Brandi Wylie ’24 

Cohen Kellogg ’26, a finance major from Deephaven, Minnesota, claimed the top $4,000 prize Thursday night during the eighth Terrier Startup Challenge in McMillan Theater in the Mungo Student Center.

Kellogg’s venture Window Washing Guy and 12 other concepts created by students were featured during the pitch competition. Each team had four minutes to present their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win a portion of $10,000 in startup funding. 

“It means so much to be able to invest these funds in my dream,” Kellogg says. “I am going to work on trademarking my company, buying marketing materials and advertisements and putting together the next steps for franchising.”

Zion Sampson ’26, a biology major from Aiken, South Carolina, placed second with his pitch for Pre-Dent & Prevent. He plans to use his $3,000 winnings to replenish his stock of dental products and to seek other fundraising opportunities.

“It means a lot to know that other people really believe in the concept of providing dental care to those who are in need,” Sampson says. “It definitely makes me want to dive deeper into this work and really give it my all.”

Sarah Greenlee ’24, a Spanish and international affairs double major from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and David Stachura ’25, a Spanish and finance double major from Athens, Georgia, placed third and earned $2,000 with their pitch for Dave’s Decluttering and Cleaning. Their concept was also voted “fan favorite,” a prize worth $500. 

Greenlee and Stachura will use their winnings to purchase cleaning tools and supplies to start their business. 

Evie Lutz ’24, a finance major from Smyrna, Georgia, claimed fourth place and $1,000 with her pitch for Take Care Services. 

“I come from a family of entrepreneurs,” Lutz says. “Winning this prize has shown me the power of entrepreneurship and continued innovation. I believe startups are fundamental to the success of our communities. I’m proud to be part of this.” 

This year’s judges were Jason Hill ’19, vice president of finance at OneSpartanburg Inc.; Sam Ragland, partner and owner of Moe’s Original BBQ in Spartanburg; and Christy Parris ’95, vice president and co-owner of P.A.R. Grading and Hauling