Student entrepreneurs gifted unexpected startup funds

05/28/2026

Business ideas are flourishing at SUNY Cortland, thanks to a generous philanthropist who sees potential in the school's student entrepreneurs.

Adam Weitsman, owner and chief executive officer of Upstate Shredding - Weitsman Recycling , the largest privately held scrap metal processing and recycling company on the East Coast, recently served as a judge during the university's Innovation Day.

As part of the event, students pitch business ideas developed over the academic year in two courses within the entrepreneurship minor.

After hearing their pitches in early May, Weitsman funded a total of $45,000 to six startups.

"He (Weitsman) walked over to me and said, 'I'd like to do something nice for your students.'" recalled James Wilson, lecturer of economics who emceed the event.

At the end of the student pitch competition, after judges deliberated on winners, Weitsman consulted with Wilson and whispered in his ear. He showed Wilson the judges' scoring card and said that he'd like to donate $10,000 to the top three groups and $5,000 each for the remaining three.

The reaction from the Cortland business students was, as could be guessed, ecstatic.

"They were amazed," Wilson said. "I'm personally amazed."

The funding Weitsman provided will allows the students to get started on their businesses in real, meaningful ways, he explained.

"That level of support is enough to truly propel these businesses further," Wilson said. "I'm impressed and thankful for that experience and the students were beyond impressed and excited about it. It was something I think it rarely happens in these types of situations and it truly elevated the experience."

The startup teams getting funding are:

Next Life Junk Removal - sophomore Ryan Craig - $10,000

Built off Craig's experience with a junk removal business, his own startup is a junk culling service that picks up loads of recyclable materials and sorts the refuse for donation, recycling or scrap. The business also placed first in the regional contest of the New York Business Plan Competition, advancing to the state level.

Rockwood by Vinci - senior Dominic Vinci - $10,000

A business idea that combines quality woodcraft with stone elements for the high-end luxury furniture market. Vinci plans to create custom pieces like tabletops and countertops for clients, using 3D modeling and laser cutting technology. With the new funding from Weitsman, he plans to launch this summer.

Shred Air - sophomore Bryan Sredniawski, junior Nicholas Bliss, senior Lyndsey Hillenbrandt, senior Esteban Mitchell and senior Morgan Shelvin - $10,000

Sredniawski came up with the idea for a personal use fan with an automated cleaning system that removes dust and bacteria from its blade. He developed the idea into a viable concept with his team this spring. Wilson noted they would further grow the concept as part of the Entrepreneurship Business in Residence Program in SUNY Cortland's new Entrepreneurship Center.

Throwing Shade: senior Jayden Lont - $5,000

Lont runs an established business that he started last year and developed further in Wilson's classes. A beach service business on Topsail Island, in North Carolina, Throwing Shade rents chairs, tents and other items to visitors. Lont hopes to franchise the concept nationwide.

Scrap Fit: junior Luka Kvizhinadze, junior Thomas Wheeler, senior Justin Womeldorph and senior Christopher Youngs - $5,000

Workout equipment crafted out of junkyard leftovers, Scrap Fit creates exercise items that offer a unique style and environmental approach. The new funding has encouraged the team to continue to pursue the idea. Like Next Life Junk Removal, Scrap Fit also advanced to compete at the state level of the New York Business Plan Competition.

Motion: senior Jonathan Finewood - $5,000

This app developed by Finewood allows users to bet on themselves to accomplish a goal. Wilson said idea was inspired by behavioral economics and people's fear of losing money. First, a user sets a goal, such as consistent exercise. If they don't succeed, they lose the bet. A percent of that money is paid to the app while the rest would support users who were successful.

The judging panel for the startups featured Weitsman, SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum; and Diana Lawson '76, dean of the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University and a Cortland College Foundation board member.

This year's Innovation Day marked the second year of a new format that connects students more closely with area businesses.

Other class participants presented business plans during a showcase held in the morning and afternoon.

In addition to the presentations, five projects were delivered to local community partners. Those efforts were led by students in the ECO 365 Community Innovation Lab taught by Kathleen Burke, SUNY distinguished teaching professor of economics.

The projects gave students experience in coordination with local businesses and organizations. They included a website update for the City of Cortland Police Department and strategy development for area businesses.

Wilson believes that Weitsman's added surprise will inspire students to grow in the ways they have throughout the school year. On the first day of class, students often do not realize just how far they can take their ideas, Wilson said. But that soon changes.

"I'm always impressed when that light bulb goes off, they get to this phase of actually accomplishing it and they're excited about it," Wilson said. "It becomes part of their identity.

"They kind of live with this stuff throughout the semester, and they finally get a chance to be on stage and deliver it. I'm impressed by what the students have done."