Mobile Beverage Service Business Wins Mandan Pitch Challenge

March 24, 2022 — The winner of Mandan’s 2022 Business Pitch Challenge held yesterday is Bubbles and Brews ND, a mobile beverage service by Cassidy Hartman and Krysten Faehnrich. The partners receive $1,000 in monetary prizes, the chance to be eligible for up to a $10,000 forgivable loan from the Mandan Growth Fund, plus a host of other prizes to assist on their entrepreneurial journey. Their plan, focusing on guest experience, emerged from a field of 11 initial entrants and four finalists. Audience members also selected them for a people’s choice award.

First runner-up is Send-It! 24/7 Cornhole, a recreational venue planned by Brad Anderson, Jed Geer and Brandon Koch. They intend to locate a court for 16 sets of cornhole boards at 1700 E Main St.

Third place honors go to The Sew Connection, a space for custom sewing, sales and classes offered by Bianca Deloreschild at 104 Second Ave NW. The other finalist is Randy Lang of Saffpower, involving processing, distribution and sales of hand sanitizer and other products made with safflower oil.

All finalists received prizes plus coaching from the N.D. Small Business Development Centers.

See the award list and donors at cityofmandan.com/businesspitch.

Judges were:

  • Dr. Kimberly Bloms, owner of Kids in Motion Pediatric Therapy & Wellness and first runner-up in the inaugural 2018 Pitch Challenge;
  • Darren Haugen, Mandan Tomorrow – Economic Opportunity & Prosperity Committee member and vice president of business banking at Starion Bank;
  • Tim Helbling, Mandan mayor and owner of Corral Sales RV Superstore;
  • Mike Kennedy, partner in Copper Dog Cafe and governor’s deputy communications director; and
  • Roxi Pfliiger, vice president of sales and marketing for Dakota Business Lending.

Judges evaluated applications and executive summaries of business plans submitted by finalists as well as their live pitch presentations and responses to questions. Criteria included thoroughness; innovativeness; target customer identification; market fit; public benefits to Mandan; scalability; strength of leadership team; use of prizes and support services; feasibility; effectiveness of presentation; expertise in responding to questions; and ultimately, if the plan is bankable or investable.

The Mandan Tomorrow - Economic Opportunity and Prosperity Committee hosted the competition with assistance from the City of Mandan Business Development Department, Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC.

The Mandan “Business Pitch Challenge” is part of a 2022 business education series sponsored by Bank of North Dakota, BNC National Bank, Bravera Bank, Capital Credit Union, CRA Group, Dakota Business Lending, Dakota Community Bank and Trust, Daniel Companies, First Community Credit Union, First International Bank and Trust, First Western Bank and Trust, Gate City Bank, Goodhart and Associates, Haga Kommer CPAs, Knutson Companies, Lewis and Clark Development Group, Railway Credit Union, Rise Property Brokers, Security First Bank, and Starion Bank.