From 18 applications to three presenters, a new winner of the Fox Trap Pitch Event was chosen Friday, April 9!
Organized by the FVTC Business division with support from American National Bank and the Fox Valley Technical College Foundation, current students from all program areas had the opportunity to pitch their unique business ideas to a panel of judges for the chance to earn cash prizes. The top two finishers also have the chance to compete at the regional level at the NEW Ideas Pitch Challenge later this month.
Congratulations to the top finishers and to all who submitted a pitch! Your ingenuity and drive are what makes events like these a success.
Thank you also to our judges:
- Griffin Jack | American National Bank
- Kitty Johnson | Big Frog Focus
- Bri Lutz | The Sweet Lair LLC
The Winners:
First place: Ethan Eckersell ($250)
Pitch: A custom cabinetry and finish carpentry business which harmonizes advanced automated technology with skilled craftsmanship to produce quality products at scale.
What makes the pitch unique: Advanced software and automated machinery cut costs including labor and waste while still ensuring precision and volume. The expert craftsman brings artistic detail and maintains quality. These two elements will expand a shop’s capability to serve a wider range of customers while still maintaining a high standard. This provides a singular source with more extensive options for clients to choose from.
Second place: Yvonne Davis ($150)
Pitch: Three products to display and protect seed packets in the garden, including various models of plastic clamshells which can snap over a seed packet and stakes embossed with different designs. These products would be made using recycled plastics and are recyclable.
What makes the pitch unique: The product advances traditional plant labeling methods by protecting the original seed packet from weather and keeping it visible and readable so the gardener can view the picture on the front and directions on the back.
Third Place: Thomas Micke ($100)
Pitch: Wholesome Goods, Produce Partners is expanding to collaborate with two greenhouses to provide the gardening labor to produce premium, homegrown products, such as microgreens, herbs and vegetables. They also preserve the products for the off season.
What makes the pitch unique: The Midwest’s winter climate can make accessing fresh greens a challenge. Their unique model looks to share their mission by bridging the winter nutritional gap, providing the same peak-summer vitality in the winter.
Ethan and Yvonne will compete at the 6th Annual NEW Ideas Pitch Challenge on April 21, hosted at Mid-State Technical College. They will compete against other contestants from Nicolet College, Lakeshore College, NWTC, MPTC and Mid-State.
