Impressive

Last Wednesday I was a judge for the Tri-State Donald Reynolds Cup (http://www.dwrgovernorscup.org/). This competition includes the top business plans from college students from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Nevada all competing for $100,000 in prize money.

Enter Drew Cleaver and his team from John Brown University in Arkansas. When I first read the business plan I had a smile from ear to ear. His idea is the proverbial “better mousetrap” and the story that goes along with it is exactly what makes this country great. It is simple, ingenious, and will no doubt make Drew a lot of money.

Drew was frustrated with the lack of vertical space in his dorm room closet. So he thought, tinkered and came up with a better clothes hanger that gives you 25% more vertical space for clothes. In 2006 he submitted a patent application and in 2008 he was granted a patent (on his first attempt nonetheless).

Drew is currently in talks with several major manufacturers and distributers including Wal-Mart. Drew won the competition and I have no doubt that we will all see his “Higher Hangers” in stores soon. Bravo Drew. http://www.higherhangers.com/

Next, enter Ben Casnocha. Friday morning a friend invited me to the monthly WIN breakfast in Reno. This month the guest speaker was Ben, a successful businessman, author (My Start-Up Life) and speaker. PoliticsOnline named him one of the "25 most influential people in the world of internet and politics". BusinessWeek recently named Ben "one of America's top young entrepreneurs."

Ben is 21.

It was with curiosity and furrowed brow that I prepared to listened to Ben. I came ready to roll my eyes. “Tell me something interesting you snot nosed kid.”…and he nailed it. Articulate, thoughtful, provocative… I am bewildered at how someone can become so wise and interesting at 21. I don’t know what the future holds for Ben, but it will be glorious. Bravo Ben. http://www.casnocha.com/

Darik