By Wesley Hall
The Waldron Center put on the annual Bison Shark Tank competition Oct. 24 with a grand prize of $10,000. Hosted by visiting entrepreneur J.C. Hite, and sponsored by Brian and Diane Treusdell, six teams competed for a shot at the grand prize. Sophomore Zebadiah Fox took home first place and the $1,000 People’s Choice Award with his SqueakStopper device. SqueakStopper was designed to help eliminate dorm beds making noise when people are sleeping on them. Senior Aiden Davenport took the $3,000 second place prize, while seniors Nic Hermann, Cooper Fitch, Zavdiel Ramirez and Emily Palmer took the $1,000 third place prize.
Davenport said though he has done the Bison Shark Tank and other competitions similar to it, the nerves can still be present for all competitors.
“This was my seventh time competing in a Bison Shark Tank, and every time I’ve learned more and more about both pitches and the development of a substantial business plan,” Davenport said. “My favorite part was the beginning, before it started when all the contestants were sweating and talking and trying to get their nerves together in the green room. It’s a trauma bonding experience.”
Senior Luke Huddleston, one of the competitors in the Bison Shark Tank, said the event helps people to step out of their comfort zone. He said the event helps people grow in their public speaking abilities.
“Well, one of the main things is it gives you the opportunity to learn good public speaking skills and the ability to step out of your comfort zone,” Huddleston said. “Just look at all the aspects of business as opposed to boiling it down to just individual things. You really get to look at what the different functions of a business are and how they all operate with each other.”
Huddleston also said people of all backgrounds and majors should look at competing in the Bison Shark Tank and other similar events.
“Go for it, it may not be easy but it’s fun,” Huddleston said. “It’s a great thing to put on your resumé. Worst case scenario is you gain a little bit more insight, but there is a cash prize just for participating in it.”
Brian Treusdell, one of the event sponsors, said he enjoys seeing the unique ideas that are pitched at the Bison Shark Tank.
“I enjoy seeing the camaraderie amongst all the teams, and just hearing the different ideas that they come up with are kind of unique,” Treusdell said. “Problems that they solve and how they get the team together to work together and then and also to watch how the presentation plays out.”
