After a long drive the night before and only a few hours of sleep, we arrived at the ASU center for Sustainability for an 8 am introductory breakfast with the judges and competition. The judges introduced themselves and the Walmart representative, Amanda Madrid, described Walmart’s role in accomplishing a sustainable future. The judges included executives from Hormel Foods, General Mills, and Valley Forward. The host team, Arizona State University, was selected to go first. Our team, GreenCounting, waited outside.

            Once the ASU team finished, we had 5 minutes to setup and go. After some minor technical difficulties, our presentation ran smoothly. Thankfully, Ed, Becky and I had been in the same group during the presentation skills workshop with Professor Lee, so our synergy and style was noticeable and later praised by the judges . We were now ready to introduce GreenCounting to the panel. Ed opened and laid a solid foundation for the need and solution in the market, Becky broke down an analysis of the market potential, I talked numbers, and Ed wrapped it all up and tied everything back to the core of the competition guidelines. Throughout the presentation, the four panelists were diligently taking notes, and gave many approving nods.

            After 20 minutes of Q&A, they gave us a wealth of information on turning the plan into a viable business. They then excused us from the room, and we were left to wait. The judges deliberated for an hour; a very long hour.

            While waiting, Jay Golden, a professor at the ASU School of Sustainability, approached us to express his passion for sustainable consulting. He shared that he too had started a “green consulting” company out of his home and would love to discuss areas of improvement in our plan regardless of the outcome of the competition.

            During the judges’ deliberation, we had the chance to talk to the ASU team whose company is called TextFinity. It’s really incredible being around such inspiring entrepreneurship and we got some great contacts for future business endeavors. One of the best aspects of this competition, so far, has been the gamut of innovative entrepreneurs with whom we have crossed paths.

           After the judges had made their decision, GreenCounting had lunch with both TextFinity and the judges. We were able to discuss anything we wanted with these high level executives, who, for our benefit, gladly offered us their many years of experience and knowledge on an ongoing basis.

            Then the moment of truth, the decision, “..and the winner is, The Drucker Team!” We Won! The judges announced their selection and we were asked to leave while TextFinity received feedback. We were so thrilled. All that hard work paid off. We came back into the room and listened to about 90 minutes of invaluable feedback, questions and suggestions of how to win the competition in Bentonville, AK - the next stage. The Drucker Team is now representing the South-West region of the United States!

            After the judges’ feedback, we met with Jay Golden for another 90 minutes of very detailed constructive criticism and invaluable advice. Jay has a very diverse background and has been very successful in the green consulting industry for the majority of his career. Speaking to Jay truly re-aligned our focus in the competition and for the business direction of GreenCounting.

We are thrilled with all the opportunities, the networks and the knowledge that we acquired during these last few months. We are proud to continue to bring the Drucker School into a more visible limelight, exactly where our school belongs. So far, this trip has been an unforgettable learning experience in applied business practices, and we’re looking forward to representing CGU in Bentonville, AK.