November 3, 2008 – Alexandria, VA – The Entrepreneurs’ Organization today announced its Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) finalists. The awards program, presented by Mercedes-Benz Financial, is the premier award for undergraduate students running companies and considered a catalyst that inspires students to start and grow entrepreneurial ventures.
Over the past year more than 1,000 students from around the world entered regional, national and virtual competitions to qualify for a spot in the final round of competition. The finalists have businesses ranging in size from US$300,0000 to US$5.5 million. They are to convene in Chicago on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 and Thursday, November 6, 2008.
The 2008 GSEA finalists:
- Marcus Anzengruber – Constant – Stockholm School of Economics
- Misa Chien – Miss Misa – UCLA
- Dominic Coryell – Husky Express – Northeastern University
- Robert De Los Santos – Sky High Party Rentals – University of Houston
- Jake Duneier – Wholesale Jewelry Liquidators – Syracuse University
- Arthur Ebeling – Ebeling International Inc. – Shepherd University
- William Fikhman – iSold It on eBay – California State University - Northridge
- Seth Flowerman – Career Explorations – Cornell University
- Brent Foster – Xenula – Arizona State University
- Ben Frein – E-Holdings, LLC – University of Northern Iowa
- Jon Goodman – JGoods Custom Shoes and Uncommon Clothing – St. John's University
- Ethan Heintzelman – Elite Express – Brigham Young University - Utah
- Trent Kirk – South Brisbane Grass Cutters – Griffith University, Australia
- Craig Martyn – BLMA Models – Cal State Fullerton
- Joseph Moncada – Sweet Tooth Candy Emporium – York University
- Kieran O'Neill – Playfire.com (legal entity name: UUMC Lt) – University of Bath
- Damian Panozza – Balance Psychology Pty Ltd – Swinburne University
- Joseph Pascaretta – Alps International – University of Michigan
- Cameron Porter – Snoshack Oasis, LLC – BYU-Idaho
- Kevin Pringles – Hyrdo Headwear LLC – Arizona State University
- Marleene Quiñones-Alicea – New Wave Surf Shop – University-San German
- David Rosenbaum – North Texas Pyrotechnic Productions, LLC – University of North Texas
- Jason Schutzbank – College Tonight – Emory University
- Scott Skelly – Corn Mazes America – University of Wisconsin-Platteville
- Ryan Unger – Punchkick Interactive Inc. – Kent State University
- Natasha Wood – The Kitchen Guys – Macquarie University
Over two days and two rounds of competition, the students will be evaluated on their determination and perseverance to succeed as an entrepreneur, and their sense of business fundamentals, lessons learned, demonstrated achievable growth and future plans. Final round judges include such notable names as: William Farley, winner of the Horatio Alger Award for entrepreneurial excellence who helped create many significant brands, including BVD, Lucchese, Gitano and Fruit of the Loom; Fraiser Doherty, Founder of SuperFruits and last year’s GSEA winner; Robert Toru Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad; Peter Thomas, Chairman Emeritus of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization; and Catherine Crier, former CNN reporter.
The total prize package for the 2008 GSEA is estimated at over $100,000 in cash and business products and services donated by Entrepreneurs’ Organization members.
The GSEA awards ceremony will take place at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois with a welcome reception at the home of William Farley on November 5, 2008.
About Entrepreneurs’ Organization
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)—for entrepreneurs only—is a dynamic, global network of more than 7,000 business owners in 38 countries. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life. Membership in one of EO’s 113 chapters is by invitation only the average member is 39 years old with annual revenues of US$14.4 million. For more information on the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, please visit www.eonetwork.org.
About Mercedes-Benz Financial
Mercedes-Benz Financial, now in its 26th year of operations, provides financing for Mercedes-Benz dealers’ inventories and their retail customers. Currently, over 400,000 drivers in the United States enjoy the benefits of leasing or financing their Mercedes-Benz vehicles through Mercedes-Benz Financial, which is part of DCFS USA LLC group of companies operating in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and parts of South America. DCFSA USA LLC is part of the Daimler Financial Services Group, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, operating in nearly 40 countries. Daimler Financial Services Group is one of the leading financial services enterprises worldwide. For more information visit www.mercedesbenzfinancial.com.