2023 Finalists and Winners

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2023.Spring.SLP_DavidItsonFourth Gen: Academic Support

Devin Singleton, Charlotte, NC

Freshman, Bachelor of  Arts in Psychology

David Itson, Charlotte, NC

Freshman, Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Myles Stradford, Charlotte, NC

Freshman, Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Welcome to Fourth Gen - the tutoring service that's empowering the next generation of leaders!

We believe every student deserves access to personalized academic support and mentorship, which is why we're committed to providing one-on-one tutoring to students in grades 4-12. We know that the existing educational system doesn't always meet the needs of every student, which is why we're dedicated to ensuring that every young person has the tools they need to succeed in school, career, and beyond.

Our personalized tutoring sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual student, with a focus on mathematics and plans to expand into other subjects. Our flexible scheduling and affordable pricing make it easy for families to access the academic support they need. And we're proud to say that our commitment to excellence ensures that every student receives the guidance and encouragement they deserve.

At Fourth Gen, we're passionate about helping young people achieve their full potential. We know that with the right support, every child can succeed in life. That's why we're proud to be the difference between a child succeeding and failing in life. We're excited about the future and look forward to expanding our impact on communities throughout North Carolina and beyond.

Join us in supporting the next generation of leaders. Together, we can help these young students achieve their dreams. Fourth Gen - the tutoring service that's transforming education, one student at a time!


 

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2023.Spring.SLP_IanByrnesThe Boone Party Bus

Ian Byrnes, Greenville, South Carolina

Senior, Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Technology

Owen Stanley, Archdale, North Carolina

Alumnus, Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management

Welcome to Boone Party Bus – the ultimate transportation solution for students and residents in the Appalachian State and Boone community. We offer a fun and affordable way to get to off-campus events, local concerts, and parties.

We understand that getting around Boone can be challenging with limited access to taxi and ride-sharing services. That's why we offer a safe, reliable, and unique transportation option for large groups. With our high passenger capacity and regular and consistent operation, we ensure that everyone gets to their destination together and on time.

But we're not just any bus service. We're the only bus service operating in the local "beeping" system, and we've built a reputation for being a fun time. Our buses are more than just a ride – they're a unique experience with lights and music to keep the party going from start to finish.

Our success speaks for itself, and we're poised for even more growth with the recent acquisition of our second bus. We plan to outfit this new bus with solar power and auxiliary batteries, making us a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

So, if you're looking for a safe, reliable, and fun way to get to your next event, look no further than Boone Party Bus. Join us for the ultimate transportation experience, and let's make your next event unforgettable.


 

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2023.Spring.SLP_MatthewReeseEagle Crest Imaging - First Place Winner

Matthew Reese,  Asheville, North Carolina

Senior,  Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Development with a concentration in Community, Regional, and Global Development. Certification in Geographic Information Systems

Eli Colson,  Black Mountain, North Carolina

Junior,  Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management (Western Carolina)

Are you looking to capture breathtaking aerial imagery and cinematography for your next project? Look no further than Eagle Crest Imaging (ECI), the one-stop-shop for all your media needs! We specialize in providing a wide range of services, including general media, event aerial imagery and cinematography, exterior real estate photography and cinematography, and action sports photography and cinematography.

At ECI, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and our focus on building strong connections with our local communities. We are building a fleet of skilled UAV pilots, photographers, and specialists who will work tirelessly to bring your vision to life. Our services include visual floor plan walkthroughs, drone mapping, 3D modeling, and inspections, enabling us to establish a multi-industrial media business that can meet all your needs.

We understand that in today's fast-paced world, time is of the essence. That's why we strive to make it easy for you to access our services. We market ourselves through word of mouth, tabling, and social media, and we offer a blog that showcases our expertise and community connections.

The demand for aerial photography and cinematography is on the rise, and ECI is poised to take advantage of this growing trend. We plan to compete by staying ahead of the curve with technological advancements, cost competitiveness, marketing strategies, and excellent customer service.

