Josh Luetkemeyer, a Jefferson City native and student in Clemson University's MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation program, won first place and $7,500 in the student/early stage division of the Wild Pitch at the DIG South conference's business-plan pitch competition.
Luetkemeyer won for his startup company, Standard Ice, which creates premium, crystal-clear ice cubes that last longer than regular ice and produce a tastier, less watered-down drink, according to a news release.
DIG South is an annual conference that draws more than 200 presenters and 1,500 attendees from across the country. Focused on technology and early-stage entrepreneurship, the conference brings together startups and investors in an effort to fund worthwhile new ventures. Luetkemeyer was one of eight student/early stage entrepreneurs selected to compete in front of a panel of experts and a live audience.
Luetkemeyer gained inspiration for his company while working for Coca-Cola in Moscow, Russia. He asked for ice in his drink and was served shavings from a large block of solid ice. He realized the quality and flavor of ice has as much impact on a drink as the other ingredients and began researching methods to recreate this experience.
Though he had a marketing degree and 10 years of experience, he thought an MBA would better prepare him for success in managing the business and enrolled in the MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation program. There he researched his idea and found the best way to introduce the product to the market.
Luetkemeyer's company designed a method to freeze cubes while filtering air, impurities and contaminants out and balancing the minerals and Ph factor for better flavor. The finished cubes are 2 inches in diameter, crystal clear and last eight to 13 minutes longer than the same volume of scooped ice.
HE currently sells the cubes at specialty liquor store and is looking to actively expand nationally by selling his product to large chains, such as Whole Foods and Total Wine. His long-range vision is to set up Standard Ice manufacturing plants around the country to eliminate shipping.