School of Business hosts inaugural sales competition with King’s Hawaiian

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Business hosted the inaugural KU Professional Selling Program/King’s Hawaiian Sales Competition virtually April 9-10.

Students from KU as well as University of Central Missouri, University of Georgia, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, Oklahoma State University, Texas Tech University and Villanova University participated in the competition, sponsored and judged exclusively by King’s Hawaiian.

Events included an individual speed-selling competition and a three-round, tournament-style team case competition, which featured a business situation designed by King’s Hawaiian. Winners received cash prizes and were recognized during an awards ceremony.

The winners of the team case competition:

• First place: University of Kansas ($3,000)
• Second place: University of Georgia ($2,000)
• Third place: University of Minnesota ($1,000)

The winners of the individual speed-selling competition:

• First place: William Sullivan, University of Missouri ($300)
• Second place: Yarizette Sequeria, Villanova University ($200)
• Third place: Elijah Morris, University of Georgia ($100)

“I am delighted that we had the opportunity to challenge the next generation of sales professionals with a 90-second selling scenario and complex case study — both skills are imperative to have a successful career in consultative sales,” said Kristen Helling, director of the KU School of Business Professional Selling Program.

In addition to participating in the competition, students had the opportunity to hear from and network with members of King’s Hawaiian’s sales team and top executives. The School of Business plans to continue the competition in partnership with King’s Hawaiian on an annual basis.

“Each team did a fantastic job of applying their real-life and academic knowledge throughout the competition,” said Zach Vitztum, director of sales and retail operations for King’s Hawaiian. “King’s Hawaiian is proud to have brought this vision to life with the University of Kansas Professional Selling Program and looks forward to making this a world-class competition for the years to come.”

Photo: From left, Clara Riggio, McKenna Wolcott, Grace Reeves, Bryce Beck, AnnMarie Growney.