Tri-College Student Pitch Winners

Fredric Royce

Major — Economics
Business Pitch — Nihon'ichi

Fredric Royce

Fredric Royce is the 1st place winner from the Tri-College Student Pitch Competition 2021.

He is currently studying product management at Mt. SAC. His mission is for the Accounting, Finance and Management (AFM) Club at Mt. SAC to become a community where anyone can learn and practice to become financially secure. Fredric has always dreamed of entrepreneurship, and is convinced that entrepreneurship empowers a person to become the greatest version of themselves.

"I strongly recommend students to take every single opportunity at Mt. SAC and outside that improves: public speaking, thinking, and business acumen."

Fredric and his business partner Heidi Leonardo presented their winning idea Nihon'ichi, a food truck for California rolls that have vegan ingredients which synergize to make every bite a delight. These Vegan California rolls have a large amount of protein, which makes them a natural metabolism booster for fat loss. This business idea is oriented towards Generation Z and Millennials who are college students in Los Angeles and Orange County. The mission of Nihon'ichi is to greatly reduce obesity and environmental destruction through yummy, sustainably sourced, nutritious and affordable sushi.

What would be Fredric's advice to students interested in participating in the Tri-College Business Pitch?

"If I were a current or entering college student that considers the Tri-College Business Pitch Competition, I strongly recommend students to take every single opportunity at Mt. SAC and outside that improves: public speaking, thinking, and business acumen. Winning this competition with Heidi was the result of dedicating myself to academic, business, and public speaking opportunities over two years, where I was vulnerable and the stakes were high. Also, I recommend students to welcome failure outside of the classroom since failure is the greatest teacher. I failed to place in the final round for the Tri College Business Pitch Competition in Fall 2020, yet I only became more motivated and deeply obsessed about the expectations of this competition in order to realize victory with Heidi this Spring 2021."

Ralph Ruan

Major — Business Administration
Business Pitch — Allergen Protector

Ralph (Hongbai) Ruan

Ralph is the 2nd place winner from the Tri-College Student Pitch Competition 2021.

Hongbai Ruan, also known as Ralph, is a second year Mt. SAC Business Administration student. He has a passion for business, especially the market. Ralph thinks the business market is an amazing thing which has a magic that attracts him. Four years ago, he received a job offer to assist a restaurant that has three branches in China. Ralph's job was to assist the manager in creating marketing plans. This was his first introduction to the market and he fell in love with it. Ralph's short-term goal is to transfer to Haas School of Business to study Business Analysis. His dream is to start a nursing resort which is located in a quiet and beautiful place.

"The best business idea is from daily life, which can make life get better....We can not believe we are the second place when the judge said our names. What an amazing tour at 2021 spring; we got second place!"

Ralph asked his friend and fellow Mt. SAC student, Wilson Jiang to join him in this Business Pitch Competition. Together they presented their winning idea, Allergen Protector. Allergen Protector is a product that can detect allergies. Ralph and Wilson came up with the idea after realizing they both suffered from allergies, but discovered them at a later age. They hope their product will be the solution to detecting allergies quickly.

What would be Ralph's advice to students interested in participating in the Tri-College Business Pitch?

He says, "If you are interested in the Tri-college Business Pitch, please be creative and enthusiastic. The best business idea is from daily life, which can make life get better. And show your passion for presentation with plenty of practice because practice made perfect."

Ashley Orozco

Major — Business Administration
Business Pitch — Vibin' out

Ashley Juarez

Ashley Juarez is the 3rd place winner from the Tri-College Student Pitch Competition 2021.

She is a business administration major. Ashley plans to transfer to a California State University in the Spring of 2022. When she transfers, she plans to continue in her Business Administration major with a concentration in either economics or management. After obtaining her Bachelor's Degree, Ashley aspires to pursue a Master's Degree. A goal that she has for the future is to open her own clothing company.

"Don't be afraid to enter the competition; it's an amazing learning experience."

Ashley's winning pitch idea is a friend-meeting mobile app called Vibin' out. Vibin' out allows you to meet other people online, and once you feel comfortable with them, you are encouraged to plan a day to meet them in person to build a stronger relationship.

What would be Ashley's advice to students interested in participating in the Tri-College Business Pitch?

Ashley says, "Don't be afraid to enter the competition; it's an amazing learning experience. You learn more about your strengths and weakness."

Tri-College Student Pitch Winners

Fredric Royce

Ralph (Hongbai) Ruan

Ashley Juarez

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