So whether you're looking to capture stunning aerial footage of your next event or need professional real estate photography and cinematography, look no further than Eagle Crest Imaging. Let us help you bring your vision to life!


 

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2023.Spring.SLP_SavannaBradfordHonest Jewelers - Third Place Winner

Savanna Bradford, Clayton, NC

Senior, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management

Welcome to Honest Jewelers, a company passionate about transforming the jewelry industry and bringing customers and sellers closer together.

For too long, the industry has been tainted by dishonesty and greed, leaving customers disillusioned and disconnected from their loved products. But at Honest Jewelers, we believe that jewelry should be more than just a commodity, it should be a cherished part of your life that reflects your values and style.

At Honest Jewelers, we offer sustainable, affordable, and high-quality jewelry you can proudly wear. Our prices are only a quarter of traditional jewelry prices, making it accessible to people of all incomes. We also provide eco-friendly jewelry design, repair, and stone replacement services, so you can keep your jewelry looking and feeling like new for years to come.

But that's not all. We also offer consultative jewelry assessment services, which help maximize the profits of secondhand stores by providing the information they need to successfully market and sell their pieces. And as the first business of its kind to offer a traveling appraisal service for smaller shops, we are already receiving high demand.

At Honest Jewelers, honesty, gemstone education, and equality are at the core of our values. We believe that everyone should have access to gemstone appreciation, regardless of their income.

Join us on our mission to provide affordable, sustainable, and honest jewelry to customers and make gemstone appreciation accessible to everyone. At Honest Jewelers, we are passionate about what we do. We believe that jewelry should be more than just a product. Instead, it should reflect your personality, values, and style. So why not join us today and experience the difference for yourself? We guarantee you won't regret it!


 

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2023.Spring.SLP_JoshKohnNorthstate Equity

Josh Kohn, Raleigh, North Carolina

Senior, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Are you ready to revolutionize the home-selling process? Meet Northstate Equity - a passionate, technology-driven, and self-sufficient team that aims to empower homeowners facing problematic situations. With traditional real estate agents failing to provide viable solutions, Northstate Equity steps in to offer a range of options, including outright purchase, working with investors, creative finance solutions, and referral to an agent.

What makes Northstate Equity unique is our ability to match motivated sellers with investors, resulting in an impressive 64% net profit margin achieved with their bootstrapped business model. In addition, our team is committed to providing personalized, off-market selling processes that get homeowners the best price possible for their property.

In a competitive landscape where real estate agents dominate the market, Northstate Equity stands out with our innovative approach to lead generation, utilizing data-driven and technology-based processes to reach motivated sellers.  We bring a unique perspective and approach to the industry.

Northstate Equity's success is rooted in our teamwork, passion for real estate, and commitment to providing valuable solutions to homeowners. As full-time college students, we have already achieved an impressive track record, closing on our 7th deal in just three years of operation.

Join us on our journey to revolutionize the real estate industry and make a difference in the lives of homeowners everywhere.


 

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Taylor PittTrailware - Second Place Winner

Taylor Pitt, Nashville, North Carolina

Senior, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design (Product Design)

Are you an outdoor enthusiast who loves camping or backpacking? If so, you probably know how frustrating it can be to pack bulky, heavy utensils and messy, wasteful condiment packets for your meals. That's why we created Trailware - the ultimate solution to your outdoor dining needs.

Our compact, reusable utensil set dispenses condiments, like salt and pepper, from inside the handle, saving space in your backpack and reducing waste. Our innovative product is lightweight, durable, and designed with sustainability in mind. It allows you to enjoy the convenience of having both the utensil and condiment in your hand at any given moment, making adding flavor to your camping food super easy.

Unlike other solutions in the market, Trailware combines two products that take up space when camping or backpacking, providing a unique value proposition. We are committed to eradicating the idea that camping food has to taste bad by making it super convenient to add some flavor.

Join us in revolutionizing the way we enjoy food in nature with Trailware. Say goodbye to bulky, heavy utensils and messy, wasteful condiment packets, and hello to a more sustainable and convenient way of enjoying outdoor meals.