NW Valley Times

Lucas Patten emerged as the winner of the Canyon Challenge at Grand Canyon University's Sunset Auditorium, showcasing his Powder Pal product that was inspired by his mother's scoldings. Patten attributed his success to his mother, stating, “It started with my mother yelling at me (three years ago),” and emphasized the positive outcome of listening to her, “Listen to mother. It will always pay off, somehow, somewhere.”

The entrepreneurial competition, reminiscent of the popular television show "Shark Tank," featured a panel of judges, including Weston Smith, CEO of LUX Manufacturing, who praised the competitors for their innovative business models. Smith expressed optimism about the potential for all the finalists to expand their ventures beyond the competition, stating, “They all had great business models that we can see all of them really expanding out from this pitch.”

Other notable participants in the Canyon Challenge included Acadex, an artificial intelligence paper-grading system, and QPS (Quick Privacy Screen), aimed at providing privacy to medical emergency victims. Signature Tote Co., which offers eco-friendly bags, secured the People’s Choice Award.

Patten's Powder Pal, Acadex, and Signature Tote Co. all originated from a business execution class taught by Robert Vera at Canyon Ventures. Patten's presentation stood out as he demonstrated the practicality and cost-effectiveness of his product, which drew praise from the judges.

Reflecting on his victory, Patten shared his gratitude for the support received from his peers and mentors, acknowledging the role they played in his success. He also highlighted his plans to explore both business-to-business (B2B) and direct-to-consumer sales for Powder Pal, citing its versatility in various applications.

In addition to the entrepreneurial endeavors, the Canyon Challenge featured a fashion show and showcased students' commitment to allocating a portion of their business profits to charitable causes. The event underscored the entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic values of the participants.

As Patten celebrated his win and the positive reception of his product, he remained humble and appreciative of his journey, acknowledging the impact of his mother's initial scoldings. With plans to focus on expanding Powder Pal, Patten's entrepreneurial journey serves as a testament to the value of listening to parental advice and turning challenges into opportunities.