Earlier this month, three Rowe School of Business students found great success at the University of Vermont's third annual Family Enterprise Case Competition.
The team members were all fourth-year Bachelor of Management: students Anna Baranowski, Charcy Britten-Boudreau and Andrew Faircloth.
Sixteen teams from around the world participated in the undergraduate competition. The Rowe team competed in the Gallagher, Flynn & Company division alongside Windesheim University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), Saginaw Valley State University (US) and Universidad Panamericana-Aguascalientes (Mexico). After a difficult start, the Rowe team rallied to finish first two days in a row, earning first place in its division.
In the finals, held on Saturday, January 10, the Rowe team competed against teams from Wilfrid Laurier University, Ottawa’s Carleton University (Sprott School of Business), and Chile’s Universidad del Desarrollo.
In the end, Carleton captured the UVM FECC Cup, with ±«Óătv’s team finishing a close second, the two teams separated by only a few points. Although disappointed they didn’t capture the cup, the Rowe team members were pleased with their result and the very positive feedback from other attendees.
“The Rowe School is extremely proud of our students and the wonderful and gracious manner in which they competed,” said coach Leslie Crowell.
At the closing gala, Dal's Andrew Faircloth was awarded Best Undergraduate Presenter for the competition — impressive, considering it was his first case competition.
“Representing Dal at a global competition was an incredible experience,” said Andrew. “Being recognized for my performance out of competitors from teams from around the globe was an awesome experience and a feeling I’m sure I won’t soon forget.”
The Rowe School of Business has been competing in the Family Enterprise Case Competition since its inception in 2013 and has improved its performance each year, finishing at fifth place in 2013, third in 2014, and now second in 2015.
“The Rowe community congratulates Anna, Charcy and Andrew for their stellar performance, as well as those who have worked with and coached the students: Bob Blunden (associate professor of strategy), Albert James (assistant professor of strategy) and Leslie Crowell (director of the Centre for Family Business and Regional Prosperity),” said Peggy Cunningham, dean of the Faculty of Management.