Business and Community Services Bldg., Suite 128 Creating a Culture for Entrepreneurship at UNI!
2010 State Business Plan Competition Winners 2009 CEO Business Simulation Winners Announced UNI MBA Student Wins Business Plan Competition UNI student wins National Elevator Pitch Competition JPEC Student Business Owner GSEA Finalist
Introduction for JPEC Student Business Incubator Tenant of the Year
Introduction for JPEC CBA Student Entrepreneur of the Year
UNI Student Wins State Business Plan Competition Winners
Photo (l to r): Dante Means, Nick Cash, Kay McClure, and Travis Lloyd Smith A University of Northern Iowa (UNI) student has won one of three $5,000 first place awards in the Pappajohn New Venture Business Plan Competition held at North Iowa Area Community College on February 26. Nick Cash, a sophomore double majoring in computer science and economics from Cedar Falls, won for his business; Book Hatchery. Book Hatchery is a start-up located in UNI's student business incubator. Through the use of a comprehensive suite of software tools, Book Hatchery provides self-publishers the ability to manage and sell their texts as well as maximize their publications' exposure on the Internet. Book Hatchery also aims to create a strong community for self-publishers seeking a platform of support and an ability to share their expertise for the benefit of all authors. "Writing a good business plan takes a lot of work, dedication, and yes, planning! Market research is vital; without it I would not have been able to answer many of the judges' questions, and having accurate information from reliable sources lends a lot of weight to your words. The judges' level of professionalism was intimidating; they understand the merits of your idea, so they drill you on its weaknesses. It is great knowing that all of the effort paid off not just by winning the competition, but by also having produced a thorough and detailed business plan to guide my future efforts." Travis Lloyd Smith and Dante Means, a junior communications major from Waterloo, were a UNI Regional winner with their business, Band of Christians L.L.C. Band of Christians is an entertainment company dedicated to providing motivational speaking, professional workshops, and inspirational music for audiences of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Kay McClure, a graduate student majoring in exercise science from Denver, was a UNI Regional winner with her business, Sanctuary Yoga and Wellness Studio. Sanctuary is an eco-conscious green studio offering Hatha-inspired Yoga classes, Tai Chi, and specialty yoga. The other two state-level winners were Dibseez, a web-based auction site, from a University of Iowa team, and Lincoln & Lexi, a home party service for babies and moms, from Drake University. The annual competition is sponsored by John Pappajohn, Equity Dynamics, and the Pappajohn Centers at Drake University, Iowa State University, North Iowa Area Community College, The University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa. The competition is intended for Iowa university and college students with an interest in starting their own business. A maximum of 15 regional-winner students or student teams can compete in the competition at the state level. Three seed grants in the amount of $5,000 each are awarded to the top three business plans submitted in the competition.
CEO Business Simulation Winners Announced
Photo (l to r): Malcolm Thomas, Ben Steines, and Mark Watje The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center recently announced the winning team of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization's (CEO) Capsim Foundation Business Simulation academic-year competition. Team Andrews, consisting of Mark Watje, a senior marketing major from Cedar Falls, Malcolm Thomas, a junior accounting major from Waterloo, and Ben Steines, a sophomore management major from Dubuque, took home first prize and an award of $1,000 from the College of Business. Winner Malcolm Thomas thought the competition was a valuable learning experience. "I got an even better feel for business and had fun in the process. The chemistry our team had was amazing. We didn't always agree on everything, but we worked well together, planned business years in advance, and came up with an excellent strategy." The teams reviewed performance results based upon decisions that incorporated five key business functions covered by the simulation. Team Andrews won by achieving the highest Balanced Scorecard which tracks selected benchmarks such as return on investment, cumulative profit and cash flow. CEO is a student organization for UNI students interested in entrepreneurship and small business. "The CEO members really enjoyed the competitive nature of the simulation and seeing how their decisions impacted not only their company but the market as a whole," said CEO advisor Laurie Watje. Team Digby, consisting of Drew Kahler, a senior marketing major, Heath Baker, a senior accounting major from Orange City, and Josh Eisen from Cedar Falls, placed second in the competition followed by Rachel Ruplinger, a senior accounting major from Iowa City, Adam O'Leary, a sophomore economics major from Garner, Brandon Pearson, a junior marketing major from Cedar Falls, and Adam Moehn, a senior finance major from Fort Madison, of Team Baldwin. Each team received gift cards for local businesses compliments of CEO.
