Entrepreneurs pitch, MarksMenus.com rises to the occassion
A quick ride up an escalator and 60 seconds were all the time contestants had to describe their small business and impress the judges.
Eleven contestants vied Saturday for a chance to win a $10,000 sales and marketing prize package during the "Escalator Pitch," LaunchMemphis' capstone event for Global Entrepreneurship week.
The contest at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn was a new twist on the old elevator pitch.
Martin Dinstuhl won the grand prize, including $1,000 in cash. He pitched his startup, MarksMenus.com, which offers Memphis restaurants a centralized Web site for hosting their menus.
Rick Tarrant, owner of Rick Tarrant Productions, won second prize, a $1,500 sales and marketing package that included $250 in cash. Tarrant Productions offers voice-over talent and production services.
Julia Lovel, who at age 18 was the youngest entrant, came in third with a presentation for Pay Here Now. Lovel's product allows retailers to complete transactions with a handheld device rather than a traditional cash register. She won $500 in marketing and sales services, including $100 in cash.
"Our goal is to help entrepreneurs overcome perhaps the toughest challenge they'll face in getting their new business off the ground selling themselves successfully to new customers," said Lori Turner, managing partner of RedRover Co, LaunchMemphis board member and the event's emcee.
Read the full story in the Commercial Appeal.
