Coronavirus Update: Event canceled.
The University of Findlay has been in close contact with Governor DeWine’s Office regarding the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) in order to ensure that we have the most current information about the evolving situation. Even though there are no campus-associated cases of COVID-19, we will be proactive in our effort to prevent illness and promote a healthful campus environment.
With these proactive measures in mind, we are canceling this event.
The University of Findlay has established a Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information web page to provide specific guidance for the University community along with up-to-date information.
Showcase your leadership and innovation skills
Every year, University of Findlay students have the opportunity to showcase their leadership and innovation skills in the business industry in the Innovative Leadership Challenge! The purpose of the Innovative Leadership Challenge is to promote leadership skills, problem-solving, and creative thinking. The competition
is open to ALL students to compete individually or in teams of two to five students.
$12,000 in prize money will be awarded!
Thank you to the Garner Entrepreneurial Endowment for making this possible!
Finalists compete in front of a panel of judges. The 2019 judges included:
Sherri Garner Brumbaugh - CEO and president of Garner Trucking, Inc.
Susan Treece - co-owner of Findlay Brewing Company
Carla Treadway - entrepreneur and owner of Tread’s Gym
Julie Williamson-Wright - Vice President of Organizational Chain Management at Information Services Group (ISG)
How It Works
Students choose one of three categories to compete in:
Innovative Leadership. This category will consist of individuals or teams of two to five students. Contestants will compose an event such as a new class, club or seminar. The goal is to promote leadership on campus. All logistics for the event need to be outlined in submission.
Innovative Business. This category is similar to The Innovation Competition from previous years with an additional element of leadership. It gives individuals or teams of two to five students a chance to learn more about innovation and entrepreneurship through the development of an idea, creation of a business model, and delivery of a final presentation. Ideas must be based on a sustainable business model that would benefit City of Findlay businesses and services.
Innovative Solution. In this category, teams of two to five students will have the opportunity to come up with a real solution to a specific problem on campus. Teams will submit their solutions to a preliminary problem and a selection committee will determine the top solutions to then proceed to the finals. For the finals, the top groups will be given another campus-specific problem and will present their innovative solutions to a panel of judges who will determine the top three winners.
Contestants from each category go through a selection process before moving on to the final round. Each category in the final round will be judged by local business leaders that showcase exceptional entrepreneurial and leadership qualities.
2020 Entry Forms
To submit your entry, click on the link to the corresponding entry form below. The deadline to register is
Monday, March 16 at 5 p.m.
If you have any questions, please direct them via email to
[email protected].
2019 Winners
Innovative Leadership 1st – Active Campus Emergency Seminar (A.C.E.S.)
Nicole Bosserman proposed an on-campus seminar to increase awareness of active shooter emergency plans, provide knowledge and tools on active shooter situations, and allow individuals to get first aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certifications.
2nd – 4 Paws for Ability
This is a non-profit organization based in Xenia, Ohio, that places quality service dogs with children with disabilities and veterans who have lost use of limbs or hearing and educate the public regarding use of service dogs in public places. Rachael Quandt proposed an on-campus club that would foster 4 Paws puppies to enhance their socialization and obedience training.
3rd – Fearless Financial Club
Bonnie Vue presented her idea for a club that would educate students how to capitalize on financial freedom.
Innovative Business 1st – SudHub
Aaron Overhiser and Marissa Pellis presented their cellphone application that would provide a simpler and more secure laundry process for university students. The app would utilize all-in-one washer-dryer units with Wi-Fi capabilities to send notifications when loads are complete or when machines are available.
2nd – BLURRY
Sergio Palacio Martinez proposed an organization that would employ recovering addicts in a pottery and flower business. The employed individuals would use their story of recovery to inspire the pottery design and the act of gardening as a sort of rehabilitation.
3rd – Pathfinder
Nicole Bosserman presented her idea for a equine consulting company, where she would travel to various barns and business to train and provide equine business advice.
Organizational Case Study
1st – Circle K
2nd – Truck Club
3rd – Accounting Club
To view more photos of the 2019 Innovative Leadership Challenege, click here.