Fifth annual KU Professional Selling Program/King’s Hawaiian Sales Competition sees continued record participation

LAWRENCE – The University of Kansas School of Business Professional Selling program marked a new milestone with the fifth annual KU Professional Selling Program/King’s Hawaiian Sales Competition April 4–5 at Capitol Federal Hall.

This year’s competition featured a record 14 new and returning teams from across the country that included the University of Kansas School of Business as well as the University of Arizona, Ball State University, Boise State University, University of Central Missouri, Colorado State University, University of Georgia, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of North Dakota, University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University and University of Wyoming.

The event is sponsored and judged by King’s Hawaiian. Nearly 70 employees of Irresistible Foods Group (IFG), the parent company of King’s Hawaiian, came to Lawrence to judge the two-minute, individual speed-selling competition and three-round, tournament-style team case competition. Winners received cash prizes and were recognized during an awards ceremony.

Winners of the team case competition

• First place: University of Central Missouri ($4,000)
• Second place: University of Minnesota Twin Cities ($3,000)
• Third place: University of Texas at Austin ($2,000)

Winners of the individual speed-selling competition

• First place: Kira Kuebelbeck, University of Minnesota Twin Cities ($600)
• Second place: Stella Corenthal, University of Georgia ($500)
• Third place: Meghan Fries, University of Nebraska-Lincoln ($400)
• Fourth place: Keyara Beck, University of Arizona ($300)
• Fifth place: Grace Hughes, University of Minnesota Twin Cities ($200)
• Honorable mentions: Juliana Defino, University of Georgia; Maya Engeholm, University of Minnesota Twin Cities; Alex Gales, Boise State University; Mason Mahoney, University of Arizona; Lyman Pattison, Colorado State University ($100 each).

“I want to sincerely thank King’s Hawaiian for their invaluable support and celebrate the incredible opportunity of experiential learning provided to 56 students,” said Kristen Helling, director of the professional selling program. “These hands-on experiences are essential in preparing the next generation of sales professionals for real-world success. I can’t imagine working with a better partner or engaging in a more professional, high-value collaboration. Together, we are creating a model of growth that bridges education and industry in meaningful ways.”  

IFG incorporated its portfolio of products, including Grillo’s Pickles and Killer Brownies, into this year’s case study and speed-selling challenge, giving students exposure to authentic, market-facing sales scenarios.

“The fifth annual competition with the University of Kansas was a huge success,” said Zach Vitztum, vice president of sales at IFG. “Every year, we’re impressed by how much these students grow and how they represent the future of sales. At King’s Hawaiian, we think it’s important to support students and give them a chance to apply what they’ve learned. This competition gives them a real-world taste of sales, and it’s a win-win for both the students and our team. Our partnership with the University of Kansas is one of the best ones in the industry, and it’s awesome to see the students take what they’ve learned in the classroom and use it in a hands-on way. We’re excited to keep growing this event and watch it continue to bring out the best in these students.”