Sales success takes more than just product knowledge. It’s about preparation, confidence, creativity, and the ability to connect.

All of these were on full display at the second installment of the Papé Cascade Cup Sales Competition, held April 10–11, 2025, at the University of Washington’s campus in Seattle. The first competition was held in fall 2024 at the University of Oregon campus in Eugene.

Co-hosted by UO’s Lundquist College of Business and UW’s Foster School of Business, the Papé Cascade Cup brought together students from across the Pacific Northwest including Oregon State University, University of Washington, Washington State University, and the University of Oregon. Together, they tackled complex sales scenarios and built lasting professional connections.

Event Recap

During the team round, students took on the role of Papé sales representatives, pitching warehouse equipment solutions to a fictional kombucha company “Tasty Sips” looking to expand operations. Competitors showcased their product expertise and sales strategy while fielding tough questions from seasoned professionals, including sales managers and product consultants from Papé.

Students reported spending more than 20 hours preparing for the competition—diving deep into the case, refining their strategy, and practicing delivery. One takeaway shared by student Cole Garzoli: “You need to be competent first and foremost to establish credibility. But beyond that, people only buy from their friends. They are not going to buy from someone they can’t relate to. So you have to let your personality shine through.”

But the student competitors weren’t the only ones who found value in the experience. Papé judges shared how much they appreciated the ideas and energy students brought to the event. Competition judge Rob Splinter, a material dandling consultant at Papé, shared ” I am excited about the ideas and solutions they bring to the table, some of which I have used myself, others that I’ve never thought of. The students are learning, but they are not bound by the constraints that you sometimes find yourself in when you have been doing something for as long as a lot of us have been doing it. It’s nice to see their perspective on how to do something I do every day.”

With strong preparation and standout presentations, these students distinguished themselves in both rounds of the competition:

• First Place Team Competition: University of Washington (Alena Eiler, Lara Yildiz, and Avery Kluck)
• Second Place Team Competition: University of Oregon (Annalee Klum, Cooper Gast, Cole Garzoli, and Vinny Lima)
• First Place Individual Competition: Lara Yildiz, University of Washington
• Second Place Individual Competition (Tied): Vinny Lima, University of Oregon and Avery Kluck, University of Washington

Of course, the competition wasn’t just about winning. It was also a chance to connect with industry professionals, receive direct feedback, and grow confidence in a specific, real-world skill. As UW Professional Sales Program director Jim Hawkins shared, “While students were competing, they were also connecting. Relationships were formed that I believe will carry from college into the workplace—and that’s one of the lasting benefits of events like this.”

Our Sponsors

We extend our deepest gratitude to The Papé Group for their continued title sponsorship and hands-on engagement in the event. Their belief in building the next generation of sales professionals is at the heart of what makes this event possible.

We’re also thankful to Enterprise Mobility and Sherwin-Williams for their sponsorship and support of the competition. Their presence as judges and mentors made the event a powerful learning opportunity for all involved.

What’s Next

The Papé Cascade Cup continues to be a powerful example of what’s possible when classroom learning meets real-world application. To all the students, mentors, and industry partners who made this event a success, thank you for helping shape the future of sales talent in the Pacific Northwest. We’re celebrating an inaugural year of the competition, and we’re looking forward to what’s next!