PITCH NIGHT 2019: 3 TEAMS WALK AWAY WITH FUNDING
$10K from the LFHS Foundation & $15K in pledges from Investors
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On June 3, 2019 four teams did their best to persuade the audience to invest in their businesses. All four teams presented polished pitches and three walked away with some funding. The LFHS Foundation had agreed up front to provide $10,000 in prize money. During the event other investors stepped up to provide an additional $15,000. Dignified Designs was awarded the Foundation Cup and $13,500, Solis UVC Purifications was awarded Best Pitch and $4,500 and PureGear left with $7,000 in funding.
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FOUNDATION CUP WINNER
FUNDING: $13,500
Funding Sources: LFHS Foundation Award $7,500 Investors $6,000 Founded by: Leonardo Castaneda, Connor Milliman, Sabrina Siegel, Margo Thornberry Mentor: Stuart Scholly DIGNIFIED DESIGNS WEBSITE |
BEST PITCH WINNER
FUNDING: $4,500
Funding Sources: Investors $4,500 Founded by: Dylan Cofer, Jeremy Hughes, Ally Page, Chase Rupprecht Mentor: Ross Chaifetz SOLIS WEBSITE |
FUNDING: $7,000
Funding Sources: LFHS Foundation Award $2,500 Inverstors $4,500 Founded by: Sarah Borland, Josh Cha, Hunter Dee, Luke Paschke and Henry Ridgway Mentor: Nicole Mowad-Nassar PUREGEAR WEBSITE |
Post Pitch Night Updates
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Congratulations!
Dignified Designs has been chosen as a finalist to compete July 17th at the INCubatoredu National Pitch Competition. They are the 2nd team in a row from LFHS that has been chosen as a finalist. This year they were up against 40 other teams!! 
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LFHS Foundation is proud to support SOLIS UVC Purifications as they travel to Austin for the SXSW EDU Student Start Up Competition. This is a national competition and the team is one of only five teams selected out of thousands applicants. A true testament to the success of our partnership with LFHS supporting the Business Incubator from the start in 2014.
Link to SOLIS website https://www.solisuvc.com/ Link to SXSW EDU https://www.sxswedu.com/competitions/student-startup/ UPDATE: Due to the global pandemic the South by Southwest EDU Student Start Up Competition was cancelled. 
SOLIS receiving a grant to travel to SXSW
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Post Pitch Night Update: Heaven 'n Heels Sets Up GoFundMe Page |
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Heaven n' Heels is a modular shoe that converts from a high heel to a flat. Our business was created by students at Lake Forest High School: Julia Hender, Lino Caputo, Ella Witmer, Konrad Ziaja, and Connor Higgins. We've worked really hard all year to develop our product and now it’s time to bring it to life. Every dollar towards our business counts. Help allow beauty and comfort to be synonymous for women everywhere!
https://www.gofundme.com/heaven-n039-heels |
2018-19 BUSINESS INCUBATOR TEAMS
Here's what we learned about these businesses during the academic pitches they gave to earn their spots on the Pitch Night stage.
Dignified Designs has found a way to preserve the dignity of elderly people with disabilities by altering their clothing so they are capable of dressing themselves. Inspired by one teammate’s grandfather who gradually lost his ability to take care of himself after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the company’s unique solution to a long-vexing problem thrilled both caregivers and patients who tried it. They felt it was particularly important that elderly customers would be able to alter their existing clothing rather than buy it all new. Family members and nurses said that elderly people who have lost some dexterity in their hands just want to be able to dress themselves without frustration. The solution: magnetic button-down shirts, and pants with Velcro or elastic waist bands that can accommodate weight loss from prolonged illness. The company’s market is growing because people are living longer with dementia and physical disabilities. The company also can provide GPS tracking inside the clothing, or in shoes, so that each customer holds on to some of their independence, but family or caregivers will be alerted if they wander outside a prescribed geographical area. The company has truly found a way for customers with disabilities, often due to aging, to maintain some important parts of their independence and, just as importantly, their dignity.
Founded by: Leonardo Castaneda, Connor Milliman, Sabrina Siegel, Margo Thornberry Mentor: Stuart Scholly https://shopdignifieddesig.wixsite.com/mysite https://www.facebook.com/Dignified-Designs-2227181154195111 
Puregear has developed a device they call, “the at-home odor eliminator for sports equipment.” It deodorizes and sanitizes sports gear without using any chemicals. This team of student athletes is offering a solution for families of athletes whose cars, mudrooms, basements and homes are filled the offensive odors being emitted by their sports equipment. Rather than just covering up the odor, PureGear uses UL certified infrared film to heat the gear in an insulated container, thus eliminating the odor and killing bacteria at the same time. This system accomplishes all this in just over an hour without the wear and tear to the equipment that can happen when gear is repeatedly washed with detergents. The second-generation prototype was developed this spring with input and feedback from families that used one of PureGear’s three first-generation prototypes in an initial trial. During the trial all participants were satisfied with the product and, following the trial, they all signed up to pre-order the PureGear device. During the trial process this team brought in revenue of $360 which they have donated to the LFHS Foundation. The current version of the PureGear device is large enough to hold a significant amount of gear while at the same time small enough to easily fit in a corner of your garage or basement. PureGear currently has 75 pre-orders for their product.
