A student entrepreneur has created a shelf for dorm students who get stuck with the top bunk and are running out of space.
Finance and entrepreneurship senior Stephen Tanenbaum is selling Bunkpal, a shelf designed to fit on the top bunk bed in dorms.
The shelf is 20 inches wide and 10 inches long and is designed to hold alarm clocks, textbooks, cell phones, drinking glasses and lamps, Tanenbaum said.
Tanenbaum said when he was a freshman at George Washington University he was on the top bunk and did not have any place to put his alarm clock or books.
At the time, he had earlier classes than his roommate and had to jump off his bed and run across the room to turn the alarm off before his roommate woke up.
Tanenbaum said he looked for a shelf at several stores but didn't find anything that would work.
Because most dorms don't allow students to put holes in the wall, Tanenbaum got the idea to design a shelf that can be attached to the side of the bed. Bunkpal has adjustable brackets that can be attached to the bed frame.
This is the first year Tanenbaum has marketed the Bunkpal. Along with the UA, the Bunkpal has been sold at George Washington University and Georgia Tech.
Tanenbaum said he will soon began selling the Bunkpal in several other states including Michigan and Texas.
"Online sales have been picking up. No one has a similar product out there. So far it's been successful," Tanenbaum said.
A patent is pending on the Bunkpal and the name has been trademarked. Tanenbaum said Bed, Bath and Beyond is looking into selling Bunkpal in their stores. Currently Tanenbaum's family and friends are helping him sell the product.
Jana Jensen, a resident of Yavapai Residence Hall who has the top bunk, said the Bunkpal could be very helpful.
Jensen, a physics sophomore, said she wouldn't put her alarm clock on it because she'd just turn it off and go back to bed.
"I have to actually get up to turn it off or I won't get up. But I would use it for other stuff," Jensen said.
Tanenbaum, who plans to graduate in May, said he would eventually like to expand Bunkpal into a line that carries all kinds of dorm products and supplies.
"Right now students have to go all over to find the things they need. Hopefully I can create a bigger product line that has everything," he said.
David Mally, an undeclared freshman and resident of Coronado Residence Hall, said he went to several different stores to get his supplies.
Mally said he thinks the Bunkpal is a great idea and said he would like to see a whole line of products.
Bunkpal is available at www.bunkpal.comfor $30.