On Friday, Adelphi University’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business's (WSB) Business Plan Competition awarded $11,000 in prize money to recognize student entrepreneurs. John and Mark X. Cronin from John’s Crazy Socks served as judges for the contest for the second consecutive year.
“It is important for us to encourage student entrepreneurs and to offer help,” said John Cronin, Co-Founder of John’s Crazy Socks.
Before the competition began, John and mark gave a presentation on the importance and value of a purpose driven business.
The Adelphi Shark Tank: The Student Business Plan Competition
Adelphi University’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business (WSB) offers a multi-dimensional education program that includes experiential learning. The curriculum not only attracts and engages students but offers a competitive edge to advance their careers. The WSB then sponsors a competition where entrepreneurs select the winning presentations. Beginning in November 2022, students enter with plans for actual businesses they sought to develop
“These student entrepreneurs are part of our tribe,” said Mark X. Cronin, co-founder at John’s Crazy Socks and one of the judges. “We often speak at colleges and universities to not only offer encouragement, but to see the work they are creating. Today, we heard many impressive business ideas as part of this competition.”
Murat Sakir Erogul, PhD, is the Competition Director and an Associate Professor of Management. He explained, “Over two semesters, students worked independently and with the advice of faculty mentors to develop their unique businesses.” The faculty, led by Professor Erogul and Lori Carey, the Director of Student Success, provided mentoring, structure and advising throughout the planning process.
The Business Plan Competition is open to all Adelphi students. Out of all the entries, four students reached the finals:
- Monish Churaman & Amita Radakichenane: SmileLab Printing Technologies
- Gloria Gantt: Better Health Connects
- Luke Attride- Stirling: Zip Bermuda
- Ashley Zingale: Money Moving Up
First place and a $5,000 prize went to Monish Churaman and Amita Radakichenane for their work on SmileLab which aims to change the production and delivery of dental implants. Ashley Zingale won $3,000 and second place for her Money Moving Up business which aims to improve financial skills and literacy among young people. Third place and $1,000 went to Gloria Gantt who is developing a non-profit organization, Better Health Connects, to improve health education among patients. Ms. Gantt also won $1,000 for the outstanding social impact of her plan.
Judges for the Adelphi Business Plan Competition
Adelphi recruited leading voices from the Long Island entrepreneurial community to serve as judges at the day long competition:
- John and Mark X. Cronin, Founders of John's Crazy Socks
- Steven Cheng, Associate Attorney with Meyer Suozzi
- James Reed, Founder of AffordablePatio.com
- Pawneet A. Founder of PARC Solutions
- Nick Sterlacci Co-Founder of biz
- Zachary Johnson, Ph.D. Johnson, Founder of com and Adelphi faculty member.
Three judges (Cronin, Reed and Johnson) are members of the Entrepreneurs Organization of Long Island.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $550,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
