The Lerner College of Business & Economics recently hosted its spring Sales Competition, a high-stakes event that brought a competitive intensity to the University of Delaware campus. Led by Dan Alia, head of the Sales Minor, the competition serves as a premier test track for undergraduate talent, pushing students to refine their pitches and execute complex missions under pressure.
This semester’s event saw 121 participants from four introductory sales courses face a rigorous series of challenges. Advancing to the semifinal round was a significant milestone, with only 20 elite students selected. Achieving this status not only provided a resume-boosting accolade and a $50 cash prize, but also culminated in a celebratory awards ceremony. Reflecting on the event, winner Parker Stille noted, "It was a great experience. It was held during the last week of classes, and there was a big ceremony where everyone who placed well was acknowledged. People brought their families, there was music and food, and it was a really great opportunity for us to celebrate our hard work together."
The competition drew talent from across the university, but the semifinal round featured a dominant performance by Horn Entrepreneurship students. A remarkable eight of the 20 semifinalists were entrepreneurship majors—all of whom were students in the same course taught by professor Ted Foltyn. Securing 40% of the semifinal grid in a university-wide competition underscores the unique competitive edge fostered within the entrepreneurship community.
"The Sales Competition is designed to mirror the intensity of a real-world sales career, moving students beyond the classroom and into a high-stakes, professional environment," said Professor Ted Foltyn. "It’s challenging—there are no do-overs and the clock is always ticking—but that pressure is exactly why it’s become a badge of honor for our students. They walk away with more than just a grade; they gain the kind of practical experience that truly stands out to employers when they interview for internships and jobs."
Stille expressed his sincere gratitude to Professor Ted Foltyn for his exceptional mentorship and preparation for the competition, and to Dan Alia for his dedication in organizing the event. He also acknowledged the vital support of his classmates, noting that their collaborative study and practice sessions were instrumental to his success.
The eight entrepreneurship semifinalists were:
Alissa Stahl
Chris Runde
Cate Leidich
Ilian Aigner
Rosemary Marraccini
Emma McCabe
Megan Anderson
Parker Stille
When the final results were tallied, the $1,500 grand prize went to entrepreneurship major Parker Stille (Class of 2028). Taking 1st place as a sophomore in a field of 121 competitors is a significant achievement. Sponsored by MJH Life Sciences®, the competition required participants to sell an education and marketing partnership to an emerging oncology company over three intense rounds.
"This experience taught me invaluable lessons about sales and gave me real, hands-on experience in the field," Stille said. "I took the customer through every stage of the sales process—from uncovering their needs and pitching accordingly to handling objections and finally closing a successful deal."
Though there had to be one prize winner, the finalists took home priceless expertise for their future endeavors.
Finalist Catherine Leidich said: “Ted has been a mentor for me for years through college. As an entrepreneurship major, I learned that Ted was a vet in sales. We learned that selling is everything, not just a product or service; although it seems intimidating at first, you hone in on making it natural. Sales is a conversation, and you learn from experience for your future. Entrepreneurship taught me very good social skills and challenged my character. In the beginning I was never the first one to participate, but by graduation I was comfortable taking the lead.”
Finalist Christopher Runde said: "The Lerner Sales Competition was transformative, teaching me how to articulate my value and overcome the hesitation of engaging with experienced professionals. Ted Foltyn’s mentorship was instrumental, not only in mastering the pitch but in challenging me to pursue opportunities I otherwise wouldn't have considered, which directly helped me land my current internship at JSSI. Ultimately, the Horn program pushes you into uncomfortable, real-world situations to foster growth, proving that if you put in the work, the network and faculty are there to ensure you succeed."
Stille’s win continues a tradition of excellence for the entrepreneurship program. Recent grand prize winners at the Lerner Sales Competition include Stephen Oneto, who is currently completing his undergraduate degree, and Emilie Delaye, who is now pursuing her master's degree at UD.
The results from this semester's competition highlight a powerful trend in student innovation. From entrepreneurship majors dominating the opening rounds to a sophomore taking home the top honor, it is clear that Horn students possess the confidence, resilience, and tactical skill to close the deal.
ABOUT HORN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., Horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.
