Rider University Takes Third Place in National Small Business Institute Consulting Project of the Year, Showcasing Exceptional Student Talent and Commitment to Practical Solutions

Rider University recently achieved third place in the national Small Business Institute Consulting Project of the Year competition, showcasing its exceptional talent and commitment to practical solutions. The competition, established in 1976, offers valuable opportunities for college students to engage in direct client interaction and analysis. Rider has been participating since 1998 and has accumulated a total of 40 top 10 finishes in both undergraduate and graduate divisions.

Dr. Ron Cook, a professor of entrepreneurial studies and the director of Rider’s SBI program, expressed his delight at the recognition of the students’ hard work. He commended Rider’s outstanding performance in the competition, stating that it showcases what can be achieved when exceptional students collaborate to develop practical and effective solutions for clients.

The team that placed third in this year’s competition consisted of Kaitlyn Kurfuss ’23, Lindsey Mulrooney ’23, Doris Martin ’23, and Ryan Dougherty ’23. The team’s task was to create a consulting report for Wolf Tree Wilderness Therapy in Ithaca, New York, as part of a fall 2022 consulting class led by Dr. Cook. Wolf Tree specializes in Wilderness Therapy programs and Mindful Outdoor Experiences within the psychotherapy and wilderness therapy industries.

Kurfuss shared her insights from working with Wolf Tree, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience with a real business. She noted that textbooks can only provide so much information but working directly with a business offers a unique opportunity to learn about various aspects of managing a business, including marketing, finances, and legal considerations.

David Molnar ’76, Rider’s entrepreneur-in-residence and former vice president of sales at Heraeus Sensor Technology provided mentoring and industry expertise to the team through weekly meetings. His guidance was instrumental in their success in the competition.

Overall, Rider University’s exceptional performance in this year’s Small Business Institute Consulting Project highlights their commitment to providing their students with valuable experiences that prepare them for real-world success.