Gary Krause winner of 3-minute pitch contest

Entrepreneur and EKG Concepts LLC owner Gary Krause won the Fourth Annual Racine/Kenosha FastPitch Competition with his array of cardio monitoring tools at the event held Aug. 19 at Gateway Technical College’s SC Johnson integrated Manufacturing and Information Technology Center in Sturtevant.

Krause’s 3-minute pitch about his business netted him the $5,000 for first place. In addition to this FastPitch honor, other entrepreneurial groups have lauded the Gateway graduate and instructor for his rapid cardio analysis and rapid capnography resource tools. He resides in Caledonia.

George Carlozzi, owner of Garage Ventilation System LLC won second place for his GARAGiVENT, an innovative garage fan system. Carlozzi, of Kenosha, was awarded $1,000.

Daniel Haas, owner of Tarp Buddy LLC, won third place for Tarp Buddy, a versatile fastener system for tarps and canvas. Haas, of Northbrook, Ill., was awarded $500.

Racine entrepreneur Matt Chamberlain, owner of STIK 2 FREIGHT SYSTEMS, received the City of Racine Mayor’s Entrepreneurial Award for an innovative device that helps to better secure loads in shipping containers.

A total of 44 entered the contest which provides them the opportunity to deliver a three-minute “pitch” about a business or business concept to a group of judges from the business and investment community. Three-judge panels from the business and investment community evaluated each presentation on the first round, and 10 finalists advanced to the final round. 

The setting offers competitors the chance to refine their business focus, enhance their presentation skills, network with fellow entrepreneurs and connect with potential investors or individuals who can accelerate the realization of their idea or business.