Kennesaw State University students participated in the fourth annual TK Elevator Pitch Competition, held at TK Elevator’s Atlanta offices. The event is a signature activity for KSU’s Professional Sales program and challenges students to deliver a 60-second personal brand pitch while riding in one of Atlanta’s fastest elevators.
This year, 28 students competed, with four advancing to the final round in TK Elevator’s production studio. The finale was live-streamed and judged by company executives and TKE leadership.
Jacob Orr, a senior majoring in Entrepreneurship, won this year’s competition. During his pitch, he said: “TK Elevator consistently serves its customers with the safest and most innovative solutions. This aligns perfectly with my mission to effectively serve others, which I’m going to utilize in solutions that continue to keep the world moving forward.”
Orr had placed second in last year’s contest and credited that experience for his current success. After winning, he stated: “That was the first time I got to make a real splash with the sales team. To come back again and finally take first place is an immaculate feeling. I’ve got to thank TKE, my coaches, and everyone I’ve practiced with. This wouldn’t be possible without all their resources and support.”
The competition emphasizes teamwork within KSU’s Professional Sales program as students prepare their pitches with help from faculty members, peers, family, and even strangers on campus.
Third-place finalist Aamiyah Smith commented on her preparation process: “In a way, everyone around me has been my mentor. I’ve been asking everyone to listen to my pitch to give me feedback, even random people around campus.”
Brent McCulloch, Senior Lecturer of Professional Sales at KSU’s Michael J. Coles College of Business, highlighted how the event benefits both students and employers: “We have several TK employees now who came from this competition,” he said. “It’s a great way for the company to see our students in action.”
Adam Luckey, Area Vice President at TK Elevator, noted his appreciation for the partnership: “This is an event that we look forward to every year,” he said. “The talent and the effort they bring to the table never ceases to amaze me every single year.”
McCulloch also reflected on what participation means for students: “It’s very gratifying to be a part of this program,” he said. “It’s actually fun to take in students who think sales is a tricky business and manipulative. By the time they go through the sales program, they find that our job is to make people’s lives better. We try to find out what people’s needs are and try to fill those needs.”
The annual competition offers KSU students practical experience pitching themselves while connecting them directly with industry professionals.
