Experience Makes the Difference in Business Plan Competition
April 27, 2006 (Atlanta, GA) - Tony Shawver, an MBA student at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business, found out what many successful entrepreneurs already know -- experience and knowledge of your target market can make all the difference. The avid racquetball player, received $5,000 for the Moses Lee Reid Award, a student business plan competition, sponsored by the College's H.J. Russell, Sr., International Center for Entrepreneurship.
The winning plan outlines his concept for The Racquetball Network (TRN) and Racquetball Retailing Corporation (RRC), organizations designed to service the more than 5.5 million recreational racquetball players in the country. According to the judges, Shawver's experience and knowledge played a major part in his success.
"While all three finalists presented viable plans, we felt that Tony's experience gave him a slight edge over the other two finalists," said Robinson alumnus Steve Tanner, president of Arylessence and a judge in the competition. "Tony has real hands on experience with his product, its uses, and the needs of potential customers. In addition, his partner, Jay, has expertise that adds tremendous value to their startup infrastructure."
Overall, 14 students submitted business plans. Faculty from the Center for Entrepreneurship reviewed the plans, provided feedback for each student, and selected 3 finalists. In addition to Shawver, Stephen Kendig and William Flanagan were recognized as finalists in the competition.
The Moses Lee Reid Entrepreneurship Award was created by generous endowments from Robinson alumnus, Dr. Kenneth Reid, Global Chief Investment Officer for AXA Rosenberg Group. The award is named in honor of his father. It is designed to recognize viable ventures designed by students at Georgia State University.
