What does it take to succeed in sales?
Strategy, communication, adaptability, and the ability to solve real-world business challenges under pressure. These qualities were on full display during the inaugural Papé Cascade Cup Sales Competition, held November 15, 2024, on the University of Oregon’s campus in Eugene.
The competition, proudly co-hosted by UO’s Lundquist College of Business and UW’s Foster School of Business, brought together talented students from four universities across the Pacific Northwest: Oregon State University, University of Oregon, University of Washington, and Washington State University.
Sales competitions are immersive experiences that prepare students for real-world sales scenarios. Participants role-play as sales professionals, presenting solutions to complex business problems to a panel of industry judges. These competitions develop skills crucial in today’s competitive business environment, including negotiation, product expertise, and building strong client relationships.
Event Recap
The event began with a welcome dinner on Thursday evening, November 14 with introductions from Bruce Blonigen, Edward Maletis Dean at the Lundquist College of Business, followed by an informative speech from Ryan Papé, president of Papé Machinery Agriculture & Turf and Duck alum. His words set the tone for a weekend of innovation, competition, and collaboration. The evening concluded with a paper airplane contest to allow all participants, judges, and staff to get to acquainted before the competition.
The competition rounds took place on Friday, November 15, and gave team participants a chance to pitch creative solutions to actual business problems, while individuals demonstrated poise and strategy in high-stakes role-play scenarios. Judged by professionals from top companies, student participants tackled challenges that mirrored real-world sales environments.
We were thrilled to celebrate this year’s winners:
- First Place Team Competition: Oregon State University
- First Place Individual Competition: Shahar Miles, Oregon State University
- Second Place Team Competition: University of Washington
- Second Place Individual Competition: Mackenzie Cooper, Washington State University
Our Sponsors
This event and opportunity for students across the participating universities wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our generous, caring, and thoughtful sponsors. We extend our deepest gratitude to The Papé Group, whose title sponsorship made the competition a reality. Their commitment to education and fostering future sales leaders is truly inspiring!
We’re also grateful to Enterprise Mobility and Sherwin-Williams for sponsoring the team and individual competitions. Beyond financial support, each company brought invaluable expertise to the event, and their participation as judges and mentors provided students with a meaningful, real-world experience.
What’s Next
The Papé Cascade Cup exemplifies our mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences to our students. Case competitions like this bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice, and they enable students to apply classroom knowledge, gain confidence in their skills over time, and cultivate professional connections that will propel their careers forward.
With the first event complete, we are excited for what’s next! On April 10–11, 2025, the competition continues in Seattle at the University of Washington.
We can’t wait to see how this event grows, inspires, and shapes the next generation of sales professionals.
To everyone who made this event possible—students, sponsors, judges, staff, and supporters—thank you for making the first Papé Cascade Cup an unforgettable milestone. Together, we are building a legacy of excellence in business education.
