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The event, called IDEA Fest, transformed the Overman Student Center into a pop-up marketplace, featuring student‑run shops, business ventures, and a few tastes of international cuisine representing India, Brazil, and France.
Judges and other attendees were invited to explore booths, sample products, and offer feedback using replica dollar bills to “invest” in their favorite ideas.
Their input helped determine three $500 scholarship winners, a $500 People’s Choice Award, and provided real-world critiques for students working to refine and elevate their business concepts.
Called “IDEA Fest,” it was the brainchild of Jane Talkington, coordinator for the new Entrepreneurship Program in the university’s Kelce College of Business.
Entrepreneurship has blossomed at Pitt State in recent years through the addition of six new entrepreneurship courses, an academic minor, a certificate, and hands-on programming. It provides opportunities to explore ideas, build real-world skills, and connect with supportive mentors and peers.
"I was completely blown away by the enthusiasm and professionalism of the students at this event,” Talkington said. “It took great courage to have a public conversation about the ideas that for some were early-stage ideas, and the audience responded with good advice and encouragement.”
Among the standout booths was Lawnsmith Co., launched by Grayson Smith, a General Studies major from Webb City, Missouri.
His residential lawncare business offers a range of services beyond simply mowing, including seasonal clean-ups, gutter cleaning, leaf removal, weed control, storm debris management, power washing, and Christmas light installation. His booth featured branded signage and a drawing for a free $150 lawn makeover.
“I'm really excited to take my business to the next level,” Smith said.
TA Exterior Surface Revival, operated by Tyler James and Aidan Reyes, both of Gardner, Kansas, showcased their professional exterior cleaning services for residential and commercial clients within a 30-mile radius.
James, a Construction Management major, launched the business last summer after recognizing a need among his concrete customers for long-term surface cleaning. Reyes, a Finance major, joined the venture after experiencing a drop in hours at his part-time job and learning that James could use help with business-related tasks at which Reyes excels.
Prince Miller, a Communication major from Kansas City, Kansas, and Josh Lawrie, a Human Performance/Strength conditioning major, showcased creative services in videography and graphic design.
Miller began his business in high school as the lead content creator for his school’s athletics teams and has since expanded his portfolio as a content creator for Pitt State Football and Women’s Basketball. He hopes to grow it to include coverage of social events and special occasions.
Another popular booth showcased WooshBall, a fast-paced, accessible game built around a uniquely designed bat with durable strings and manufactured entirely in the U.S.
Breckin Galardo, a Construction Management major from Webb City, and Madisyn Sheehy, a Business Marketing major from Fort Scott, did not create the product, but they took on promotional efforts for it as part of a learning project in Talkington’s entrepreneurship class.
For IDEA Fest, they showcased the game’s appeal.
“I'm really enjoying the class and this project because it is giving me and my classmates hands-on experience in learning to market, network, and promote,” Sheehy said, "and that is valuable to my future career.”
Brightleaf Creations by Morgan Hastings, a senior Engineering Technology student from Carbondale, showcased her custom hand-painted banners in multiple sizes and price points at a booth that included brochures, business cards, and a digital display.
Active in several student organizations, she discovered a niche for such a product after creating a couple of banners for campus events and getting a great response. Her artistry has led to bookings for baby showers and special events as far out as December.
Warm & Fuzzy LLC, owned by Carly Reif, a Business Management and Marketing major from Girard, displayed an extensive line of handcrafted home fragrance products. Reif started her business in high school and now offers candles in two sizes, carpet deodorizer, room sprays, and wax melts — 37 scents in all. Her booth featured coordinated branding and product displays; she also created a website and is active on social media.
“I’ve always had a knack for business and creativity, and this was a way to combine the two,” Reif said. “This is my passion, and I am so excited to be able to share my dream of being an entrepreneur with the community.”
All students said they are gaining hands-on business experience while earning income during their studies.
“It was all very impressive, and very inspiring,” said Molly Baumgardner, associate vice president for public affairs and engagement, who served as a judge. “I loved hearing from students how they had applied different aspects of what they’d learned in the classroom into their projects and displays!”
Judges selected three $500 scholarship winners:
• Prince Miller and Josh Lawrie / Shorthurcs Videography
• Morgan Hastings / BrightLeaf Creations
• Carly Reif / Warm and Fuzzy
The People's Choice $500 Scholarship Award was given to:
Learn more about the Entrepreneurship Program at Pitt State.
