PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Dec. 13, 2011 –Johnson & Wales University day long program on entrepreneurship, “BYOB (Be Your Own Boss),” today concluded with a “Shark Tank” competition, where nine students each presented a 90-second elevator pitch for their product or service. Selected by a panel of four JWU professors for the overall prize was Timothy Robert Silva, a junior from New Bedford, Mass, majoring in Entrepreneurship at JWU College of Business. His business, called “Rad-isH,” is a food truck to serve urban areas that gets all of its products from local sustainable farms. His prize package is worth $5,000: $2,000 in consulting services, $1,500 in rent and office services at JWU’s Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship, and $1,500 in reimbursable business expenses.

Winner of the People’s Choice Award was Max Zaklow-Leepson, a freshman from Ridgewood, New Jersey, majoring in Marketing at JWU College of Business. Max impressed audience members who voted on the idea and individual most likely to succeed. He received a flat-bed scanner and $100 Staples gift card for his web-based software platform that allows emergency management officials to communicate, coordinate, and track resources during large scale incidences.

Johnson & Wales University presented the first annual “BYOB” (Be Your Own Boss) day to raise awareness about the opportunities of entrepreneurship including job creation. This day long event included workshops, panel discussions, and a “Shark Tank” competition.

Johnson & Wales University (JWU), founded in 1914, is a nonprofit, private institution. A recognized leader in career education, it offers accredited degrees in business, hospitality, culinary arts, technology and education to more than 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, representing all 50 states and 93 countries. By integrating academics and professional skills, related work experiences, leadership opportunities and career services, JWU prepares driven students who are seeking a competitive advantage in the global economy. Its more than 85,000 alumni from 140 countries pursue careers around the world. The university is committed to urban revitalization and thoughtful historic renovation. Through active civic participation and unique learning opportunities, JWU improves the quality of life in its campus communities in Providence, R.I.; North Miami, Fla.; Denver, Colo.; and Charlotte, N.C. For more information visit www.jwu.edu

- Advertisement -

MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Communications & Media Relations: Lisa Pelosi, lisa.pelosi@jwu.edu; 401-598-1848
The Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship: John Robitaille, john.robitaille@jwu.edu, 401-598-1905