March 12, 2018
Susquehanna’s first ever House of Hawks competition brought students before a panel of judges to pitch their business ideas, win cash prizes and build networks with other business owners.
Contestants were each given 90 seconds to present their business ideas before taking questions.
Junior David Giordano, a business administration major from Frenchtown, N.J., walked away the winner ($1,000) and crowd favorite ($300) with his pitch for Seal of Approval Junk Removal.
Giordano conceived of the idea while working for a franchise of College Hunks Hauling Junk to make money during the summer. With no franchise here, Giordano decided to open his own business. Employing some friends, Giordano removes and hauls away residential items from Harrisburg to Williamsport.
“We are not only preparing our students for the job market, but we are preparing them to create the jobs and business they want to see,” said Amir Bahman Radnejad, assistant professor of management and event organizer. “All of these students have dreams and I thank them for taking a risk here today.”
Seniors Alex Haggerty, a double major in finance and music, and Jessica Portzline, a music education major, won second place ($600) for Fermata, a music store that would offer supplies and services to local musicians. Junior Tyler Green, a luxury brand marketing and management major, won third place ($400) for TG Drones, a business that enhances a golfer’s experience with photography and videography.
Other participants were:
- Shaneeka Emile ’20, biology, Beauty Within, a salon where confidence is developed through the use of beauty tactics, meaningful conversation and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Jude DiGiacomo ’18, accounting, Cereal To-Go, an extension of an already existing product that provides consumers with a convenient and alternative approach to their breakfast routine.
- Jennifer S. Thorsheim ’18, Julia Bodner ’18, Hannah Gruber ’18, all business administration majors, Fairy Godmother, a car service to ensure safe and comfortable transportation for women, by women.
- Christian Coleman ’19, marketing, Lango, a soundboard application for slang that allows users to interact with different terms and phrases from different cities in the United States from a crowd sources database.
Judges were Jeff Reis ’86, founder, Wicked Dog Grille, Selinsgrove, Pa.; Davide Della, owner, Kind Café, Selinsgrove, Pa.; Lauren Elsasser ’13 Smith, manager, franchise performance, Burger King Corporation; Philip DiMuro ’12, CEO and founder, Loople; and Shelby McGuigan ’17, marketing associate, Nucleus Brands.