MOUNT VERNON — Three Mount Vernon High School students won a Capital University business competition that took place over the last few months.
- Kyler Howard won first place, securing $1,000
- Grant Mesarchik won second place, securing $500
- Gage Kuhlman won third place, securing $250
The three students were led by high school business teacher Chris Kirkhope.
The Capital University Comet Sales Challenge superintendent designed for high school and community college students in Columbus included a field of 75.
It aimed to develop sales skills through practical role-play scenarios mimicking real-world business interactions, products and services provided by AT&T.
Buyer Diamond Solutions is planning to add a new location in Ohio and they need a wireless service provider. This is where the competition lies.
Through the competition, Mount Vernon High School students enhanced their sale skills through business scenarios, apply sales techniques and interact with professionals to gain insight into business-to-business sales process.
The competition is encapsulated in three rounds:
- Round One: (March 18-22, remote) Students secure a follow-up interview.
- Round Two: (April 12 held at Capital University) Students lead a meeting with the IT Director to explore mobility, internet and cybersecurity.
- Round Three: (April 12 held at Capital University) Students close a deal with the CEO and IT director. They address the company’s needs, while finalizing the sales process and securing a follow-up meeting.
How the students prepared
Howard, Mesarchik and Kuhlman spent several days after school practicing mock interviews, with one playing the role as the buyer, making sure to stay under the mandatory 10-minute mark.
“I think that’s what helped us the most,” Howard said.
“I came in here and practiced with these guys as much as we could,” Howard said. “After you knew the phone plans, there wasn’t really any studying or anything you could do … just running it through your head a few times and making sure you say the right things.”
Another key to the students’ success was having multiple plans for the new branch to choose from.
The preparation and skills learned throughout the competition made a lasting impact on the judges.
“I just wanted to say how well your students did in the competition,” AT&T Sales Manager Satino Fallucco said to Kirkhope in an email. “I can’t believe these kids are still only in high school.
“I have been in AT&T for over eight years and your students are already selling better and more prepared than most of my sales reps in my stores.
“If I could hire them today, I would.”