$1,000 for Winner of American Heritage’s 1st Annual Entrepreneurship Competition
American Heritage Schools recently hosted the culminating event of its High School Business Incubator Entrepreneurship Finals, where five student-led companies competed for top honors. This prestigious competition showcased the innovative talents of aspiring entrepreneurs, each delivering compelling pitches to a distinguished panel of industry leaders.
Distinguished Judges Bring Expertise to the Competition
The event featured five prominent judges, each a leader in their respective fields, bringing unparalleled expertise to the competition. Rita Case, President and Chief Operating Officer of Rick Case Automotive Group, oversees 16 dealerships across three states with over $1 billion in sales. Tom Herskovits, former President & CEO of Specialty Foods and President of Kraft/General Foods, is a seasoned entrepreneur known for supporting university entrepreneurship programs. Keith Mirchandani, CEO of Tristar Products, has revolutionized the retail industry by introducing innovative products to major chains like Walmart and Target while promoting them globally through infomercials and social media. Jim Ryan, a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over 25 years of experience, specializes in customer experience, technology solutions, and research. Richard Toren, co-creator of the life-saving EpiPen, is a medical innovator and entrepreneur-in-residence at the University of Miami’s Herbert Business School. Their collective expertise made for a highly insightful and impactful judging panel. Douglas Laurie, President of American Heritage Schools, and Jonathan Fichman, Business Incubator Instructor, set the stage for the competition with opening remarks.
Runner-Up Teams Impress with Practical Solutions
The runner-up teams presented innovative and practical solutions across a variety of industries. Each concept demonstrated creative problem-solving and market potential.
- CleanMist introduced a 3D nub designed to spray disinfectant on doorknobs, enhancing hygiene in public and private spaces.
- Drug Sense offered a portable drug testing kit for on-the-go use, addressing safety and convenience.
- Sway Scent unveiled a car freshener that attaches seamlessly to AC systems, combining functionality with appealing scents.
- Stylify impressed with its AI-powered app that curates personalized outfit suggestions based on users' physical attributes and style preferences.
- Artisan focused on sourcing and selling authentic artisanal goods, catering to those who value cultural expression and unique craftsmanship.
Finalist Groups Present Groundbreaking Concepts
In addition to the runner-up companies, two other finalist groups made impactful presentations at the finals. Both teams showcased creative solutions to everyday problems, impressing the judges with their ingenuity.
- La Saveur introduced an innovative earring with a built-in tracker designed to enhance women's safety.
- Smart Scale unveiled a clever retro-fixable scale that helps travelers measure the weight of their suitcases before heading to the airport, ensuring they avoid costly baggage fees.
Top Three Teams Shine with Scalable Business Solutions
After rigorous evaluations, three companies stood out among the five finalists.
- GastroGrid, led by Lucas Correa, Diego Higueras, Carlos Margemat Ausere, and Gino Santos, claimed the top spot with their innovative approach to streamlining food service operations. Their compelling pitch demonstrated a deep understanding of market needs and presented a scalable solution that impressed the judges.
- Nixie, presented by Zohar Eshet, Christina Li, Phoebe Shatkin, Matthew Wang, and Catherine Zhao, took second place with their innovative, eco-friendly premium ink geared towards artists.
- MinuteAid Clinic, spearheaded by Sebastian Estrada, Iris Fan, Calvin Mathew, and Likhitha Selvan, rounded out the top three with their innovative healthcare solution to provide accessible, affordable care to local uninsured families.
Judges Praise Creativity and Vision of Young Entrepreneurs
"Loved the creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of these young innovators shaping our future! Judging from the quality of their startup pitches and hearing from these students as they build their companies, you can see why American Heritage is rated in the top 100 private schools in the United States," said Jim Ryan, Founder and CEO of OutPLEX.
Rita Case, President and COO of Rick Case Automotive Group echoed Ryan’s sentiments, saying, "My experience as a judge for the American Heritage Entrepreneurship Finals was rewarding and exciting to witness the entrepreneurial and innovative skills being developed at American Heritage. They are building our future leaders and supporting the ideas that the American Dream is available to all." Case, who runs a $2 billion company with 12 dealerships and 1,400 associates, saw firsthand how the students’ ideas had the potential to drive significant change in their respective industries.
Celebrating a Successful First Annual Entrepreneurship Finals
With over 200 attendees, American Heritage’s first annual Entrepreneurship venture pitch-style finals was a resounding success. “The presentations showcased excellent strategic thinking. The teams demonstrated creativity and a solid understanding of market dynamics and consumer needs. The ideas presented will have an excellent chance of becoming sustainable businesses” shared Tom Herskovits, Former President & CEO of Specialty Foods and President of Kraft/General Foods. “The feedback from our business incubator students has been incredibly positive, with many noting the valuable lessons and insights they gained from the experience," shared Jonathan Fichman, Business Incubator Instructor at American Heritage Schools.
Hands-On Learning Through Business Incubator & AP Seminar Course
The competition was the grand finale of the Business Incubator & AP Seminar course, launched in Fall 2023 as part of American Heritage Schools' commitment to hands-on learning and real-world application of business principles. The class, modeled after Harvard Business Review principles, empowers students to explore entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and the complexities of starting a business. Students in this elective course work on ideation, business planning, market research, financial modeling, and pitching. They also receive expert mentorship and guidance, preparing them for both the AP Seminar exam and the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Empowering Future Leaders Through Entrepreneurship Education
The course’s innovative approach fosters creativity and collaboration among students from various academic backgrounds, including Pre-Law, Pre-Med, Pre-Engineering, and more. By the end of the program, students gain a thorough understanding of entrepreneurship and can apply what they have learned to create market-ready business ventures. With 58 students enrolled in this inaugural class, the program is already proving to be a game-changer, providing students with the skills they need to succeed in business. As Richard Toren, co-creator of the Epi-Pen and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Herbert Business School, University of Miami said, “[It was] very impressive witnessing the great teaching/mentoring job by American Heritage School and Jonathan Fichman. They will never forget this learning.” By encouraging teamwork, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, American Heritage Schools continues to nurture the next generation of business leaders.
1st Annual American Heritage Entrepreneurship Winners:
1st Place: GastroGrid
Lucas Correa
Diego Higueras
Carlos Margemat Ausere
Gino Santos
2nd Place: Nixie
Zohar Eshet
Christina Li
Phoebe Shatkin
Matthew Wang
Catherine Zhao
3rd Place: MinuteAid Clinic
Sebastian Estrada
Iris Fan
Calvin Mathew
Likhitha Selvan
To learn more about the Business Incubator Course: https://ahschool.info/ahs-business-incubator