Ripon College students compete in regional business pitch competition

Two Ripon College teams comprising four students each competed Wednesday, April 11, at The Pitch, a regional competition among students from Lawrence University, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Green Bay and St. Norbert College modeled similarly to the ABC show “Shark Tank.” Ten teams participated in the all-day event held at Timber Rattlers Stadium in Appleton.

The two top teams or individual students each year are awarded start-up funds for their ideas. The top prize was $10,000 in cash for the project and $15,000 in technical services like web design, legal help and more.

Both Ripon College student teams earned honorable mention for their product pitches for “ClipSafe” and “Poetein Farms.”

ClipSafe, a small device which helps you clip your belt, was presented by Lauren Hince ’18 of Blaine, Minnesota, Wyatt McGillen ’19 of Casper, Wyoming, DeLou Wilson ’18 of Madison, Wisconsin, and Erika Isaacson ’18 of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Poetein Farms, a cricket farm that combats high famine issues, was presented by Caryssa Waite ’18 of Green Lake, Wisconsin, Khun Maung ’19 of Myanmar, David Castillo ’18 of Chicago, Illinois, and Anthony Malisch ’21 of Waunakee, Wisconsin.

Student participants enjoyed the experience of planning for The Pitch and refining their business ideas for a professional audience. “It showed me that people my age with simple, small ideas can do absolutely anything with it if you really want it badly enough and are willing to work for it,” said Poetein Farm’s Waite.

“Ripon College showed the strength of our liberal arts curriculum and the ability to be innovative in the business world,” said coach and Assistant Dean of Career and Professional Development Lindsay Blumer.

Blumer said this was a huge experience for Ripon College students because they were able to experience what business pitching would feel like in front of a panel of expert judges.

By Nhi Le ’21
Milwaukee, WI

Posted April 18, 2018 in Academics, Student.

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