Fremont, CA
www.snooptunes.com
Kristyn Heath is all about sharing. With funding from her father, the 17-year-old created NoeStringAttached, a portable music-sharing device. Attachable to any music source using frequency modulation (FM), the device allows users to transmit and receive music wirelessly within a 10- to 40-foot radius. NoeStringAttached also allows users to listen to music stored on their portable players from a car stereo system.
The teen’s Fremont, California-based company, Passive Devices, originated in 2006 and distributes the product under the brand SnoopTunes, meaning users can “snoop” in on peers’ “tunes.” The company’s revenues for 2007 were $30,000, and Heath expects 2008 revenues to near $100,000. Heath works directly with engineers regarding product development and features. Heath has been a Girl Scout for six years, and the Girl Scouts Heart of Central California branch sells the NoeStringAttached devices in its store- just one of the ways Heath gets her clever invention to the masses.
In selecting the award nominees, a committee of BLACK ENTERPRISE editors and conference coordinators pored over hundreds of business plans and nomination forms. Once preliminary nominees were selected, BE’s research department conducted further due diligence to determine the strongest candidates. For information on the 2009 Small Business Awards or to nominate a business or entrepreneur, go to blackenterprise.com.