CEO's Elevator Pitch Competition a huge success

October 31, 2007

Pitching a new business idea can be stressful and with only 90 seconds to explain oneself, an entrepreneur needs to choose his or her words carefully to successfully sell an idea.

Students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater recently had the opportunity to present new business and product ideas at the first annual Warhawk Elevator Pitch Competition hosted by the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO).

"In essence, a typical pitch involves one person but with this experience you are pitching to a group of almost 100 people. It's amazing how something like this can help you develop confidence and get over your fear of public speaking," CEO President Derek Henze said.

Students were given 90 seconds to sell their idea to a panel of three judges. From a breakfast pizza to a political magazine and a whey protein supplement, several new product ideas were pitched. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three winners and fourth through sixth place winners received complimentary CEO memberships and CEO t-shirts.

First place winner Andy Moczydlowski, New Berlin native, developed an idea as part of a group project for his new products management class. The product, Rocking Hats, incorporated earbuds from an iPod as a built-in feature for headwear.

"My group knew we had a great idea for a new product, something that was worthwhile, and we had nothing to lose entering this competition," Moczydlowski said. "I wasn't too nervous to speak since I knew my product well, but it was hard to have everyone's eyes on you."

The following students finished second through sixth with their new product ideas:

• Second place, David Van Rixel of Milwaukee
• Third place, Henry Schwartz of Menomonie
• Fourth place, Philip Castillo of Janesville
• Fifth place, Dan Roelke of Prairie du Sac
• Sixth place, Scott Inscore of Edgerton

The Elevator Pitch Competition prepares students for CEO's annual Warhawk Business Plan Competition scheduled for spring 2008, the largest collegiate business plan competition in the Midwest. The 2008 prize pool is expected to be double what it was last year, with $10,000 available in prize money. The first meeting for Warhawk Business Plan Competition will be Jan. 31, 2008.

"This competition proves anyone can get involved and you don't have to be a business major or an entrepreneur to start a new business or develop a new product," Vanessa Lund, president-elect of competition for CEO, said.

For more information, contact Casey Jewell at (414) 617-1967 JewellCJ23@uww.edu, Vanessa Lund at (262) 389-2495 LundVE25@uww.edu, or Jimmy Peltier at (262) 472-5474 PeltierJ@uww.edu.