The first contestant was Robert Grant who fabricated a beautiful, highly functional desk/work station for his wife who has mobility issues. This work station has many adjustable parts, to accommodate the user in complete comfort. Robert has a CNC (computer controlled cutting machine) to help in fabrication. He wishes to manufacture more of these work stations for others.

 

The second contestant was Lauren Sarnat who described her passion for helping others to heal through massage. She uses essential oils with her massage treatments, and has a mobile massage table allowing her to come to her client’s preferred place of treatment at their convenience. She hopes to establish a steady practice in Creston, and even train others in the future. Her company is called “Ancient Touch Massage”.

 

The third contestant was Mario Melisse who demonstrated his ability to construct beautiful musical instruments to a very high degree of craftsmanship. He hopes to build instruments for others and build his business while living in the beautiful Creston Valley. His company is called “Mindful Audio Solutions”.

 

The fourth contestant was Carla Simon. Carla built a successful home based business called Simon Sewing. Over the past few years, Carla has been studying the difficult art of custom Bra Making. Her presentation showcased her training and desires to create comfortable and custom made bras that would be tailored specifically for each woman. Her company is called Build a Bra.

 

The fifth contestant, Jim Jacobson, is all about renewable energy, and specifically solar energy. He is a Solar Advisor who can advise homeowners about the advantages of solar power, the costs and savings of using solar power, and he can handle all aspects of the system installation from permitting to completion. His desire is to help local home owners who wish to utilize renewable energy for part, or all of their home energy needs.

 

Our final contestant of the night was Myrna Nielsen. Myrna has been extensively trained and educated in human resources, and in helping others. Her desires professionally are to use her training, and vast amount of human resource experience to help others identify and reach their goals. She works with individuals as well as organizations/businesses.

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After all presentations were complete, our five judges (Erin Carr, Ron World, Shanon Veitch, Andrew Darby, and Laurie Barrett) tabulated their scores. In a very close decision, the judges awarded Carla Simon the $1000 first prize for top contestant, noting that all contestants scored, and presented very well.