This year, Linganore High School sent senior Robert Winter to the first annual Startup Frederick competition. The competition hosts young entrepreneurs who showcase their original products to a panel of judges.  The prize was $2,000.

Products ranged from outrageous ideas such as glow-in-the-dark road paint, to simpler necessities like a fitness center or eye-catching hand-painted shoes.

Before being sent to the county-wide level, 12 Linganore students competed against each other before being sent to a secondary level. The contestants included Cody Yinger, a partnership of Austin Dye and Jackson Grabill, a partnership of Brandon Kelly and Ben Plugge, Macy Armagost, Hannah Pope, Robert Winter, Neesa Conlon, Kyle Austin, Scottie Colvin, and Alison Capron.

Of these 12, Robert Winter placed first, Macy Armagost place second, and Scottie Colvin placed third. These students received $50, $30, and $20, respectively. The contest was sponsored by Chris Beachy, owner of Beachy Companies. The contest was judged by John Abbott, a former commercial banker, Lisa Gaver of Gaver Farm, Ro Harris, local entrepreneur, and Michelle Marzullo of Serenity Pool Management, LLC.

Senior Robert Winter was selected as a finalist for his business “RTM Outdoors.” The year-round labor system specializes in custom farming, welding and fabrication, and snow removal.

Winter said that he got the idea for “RTM Outdoors” after having jobs in all three of those services.

During the spring, summer, and fall months, “RTM Outdoors” will commercially farm and raise cattle to sell. They will also offer their services to other farms. When winter comes, snow removal begins.

Due to the inconsistency of farming and snow removal, “RTM Outdoors” can be hired to do custom welding and fabrication all-year round.

“My services will provide a cheap, local, and friendly style of work,” said Winter.  

Winter’s business idea was very popular among the judges, but sadly, he did not win the Frederick Startup competition. In his future years, perhaps Winter will be able to make his dream a reality. Winters did received a $100 VISA gift card. 

The winning business, “Ethereal,” was Walkersville High School’s entry. The group received a $2,000 scholarship.