MS-Marketing student gobbles up success in the Turkey Tank
The annual Turkey Tank Pitch Competition, a pioneering competition between the University of Florida and Florida State University, returned this year with an incredible display of innovation. Hosted at Florida State University, the event saw six teams – three from each school – compete to pitch their startups to a panel of judges.
First launched in 2017 as a partnership between two universities’ entrepreneurship programs, the competition builds on the historic rivalry between the schools. The event’s structure mirrors the energy of the football field rivalry, bringing a competitive edge to the entrepreneurial space while strengthening ties between the institutions.
After a vigorous round of 3-minute presentations and rigorous Q&A sessions, University of Florida teams claimed the top two spots, securing the coveted Turkey Tank trophy for UF’s Center for Entrepreneurship. UF’s Bite Club, led by entrepreneurship student Jackson Warman (MSE ’25, MS-Marketing ’24), came in first place, while UF’s Blue Alpaca Media, led by Sofia Grande, secured second. UF’s third team, Erasthai Books, represented by Kelly Rosa and Esha Gokulram, also showcased their entrepreneurial talent.
Jackson Warman, leader of the winning team, ironically, is a Florida State University alumnus, having graduated in 2018 with degrees in entrepreneurship and finance. He later pursued a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship which he completed in 2023 and will graduate with a master’s degree in marketing from the University of Florida in 2024.
Warman’s initiative, Bite Club, was inspired by his own poor dining experience as a freshman, his work in the dining industry, and recurring student complaints about meal plans. Bite Club aims to transform the dining experience for students by offering a practical, student-focused alternative to traditional meal plans.
“The core idea was to share as much about how the Bite Club Meal Plan actually benefits students as concisely as possible,” Warman said.
He credits Jamie Kraft, Director of UF’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, for providing valuable guidance on refining presentations to meet the competition’s strict format.
Warman’s strategy focused on connecting with the audience by sharing the personal story behind Bite Club while also highlighting its practical benefits for students. Despite initial nerves, he found his rhythm by the second round.
“It was nerve-wracking!” he said. “I was definitely nervous during the first pitch, but by the second round, I had settled into a rhythm.”
For Warman, winning the Turkey Tank had both personal and professional significance.
“I felt happy and a little surprised because there were some really impressive pitches and businesses in the competition,” Warman said. “This achievement means a lot to me personally as a validation of the work I’ve put into Bite Club and professionally as a confidence boost for future pitches and entrepreneurial efforts.”
Warman highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities and trusting the process.
“Life works in mysterious ways, and often, you can only connect the dots looking backward. This experience reinforced the importance of saying ‘yes’ to opportunities,” he said.
With another successful year for Turkey Tank, the University of Florida continues to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among its students. As Bite Club continues to develop, Warman’s journey exemplifies the value of dedication and passion for solving real-world problems.
