Wisconsin Business World announced three winners of its Kwik Trip Innovation Competition including a De Pere High School student.
The twice-annual contest tasks students to innovate a new product for the Kwik Trip convenience stores, create a marketing plan and present the idea in the format of their choice.
The winners of the Fall 2024 Innovation Competition:
- Jack Schultek– 11th grade – Mount Horeb High School
- Caleb Riebe – 9th grade – De Pere High School
- Owen Berryhill – 8th grade – Waunakee Middle School
“We really believe that business is a force for good in Wisconsin communities,” said Senior Director of Wisconsin Business World Michelle Grajkowski. “We also know innovation and entrepreneurship are the cornerstone of business. Our goal with this contest is to encourage young students to be innovative problem-solvers and understand how that skill can be utilized in a business setting.”
Riebe’s idea is a dog treat dispenser that he said is similar to the store’s coffee dispensers and would offer treats in three different quantities. Schultek proposed a gas pump bill accepter and Berryhill pitched a battery vending machine.
Each entry included a presentation on the product and a marketing strategy identifying a target audience and explaining how the product would increase consumer sales.
“We depend on innovation and creativity,” shared Kwik Trip’s Industry and Trade Association Manager Joe Zietlow. “This contest is a fun way to help students channel their creativity to solve real-world problems.”
The contest was open to Wisconsin students in grades 6-12. All projects were submitted between October 2024 – January 2025. The winners each received a $500 cash prize.
