Winners of the “Idea Genius” award, Jay and Gwynne Marks, for their business idea, The Marks Trading Company.
A heartfelt thank you to all that supported the very first Square One Pitch Event Contest! Together we were able to share new business ideas and help turn them into reality. Events like these are incredibly important to the future economic success of our communities. Each of the six finalists presented their ideas in front of a packed crowd at Cotton Brewing Co. for their chance to win the judge’s “Idea Genius” award for $1,000 and/or the “Audience Choice” award for $250.
Congratulations to Jay and Gwynne Marks for winning the judges “Idea Genius” award for $1,000 with their business idea, The Marks Trading Co. This downtown food market will feature nonperishable natural, organic products including bulk foods, herbs, spices, coffees, teas, pasta, grains and rices, and even a coffee bar. According to an article from The Daily Telegram, Jay Marks says the operation will be “more farm and less factory.” Special cooking classes will be available to teach customers how to use the products they are purchasing.
The target market will consist of “foodies,” “tree huggers,” and people who are searching for local and regional items. Marks decided to focus on this market because there is already a large portion who commute to other counties for these types of products. “The ultimate goal is to have a store in downtown Adrian” says Mark, which would be a great plus for the downtown economy. We are beyond excited to see The Marks Trading CO. up and running soon!
Andrea Rumler presenting her check for $250 for winning the “Audience Choice” award.
Andrea Rumler and her business idea, Purple Lotus, won the “Audience Choice” award fro $250. Purple Lotus would be a non-profit center to help victims of human trafficking and sexual assault. She drew attention to human trafficking in our area, stating that the greater Toledo and Southeast Michigan regions are major hubs. Purple Lotus would be a safe place for human trafficking, trauma, and sexual assault survivors. Survivors would have opportunities to participate in free services including counseling, therapy, job training, and housing help.
Other pitches included Pet Jet, a pet-friendly airline with Stan Bradbury, A family-friendly arcade with an 80s wrestling theme from Stephen Rutkowski, Her Haven, an app that would make buying and selling goods online safer with Dane Theisen, and United, a clothing line that promotes unity in diversity from Adam Glanders and Havert Beal II.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success. Check out photos from the event below! Mark your calendars, the next Square One Pitch Event Finals will be September 27th. Stay tuned on the Lenawee Now Facebook page for details.
