Steven Fruh Wins Inaugural CBU Business Idea Competition

RIVERSIDE (December 14, 2011) – A concept to help motorists find a place to park in crowded parking lots captured first place in the inaugural Business Idea Competition hosted December 8 by the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business at California Baptist University.

Senior Steven Fruh, a graphic design and marketing major, edged out four other competitors and claimed the $2,000 top cash prize with his parking space locater idea called "SenseASpot."  Designed for large parking lots and structures, the service would require installation of specialized hardware in each parking space and a digital display on site announcing available parking spaces.

Each finalist made a presentation before a panel of judges and the audience. The winner was selected on the highest point total based on electronic voting by the audience, as well as the judges' votes that comprised 60 percent of the total.

Judges included Beverly Bailey, president and CEO of Stronghold Engineering, Inc., based in Southern California; Gordon Bourns, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Bourns, Inc., based in Riverside, CA; and David Warren, President of Gray Suit Marketing in San Diego.

Dr. Andy Herrity, Dean of the School of Business, said the competition helped build student confidence and exposed the students to successful business professionals.

"The competition has been a great experience for Steven who has been encouraged to get a patent for his product and the prize money will provide him with the means to do so," Herrity said.

Other winners included: Stephanie Fluitt, second place, $1,000; Tai Sherrod, third place, $500; Brittani Ciupek, fourth place, $250; and Preston Brown, fifth place, $250.