Eastern Michigan University’s Center for Entrepreneurship had its first elevator pitch competition on Friday. The competition was held during a Business Plan workshop for over 200 high school students. The event was originally to be held at the College of Business, but due to the large crowd was moved to the third floor of the Student Center.
An elevator pitch is considered to be the “perfect” pitch in a business scenario, giving a person two minutes to present their ideas, what they are looking to gain and it must be done with poise and style.
“The competition gives college students real world experience,” said Paul Nucci, coordinator of the event. “plus the first place winner will receive an iPad.”
Senior, Kyle Sharp, won first place with Too Hot!, a temperature reading mug. The mug resembles something of a mood ring variety, showing bright color when a beverage is “Too Hot”. Sharp had an assistant demonstrate the technology.
“He was very confident,” said sophomore, Sabrina Eaten of Pontiac International Academy of Technology.
Only eleven out of twelve entries spoke, possibly due to the late venue change. And although they were nervous, many contestants had family and friends with them for moral support.
“I’m a bit nervous,” senior, Bradley Doak, said while clutching the hand of Kyla Suchy, U of M student. “it’s my first time speaking in front of such a large crowd.”
Doak won second place with his “Hydro Gen” project, which increases the millage of a car by acting as a hybrid application. He has ten working prototypes.
“A Geo Metro increased 12 miles per gallon, Hydro Gen increased 6 miles per gallon in my ‘97 Malibu,” said Doak. “and my friend’s F150 got 4 miles per gallon.”
Among all the seniors presenting there was a freshman, Demetrius Hayes, his product “blade of glory” a metal easy-to-use ice pick for senior citizens did not place.
“My major is product development when I see a problem I want to fix it, so I plan on trying again next year,” said Hayes.
The ideas kept coming with International student, Muhammad al-Traki then with senior, Katie Presto. Presto made jewelry with recycled watches. She spoke about her process and the different watch parts that were used to make the jewelry.
“I was really nervous and it was a lot of people,” said Katie. “I’ve never taken public speaking classes.”
“I liked the watch designs, if she finished she could have placed,” Darrion Reeves, a junior at Ypsilanti High said.
Elevator Pitch Judge, Allen Newman said, “We look for the best ideas and it doesn’t hurt to have product samples.”
Newman is also a member of the advisory board for the College of Business.
The high school students attending the workshop had an interest in Business. They got to witness firsthand what an elevator pitch looked like.
“The presentation will help with my marketing class,” junior, Matt Kemmer of Manchester High.
“I knew about the elevator pitch,” Brent King, senior at Ypsilanti High. “This gave me the chance to see it in person.”
