“We are thrilled to announce the judges for our Business Plan Contest, all four of whom bring real world experience to the panel from all aspects of the business world,” says Rabbi Yehoshua Werde, Director of Crown Heights Young Entrepreneurs. “We have an accountant, a lawyer, marketing expert and successful entrepreneur.”
The live pitch event will take place this Wednesday June 22, at 7:30 pm at the Jewish Children’s Museum. Six finalists will compete for a $20,000 grand prize that includes business services and investment capital.
The live pitch event will take place this Wednesday June 22, at 7:30 pm at the Jewish Children’s Museum. Six finalists will compete for a $20,000 grand prize that includes business services and investment capital.
Meet the Master of Master of Ceremonies, Rabbi Mendel Duchman, owner Nonie of Beverly Hills Natural Skin Care Products
“I want people to come away from the event with an extra bounce in their step, looking forward to getting up the next morning to tackle their to-do list and make a lot of money,” says Rabbi Duchman, founder and CEO of Nonies of Beverly Hills, a natural skin care company that is sold in Whole Foods and other health stores around the country.
In addition to his business, Duchman is a well-known coach for Chabad shluchim around the world.
“When I schedule a visit to Whole Foods for my business, I dedicate part of my trip to Chabad houses, where I coordinate days to coach shluchim,” says Duchman, who emphasizes the importance of balancing business with being a part of the Jewish world.
Duchman is a mentor to many entrepreneurs as well, in Crown Heights and beyond. Participating in CHYE’s event synthesizes Duchman’s strengths and values.
“The business world is competitive,” he explains. “If only I would have had these tools, references and energy that CHYE provides entrepreneurs today, I could have avoided pitfalls and errors and I would be much farther ahead.”
About the Judges:
Saul Friedman, Senior Partner at accounting firm Saul N. Friedman & Co.
“Beyond being beautifully written and accurately calculated, I’m looking for a business plan that is realistic,” says Saul Friedman, Senior Partner at Saul N. Friedman & Co. “I want to see if that candidates have thought of a contingency plan, what to do if the business runs out of cash in month 3 or 4.”
“Effort counts, too,” adds Friedman, who has four decades of accounting experience. As founder of the well-regarded accounting firm Saul N. Friedman & Co., Friedman oversees over 20 professionals who have built an outstanding reputation servicing businesses beyond the books, providing tax strategies, offering a vast network of services and assisting clients to successfully navigate the business world.
Adam Eilenberg, Esq., Partner at corporate law firm Eilenberg & Krause LLP
“I am excited to be a part of this growing program,” says Eilenberg, who has practiced law since 1980. After graduating cum laude from Harvard Law School, Eilenberg clerked for the Honorable Irving Kaufman of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He worked for five years at Kramer, Levin before starting his own firm in 1994. Eilenberg taught part of CHYE’s Business Plan course that was a prerequisite to participating in the contest.
I look for great writing, a crisp, organized and confident oral presentation and good story telling to get me excited about an entrepreneur’s discipline, vision and drive to succeed.
I’m excited to be a judge in the CHYE competition because it’s very rewarding to help identify and mentor the next generation of budding entrepreneurs and business leaders. They are our future, and help make America the land of opportunity!
Zalman Stock, Creative Director and Project Manager at design firm Spotlight Design
“I’m looking for the finalist who knows how to get to their destination,” says Stock, who has worked nearly two decades of experience in marketing and design. “The ideal candidate will have clarity, experience and knowledge of what it will take to help them reach their end goal so their business will succeed.”
Spotlight Design is a premier marketing company in Crown Heights, serving the needs of mosdos, shluchim and businesses around the world. Stock has been with the company for the past ten years. Working in the Lubavitch community, Stock taught the marketing segment of the Business Plan course, and enthusiastic about Wednesday’s live event.
“CHYE is not only creating awareness, but developing tools to help young people in our community to start a business and then supporting their efforts,” says Stock. “It’s exciting to be a part of that.”
Jack Silberstein, CEO and Co-founder of Jack’s Gourmet
“I am excited to be involved as a judge for this competition because I love seeing a vision rooted in creativity and hard work come to life. To be able to choose a winner who will hopefully go on to execute their vision and have great success is incredible and I love being a part of it,” say Jack Silberstein. CEO and Co-Founder of Jack’s Gourmet. Silberstein is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has years of varied experience within the culinary world.
“In choosing a winner, I am going to look for a business plan that is well thought out, cohesive and realistic,” adds Silberstein. “The business or idea doesn’t have to be an easy one, it just has to be doable. As for the individual behind the business plan, they need to be passionate about their proposal and ready to jump in and make it a reality.”
Rabbi Werde says, “We are very grateful to our generous sponsors Saul Friedman & Co, AWS Supply, law firm Eilenberg and Krause, COLLIVE.com, and the Cotlar family in memory of their son, Mendel Cotlar, for their commitment to building a brighter future for our community.”
To reserve your tickets for Wednesday’s event, log on to CHYE.info.
Zalman is fabulous