Nicolet College Student Wins Silver at Regional Pitch Contest

Business Management student Katelyn Abbott took second place in the New Ideas Regional Pitch Contest, held on April 25 at Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wis.

Abbott’s pitch centered around her business idea for Blondie's Bakery in Rhinelander, offering dairy-free, gluten-free, and allergy-free baked goods made with local and organic ingredients.

“My jaw dropped, and I couldn’t believe it when I heard my name. I was so happy,” said Abbott. “DECA, a student club, along with my courses at Nicolet College, really prepared me for this. Curt Drumm, one of my instructors, helped me narrow down my idea, develop my business plan, and work on my presentation.”

John Krueger, who is also enrolled in the Business Management program, pitched his business idea for Urban Sprout Hydroponics, a low cost and high profit business offering fresh produce to personal chefs and caterers, as well as bulk sales to small businesses.

Abbott and Krueger competed against students from six other colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System.

"This is an exciting event, where our students have the opportunity to share their ideas for a new product or business. It gives them the chance to share their presentations to a panel of judges and compete for prizes,” said Curt Drumm, Nicolet College business management/entrepreneurship instructor.

Special thanks to the Nicolet College Foundation, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), and Kwik Trip for helping to make it possible for Nicolet College students to participate in the competition.   

Nicolet College will host the regional contest in the spring of next year.

In the photo above: Nicolet College students John Krueger and Katelyn Abbott, pictured with Curt Drumm, business management/entrepreneurship instructor, recently competed in the New Ideas Regional Pitch Contest at Lakeshore Technical College. Abbott claimed second place.