Tobin College of Business – St. John’s University held the fifth annual James and Eileen Christmas Business Plan Competition and Expo on April 5. An internet-based service application that increases efficiency for trade shows and a martial arts after-school program were among the business ideas being pitched by budding entrepreneurs of St John’s University, who competed for $16,000 in prizes during the competition.
The five finalists, chosen from 83 plans submitted by St. John’s students, were vying for a top prize of $5,000 which can be used to upstart their business venture. Remaining competitors displayed their plans during the Expo to attract “investors” from attendees and win cash prizes.
“The Business Plan Competition is an opportunity for students to move beyond the pure classroom experience and actually go through the process of developing a business plan and selling their idea. It’s a great skill that will serve them well throughout any career they choose to pursue,” said James W. Christmas, event founder.
Competition top honors went to Jonathan Weiss, Green Garden Solutions, inventor of a collapsible wheelbarrow; Michael Napolitano, Flutter System, a developer of audio and amplifier systems for crew teams and Kevin Cernuto, Custom Coolers, a lightweight cooler manufacturer that offers attachments to fit multiple items such as seating and electronics. Margurite Lynn McDonald, Shawn Chowdhury and Dylan Moody took the top three Expo prizes.
The panel of notable judges included: James W. Christmas, Former Director and Vice Chairman of PetroHawk Energy; Cathy Borzon, Global CFO for Neo@Ogilvy; Gary Chan, Managing Director, JP Morgan Chase; Richard Haray, Senior Vice President, Corporate Services of the Interpublic Group; and Kathryn Wachsman, Esq., entrepreneur and managing partner of The Law Offices of Harvey F. Wachsman MD, JD, PLLC. Bob Frank, Co-Founder of digital syndication network, Quello, was keynote speaker for the event.
