Spring Pitch Competition
Save the Date!
April 17 | 4 - 7 p.m. | Don S. and Johnna F. Grant Atrium, Crawford Hall
Have questions? Call 330-672-9426 or email us at BrinzoCenter@kent.edu
ABOUT THE SPRING PITCH COMPETITION
The John S. And Marlene J. Brinzo Center For Entrepreneurship hosts an annual pitch competition to help grow and nurture student startups within the Ambassador Crawford College's entrepreneurship program each spring. All KSU majors are welcome to apply either individually or as a team. Students are selected using the following criteria:
- Business model (market, customer, revenue model, past sales or growth potential)
- Competitive positioning within the market
- Originality/Innovation
Once selected, the finalists participate in a mentorship program to prepare for the live pitch event. In total, $20,000 will be awarded at the live Spring Pitch Competition in April.
2024 WINNERS
1st Place:
Rolling Refreshments, LLC: Audrey Ernst & Vaunden Brunn
2nd Place:
When to Water: Carter Kline
THE FINALISTS
´¡²Ô²µ¾±±ð’s is a catering and dessert company that specializes in charcuterie displays that double as one-of-a-kind, interactive centerpieces for any occasion. I specialize in crafting stunning grazing tables, brownie bars, elegant dessert spreads, and themed displays for any occasion. I also offer beautifully curated favor boxes, boards and engaging social classes where guests can learn the art of charcuterie.
ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì Angelique
"I'm the founder of Societal Heights Marketing Agency, specializing in digital marketing strategies and management, and ´¡²Ô²µ¾±±ð’s Sweets and Treats, an artisanal dining experience through charcuterie and desserts. I currently work as the Office and Marketing Manager at Tangier Catering, utilizing my expertise in digital marketing, brand strategy, and business development to enhance the experiences of weddings and private events."
Big Fella Flavors is a homestyle ranch dressing company dedicated to bold, rich flavors made with high-quality ingredients. Crafted for those who love a thick, flavorful dip, our ranch is perfect for wings, salads, and everything in between. Elevate your meals with the big taste of Big Fella Flavors.
ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì Cole
"My name is Cole Stanley, and I am a senior studying entrepreneurship at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University. I enjoy working out, hanging out with friends, and exploring new business ideas. I am passionate about innovation and hard work, and I am always looking for opportunities to grow, learn, and make an impact in both business and life."
Romby Innovations leverages additive manufacturing with 3D printing to design and develop innovative products across various industries. Focused on problem-solving through design and technology, Romby Innovations creates practical solutions to keep small, easily lost items like pencils, markers, and PPE secure and accessible at all times for those in the construction industry.
ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì Aaron
"I'm the founder of Romby Innovations, where I develop innovative products across various industries. I earned a bachelor's degree in architecture with a minor in construction management from ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University, and I'm pursuing a Master of Science in Architecture at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì. An inventor at heart, I blend design and technology to create meaningful solutions for real-world challenges."
Saint Pierre is an apparel company focused on the wholesale distribution of contemporary menswear and blank garments to businesses. Our target consumers are 18-35 year old men and boutiques, as well as businesses who prioritize merchandise with contemporary silhouettes and timeless aesthetics. We want Saint Pierre on every shelf, in every business across America!
ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì Nat
"Throughout my 20s, I have gained experience across a wide range of professions. I struggled to pinpoint just one path because my interests are so varied – cooking, travel, film and music. One constant though, is my passion for business and competition. I have always loved building ideas, and the power of working with a team. Business isn’t just the backbone of our country; it’s where I thrive, where creativity is critical, but execution is everything."
WanderLust Remedies is a handmade, all-natural self-care brand dedicated to nourishing both you and the planet. From soaps and moisturizers to body scrubs and lip balms, every product is crafted with care and sustainability in mind. Elevate your self-care routine with nature-inspired remedies made just for you.
ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì Kay
"I'm Kay Strahler, a senior entrepreneurship major from Marietta, Ohio. I have always had the entrepreneurial gene – from selling slime (and getting it banned in middle school) to now owning and operating my first business. I am passionate about turning ideas into reality and am constantly looking for new opportunities to grow and innovate."
Zonuts and Lattes is a mobile food trailer that specializes in fresh donuts and specialty coffee. We have a rotating menu that changes weekly on top of a consistent menu. Our donuts are fresh and never more than a couple of hours old. We offer catering if you would prefer to not have our physical food trailer there.
ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì Zoe
"My name is Zoe Noel and I am currently a junior at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University majoring in marketing. I came into my freshman year as a sophomore due to College Credit Plus. I opened a food trailer last May and work primarily on the weekends. My consistent hard work keeps me motivated. "
The 2024 Judges
Shampa Banerjee, Ph.D. is a C-suite executive and global leader who transforms and scales businesses through innovative technology and global GTM strategies. With 20+ years of proven success in driving innovation and high growth in VC backed Silicon Valley start-ups and Fortune 100 companies, she has been a powerful change agent for bringing companies fully into the digital realm. She recently co-founded an impact consulting service, SnS Digital Consultants in Silicon Valley, that helps companies that have been left behind accelerate their journey into the digital realm using their best in class technologies and frameworks. She perviously served as EVP at Paramount + and was the Chief Product Officer of Pluto TV, helping the business get to a billion dollars in revenue a year ahead of schedule. She led and grew the streaming service for India's largest film distribution and production house, Eros International (NFLX for Bollywood), establishing their presence in 135 countries. Banerjee earned a Ph.D. in Physics from ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University and started her business journey at Netscape/AOL.
Shampa Banerjee
Co-founder
SnS Digital Consultants
KSU Alumna
Michael Capellas ’76 is founder and CEO of Capellas Partners, a strategic technology advisory firm. He serves on the boards of Flex (Chair), Cisco (Independent Lead Director), and the BeautyHealth Company. He also serves on the Board of privately held OnSolve and NumberOne AI.
Michael Capellas
Founder and CEO
Capellas Partners
KSU Alumnus, '76
A vibrant force in Cleveland's business landscape, Reneé Deluca Dolan is a respected figure among the city's top CEOs and industry leaders by day. Come evening, she swaps her professional hat for running shoes and a chef's apron. An outdoor enthusiast, she savors hikes and runs with her dogs, never misses her son's sports events, and, much to her family's delight, handles the cooking duties at home. Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a passion for empowering women in business, led to the creation of the Female Entrepreneur Summit, a yearly event enriching the journey of Northeast Ohio's businesswomen, An ardent networker, Renee spearheaded Cleveland Business Connects magazine for a decade, and launched the CBC magazine Connectors Choice Awards to applaud Cleveland's special events professionals. As a distinguished alumna of ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University, she contributes to the Business Advisory Board and has been honored with a Spirit of Women in Business Award. Renee's diverse passions include running, wine appreciation, and volunteering for Northeast Ohio Adoption Services.
Reneé Deluca Dolan
Entrepreneur & Industry Leader
KSU Alumna
Arthur Karas, president of C&K Industrial Services, is a recognized leader in the industrial and environmental service industries. As a senior executive and experienced industry professional, he provides leadership, insight and innovative solutions for his clients in these fields. His firms provide a myriad of specialized services for industry and community infrastructures.
Arthur Karas
President
C&K Industrial Services
ABOUT THE BRINZO CENTER
The John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship immerses students in entrepreneurship education and experiences, advances entrepreneurial research and nurtures regional outreach.
CONTACT US
Linda Hale - Marketing Manager of The Brinzo Center
Phone: 330-672-7890
Email: lhale9@kent.edu
Shawn Rohlin Ph.D. - Director of The Brinzo Center, Professor of Economics
Phone: 330-672-1098
Email: srohlin@kent.edu
Nick Petrella - Entrepreneur in Residence
Phone: 330-672-5826
Email: npetrel3@kent.edu