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MJV Lawn and Tree Care
Michael Voth
Location
Overland Park
Kansas
United States
SMSD Student Chamber
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Competition Brief
Welcome to the SMSD Student Chamber's Business Showcase! This is an inspiring business competition designed to highlight PK-12 students who run REAL businesses in the Shawnee Mission School District. The top five business owners with the most votes and highest judge ratings will present their business ideas to a panel of esteemed judges and a vibrant audience on April 30.
Awards at the live April 30 Business Showcase are:
1st Place: $1,100
2nd Place: $600
3rd Place: $300
To learn more or join the Student Chamber, visit www.SMSDChamber.org today!
About
My name is Michael Voth, and I am a 15-year-old sophomore at Shawnee Mission South High School. Music has always been a significant part of my life, and I’ve had the privilege of participating in both the Marching and Concert bands.
In addition to music, I stay active by participating in cross country and track. These sports challenge me physically and teach me the importance of discipline and perseverance. Competing has pushed me to set personal goals and reinforced my belief in hard work.
I also take great pride in my role as an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, which has equipped me with essential leadership and life skills. Scouting has instilled a sense of responsibility to serve my community, and managing my own lawn and tree care business allows me to put my skills into practice.
Problem
Overgrown lawns not only lower property value but also create an unsightly appearance. Tackling them can be physically demanding and even lead to injury.
Solution
Our lawn care services take the hassle and risk off your hands, leaving your yard looking clean, healthy, and well-maintained.
Audience | Target Market
Our customers include anyone in need of lawn care services—from mowing and mulching to tree trimming and more. We offer a wide range of services and flexible payment options to ensure everyone in our community has access to quality landscaping solutions.
Learning Outcomes | Community Impact
My lawn care business will positively impact the community by enhancing the beauty and health of green spaces. By using environmentally friendly practices, I aim to create lawns that boost property values and community pride. Additionally, my services will promote sustainability and encourage biodiversity.
Next Steps
To move forward in my business, I would need better equipment to work faster, and more customers to fill that empty time
Reflection | Other Info
Some things that went well when making my pitch were already having experience in the business; however, some things that went badly were having to try and make a quality presentation with little marketing experience.
Resource | Support Needs
If I won this competition for the first prize, I would spend the money on a new mower.
If I won the second prize, I would spend it on other small equipment.
If I won the third prize, I would spend it on gas and other consumable resources.
Special message...
Comments
From our partners.
New Comment
Thanks for your submission. Your comment is awaiting approval from the educator
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4/19/25, 6:23 PM
Great job, Dejay!
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4/19/25, 6:20 PM
Great job, Angie!
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4/18/25, 8:27 PM
Hello! I love your idea. I know young people love cotton candy and to make a product that caters to children with allergies but still allows them to enjoy a sweet treat is fun, innovative and demonstrates and amazing level of creativity and empathy. Please keep up the amazing work.
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4/18/25, 7:49 PM
Great job, Oskar!
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4/18/25, 7:19 PM
Great job, Eriah!
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4/18/25, 7:19 PM
Great job, Anna!
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4/18/25, 4:43 PM
Great job, Fina!
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4/18/25, 4:20 PM
Great job, Chris!
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4/18/25, 3:58 PM
Great job, Dakota!
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4/18/25, 3:58 PM
Great job, Shalom!
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4/18/25, 2:07 PM
Great job, Kieden!
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4/18/25, 2:03 PM
Great job, Destiny!
Community comments coming soon!
Want to comment or judge submissions?
Judge Access
1- Did not do
2- Little evidence
3- Some requirements met
4- Most requirements met
5- All requirements met
Criteria One:
Idea Clarity & Problem Solving Is the product or service clearly explained? Does it solve a real problem in a meaningful or unique way?
1- Did not do
2- Little evidence
3- Some requirements met
4- Most requirements met
5- All requirements met
Criteria Two:
Customer & Market Fit Are the target customers well defined? Is there an understanding of how to reach them and why they’ll buy?
1- Did not do
2- Little evidence
3- Some requirements met
4- Most requirements met
5- All requirements met
Criteria Three:
Differentiation & Innovation What makes this idea stand out from competitors or the status quo? Is there a clear unique value proposition?
1- Did not do
2- Little evidence
3- Some requirements met
4- Most requirements met
5- All requirements met
Criteria Four:
Team Readiness & Use of Funds Does the team seem prepared to take action? Are proposed uses of funding thoughtful, realistic, and specific?
1- Did not do
2- Little evidence
3- Some requirements met
4- Most requirements met
5- All requirements met
Criteria Five:
Viability & Future Plans Is there a path to launch or scale? Have they made progress (milestones/traction)? Do they have a clear next step?
Total Rating:
1
Thanks for contributing to the growth of young innovators!