Connor Storms a finalist in Fairleigh Dickinson University innovation contest

2014 Apr 18

Cherokee High School Sophomore, Connor Storms, of Marlton, NJ, has been recognized as a finalist in Fairleigh Dickinson University's Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurship's 2014 New Jersey Idea Competition.

Storms's idea was The Multi Mower.

In Storms's own words: The Multi Mower will revolutionize the landscaping/ground maintenance industry forever. I have been in the landscaping business for a few years and as my clients grow, the need for larger, more efficient equipment comes with it. I have been searching for a commercial grade mower for a while and there are so many different sizes of cutting width from 30 inches all the way to 72 inches. I have large yards but some of my clients have gates which I would need a smaller mower for to fit though, so I have to keep the mower small enough to fit through gates. My idea is to create a commercial grade walk behind that the mower deck can be easily removable to put different deck widths on; you would only need one mower instead of 3 or 4. This mower will save a lot of space and money not having to buy new mowers. But that won't be the only service this mower can provide, it can be profitable in the winter too! There will also be a snow blower attachment and a snow plow attachment so landscapers do not need to waste space with big bulky snow blowers. There will also be a lawn de-thatcher, aerator, and over seeder attachments for lawn over hauls. Instead of bringing 4 different pieces of equipment for a lawn overhaul, all you need is the mower and its attachments.

The contest is an annual competition designed to help foster an entrepreneurial mindset among all New Jersey high school students. Divided into Northern, Central, and Southern regions, more than 800 students across the state submitted more than 520 ideas this year. Each region had a winner (Northern had two), four finalists, and eight semifinalists.

Part of FDU's Silberman College of Business since 1989, the mission of the Rothman Institute for Entrepreneurship is to teach and support entrepreneurship and innovation in the academic, business and nonprofit communities. An outstanding entrepreneurship curriculum taught by an excellent faculty has helped make the academic program among the top 20 in the nation (as ranked by the Princeton Review). For more information, go to www.fdu.edu/rothman.