Shippensburg University’s John L. Grove College of Business students and CEO Club members participated in the 41st Annual CEO Global Conference and Pitch Fest on November 2, in Tampa Florida. 

In preparation for the conference, CEO members spent several months crafting business ideas and compiling research. On the day of the competition, they were joined by hundreds of student entrepreneurs from around the world, where they had to present their ideas and connect with business professionals. 

The Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) at Shippensburg University has grown to over 100 members, and is dedicated to providing students with opportunities that help them put their entrepreneurial and business ideas into action. Ship representatives who competed in the CEO competition included the Chapter president and founder of the club at Ship, Brandon Stiner and Chapter president Teagan. Other representatives at the event included vice president Jacob Lawson, Jordan Rist, vice president of member services, and club members Dominic Vizza, Gionvanni Beato, Quinton Townsend and Carson Heberling. 

For Stiner, a marketing management major, and Weaver, an entrepreneurial and small business operations major, their involvement in the CEO Chapter has helped them become confident entrepreneurs. 

“My entrepreneurial mindset began during my senior year of high school when I decided to start experimenting with e-commerce,” Stiner said. “Just six months later, I launched my first successful Shopify brand, generating over $500,000 in revenue. That experience sparked a deep passion for entrepreneurship and the excitement of building businesses from the ground up. My goal is to launch a marketing agency and, as importantly, to foster entrepreneurship in students.”

Weaver shares a similar background. “Early in high school, I was flipping high-end sneakers for profit, then created my own hot sauce company with my brother. The CEO club has brought me opportunities I didn’t think were possible. Now, I am launching a clothing brand and developing a product and business that I can hopefully take internationally. I owe all my growth to the members and leaders in this club,” Weaver shared. 

This year’s pitch competition was a huge success for Ship’s CEO chapter. Ship business students had the chance to represent the university on an international stage and gain valuable feedback from business experts. 

“The 41st Pitch Competition was a pivotal event for Shippensburg University’s CEO Chapter,” Stiner said. “It showcased the creativity and drive of its students. For us, it was an unforgettable experience demonstrating the power of fostering a community of innovation and ambition.”

Competitors must first apply with a description of their business idea. From more than 700 applicants, the top 100 are selected to present a 90-second elevator pitch. Of those 100, the top 20 pitch live in front of an audience, and the top six receive a share of the $20,000 prize pool.

Stiner and Weaver participated with three business ideas. Stiner pitched Presso, a portable, hand-pressed espresso machine designed for travelers, hikers and campers. The device, consisting of only four simple parts, brews espresso on the go by adding hot water and espresso grounds to the machine.

“It’s easy to use and clean, making it the perfect companion for coffee lovers who enjoy the outdoors, “ said Stiner.

The pair also pitched ClubHub, a golf club rental service designed to simplify the travel experience for golfers. ClubHub allows users to select a golf club set online, choose their rental dates and have the clubs shipped to their destination. After finishing their round, golfers can return the clubs using a prepaid shipping label.

“We wanted to eliminate the hassle of traveling with golf clubs,” Weaver explained. “ClubHub makes it easy for golfers to focus on their game instead of worrying about transporting their equipment.”

Lastly, Stiner pitched Angel Link, a platform that connects investors with startups in a way similar to the popular dating apps. Investors and startups can swipe through profiles and match with startups based on their interests and goals. 

“Angel Link is designed to make it easier for startups to gain access to funding by connecting them with investors who are looking for new opportunities,” Stiner said. “It’s a simple, yet effective way to build relationships and grow new businesses.”

The competition was an unforgettable experience for Ship’s CEO club members. It allowed Stiner and Weaver to improve their business ideas and network with professionals who could help them reach their goals. 

“Participating in the competition has been a transformative experience,” Stiner said. “This year marked my second time placing in the top 100 globally. It’s an incredible honor and has reinforced the value of persistence, creativity, and adaptability. I’ve learned how important it is to craft a compelling story behind a business idea, present confidently and think critically under pressure.”

Weaver shared how the competition has opened doors to new connections and opportunities. “Competing at this level has strengthened my entrepreneurial skills and inspired me to aim even higher,” Weaver said.

The 2024 pitch competition provided Ship CEO club members with an invaluable learning experience, and the club looks forward to having its members continue participating in the pitch competition for years to come.