Mateusz Obstoj, a senior at Lake Forest College, recently won $5,000 in the “Pitch It” entrepreneur competition, along with his partner, Evelyn Johnson. The two designed a reusable metal case that will hold a boutonniere – a flower – in place on a suit jacket or formal dress.
Q: What are you studying at Lake Forest College?
A: Business with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Q: You and Johnson presented a reusable magnetic case for boutonnieres. Who came up with that idea?
A:. My mom. She saw myself and my older brother attend several proms or formal dances. Not a single time did our dates ever put on a pin (to hold the boutonniere). It was, hey mom, could you help me put this on?
Q: Does anyone else sell this product?
A: I found one competitor, and they only sell wholesale.
Q: Who would you sell these to?
A: The best way would be to sell to florists or maybe some groceries with floral sections.
Q: How big a market is this?
A: A boutonniere isn’t necessarily something people keep. Our invention would be a keepsake of the event.
Q: What were the challenges of putting together your pitch for the contest?
A: We had to compile a 40-page long business plan. Coming up with an idea takes a few seconds. Writing it all down and making it look legitimate, that takes weeks.
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Q: What will the two of you do with the $5,000?
A: The money is on hold. We’ll take a few hundred for ourselves to celebrate. I have some expenses to pay, being a college student. We’re looking into how serious we want to treat this idea.
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