Student Andrey Perez '25 Brews up a Winning Pitch

Senior’s coffee company secures funds to expand the family business at the Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow Pitch Competition.

An inspiring showcase of regional entrepreneurship unfolded on campus this week as Washington hosted the 2025 Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow Pitch Competition on Tuesday, April 15. Aspiring business leaders from Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's counties gathered to present their innovative ideas, competing for a $4,000 grand prize and taking advantage of prime regional networking opportunities. Two students, Andrey Perez '25 and Lillian (Lili) Elgayar '26, were among those vying for a business boosting investment in their idea. Perez, representing his family’s venture, Crezia Colombian Coffee, emerged victorious.  

A double major in economics and chemistry, Perez impressed the judges with Crezia’s compelling backstory and the business’ growth thus far. Rooted in his family’s 50-year coffee-growing tradition and named in honor of his grandmother, the business is tackling shipping expenses as it aims to expand distribution stateside. Perez said he envisions utilizing the funds to secure storage property, enabling the business to ship larger quantities at a time from Colombia. 

Reflecting on his win, Perez hailed the competition as a great experience.  

“Being able to pitch our brand, named after my grandmother and that sells the coffee my grandfather started is extremely meaningful,” he said. “The support and help I have received from the business department at this school has been incredible and invaluable – it shows that at Washington if you're willing to go out of your way to seek help, you will get it." 

Fellow student Elgayar also delivered a compelling pitch for her concept, Beaconus. The innovative app aims to empower consumers to make conscious buying decisions by providing readily accessible information on a company’s social impact and ethical practices. Elgayar was encouraged to participate in the competition by adjunct professor in business management Andrew Kaiser while taking his Entrepreneurship course.   

"I am incredibly grateful I got the opportunity and was selected to give a pitch,” said Elgayar. “As much as it was nerve racking, I am proud I got up on stage and pitched a concept I am very passionate about. As this app is in the concept phase, I was excited to create a plan for it to get feedback so it can be something I pursue in the future. Companies have been taking advantage of the working class for too long and it's time to take back our power by making conscious choices when purchasing a product.” 

Beaconus will have a barcode scanner within the app that lets you access any information you want about a company or its practices just by scanning the product while you're in the store. The goal, says Elgayar, is to “help consumers make conscious choices with ease so they are not overwhelmed doing their own individual research." 

The event also featured welcome speakers TEDCO CEO Troy LeMaile-Stoval and Carl Anderton, director of rural economic strategy at the Maryland Department of Commerce, as well as closing remarks from Washington College President Mike Sosulski and Susan O’Neill, executive director of the Upper Shore Regional Council. Attendees benefited from a "Speed Connections – Breaking the Ice with Lenders" segment, insightful panel discussions on past pitch competition successes and social entrepreneurship, and networking opportunities with key resource partners. The StartUp Maryland bus was also on-site, offering participants a chance to record their pitches. 

The success of the Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow Pitch Competition underscores Washington College’s commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem for aspiring entrepreneurs.  

Caddie Putnam-Rankin, associate professor of business management, lauded Washington’s and the Upper Shore Regional Council’s dedication to supporting the next generation of visionary leaders. “Together we can promote sustainable economic development in the region,” she said.  

Through its robust business and entrepreneurial programs, coupled with interdisciplinary learning and hands-on experiential opportunities, the College empowers students to cultivate innovative ideas, develop crucial business skills, and confidently pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. The event exemplifies the powerful synergy between academic learning and real-world application, preparing students to become the next generation of visionary leaders and contribute to the economic vitality of the region. Find out more about our business programs, internships and experiential learning opportunities on the business management department’s webpage.   

- Dominique Ellis Falcon