Founded by: Sarah Borland, Josh Cha, Hunter Dee, Luke Paschke and Henry Ridgway Mentor: Nicole Mowad-Nassar https://www.puregearsports.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PureGearSports/ |
Heaven N' Heels challenges the accepted wisdom that ‘beauty is painful.’ Fighting back against what women have been told for centuries, this team dared to dream that beauty could be synonymous with comfort. So, they created high-heeled shoes that magically transform to flats with simple removable and locking heels. Inspired by prom night where the girls kicked off their dancing shoes within minutes, the creators of Heaven ’n Heels have married practicality and fashion, creating an affordable shoe that serves two purposes, and can even accept multiple heel heights. The engineering brain behind the design is a CAD Engineering student who first created a drawing and then, using the Makerspace and the 3-D printer, created the first prototype of the replacement heels. The equipment for the CAD Engineering class and the Makerspace were provided through past LFHS Foundation grants. The team has plans to patent the design and is working with a shoe-maker to stand up its manufacturing operation over the next 3 to 4 months. The company should launch online in 2019.
Founded by: Lino Caputo, Julia Hender, Ella Witmer, Konrad Ziaja Mentors: Julie Currie, Jeff Folker www.heavennheels.shop https://www.facebook.com/heavennheels.shop/ https://www.instagram.com/heavennheels/ heavennheels1@gmail.com https://www.gofundme.com/heaven-n039-heels 
Solis has designed a water bottle that will purify and filter water from any source, on the go. It is ideal for travelers and hikers alike. They say it’s as simple as pour, press, purify. This team of outdoor enthusiasts and travelers was inspired by their own experiences, one of which being the near fatal aftermath of drinking contaminated water while on vacation experienced by one team member. The Solis water bottle lid contains a UVC LED system that uses light bouncing around inside the aluminum water bottle to eliminate micro-organisms and viruses from the water in just a couple of minutes. Then the sterilized water passes through a charcoal filtration membrane to remove any inorganic sediments in the water as it is ingested. This system ensures LOG 6 water purification. Solis has developed a fully functioning prototype and has established relationships with a number of manufacturers from whom they will source the parts needed to manufacture its water bottle. What makes this water purification system unique is that, rather than simply removing or filtering out microorganisms and viruses, it actually kills them while also filtering out any remaining sediments. It could become the most efficient and effective product of its kind available to consumers.
Founded by: Dylan Cofer, Jeremy Hughes, Ally Page, Chase Rupprecht Mentor: Ross Chaifetz www.solisuvc.com https://www.facebook.com/SolisUVC/ |
Additional 2018-10 Teams
ATHLEATE is a snack stand that provides a Convenient and Accessible way for hungry student athletes to purchase the food they need before their after-school activities.
Founded by: William Fox, Grace Gescheidle, Jack Prager, Jacen Riedel, Brody Waligora Mentor: Michael Reinhardt https://sites.google.com/lfschools.net/athleate/home https://www.instagram.com/Athleate_/ 
Grade A Compost is the food waste recycling service that provides eco-friendly fertilizer made from student food waste to school administrators who need a better way to deal with food waste and chemical fertilizers reducing food waste and providing an environmentally friendly system of landscaping that saves money and protects the school community. Grade A Compost converts student food waste into eco-friendly compost which is then sold back to the school in order to reduce waste and eliminate chemical landscaping products. This will elevate the sustainability of the school community and allow both public and private schools to save money and protect the health of students and staff.
Founded by: Camy Esplin, Kai Kroeger, Ella Marquart, Sebastian Puerto and Carrie Saginur Mentors: Sean Leahy and Jim Rhomberg https://www.gradeacompost.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gradeacompost/ 
NoteNow Case is the first case with a digital notepad on the back with the ability to erase your own customized work with the tap of a button.
Founded by: James Barbour, Alex Huddlestun, Alyssa Marquis, Ethan Nicholas, Nick Remissong Mentor: Sean Jordan www.notenowphonecase.com https://www.facebook.com/NoteNowCase/ 
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Buzzy is an app that shows how long you’d wait in line at any restaurant or store before even arriving. Buzzy’s color-coded indicators and unique interface sets us apart from any other app already out there.
