman also enjoying a luxurious foot treatment. It was his first pedicure and from our brief conversation he was throughly enjoying the experience. It seems logical to me that a man would enjoy some TLC on their feet just as much as any woman. I talked to Amber about the frequency and profiles of her male clients. According to Amber she has very few male clients and there does not appear to be a consistent profile. I suppose our society has not yet fully embraced or accepted the idea of men frequenting salons. I think it is a shame, but at least on this day one man realized the joy and benefits of a quality pedicure.

I had an overall positive experience at Trio’s and would highly recommend anyone to partake in their services. In some high end salons I have felt intimidated by the airiness or pompous attitude by staff members. Each person I interacted with made me feel comfortable, greeted me and showed overall respect. I would be thrilled to go back to try their hair or massage services.

(I was traveling in Ft. Collins, CO at the time where Groupon does not yet exist.)