The entrepreneurial spirit was on full display at the inaugural Gilbert Business Pitch Contest, hosted by The CATALYST – Gilbert’s Business Resource Center, a strategic partnership between the Gilbert Chamber Foundation and the Town of Gilbert Office of Economic Development. Held at the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences (CRAS) Gilbert campus, the event brought together aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, community supporters, and a distinguished panel of judges for an evening dedicated to innovation, growth, and opportunity.
The contest marked an exciting milestone for The CATALYST, whose mission is to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing access to resources, mentorship, education, and collaborative opportunities. As President and CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, Sarah Watts noted during the event, The CATALYST serves as a hub where ideas become action and ambition becomes success.
A Night of Innovation and Inspiration
Emceed by Gilbert entrepreneur Jon Kowanetz, the evening celebrated the creativity and determination of local business owners competing for cash prizes and strategic business support. Contestants presented seven-minute pitches followed by question-and-answer sessions with the judges, who evaluated each business based on six key criteria:
- Problem and Opportunity
- Innovation and Uniqueness
- Market Understanding and Insight
- Business Model Viability
- Financial Feasibility
- Pitch and Presentation Quality
The competition featured eight impressive entrepreneurs and businesses:
Alex Hernandez Ramos – Tirra
Chayse Hill – RestoTach
Davonna Willis – Pilates 4 Me
Fatima Ahmed – Beauty Hub Vending
Jaye Barbanti – Jodie’s Table
Mary Ellen and Rick Androsky – Watertower Vending
Tina Schaaf – The Executives Agent, LLC
Vianca Martinez – Bondli
Each contestant demonstrated remarkable passion, creativity, and commitment to solving real-world challenges through entrepreneurship, making the judges’ task anything but easy.
Meet the Judges
The contest was evaluated by an accomplished panel of business and community leaders whose expertise spans banking, education, coaching, consulting, entrepreneurship, and business development. The judges included:
- Angela Garmon, Founder and CEO, ARG Coaching & Consulting Group
- Christian Sarver, Senior Vice President and Small Business Manager, National Bank of Arizona
- Gerardo Novoa, Client Success Specialist, Growth Partners Arizona
- Lisa Mont-Ros, Chief Operating Officer, Strategy Ninjas
- Mackenzie Earich, Treasury Management Specialist, Desert Financial Credit Union
- Rich Ganley, Founder and CEO, RECHARGE ROOM by the Positive Impact Alliance
- Stuart Preston, Founder, Cingularis
Their thoughtful questions and expert evaluation helped identify the businesses best positioned for future success and growth.
Celebrating the Winners
After an evening of inspiring presentations and careful deliberation, the judges announced the winners of the inaugural contest.
Grand Prize Winner
Mary Ellen and Rick Androsky – Watertower Vending
Taking home the $3,500 Grand Prize, Mary Ellen and Rick Androsky impressed the judges with their vision for Watertower Vending. In addition to the cash award, they also received a Business Growth Intensive Half-Day Strategy Session from Strategy Ninjas, providing valuable guidance to help accelerate their business growth.
Runner-Up
Vianca Martinez – Bondli
Vianca Martinez earned Runner-Up honors and a $1,000 prize for Bondli, showcasing a compelling business concept and strong entrepreneurial potential.
Third Place
Jaye Barbanti – Jodie’s Table
Jaye Barbanti secured Third Place and a $500 prize for Jodie’s Table, earning recognition for a concept that stood out among a highly competitive field.
Community Support Driving Entrepreneurial Success
The success of the inaugural Gilbert Business Pitch Contest would not have been possible without the support of sponsors, donors, partners, volunteers, and community leaders. The event highlighted the collaborative ecosystem that makes Gilbert a thriving place for entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale their businesses.
Special recognition goes to The CATALYST sponsors, including Desert Financial Credit Union, National Bank of Arizona, SRP, and the Karen Camblin Team – Guild Mortgage, along with event sponsors Desert Financial Credit Union, Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa, and National Bank of Arizona. Their investment helps ensure entrepreneurs have access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural Gilbert Business Pitch Contest demonstrated exactly what The CATALYST was created to foster: innovation, confidence, and business growth. From first-time founders to experienced entrepreneurs, every contestant contributed to an evening that showcased the remarkable talent within Gilbert’s business community.
Congratulations to all eight finalists, and especially to Mary Ellen and Rick Androsky of Watertower Vending, Vianca Martinez of Bondli, and Jaye Barbanti of Jodie’s Table for their outstanding achievements.
As The CATALYST continues to support entrepreneurs across Gilbert, this successful first pitch contest has set the stage for what promises to become a signature event celebrating the next generation of local business success stories.
Photos by Elaine Kessler Photography