By Fatima Magana '22

ALLIANCE- The annual Raider Tank competition from the School of Business at the University of Mount Union recently invited students from all types of concentrations to participate in this semester’s competition.

Raider Tank encourages students in the business program to participate though, anyone who takes Dr. Michael Kachilla’s introduction to entrepreneurship course can pitch an idea to be eligible to participate. Students who participated faced three judges and pitched their project in three minutes or less.

Student winners and judges with Dr. Michael Kachilla

Michael Cline ’26, art major, pitched his business MCline Designs,a one-stop shop, custom graphic design company that specializes in creative visual communication, won first place. Garrett O’Connell ’24, public relations major, pitched both his t-shirt company and his security device which won second and third places.

“As I aspire to continue growing my business, participating in the competition has helped me gain feedback from experts while applying in-class concepts, and therefore, help others solve problems with creative solutions,” said Cline.

Growing up in a household that appreciated the fine arts such as theatre and graphic design, it was obvious that Cline’s passion for the visual arts would lead him to his career. As a returning participant, Cline reinforced his communication skills which he finds important as that skill will determine his business prosperity.

Cline '26 at Art Fest 2023

“Being a business and entrepreneurship double minor and my recurrent participation in campus events like Art Fest and Raider Tank have taught me that if I have a passion for something, I should not wait to pursue it,” said Cline.

A transfer student, O’Connell, was inspired to participate in Raider Tank because he enjoys finding solutions to problems. Pitching his t-shirt company in the competition allowed him to demonstrate that student organizations need creative and eye-catching apparel. Garrett also found inspiration for his second pitch when his car’s battery died and he knew he needed to find his own solution, creating a security device called “HONK.”

O'Connell '24

Being in this field has taught O’Connell that not everyone will like his ideas or projects, but to succeed, he must keep trying because there will be one person who will like them. “I’ve participated in Raider Tank three times of which this is the first that I win twice,” said O'Connell. One of the many skills that Raider Tank taught him, is commitment.

Like Raider Tank, Mount Union offers many more opportunities that enhance students’ hands-on and networking skills. Check them out here.