“It means a lot because posting on social media has helped validate what it is, but now it’s a bunch of people who don’t even know me who are also validating this business. Now I really feel like I can make it something big.”
At the fifth-annual Pitch Night, Business Marketing and Management students from Francis Tuttle Technology Center took the stage to share their innovative business ideas. The event, powered by Stride Bank, was held on May 5 at the Danforth Campus and supports early-stage entrepreneurs in their quest to become the next great concept.
The six finalists presented their business concepts during the pitch competition while vying for a portion of $10,000 in seed money, provided by Stride Bank. Additionally, other participants shared their concepts during the Showcase.
The six finalists were:
- Carson Seely | Seely Wellness
- Seely Wellness is a youth-focused wellness studio designed to give adolescents a safe, welcoming space to connect, grow, and better understand themselves.
- Hunter Danel | Danel Tech Bags
- Danel Tech Bags is a productivity-focused backpack brand designed to solve everyday problems students and professionals face, like disorganization and dead devices. The bag features a built-in retractable USB-C charging system and an integrated filing system.
- Jada Doyle | Bonneed-IT
- Bonneed-IT is a beauty and hair care accessories brand that creates customized satin bonnets. The goal is to combine hair protection with self-expression, while building a strong brand based on community, confidence, and connections.
- Travis Loeffelholz | Fitness Fabrication
- Fitness Fabrication LLC presents the Iso Rail Machine, with a focus on innovation, in-house manufacturing, and direct sales. The company aims to help physical therapy clinics and gyms, especially those that experience space constraints.
- Bowman Courtney | Lumi
- Lumi is a simplified Android launcher designed to make smartphones accessible for adults 65 and older. The app replaces the standard home screen with a clean, stable interface featuring large icons, AI-powered scam detection, and accessibility tools built around how seniors use their phones.
- Mason Brown | Sintez
- Sintez is a premium professional products company. Its flagship product, the Trifolio, is a sophisticated leather carrying portfolio engineered to organize and protect both physical documents and digital devices in one polished, professional package.
Doyle earned first place for her pitch and $4,000 in seed money for Bonneed-IT. The Edmond North High School senior plans to use some of the funds to purchase her own equipment so she can continue her business when she attends Oklahoma State University in the fall.
“I just feel blessed,” Doyle said after the competition. “I think it’s amazing that this is something that any kid can get the opportunity to do.
“It means a lot because posting on social media has helped validate what it is, but now it’s a bunch of people who don’t even know me who are also validating this business,” Doyle continued. “Now I really feel like I can make it something big.”
Danel took second place and received $4,000 for Danel Tech Bags, while Courtney finished third and earned $2,000 for Lumi. Morgan Burroughs with UGC by Morgan was recognized for the Top Elevator Pitch, and Loeffelholz earned Top Innovation for Fitness Fabrication.
A panel of five judges heard the pitches and asked questions of each student before determining the competition winners. The judges included Bryan Parises and Lindsey Ogan from Stride Bank, Kristin Garcia from The Verge, Srijita Ghosh from i2E, and Angela Muir from Boom Town Creamery.