Rosen College Hosts Entrepreneurship Competition

In April, Rosen College of Hospitality Management held the inaugural Rosen College Entrepreneurship Competition where participants competed for $10,000 in cash and prizes that could assist with startup costs.

Judi Legler, a junior, won first place with her social media marketing and consulting company. Her win earned her a $5,000 prize and complimentary services from Broad and Cassel including the preparation of basic organization documents for filing, a one-hour consultation and two 30-minute follow-up consultations at three and six months. Junior Shane Carman won second place for his family-oriented hotel chain that donates 50 percent of its net profits to not-for-profit youth programs, earning him $2,500. Senior John C. Swoboda Jr. won third place and a $1,000 prize for his photo booth rental company. The second and third place winners will also receive a joint one-hour consultation with Broad and Cassel.

“Entrepreneurism is at the core of hospitality, and this competition helps foster an entrepreneurial mindset among our students,” Dr. Jeffrey Weinland, competition chairperson, says. “We look forward to making this competition an annual event and an opportunity for our alumni to mentor and connect with aspiring student entrepreneurs.”