NW Valley Times

Chase Hanson, a junior at Grand Canyon University, presented his product Laundry Lad during the Canyon Challenge pitch event. The device aims to prevent detergent pods from sticking to clothes in washers. Despite a strong presentation, Hanson was advised by an IDEA Club official to slow down his speech.

The Canyon Challenge is GCU's entrepreneurial competition akin to "Shark Tank." Participants must present their pitches twice before IDEA Club officials and members at the Colangelo College of Business lobby for a chance to compete. Caleb McCandliss, president of the IDEA Club, emphasized that while clever products can attract attention, poor delivery can detract from their impact.

Hanson found the experience beneficial despite initial nerves. “It was a little nerve-wracking but a good experience,” he said. His second presentation showed improvement with fewer lingering questions.

Robert Vera, founding director of Canyon Ventures and business execution class instructor, stressed the importance of practice in refining ideas and presentations. “It's knowledge plus practice plus talent," he stated.

The pitch sessions are designed to prepare candidates for the $6,000-in-prizes Canyon Challenge scheduled for December 5 at Sunset Auditorium. Contestants must convince judges within five minutes about their product's benefits and address various questions regarding costs and environmental impact.

Senior Ainsley Ross expressed confidence in her product WakeShare but acknowledged areas for improvement in public speaking. “I definitely need to be better about engaging with the audience,” she noted.

IDEA Club Vice President Sarah LeDrew highlighted the progress seen between candidates' first and second pitch events and emphasized providing constructive feedback rather than criticism.

Jake Leyden received feedback on focusing more on his skin moisturizing product rather than problems with existing products during his pitch for The Bar Above. Despite limited preparation time, Leyden found value in participating: “Fail fast. If you will.”

Hanson began developing Laundry Lad after enrolling in Vera's class in September and received assistance from Lucas Patten, last spring’s Canyon Challenge winner, who helped create a prototype using a 3D printer.

Vera encouraged students to memorize their pitches as actors do scripts: “First you write it, then you practice it, and then you perform it.”