Wolffest: Food, Fun, Fundraising
Three-Day Festival Wolffest is April 8-10
On April 8-10, Butler Plaza will transform into a hub of delicious food, exciting activities and entrepreneurial energy as the 13th annual Wolffest takes over.
The competition serves as the capstone project for undergraduate students in the nation’s No. 1 undergraduate entrepreneurship program, the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship at the C. T. Bauer College of Business, challenging them to apply everything they’ve learned. From securing sponsors and assembling business proposals to working with investors, testing products, marketing brands, recruiting volunteers and hosting fundraising events, students get real-world experience while giving back.
Meet the teams to learn about this year’s competition and what to expect during the three-day event.
Backyard Wolves
CEO: Erica Parkinson, Entrepreneurship Senior
What can we expect from your team?
“As the 2024 winners, we’re back with our unique summer camp-themed experience. You’ll enjoy the same hospitality and friendly atmosphere, with food that brings back memories of summer fun — think Raising Cane’s, crawfish and hot dogs. We pride ourselves on speedy service and friendly faces.”
What have you learned from this experience?
“There’s no one-size-fits-all method for anything — especially pitching styles. One method may work for one person, but someone who’s more introverted might have a completely different approach that’s more effective. It’s been fascinating to see everyone’s strengths come together for a good cause and common goal.”
What are you most looking forward to?
"My favorite part of Wolffest is seeing it all come together. And, of course, the debrief at the end of each day when we reflect and find ways to improve for the next day.”
Cougar Dynasty
CEO: DJ Buenaventura, Entrepreneurship Senior
What can we expect from your team?
“You can expect the royal treatment. Guests are our highest priority, and we want you to leave feeling like you had a great time, whether you buy something or not. We’re all about building up individuals and strengthening the community.”
What have you learned from this experience?
“The biggest learning experience has been encouraging my team to face their fears and overcome them. I’ve been able to coach them, helping them go from saying, ‘I don’t know how to do this’ to facing a fear, trying out a new skill and feeling proud of themselves.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“We’re excited for the third day, April 10, it’s when teams go all out and have the most fun. My team is also bringing out the Houston Astros Shooting Stars and the World Series trophy, which will be an amazing way to end on a high note.”
H-Toon
CEO: Daniel Sadegi, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Senior
What can we expect from your team?
“H-Toon is bringing the food, fun and flair of Houston to UH. We’ll feature art pieces from local artists and offer interactive art experiences for festivalgoers to enjoy. It’s all about highlighting the heart of Houston.”
What have you learned from this experience?
“Throughout the project, I’ve learned so much about staying organized. But the most important thing I’ve learned is to slow down and take time for yourself. When you’re burned out, everything suffers, so taking a few hours — or even a day off — can make a huge difference in the long run.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“I’m excited to see what each team has put together. We’re in a competition, but I genuinely want everyone to do well. We encourage attendees to explore each area and fully immerse themselves in all the experiences.”
Neo Wolff
CEO: Matteo Sharp, Mechanical Engineering & Entrepreneurship Senior
What can we expect from your team?
“We’ve brought together businesses that are usually on the road and brought them to UH. They know how to thrive at events like this, which allows us to focus on prioritizing your experience.”
What have you learned from this experience?
“I’ve learned how to trust and collaborate with my team. We had an event that didn’t go as planned, but through that experience, we learned and grew stronger as a team. I’ve also learned how to be a better leader.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“We’re looking forward to having fun! Fun brings good energy, and good energy brings good people. We encourage everyone to come out, stay a while, visit every tent and learn more about what the Wolff Center has to offer.”
NOSH
CEO: Lexavier Richey, Entrepreneurship Junior
What can we expect from your team?
“NOSH stands for Nurturing Opportunity, Spreading Hospitality — and that’s exactly what you’ll experience at our carnival! Expect funnel cakes, Italian ice and other classic carnival treats.”
What have you learned from this experience?
"I’ve learned a lot about the challenges of being a good leader. I’ve grown alongside my team, been vulnerable with them and made tough choices that didn’t always please everyone. To put it in business terms, the ROI on this experience has been amazing.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“I’m hoping this Wolffest inspires someone to ask the same question I did when I first attended: ‘Is this for me?’ I’d love to think that the next generation of Wolff Center students is out there, ready to experience what we’ve built.”
The Snack Shack
CEO: Paulina Gonzalez, Management Junior
What can we expect from your team?
“At the Snack Shack, you’ll be transported back to your childhood with a Scooby-Doo immersive experience. And since you can’t sit down to solve mysteries, or if you’re rushing to class, all our food and drinks will be ready in 60 seconds or less.”
What have you learned from this experience?
“The best part of leading the team has been watching my teammates step up and actively engage in this project. Balancing Wolffest with life outside of school isn’t easy, but I’m incredibly proud of how the seniors especially have come together to bond over our shared goals.”
What are you most looking forward to?
"We’re excited to see the changes this year! This is one of the first years we’re doing everything differently — from bringing in angel investors and involving alumni to partnering with Southern Smoke. I can’t wait to see how these new partnerships spark even more creativity than in previous years.”
Wolff District
CEO: Billy Eaton, Entrepreneurship & Finance Senior
What can we expect from your team?
“If you’re looking for the best barbecue, Wolff District is where you’ll want to be. It’s hard to pass up mouth-watering brisket, especially from a Rodeo Cookoff-winning team. Plus, you can watch it being chopped fresh on the board.”
What have you learned from this experience?
“When I became a CEO, I didn’t realize how much communication, and adapting to different communication styles, I would need to lead effectively. I’ve learned to be a chameleon, adapting to get the best out of my teammates. I’m grateful to have built a business with people whose strengths complement mine.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“It’s been a successful semester, so I’m excited to see the final results. I think it’s going to be awesome to see what people that I work alongside on a day-to-day basis put together.”
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