KU Professional Selling Program, King’s Hawaiian mark sixth year of sales competition with record participation

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Business Professional Selling Program hosted the sixth annual KU Professional Selling Program/King’s Hawaiian Sales Competition April 7-8 at the KU Conference Center, continuing the event’s yearly growth.

This year’s competition outgrew previous years, with 15 new and returning teams from across the country that included the KU School of Business as well as the University of Arizona, Asbury University, Ball State University, Boise State University, University of Central Missouri, Colorado State University, University of Georgia, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota, University of Texas at Austin and Weber University.

Students competed in a two-minute, individual speed-selling competition and a three-round, tournament-style team case competition. Nearly 70 King’s Hawaiian employees traveled to Lawrence to serve as judges for all rounds. They represented different brands under the Irresistible Foods Group (IFG), the parent company of King’s Hawaiian, and its product portfolio.

Winners of the team case competition

• University of Iowa ($4,000)
• University of Kansas ($3,000)
• University of Minnesota ($2,000).

Winners of the individual speed-selling competition

• Alison Kunkel, North Dakota State University ($600)
• Austin Busch, University of Iowa ($500)
• Ray Hernandez, Colorado State University ($400)
• Grace Schultz, University of Minnesota ($300)
• Jake Ring, University of North Dakota ($200)
• Katheryn Quevedo Chagua, Colorado State University ($100).

“As an educator, I’m grateful to King’s Hawaiian for partnering with us to host a sales competition that provided students with meaningful, real-world experiential learning,” said Kristen Helling, director of the Professional Selling Program. “Opportunities like this are invaluable in preparing and launching the next generation of sales professionals, giving them practical skills they simply can’t gain in the classroom alone.”

The competition started in 2021 as a virtual competition due to COVID-19 precautions and featured eight schools. Since then, it has grown year over year, with new teams participating and representing universities across the U.S. Competition materials are designed to showcase IFG’s various products, including Grillo’s Pickles and Killer Brownies, and to introduce students to real-world scenarios with real products.

“This year’s competition at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium was truly special from both a venue and performance standpoint, said Zach Vitztum, vice president, people experience at King’s Hawaiian. “From the real-world King’s Hawaiian case to the level of preparation and professionalism shown by students from across the country, it was a powerful reminder of how strong the future of sales really is. Watching teams blend classroom learning with real-life selling skills over the last two days was impressive, and we’re excited to continue our exclusive partnership with the University of Kansas and the Professional Selling Program. We can’t wait to be back next year for what continues to be one of the best sales competitions in the nation.”