At 22, Michael Antonovich, a senior majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing, is the business owner of the newly-developed company JustGo. "JustGo is an on-demand grocery platform, facilitating door-step delivery of groceries and other home essential items for the suburban market,” said Antonovich. The development of the JustGo Delivery app started six months ago, and has been operating for four months.

Antonovich was inspired to launch the app from events that transpired during the COVID-19 pandemic, and saw the growing potential for contactless and efficient online delivery. He mentioned that many delivery companies have high prices and slow delivery times. "We saw an opportunity to provide a service people need. Delivery shouldn't be a luxury but something everyone could access," said Antonovich.  

JustGo's goal is to create an affordable, convenient, and fresh service for its users. JustGo customers receive their personalized online delivery in an expected amount of time and at a low cost. Antonovich said, "Our mission is to empower communities through a personalized grocery experience."

Antonovich has learned so much from his experience in app development, product design and even supply chain logistics. Launching the JustGo app in both the Apple store and Google Play was not the most difficult aspect in the development process, as “The tough part was creating something that provides value for people," said Antonovich. He believes that understanding customers and creating an infrastructure to support each step is crucial for success in the long run.

A professor that stands out to Antonovich in his undergraduate and entrepreneurial career is Carolyn Shiery, Professor of Marketing; “Professor Shiery has shared valuable information and helped me understand key principles that will help me succeed,” said Antonovich.

Shiery commented on Antonovich’s business endeavors saying that he “was very enthusiastic about the idea. He was willing to listen to new ideas and incorporate them in his business.” Shiery explained how important it is to understand your goals and think like an entrepreneur.  She said, “He has done thoughtful research and has created a strategy to make it a valuable business. He’s extremely intelligent and willing to learn. I am excited for him and his endeavors.”

“CUI has a good foundational program that covers the basics of the business core,” Shiery continued, “Students have the advantage to learn from faculty that work in industry and own businesses.” Shiery also mentioned how she and fellow business school faculty guide entrepreneurial students with legal, HR and marketing endeavors, and directs students to the right resources to provide additional help. Shiery said, “Antonovich has done all his homework. He has done all the hard work, which is the key to success.” 

Antonovich wants to continue expanding JustGo over the next couple years. Although it has been difficult for him to balance school and a business, he feels that, "If there is a will, there's a way." Advice he wants to give fellow students interested in starting their own business is, "Continue to learn every step of the way. Each avenue will bring new questions and new problems, but it's about staying consistent and pushing forward no matter what."

A future goal for Antonovich's business is to open up a distribution center for support. JustGo is currently based in Irvine, but the brand wishes to expand into surrounding cities like Lake Forest, Tustin, Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.

There are open work opportunities for students to become a delivery hero. JustGo’s website states, “We are committed to having heroes on every block, but we need your help! Join us and help us deliver happiness!” JustGo also allows people to become a "hub owner," to work and provide an opportunity to serve the neighborhood through delivery. If you are interested in becoming a hub owner or to start delivering, visit justgodelivery.com and download their app JustGo Delivery in the Apple Store or Google Play. 

Tags: business, entrepreneur, Education

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