UNI MBA Student Wins Business Plan Competition; Honorable Mention for Second UNI Team
In photo, left to right, are: Dante Means, Band of Christians LLC; Zach Hedrington, 3Fueled LLC; Matt Kinley, competition judge from Equity Dynamics; Travis Lloyd Smith, Band of Christians LLC. A University of Northern Iowa student has won one of three $5,000 first place awards in the Pappajohn New Venture Business Plan Competition held at UNI on March 6. Zach Hedrington, a graduate student majoring in business administration from Cedar Falls, won for his business; 3Fueled L.L.C. 3Fueled consults with companies that want to produce energy and byproducts from renewable energy and annually renewable feedstocks. 3Fueled helps these companies attain economic utilization of the major fractions of biomass as well as minor components that can be functionalized into high-value specialty products. "The biggest challenge in the competition was going up against brilliant students from all over the state of Iowa who have as much passion and determination behind their ideas as I do," said Hedrington. "The win is a confirmation that my efforts paid off. The response I received from Equity Dynamics, one of the most reputable venture capital firms in Iowa, solidified in my mind that my concept could make a significant impact on the renewable energy industry." Travis Lloyd Smith and Dante Means, a sophomore communications major from Waterloo, received a $1,000 honorable mention for their business, Band of Christians L.L.C. Band of Christians is an entertainment company dedicated to providing motivational speaking, professional workshops, and inspirational music for audiences of all ages, races, and backgrounds. The annual competition is sponsored by John Pappajohn, Equity Dynamics, and the Pappajohn Centers at Drake University, Iowa State University, North Iowa Area Community College, The University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa. The competition is intended for Iowa university and college students with an interest in starting their own business. A maximum of 15 regional-winner students or student teams can compete in the competition at the state level. Three seed grants in the amount of $5,000 each are awarded to the top three business plans submitted in the competition.
UNI student wins National Elevator Pitch Competition A University of Northern Iowa senior won third place at the elevator pitch competition held at the National CEO (Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization) Conference Nov. 6-8 in Chicago. Tyson Hanish, a marketing major from New York, N.Y., received a $1500 cash prize. The competition was sponsored by The Coleman Foundation and The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Foundation. Sixty contestants "pitched" their opportunities in 90-seconds and 120-seconds to panels of judges in three rounds of competition. The final round of six contestants was narrowed to the top three prize winners. Hanish pitched his business, BigLeagueAnalysis.com, which is housed in the UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's Student Business Incubator. The business provides baseball hitting analysis from videos uploaded to its website by young baseball players. The website is finishing development and will launch soon at www.BigLeagueAnalysis.com. Hanish developed the business based on his nearly two years' experience as a player in the New York Yankees organization. Hanish, who was the UNI elevator pitch competition winner, worked with JPEC to prepare for the competition, said the competition process was challenging and rewarding. "It was a pleasure and a great experience competing against so many creative, motivating and inspiring people." he said. "I am thankful for the opportunity to compete and take third place among such a great collection of future business leaders." According to Laurie Watje, UNI JPEC program associate, Hanish worked hard to refine his pitch. "Tyson was well prepared for the UNI elevator pitch competition and he continued to refine his pitch with guidance from our Center," Watje said. "The students from schools that had held a school competition fared well in the national competition. Tyson's business based on baseball and wearing his New York Yankees jacket added to his appeal and credibility during the elevator pitch competition." Katherine Cota-Uyar, UNI JPEC program manager, said, "We are looking forward to increasing UNI's participation in next year's competition. We have a lot of great students at UNI doing some very exciting things with their small businesses."
Frein Named 2008/2009 GSEA Finalist -- Only Student in Iowa
A University of Northern Iowa senior has been selected to compete for $100,000 in cash, prizes and services at the Global Finals for the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) competition Nov. 5 and 6 in Chicago. Benjamin Frein, a finance and computer science major from Garner, is one of approximately 25 finalists selected through regional competitions. The GSEA, sponsored by the Entrepreneurs' Organization and Mercedes-Benz Financial, recognizes the world's top undergraduate student entrepreneurs. To qualify, students must carry a full course load at a university while operating a business that has been generating revenue for at least six months. Frein's primary company is E-Holdings, which specializes in Web site design and hosting and operates several e-commerce businesses including www.BellyBling.net and www.GreatMiniatures.com . Frein's company is housed at the UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's (JPEC) Student Business Incubator. Frein, who worked with JPEC at UNI to prepare for the competition, said the competition process is challenging and rewarding. As Frein competed in the GSEA Virtual Rounds, he was evaluated on overall presentation, the scalability of his business to reach $1 million in sales within the next year, his ability to overcome obstacles, overall impression and his responses to judges' questions. His status as a finalist in the global competition qualifies him for the highly selective Entrepreneurs' Organization Accelerator Program. "It is exciting to have been selected to compete in Chicago against the best student entrepreneurs in the world," he said. "I'm also looking forward to joining the Entrepreneurs' Organization Accelerator Program, which will complement the assistance I'm already receiving as part of the UNI Student Business Incubator. That program will provide me with the knowledge, tools and mentors I need to grow my business to the next level."
