By Ed McLaughlin

Paul Wiley, a freshman, is the distinguished winner of the College of the Holy Cross Shark Tank Competition and a prize of $12,000.

A member of the class of 2020, Paul pitched his business, PW Industries, to four judges: Ed McLaughlin, April Lukasik, Tom Flynn, and Bryan Sparks.

PW Industries, which specializes in custom, handcrafted executive products and jewelry for the promotional products industry has realized a profit from the get-go. Paul’s prize package includes: $12,000, an alumni mentor, and a year-long membership at Worcester Clean Tech Incubator (WCTI), Venture Forum, and the Worcester Chamber of Commerce.

It was my honor and pleasure to participate as a judge, impart advice to budding entrepreneurs, and witness the great entrepreneurial enthusiasm of the Holy Cross student body and faculty. Thank you to David Chu, Head of the Holy Cross Pre-Business Program. I also want to acknowledge the other two impressive student entrepreneurs who pitched their businesses, Dylan Oliveira and Mary Kate Vanecko, both of the class of 2017.