Entrepreneur thinks outside the box with Mobile Denture Lab

Abdul Shabazz has joined the ranks of many up-and-coming entrepreneurs who are trying to create a business model that can differentiate itself from other ideas while catering to people's everyday needs.

But Shabazz said businesses aren't what they used to be -- or at least shouldn't be what they used to be.

"The mobile business model is the future," Shabazz said. "We are in a world where people want more convenience. As a 24/7 business, we can do that."

Shabazz is the owner of Mobile Denture Lab, a business that comes to people to repair dentures.

It was 1995, Shabazz said, when the website amazon.com launched, harboring scrutiny from critics.

"They said it wouldn't be around for very long," Shabazz said.

But nearly two decades later, Amazon has grossed billions.

Shabazz, who meets people who have the same skepticism that critics had about Amazon, sees the future of mobile businesses and is nothing but optimistic.

Shabazz was a dice hustler in his early 20s.

With a slide of the hand, Shabazz could switch out the dice, trading it for a new pair and winning any gamble.

He learned that his talent had an added perk -- he had the dexterity to work with teeth and dentures.

With this knowledge, he went to Seattle Central Community College and earned an associate degree of applied science in dental technician.

In 2003, when he moved to Las Vegas, he decided to open his own lab repairing dentures.

Shabazz has the business' mailing address at 205 N. Stephanie St. However, his truck sits outside his house in downtown Las Vegas.

Kathy Blaha, a senior public information specialist with the city, said there isn't a specific category for businesses to go mobile, but there are certain requirements.

Even if it is strictly mobile, Blaha said, the business must be tied to a fixed location .

"Even a mobile car detailer would have a fixed place," Blaha said , "e ven if it is a delivery service."

Blaha said this requirement is valleywide, not just in Henderson.

Shabazz used to live in Henderson, but he said it is easier to keep the mobile business at his new residence because of restrictions such as city codes and home-owners associations.

Shabazz said he needs to keep his truck, with Mobile Denture Lab plastered on the side in green letters, visible to obtain more business.

"I try to take in at least four clients a day," Shabazz said.

What gives him an edge, Shabazz said, is he can help people any time, day or night.

Shabazz said the traditional model of a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday business doesn't work as much as it used to. Not to mention, people don't want to wait a day, or even a couple of weeks, to try to get an appointment.

"The 40-hour work week doesn't work for businesses anymore," Shabazz said.

The life of a dice hustler is gone, but the 57-year-old still is game for the 24/7 lifestyle.

"Because I was a dice hustler, I am already accustomed to working all hours," Shabazz said. "I would be up for two days gambling."

Raj Tumber, a business counselor with SCORE, a nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs and small businesses, constantly has entrepreneurs such as Shabazz who are trying to think outside the box when developing a business plan .

"People are trying to find ways to come up with a more creative business," Tumber said. "I have more and more people trying to do this."

Tumber said that as long as the business plan is there and complies with state and city regulations, it is not a bad idea for people to consider mobile businesses.

"It is becoming a common trend," Tumber said. "It hasn't had a large success here yet, but you can see it taking off in places like New York."

Tumber believes mobile businesses could increase as population grows .

Shabazz's one truck is just the start. He wants to launch his industry around the country, with Las Vegas as the hub.

"I want to have 150 mobile trucks in the U.S.," Shabazz said. "We would all be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year."

For more information, visit mobiledenturelab.com.

Contact Henderson/ Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.