JPEC Student Business Incubator Tenant of the Year 2008 The JPEC SBI Tenant of the Year is awarded to the SBI Student Business that has demonstrated the most growth, dedication, and accomplishment in the Incubator program during the previous year. The JPEC staff selects the winner based on a number of factors. Only businesses located in the SBI are eligible. Stephen Rausch of Ionia, a senior management major and co-owner of Rausch Brothers Trucking, received the UNI JPEC Student Business Incubator Student Business of the Year for his work in the management and growth of the family business. Ben Frein of Garner, a senior majoring in computer science and finance and owner of E-Holdings, LLC, received an award for special service to the Student Business Incubator for his assistance to other businesses in the program.
UNI JPEC CBA Student Entrepreneur of the Year The University of Northern Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's College of Business Administration Student Entrepreneur of the Year is awarded annually in the spring semester to a UNI student entrepreneur majoring in accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, MIS, Real Estate, MaCC or MBA who is admitted to the College of Business Administration and who owns and runs an independent small business which has demonstrated sales and definable goals preferably outlined in the form of a business plan, a marketing plan, or a feasibility study. Certain exceptions may be made for exceptionally meritorious entrepreneurial achievement other than starting a small business. The award is presented to the student at the College of Business Administration's annual spring recognition banquet. Rausch and Watje Named as 2009 JPEC College of Business Administration Student Entrepreneurs of the Year
On April 3, the College of Business Administration (CBA) at the University of Northern Iowa announced the award of two UNI CBA John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) Student Entrepreneur of the Year Awards to students who have demonstrated success in running small businesses. The award includes a $200 cash prize for each student entrepreneur. Stephen Rausch of Iona, a senior Supply Chain Management major received the award for his business, Rausch Brothers Trucking. Rausch Brothers Trucking is a family-owned trucking business which has grown to become one of Iowa's largest sub-contractors in the construction and agricultural lime industries. He is currently in the process of diversifying the company into handling commercial freight. Rausch donated his cash award to the UNI Student Business Incubator to help other student entrepreneurs start their own businesses. "It is not only a great honor to accept this award from a great organization that is the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, but also a great privilege to work beside some of the finest individuals who are pioneering tomorrow's businesses," said Rausch. "The people are great, the support and help is there, and it gives you a chance to take your ideas to the next level."
Mark Watje of Cedar Falls, a senior Marketing Management major and owner of JIT Truck Parts also received an award for the development of his small business. JIT Truck Parts specialize in providing advanced delivery of parts for truck and equipment manufacturers in Iowa, Southern Minnesota, and Eastern Illinois. Watje is currently developing a line of lights for trucks and trailers and plans to expand product offerings in the future. "I've been very stretched between school, a part time sales job, and starting my own business. This award makes me feel that my hard work hasn't gone unnoticed. I really look forward to continuing my entrepreneurial efforts with JPEC," said Watje. "This award serves as a personal reminder for what I can accomplish with my business." The annual award is given to outstanding UNI student entrepreneurs admitted to the CBA who own and operate an independent small business which has demonstrated sales and definable goals. The award is presented at the CBA's annual spring recognition ceremony.
2008 Winner
Joseph Eibes of Carter Lake, a senior graphic communications major and owner of Theater by Demand and J & J Services (a window washing company), received the UNI JPEC's College of Business Administration Student Entrepreneur of the Year award for his work in the entrepreneurship program and with his two businesses. The award comes with a $200 cash prize. Eibes has been in the JPEC's Student Business Incubator since the fall of 2007. He is a member of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization and he will graduate from UNI with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship.
