November 11, 2005

     

    Students receive award during
    Entrepreneur Conference
     

    REXBURG, Idaho –
    Writer: Amanda Pavlovsky
     

    Three students were awarded first, second and third place in the recent entrepreneur contest held at Brigham Young University-Idaho during the Entrepreneur Conference on Thursday, November 3, 2005.

    Chris Carson, owner of Carson Studios, won first place and was awarded $3,000. Scott Carlson, with his company Carlson Cabins, won second place and $1,500 and Bo Porter with AirBeds4Less won third place and $500.

    Students were required to submit a nomination letter with what qualified them for the award along with a description of their business and an online registration form.

    Carson enjoyed the competition and recommends students start planning for next year. “First, keep a good database and records of your company. Second, have fun and make a good presentation,” he said.

    Carson Studios specializes in wedding videos. “The biggest key to success is getting your name out there and developing relationships. I started talking with other vendors in weddings and showed them my work. The more people see your stuff, the better you’ll do,” Carson said.

    Carson Studios recently merged with McBride Wheeler Studios in Rexburg.

    Porter began by selling Airbeds an eBay and the company snowballed from there. His company website states, “Nothing ruins a perfect family vacation like a poor night's sleep. Owning a Queen Raised Airbed will give you a nice, comfy bed anytime and anywhere. It's the perfect solution! And since AirBeds4Less is the only website to specialize in raised airbeds, we can offer prices up to $200 less than similar airbeds.”

    When asked what advice Porter would give to students who have a desire to start a business, he states, “Be willing to take the risk. If you can accept the worst case scenario, there’s no reason not to try.”

     

     

    Style guide note: When reporting about Brigham Young University-Idaho, please use the complete name of the university in the first reference.

    Brigham Young University-Idaho, formerly Ricks College, is a four-year private university located in Rexburg, Idaho. The university, which is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers both baccalaureate and associate degrees; integrated degrees and internships that are tailored to fit students' interests; a year-round track system allowing more students to attend; and an extensive activities program that provides leadership and growth experiences. It is the largest private university in Idaho, with over 11,000 students enrolled for winter 2005.


     

    Media Relations
    Bryce J Rydalch
    Kimball 226, Rexburg, ID 83460
    (208) 496-2108 rydalchb@byui.edu