Campus News

Westminster Students Recognized for Top Student-Founded Businesses in Utah

Utah Student 25 program recognizes top Utah college entrepreneurs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Krista DeAngelis (801) 832-2682

Nov. 6, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY – Three Westminster College MBA students were recognized by the Utah Student 25 program as having the top student-founded businesses in Utah. Ryan Kendrick, (Chocolot Artisan Confections); Matt Carlson, (Four Pillar Fitness); and William Hoster, (H&H Medical Corporation), were recognized at an awards gala at the Grand America Hotel on November 5.

Utah Student 25 is the first statewide competition that recognizes students who accept the challenges of going to school and running a business and welcomes them with open arms into the entrepreneurial community. Utah Student 25 hopes honoring these students will put them on the fast track to entrepreneurial success in Utah.

Kendrick, whose company Chocolot sells artisan chocolates mainly to wholesalers, was excited to hear that his company was being recognized by Utah Student 25.

“We worked really hard to makes sure Chocolot was a success,” he explained. “It’s great to be recognized along with 24 of the top student-founded companies in the state. It was really nice to see that three of Westminster’s teams placed among the top 12 businesses.”

Chocolot Artisan Confections, Four Pillar Fitness and H&H Medical Corporation were ranked eighth, tenth and twelfth respectively. The rankings were based on company growth and revenue.
Utah Student 25 not only recognizes the top student-founded businesses in Utah, but encourages growth and interaction with Utah’s renowned entrepreneurial community. The program helps winners better publicize their achievement, while encouraging economic growth and job creation in the state.

“This type of recognition really motivates me to continue to work hard and improve my business,” said Carlson, who is the current CFO of a comprehensive fitness training facility called Four Pillar Fitness. “I really feel it will help me take my company to the next level.”

All three business students were involved in Westminster’s Institute for New Enterprise, which helps students foster and develop the skills critical to successful entrepreneurial leadership.

“The Institute for New Enterprise has a lot of great resources for entrepreneurs, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for Westminster,” Carlson said. “This program has really given me the tools I need to succeed.”

Also recognized for their companies were students from BYU, Utah Valley University, University of Utah and Utah State University.

About Utah Student 25
The Utah Student 25 is an entrepreneurial competition for collegiate students throughout the state of Utah. It's an opportunity for student entrepreneurs to showcase their abilities in the business world, as well as their company or small business. This group is a great way for entrepreneurs to support each other, learn about the competition and to enter to see if you are Utah's elite entrepreneur. For more information, visit http://utahstudent25.wordpress.com/.

The Institute for New Enterprise
Westminster’s Institute for New Enterprise’s mission is to help individuals create organizations that promote independence and self-sufficiency, and make significant contributions to our communities. To accomplish this, the institute provides extensive training in the skills of entrepreneurial leadership: innovating, validating, planning, funding and launching new ventures. The institute offers an exciting learning format that bridges the gap between formal education and real-world experience. To learn more, go to http://www.westminstercollege.edu/ine

About Westminster
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information visit http://www.westminstercollege.edu or follow WestminsterSLC or WestminsterPR on Twitter.