Page 15 - TTMNSpring2025

Manufacturing
Teaching Today Minnesota | Spring 2025 Page 15

Students Bring Big Ideas to Life in ‘Shark Tank’ Style Competition

We caught up with the finalists to hear in this class so far?
about their ideas, how this unique class is Hunter: Learning about finances was the
shaping their future goals and what it’s like to biggest learning curve so far. Finding out
pitch their ideas to real-world business pros. and determining what you need or don’t
Editor’s note – These are the first two of need.
six, interviews with the finalists. Watch the next Aaron: I agree going through the financing was
issue of Teaching Today MN™ for the other the hardest part, the liabilities and assets. It
four, including the winners! The full article is was overwhelming at first, but we learned a
also available at: https://www.springlakepark- lot through Ms. Welken.
schools.org/news/news/~board/district-news/ How is this class helping you think about your
post/students-bring-big-ideas-to-life-in-shark- future and what you might want to do?
tank-style-competition
Hunter: I’m a senior, so I already knew when
Finalist #1: Hunter C. and Aaron J. registering for this class that I wanted to
Product: Competitive Compressions major in business management after high
Describe the product or service you are pitch- school. This solidifies it for me now that I
ing and why: know this is actually something I enjoy. I’m
not guessing anymore...I know that this is
Aaron: Our idea is copper-lined compression
Spring Lake Park High School students Students dreamed big. There were AI- what I’m interested in and this is my path.
in the year-long Marketing and Entrepreneur- powered glasses to sharpen your golf game. braces that are completely customizable Aaron: Since I’m only a junior, I don’t know
ship class recently stepped into the spotlight to There was an eco-friendly mobile thrift shop. to the individual and different sports. For yet where I may want to go to college,
pitch their creative business ideas in the annual There was a sturdy case intended to extend the example, volleyball players might wear though I am potentially considering going
“Shark Tank”-style competition. After months life of baseball gloves, and a closet organizer knee or elbow pads and basketball players into finance or marketing.
of hard work, 12 student groups showcased app designed to simplify busy mornings. might wear a knee brace for protection. What has it been like pitching to judges?
their product or service ideas to local judges. In the first round, students presented three We chose this product because we are both
Dressed to impress and full of confidence times to different panels of judges. Judges athletes, and actually, we both have knee Aaron: I was nervous at first but I reminded
(and a few jitters), students delivered pitches were then tasked with rating the pitches. After problems. myself that the “sharks” are human, too.
covering everything from marketing strategies the scores were tallied, six teams advanced to Hunter: We thought it was a good idea because As soon as you start, you forget about the
to financial plans. The judges, profession- the final round. On December 18, the finalists it’s something that hasn’t been done yet, and nerves.
als from local industries, listened closely and pitched their ideas one last time to a group of both of us could benefit from this product.
offered valuable advice and feedback. experts. What has been the biggest learning you’ve had Continued on Page 18

ONE COLLEGE

MANY OPPORTUNITIES

Start your career and build your future!

AREAS OF INTEREST

▶ Agriculture ▶ Information Technology
▶ Business ▶ Liberal Arts
▶ Cosmetology ▶ Manufacturing & Construction
▶ Education & Early Childhood ▶ Peace Officer
▶ Energy ▶ Transfer Pathway
▶ Healthcare ▶ Transportation

EXPLORE PROGRAMS!
www.mnwest.edu
800 - 658-23 30