2007 Winner
Ben Frein, who is a senior majoring in computer science and finance at the University of Northern Iowa, and Dustin O'Leary, who is a senior marketing major, are the recipients of UNI's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's (JPEC) 2007 Student Entrepreneur of the Year award. The award, which was presented on April 19, 2007, at the College of Business Administration's gala, comes with a $200 cash prize for each owner. Frein and O'Leary are from Garner and have been business partners since high school. They are the owners of E-Holdings, a business in the UNI Student Business Incubator. E-Holdings is the parent company of BellyBling.net, an e-commerce site for belly button rings, and a new company whose product is a Facebook application. Frein and O'Leary were also selected as one of the state winners of the Pappajohn New Venture Business Plan Competition held in Des Moines on March 29, 2007. 2006 Winner
Carlos Argeullo, who is a senior marketing major at the University of Northern Iowa, is the recipient of UNI's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's (JPEC) Student Entrepreneur of the Year award. The award comes with a $200 cash prize. Arguello is from Caroll and originally from Nicaragua. He owns two businesses that are operating in the Student Business Incubator run by the UNI JPEC. One business is a Spanish/English translation and interpretation business focusing primarily on the banking, medical, and legal industries and the other business is a Spanish-language newspaper for Western Iowa that he hopes will eventually serve all of Iowa. He is a member of the Iowa Council for International Understanding and a member of UNI's Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization. He previously worked at Veridian Credit Union and has an internship this summer with Principal Financial in Des Moines. 2005 Winner
Photo Caption: Russell Hotchkiss (left) and JPEC Director Randy Pilkington. Russell Hotchkiss, who graduated in May from the University of Northern Iowa with a major in finance, is the recipient of UNI's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's Student Entrepreneur of the Year award. The award comes with a $200 cash prize. It was presented to Hotchkiss at the College of Business Administration's Spring Gala. Hotchkiss, while a UNI student, purchased Waterloo Fire Extinguisher in 2001 from a local family. He brought new energy to the company and has more than doubled revenue, services, trucks, and employees. The company remains more than one year ahead of its revenue goals and is making plans to purchase three competitors within the next year. Being an entrepreneur and a student simultaneously has been a challenge and a substantial test of character and will. However, Hotchkiss made a promise to his mother before her death in December of 1993 that he would be the first in the family to obtain a college degree. Hotchkiss has taken the cash award and matched it with funds from his company. That money has been sent to Peoria, Illinois, for the college fund of Keenan Gienau. Keenan Gienau is nine-years-old and the son of Hotchkiss's high school friend, Brian Gienau, of Tripoli. Brian Gienau was killed in Iraq on February 27, 2005. The last time Hotchkiss saw Brian Gienau was in the fall of 2003, when the two were in a marketing class together. 2004 Winner
Bullerman completely overhauled, revised, reformatted, recalculated, and reformulated a JPEC proprietary software application called Project This! The new Project This! is user-friendly with fillable input sheets and the data flows from report to report. Additionally, the Project This! now has two versions - one for retail/service and one for manufacturing businesses. Bullerman is the son of Joe and Marcia Bullerman of Calmar, Iowa. He is currently employed in an accounting firm in the Dubuque area. 2003 Winner
Blake, who is from Guttenberg, assumed a very important leadership role in fostering student entrepreneurship at UNI. Blake was elected the president of UNI Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (UNI CEO). The purpose of CEO is to encourage, inspire and support students who want to become entrepreneurs and offer networking and training opportunities for students. During this academic year, UNI CEO hosted guest speakers on topics of entrepreneurship, sponsored seminars on starting small businesses and attended the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Iowa Conference in Iowa City. Because of Blake's hard work this year, Randy Pilkington, executive director of UNI's Business and Community Services noted, "We have high expectations for this student entrepreneurs' organization over the next few years." Blake is the daughter of Tom and Martha Blake. 2002 Winner
The 2002 JPEC Student Entrepreneur of the Year was Brent Bierstedt. He is being presented his award and check by Randy Pilkington, JPEC Interim Director at the College of Business Administration Spring Recognition Banquet in April of 2002. Brent Bierstedt, who graduated from the University of Northern Iowa earlier this month with a major in management information systems (MIS), is the first recipient of UNI's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's Student Entrepreneur of the Year award. The award comes with a $200 cash prize. It was presented to Bierstedt at the College of Business Administration's Spring Recognition Banquet. Bierstedt, who is from Lone Rock, plans to runs his Web hosting service company, Unlimited Web Network, in Algona. He founded the company three years ago. He was nominated by three College of Business Administration faculty members for this award. The selection committee was "unanimously impressed with his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to academics," according to Katherine Cota-Uyar, selection committee chair. Nominees were required to be a UNI College of Business Administration student entrepreneur majoring in accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, MIS, Macc (master of accounting) or the MBA program. They also had to be admitted to the College of Business Administration, and to own and run an independent small business which has demonstrated sales and definable goals, preferably outlined in the form of a business plan, a marketing plan or a feasibility study. Roberta Roth, UNI associate professor of management, wrote in her nomination of Bierstedt that his company's sales "have doubled each year of its existence." She said "I chose to use the Unlimited Web Network to host web sites for several companies with which I'm involved, and I found that it provides high quality service at reasonable costs with excellent customer support. "Brent has created a thriving business in the complex, competitive world of Internet hosting services. Brent has also shown his entrepreneurial talents in several other endeavors. He has founded several other companies, including a company providing computer help, a DJ Service Company, and a student information site called InfoPanther that was subsequently acquired by UNI." He is the son of Lynn and Kitty Bierstedt.
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Ryan J. Bullerman, who graduated from UNI in May of 2004 with majors in accounting, finance, and real estate, was the recipient of UNI's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's Student Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2004.
Shannon Blake, who will graduate in December from the University of Northern Iowa with a major in finance, was the recipient of UNI's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's Student Entrepreneur of the Year award. The award comes with a $200 cash prize. It was presented to Blake at the College of Business Administration's Spring Gala.
