Ten teams of St. John’s University students pitched business ideas as part of their Introductory Management class – a required core course within the Peter J. Tobin College of Business. The competition strives to boost students’ preparedness and confidence for future pitch opportunities both within the university and beyond. The event was hosted by Professor Bill Reisel on December 8, 2025, at the university’s Venture & Innovation Center (VIC).
The winning team of students pitched a concept called “NoDrips” which is a portable morphable coaster that aims to halt and prevent cups irritating condensation. The pitch team was comprised of finance major Brody Hergott of Richland, Michigan, finance major Hope Polishan of Scranton, Pennsylvania, biochemistry major Kristina Sheludenko of Manorville, New York and business major Sam Soleimani of Great Neck, New York. The students are studying under the instruction and mentorship of Professor Roger Hans.
The winning team members shared how the experience has enhanced their journey.
“Through the First-Year Pitch competition, I learned how to structure and communicate a clear business plan, develop an original product, and collaborate effectively within a small group to deliver the strongest possible pitch,” shared Brody Hergott.
“My most notable takeaway from this experience is to have confidence in myself, whether that means merely making suggestions to my group or successfully presenting in VIC,” said Hope Polishan.
“Great teams happen when people learn to trust, listen, and lift each other up,” added Sam Soleimani.
The Tobin College of Business prides itself on numerous experiential-based learning programs by providing pitch opportunities throughout the academic journey. Each spring, Tobin hosts their annual James and Eileen Christmas Business Plan Competition with a $5,000 top prize. St. John's University's campus-wide Venture & Innovation Center supports and mentors students for international pitch development programs like the European Innovation Academy which is hosted on St. John’s campus in Rome, Italy. Recently, a team of student entrepreneurs were awarded funding from prestigious startup accelerator Y Combinator.
Questions about this program may be directed to Professor Bill Reisel. General College of Business media inquiries may be sent to Tobin’s Marketing and Communications Director Grace Kim and Venture & Innovation Center inquiries to Director James Kinsley.
(Pictured from left to right: Academic Department Chair John Angelidis, students Kristina Sheludenko, Hope Polishan, Brody Hergott, Sam Soleimani and Professor Roger Hans. )