5 minute read
Encouraging Future Entrepreneurs
In April, the LA Tank program wrapped its ninth year by awarding students an opportunity to collaborate and present their ideas to a panel of Loyola community entrepreneurs. The program is structured to enable teams of students to solve an existing problem with a new product or idea. This year's theme, Anything But An App, challenged Ramblers to think beyond app development and ideate physical products.
At regular check points throughout the product development phase, parents, alumni, and volunteers served as guest speakers, like Brandon Cruz P '27, president at Real Tech Capital, and Chris Reynolds '02, brand manager at Conagra. Loyola Academy faculty and staff members Dr. Bill Lowe (Language), Mr. Dan Wawrzyniak (English), and Mr. Dan Peterson '79 (CFO) served as judges throughout the semester.
The program, which was launched in spring 2016, is modeled on Jesuit ingenuity and exposes students to real-world business concepts What started as a simple idea to give students a jumpstart on their career paths has evolved into a type of thought-laboratory where students can navigate complex life and work environments under the guidance of alumni experts in their fields Program participants are encouraged to use their God-given gifts and talents to create new business models, solve problems, and improve lives.
The ninth season of LA Tank began in January, and 65 students arrived at the first meeting with business ideas in mind. Students met in small groups to share and improve their ideas together. The night ended with the formation of thirteen teams, each having a unique idea. Accompanying each team is a Loyola Academy alumnus or alumna who advises the group along the way.
A finale event occurred at the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center on April 16. The finale featured the top six teams: Safe Card, advised by Melody Ogoke '16; Helping Hand, advised by Gregory Corey '02; Smart Sole, advised by Mary Kate Vanecko '13; SmartSketch, advised by Peri Ehlman '17; Mold Monsters, advised by Kyle Alvares '16; and Lisse, advised by Tara Tarazi '11.
The teams presented their business proposals in a format inspired by the reality show Shark Tank, which gives contestants an opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of business leaders and field a series of questions.
"Each group had three minutes to explain how their business model is unique and viable, who their target audience is, and how they plan to make money," explains Director of Alumni Relations Ashley Sanks '10, who helps moderate Loyola's Tank Program. "Following the pitches, our judges and the audience had the opportunity to ask questions."
The LA Tank program has been an essential key in my growth into the young adult I am today. I have not only grown in my problem-solving skills, but I have been able to expand my abilities as a collaborative leader, and it's made me realize the value of teamwork and diverse perspectives.
— Mia Swanson '24
Judges included Ms. Laura Flanagan P '26, '27, CEO of Ripple Foods; Mr. Fred O'Connor '80, financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual; Mr. Chris Mitchell '02, creative director at Blank Studio, and Loyola Academy Principal Mr. Tim Devine '88.
Acting as potential investors, the judges evaluated each business proposal on five criteria: innovation, differentiation, business plan, viability, and presentation.
Notably, Mia Swanson '24 (Mold Monsters) and Felix Ricketts '24 (Pop-Up Wash) were awarded the Willer Family Accelerator Award, which recognizes the commitment of a student to the program. Both students were chosen for their long-term dedication to the program and their respective years of service on the leadership team, diligently working to ensure the success of the LA Tank program.
"The LA Tank program has been an essential key in my growth into the young adult I am today. I have not only grown in my problem solving skills, but I have been able to expand my abilities as a collaborative leader, and it's made me realize the value of teamwork and diverse perspectives," states Mia. "Winning the Willer Award was an incredible honor that I feel commemorates the dedication and personal transformation I have experienced in the LA Tank program. I am honored and excited to carry every lesson and value I have gained from this program into my professional life and beyond."
The finale ended with a reception attended by members of the LA Business Network, parents, alumni, and students to celebrate their successes while providing networking opportunities for everyone who attended the program.
We want to recognize our dedicated student leaders: Deirdre Dettling '24, Erin Keating '24, Mayode Oluwole '25, Felix Ricketts '24, James Sohigian '24, and Mia Swanson '24.
Congratulations
1st place—Safe Card: A company that ideated a locking wallet for the back of your cell phone.
Team Members: Alexandra Delgado '25, Annie Ditka '25, Anna Hammerl '25, Molly Robson '25, and Claire Stevoff '25
Advisor: Melody Ogoke '16
2nd place—Lisse: A third-party company that takes consumers' favorite haircare products and makes them into an eco-friendly alternative by dehydration.
Team Members: Coco Christopher '25, Abby Dimberio '24, Ellie Edwards '25, Lael O'Shaughnessy '25, and Brendan Prassas '25
Advisor: Tara Tarazi '11
3rd place—Smart Sole: A shoe that can adapt and track performance to prevent injuries.
Team Members: Eva Bonanno '25, Erin Keating '24, Katie McBrearty '25, Anna O'Brien '24, and Ali Ryczek '24
Advisor: Mary Kate Vanecko '13
Special thanks to Kevin Willer '92 and our alumni advisors: Kyle Alvarez '16, Greg Corey '02, Lane Ehlman '15, Peri Ehlman '17, Evan Fay '10, Bennett Gorman '16, Luke Hughes '23, Greg McDonnell '14, Cole Michalek '12, Melody Ogoke '16, Anna Rempe '19, Samantha Steinle Macklem '12, Tara Tarazi '11, and Mary Kate Vanecko '13.
