Seneca CEO class pitches business ideas

TIFFIN — The Seneca County Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities program recently congratulated its newest class of alumni. The CEO program, a yearlong class for high school juniors and seniors offers students two high school credits while they learn about the ups and downs of owning a business. Over the course of the year, students heard from guest speakers, helped run a business with classmates and wrote their own business plan which they can turn pursue after graduation. Four different business plans were presented at a showcase Thursday evening at the Financial Design Agency of Ohio on E. Perry St. in Tiffin. Owner and operator of Brick By Brick Events Sidney Brickner said the business will plan corporate events. "I'll do everything from planning to promotion.," Brickner said. She said she was able to pare down services to fit every budget. Ryan Aldelsperger, founder of Next Level Hoops, offers basketball programming for every skill level. By working with students one-on-one or in small groups, Adelsperger said his training program is not like every other program out there. What makes his program different, he said, is that he also incorporates a mental aspect that is often overlooked. "Even if you've never touched a ball, I'm willing to help," he said. By boosting a player's confidence, he said he is sure to make them a better player. Braylan Mullholland, owner of Bray's Rips, offering "great cards at a great price," said he started the business as an ode to childhood nostalgia. He has always liked collecting Pokemon playing cards and wanted to help others find the best cards. Leo Diamantopoulos, CEO of Plate Space, says his goal is to offer "an easy experience to host and cater events for groups large or small while creating and supporting relationships with local venues and businesses to grow sales." When asked how he came up with such a unique idea, Diamontopolous said he started thinking about where people "want to be lazy." Why make one hundred phone calls to plan an event when it can be done all in one place? Plate Space looks to make planning events of all sizes easy and less time-consuming. Program facilitator Judy Dezse said she was proud of the progress of this year's class and looked forward to seeing what else the students would achieve after graduation. "This year's CEO class may have been small in number, but they were mighty in every other way," Dezse said. "Representing four different schools, these students came together as a cohesive and dedicated team. Their drive, generosity, competitiveness, and work ethic have been truly inspiring. From their success in the badge business to the class business, individual ventures, banker's day, the pitch competition, and the trade show, they embraced every challenge and opportunity to grow. It's been incredibly rewarding to watch their growth from the first day of class to the last."