Founded by: Caroline Allard, Asher Anderson, Stephen Bradley, Rylie Mills, Patrick Moorhead Mentor: Corbett Lamb www.buzzy.blog https://www.facebook.com/Buzzy-Co-403161810422638/ https://www.instagram.com/buzzy_co_/ 
Healthy Handoff is a healthy food delivery service for students after school before their afterschool activities. We will deliver fresh quality food to students so that they will have the energy they need to perform well in their after-school activities. Whether it's before a sports practice, a theater rehearsal, a club, or anything else, if you need energy after school, we will have it for you.
Founded by: Owen Douglass, Sam Marquart, Shane Rodriguez, Christina Sendik Mentor: Phil Gayter https://www.thehealthyhandoff.com/ https://www.facebook.com/healthyhandoff/ 
Ready Set Scan provides an allergy scanning app that detects dietary restrictions off of barcodes for individuals who are nutritionally conscious, have dietary limitations and food allergies who want food awareness and peace of mind knowing that what they eat is safe and healthy.
Founded by: Oliver Akintade, Annabelle Lamb, Jackson Meadows, Lillie Michael, Lucy Surkamer Mentor: Tom Condon www.readysetscan.com https://www.facebook.com/readysetscan/ https://www.instagram.com/ready.set.scan/ Walker Buds is a dog walking and dog sitting service in the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff area. We are filled with local, familiar faces from Lake Forest High School and Lake Forest College to ensure that your dog is in good hands. We can promise you and your pup love and care when you’re not there.
Founded by: Lexie Conley, Culann MacSeain, Charlotte Yehle Mentor: Mike O’Biala https://2030033.wixsite.com/walkerbuds https://www.facebook.com/WalkerBuds-1967860676843606/ |
The Car Caterers provide a quality oil change at our customers desired location. This saves our customers the time and hassle associated with the traditional oil change. The Car Caterers eliminate the need for a boring waiting room and allow the customer to be more productive.
Founded by: Alex Ignas, Trevor Mower, Ian Schuler Mentor: Hal Davis thecarcaterers.com https://www.facebook.com/The-Car-Caterers-489875908087147/ 
InfraGrow is a company that makes table-top herb and vegetable gardens that work without soil and with revolutionary infrared technology that exemplifies plant growth and kills bacteria. An InfraGrow garden is perfect for people without access to a backyard but still want to be able to grow their own fresh herbs and vegetables from inside their home, all year round.
Founded by: Andrew Crawford, Sean Elesh, Lara Keim, Vivian Popov Mentor: Jim Kuehnle www.infragrowgardens.com https://www.facebook.com/infragrowgardens/ 
Secure Dose is an automated pill box that allows elderly people to take the exact medication needed and links up to an app that notifies family members on the status of their loved one's medication through text messaging. The physical pill box has features such as locking capsules that prevent against accidental overdosing or taking the incorrect medication. The box will also issue a sound alert to notify the user that it is time to take their medication.
Founded by: Adam Cardos, Katie Gilcrest, Julia Loeger, Kiki Wood Mentor: Mike Calogero https://2070589.wixsite.com/securedose https://www.facebook.com/securedosebox/ https://www.instagram.com/secure_dose/ |
Cross Post Partners provides a community based online service that sells customers’ unwanted items across different online platforms, all to save customers’ time. Our service simply takes care of the process of selling items for you. Simply select one of our packages, take a few minutes to give us some information, and make easy money while you make space for the things that are important in your life.
Founded By: Elena Erkenswick, Connor Higgins, Ryan Nevin, Catherine Pasquella, Nate Schmitt Mentor: Mark Gasche, Michelle Gramza Website: https://www.crosspostpartners.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crosspostpartners/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/crosspostpartners 
LOCAL-O is an online service that supports local businesses by providing the inventory of local stores in on convenient website and quickly delivering the store’s products to the customers.
Founded by: Julia Knipfer, Jake Kovanda, Scott Notz, and Ojaswee Singal Mentor: Greg Strauss For businesses: https://2070581.wixsite.com/shoplocalo For customers: https://sites.google.com/lfschools.net/localo/home Facebook: @LOCALO Instagram @shoplocalo 
Simple Smart Lock is a security system that covers an existing door lock, makes door entry simple, and allows identification of people on a homeowner’s property for homeowners who find keys difficult to deal with, are concerned about leaving their doors unlocked, and are worried about home security. It consists of a locking device that easily retrofits over a deadbolt knob and a smartphone application.
