Three University of Akron College of Business students delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Ohio Collegiate Sales Competition, held Oct. 23-24 at Cleveland State University. Competing against students from eight Ohio universities, the Zips earned two top-two finishes, showcasing the strength of the College’s sales management program and the Fisher Institute for Professional Selling.

Jacob Wyder, a sales management and marketing student, earned first place in the elevator pitch competition, winning a $1,000 tailored suit from Tom James Company. India Little, a media studies student minoring in marketing and pursuing a certificate in health care sales, placed second overall in the sales role-play competition, earning $500. Leif Fletcher also finished among the top 12 in the role-play event, which featured 19 competitors.

Sponsored by Scripps Networks Interactive, ABC Channel 5 and Fastenal, the competition challenged students to demonstrate their communication and professional selling skills through an elevator pitch and a three-round sales role-play.

“The Fisher has a long and storied history in sales competitions, and our students demonstrated that tradition through their outstanding performance,”said Bill Kroll, director of the Fisher Institute for Professional Selling. “These results reflect the talent, preparation and potential of our Zips, and we look forward to building on this momentum.” He also thanked Vanja Djuric, Lisa Littlejohn and Scott Miller for their assistance and support.

For Little, the experience offered an opportunity to challenge herself and recognize the value of the professional and personal experiences she brought to the competition.
 
“Going into this competition, I was nervous because this was something I had never done before. As a nontraditional student, I sometimes forget how much my life and professional experiences have already taught me,” Little said. “This competition gave me the opportunity to put those skills to the test in a completely different environment.”

While earning second place was a highlight, Little said the experience reinforced the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone.

“Placing second was an incredible feeling, but more importantly, it reminded me that growth happens when you challenge yourself,” Little said. “Going back to school wasn't about starting over for me. It was about building on everything I've already accomplished and proving that it's never too late to pursue something greater.”

The students’ achievements reflect the talent of the College of Business and the Fisher Institute for Professional Selling, which prepares students to apply sales concepts in professional settings and develop skills that translate directly to the workplace.

With three students competing and two earning top honors, the University of Akron made a strong statement at this year’s competition — and set the stage for continued success in collegiate sales.