Tiffin, Ohio – April 20, 2026 – Student entrepreneurs from the Seneca County Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) program presented their businesses at the 5th Annual Pitch Competition, with $700 in prizes sponsored by Tiffin University and North Central Electric Cooperative being awarded to the winners. The event was held at Tiffin University’s Franks Hall, and innovation, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit were in full display.
Modeled after the popular TV show Shark Tank, the event featured 14 student-run businesses pitching their ideas to a panel of nine local business leaders and community stakeholders. This year’s judges included Jeff Knedler of Hempy Water, Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson, Dale Dephew of the Seneca News Daily, Kellie C. McGilvray of Tiffin University, Samuel Smith and Jim Distel of Reineke Family Dealerships, Ed VanHoose of NCE, Zach Arnold of Arnold Machine, and Penelope Logsdon of Pan Yan Bookstore.
“Over the last eight months as facilitator, I’ve watched these 14 students transform. They've learned from the best in our community, turned their ideas into real businesses and confidently presented their entrepreneurial plans to judges and community leaders. Tonight wasn’t just a pitch competition, it was a reflection of their growth, commitment, and incredible potential,” shared program facilitator, Jamie Marinis.
The competition was structured in two rounds, beginning with three breakout rooms where students presented to smaller judging panels. The top two businesses from each room advanced to the final round on the main stage, forming a group of six finalists who delivered their pitches to the full audience and judging panel.
Emerging as this year’s $500 winner was Luella Burkholder, founder of Lu’s Coffee Co., whose business stood out for its accessibility to coffee in the Republic and Attica areas. Second place of $300 went to Mason Reinhart, founder of Hart Outdoors, and third place of $100 went to Grant Blonde, founder of BL Decants.
The rest of the student entrepreneurs who presented included Karlie Summit with Karlie’s Kakes, Alexzander Rochester with Village Palace, Owen Hickey with Passed Along, Kaleigh Concepcion with Pure Balance Studio, Arianna Smith with Verterra Houseplants, Chance Lucius with Lucius Junk Removal & Hauling, Kennedy Lucas with Home Sweet Home Bakery, Ian Cortez with Cortez Computers, Alaina Sherman with The Glitched Paradox Arcade Rentals, Marissa Allen with Hair by Marissa and Olyvor Distel with The Maker’s Room. Details about each student’s business can be found on the Seneca CEO website.
The CEO program is a year-long, immersive course that introduces high school students to entrepreneurship through hands-on learning, local business partnerships, and mentorship from area leaders. The Pitch Competition serves as a culminating experience, allowing students to improve their ideas, gain real-world feedback, and present their ventures in a professional setting.
“This program is helping to shape our community’s future businesses and leaders across the county,” said Seneca CEO Board Chair Audrey Naegele (Flood) of North Central Electric Cooperative. “The Pitch Competition and Trade Show are a great showcase of these young entrepreneurs’ growth, and it’s an honor to support their journey.”
As the program enters its final weeks, students are preparing for the Annual Trade Show, where each business will showcase their business and have their products and services for sale. The event will be held at the Tiffin Community Kitchen on April 29th from 5:30-7:30 pm. Community members are encouraged to attend, support the students’ businesses, and gain firsthand experience of the innovation emerging from the program.
To learn more about this year’s class, the students’ businesses or the Seneca County CEO program, visit www.senecacountyceo.com or follow Seneca CEO on Facebook.