Founded By: Eleni Ballis, Michael Clarke, Alex Mutter, Alex Slomba, Keaton Wilhelm Mentor: Abby Clark simplesmartlock.com https://www.facebook.com/simplesmartlock https://www.instagram.com/simplesmartlock/ |
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We are grateful to all of the coaches, mentors & judges who have given so generously of their time and talents to support and teach this year's teams. None of this would be possible without you!
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2018-19 COACHES
Mark W. Allen Owner / President / CEO CPS (Computer Power Systems, LLC) Paul Best Principal PDB Consulting George Day Co-founder, CEO IQ Fibers Catherine Driscoll President/Owner RED Communications, LLC Jennifer Gattari Senior Director, On Market Strategy Pfizer Tim Hender, CFP® Wealth Management Advisor Northwestern Mutual Corey Holmer Educational Technologist - EdTech Studio Lake Forest High School Tom Horan Senior Director, Cloud and Managed Services Sales Meridian IT, Inc. Brian Martin Head of AI in R&D Information Research, Senior Principal Data Scientist AbbVie Jennifer McGregor IIDA, LEED, AP Michael Obiala Financial Services Executive Gina Price Director of Marketing NetSpi Doug Warren Faculty Lake Forest Graduate School of Management 
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2018-19 MENTORS
Michael Calogero Senior Vice President Medline Ross Chaifetz Director of Venture Capital at Chaifetz Group, Director of Strategy at ComPsych Corporation Chaifetz Group Abby Clark President, COI; Creator of Ideas Absolutely Creative Promotions Tom Condon Managed Services Practice | Pre-Sales EY Julie Currie Principal Full Contact Management Consulting Hal Davis Owner Collision Solution Jeff Folker Realtor Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group Mark Gasche Founder, Career Coach and Consultant North Shore Career Management Phil Gayter Creative Director Brandstorm 57 Michelle Gramza Founder and Chief Sales Officer Together With Baby Sean Jordan Consultant Johnson & Johnson, Incorporated Jim Kuehnle President Clover’s Garden Center LLC Corbett Lamb Founder + Chief Executive Officer Inneraction Communications + Fresh Green Light Sean Leahy Director of Business Development American Hotel Register Company Nicole Mowad Nassar Vice President, Commercial Analytics and Operations AbbVie Mike Obiala Financial Services Executive Michael Reinhardt Wealth Management Advisor, Senior Vice President Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Jim Rhomberg Vice President Internal Audit AbbVie Stuart Scholly Tech CEO/President/General Manager/COO Greg Strauss Director FAST Network, BCBS Medicare Advantage and Medicaid Quality and Operational Success |
2018-19 JUDGES
Chris Bauder Chief Executive Officer Weiman Products, LLC Pete Clemens Healthcare Executive, Retired Baxter, Siemens, Becton-Dickinson Sally Davis Attorney SC Johnson Michelle Gramza Founder and Chief Sales Officer Together With Baby Rebecca Jenkins Assistant Superintendent Growth, Talent and Human Relations Lake Forest Schools Alice LeVert Senior Client Executive Media|Entertainment|Technology|Strategic Accounts Verizon Business Group Jay Lenstrom Partner theBench.us Keith Stolgren Retired Retirement Community Executive Bob Vogrich Partner, Actuary, Consultant, Retired Hewitt Associates Alan Wahlert Director of Teaching & Learning Lake Forest High School Laura Werner Real Estate Investments & Broker Former Retail Executive 2019 PITCH NIGHT JUDGES PANEL Chris Bauder Chief Executive Officer Weiman Products, LLC Jay Lenstrom EVP ShiftGig Alice LeVert Senior Client Executive Media | Entertainment | Technology | Strategic Accounts Verizon Enterprise Solutions Steven Whittington Founder and CEO LifeWorking Coworking Jeff Yehle Senior Director, Client Management Willis Towers Watson 
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2018-19 ACCELERATOR MENTORS
The Business Accelerator is the senior level honors course for teams that move forward with their business plans after winning at Pitch Night or securing investors. Paul Best Principal PDB Consulting Mike Galeski Senior Manager, Sports Marketing UL Brian O’Keane Consultant Marty Vander Velde Experienced commercialization and Business development professional Rob Wilder Servant Leader | Entrepreneur Wilder Management Inc. & Plan Z Sports LLC |
2018-19 FILL-IN MENTORS
These volunteers fill-in when mentors are temporarily unavailable to meet with their teams. Samantha Borland Client Success Specialist Traction® Tools Corey Holmer Educational Technologist - EdTech Studio Lake Forest High School Geoff Surkamer Chief Revenue Officer Identity Automation Doug Warren Faculty Lake Forest Graduate School of Management |
Pitch Night Sponsors
Thank you to all of our sponsors for their generous donations to Pitch Night 2019!
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MVP
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UNDERWRITING
GENERAL
