Shark Tank’n RMU style took place in Dr. John Stakeley’s Entrepreneurship evening class last Wednesday, April 24th in Hale Hall on the campus of Robert Morris University.  Five student teams pitched their product and/or service in a jam packed 15-minute pitch to a panel of judges, one of which was myself, and included a current and former RMU student and Entrepreneurship professionals from the neighboring Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area in Moon Township.  With this being my first time as a panel judge I had no idea of what to expect other than my experience watching the original Shark Tank on ABC, I went into the experience with an open mind to expand my horizon and help others at the same time.  The RMU students competed not for a prize, but for an investment in their newly created ‘company.’  While no investments were made by the judges, all of the student teams were like sponges, soaking up the constructive feedback the judges offered.  I know that learning never ends and you can always be more prepared for the next time, whether that is a pitch for an investment in your company or ready for that next at bat by practicing by listening to your batting coach and/or taking extra batting practice before a game.  As a Professor myself, I have had the privilege to teach hundreds of students with the goal of providing nuggets of beneficial information I have learned over the years, so that they are ultimately, a little more prepared for their career than when they first enrolled in my class.  Dr. John Stakeley gives his students that and more by using the Shark Tank style project and presentations as building blocks to prepare each student for the next chapter in their life, their professional career, where they will be tested in similar ways by having to answer questions from people they may or may not know about the viability of their company, product, service and whether there is a market for their offering/s.  A big part of my character is giving back and helping others.  Some may say they give back and help others, when they don’t.  I believe in not just talking the talk to what may be popular in society, social media or is convenient at a point in time, but actually walking the walk and showing that what I stand for is backed up by action.  I didn’t hesitate to drive an hour and a half away from home, participate in Shark Tank’n at Robert Morris University at Dr. John Stakelely’s class to take part in helping others.  I salute Dr. John Stakeley for not only how he is preparing his students for the workforce, but also for how genuine, nice and caring he is for others.  I thank him for inviting me to participate and wish you as a reader to find what you are good at and passionate about and go for it, not just when it’s convenient. 

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