Grace College finance major Luis Loera-Arambula of Goshen, Indiana, and sports management major Luke Nier of Warsaw, Indiana, were awarded $7,000 at the 14th annual Grace College Business Plan Competition on Wednesday, April 22. Their business, L&L Pressure Washing Company, won the first-place prize. The team plans to use the $7,000 to fund accounting and payroll software, insurance, print marketing and equipment upgrades.
“Our mission is to assist our students in moving business ideas into reality,” said Glenn Grossman, assistant professor of finance and entrepreneurship and director of the Gordon Center for Enterprise Development at Grace College. “With the investment provided to each of our awardees, they can seek to grow their emerging ventures.”
Loera-Arambula first came up with the idea of L&L Pressure Washing last fall, but a lack of confidence and knowledge stopped him from following through. He wanted to learn the correct techniques and have the proper equipment before jumping in. Along the way, Loera-Arambula invited Nier to join his venture, who was intrigued by the opportunity and quickly got involved.
“The main reason I started this business is because of the freedom it allows,” said Loera-Arambula. “But being able to build strong relationships with my clients and build this business around the people I love has always been the dream.”
The company uses a combination of soft washing and pressure washing to safely clean homes. L&L provides concrete, siding, deck, patio and fence cleanings and intends to include window cleaning and roof soft washing in the future.
When it was first announced that L&L won, Loera-Arambula didn’t quite know how to react. “I just remember a blur of emotions rushing through me,” he said. “I felt myself starting to cry, wanting to cheer and celebrate, but I simply let out a sigh of relief, knowing my hard work had paid off. I was super thankful the investors saw the same value I did in my business and believed in me enough to fund it.”
Looking back on their journeys, the venture partners are quick to give thanks to the Lord.
“God has been good throughout it all to give me the opportunity to do something I am not usually comfortable doing,” said Nier. “I was really happy, but even more excited for Luis, knowing the work he has put into it.”
“Over the last several years, I have found myself very lost at times as to what my purpose is for being here at Grace,” said Loera-Arambula. “But God has opened up paths for me that I couldn’t see for myself. I am very thankful for what he has allowed me to accomplish and for giving me the drive to keep pursuing this.”
For Loera-Arambula, this is not the end of his entrepreneurship. He aspires to create new businesses in the future, whether a food business, an exterior care business, or even a nonprofit organization.
The Grace College Business Plan Competition was sponsored by the Gordon Center for Enterprise Development, Remodel Health, Beacons United, First Source Bank, Wildman Business Group and private donations. A total of $11,000 was awarded to the top four contestants and the People’s Choice award winner. The Business Plan Competition is one of many opportunities Grace College provides its students to turn their dreams and goals into a reality.
To learn more about L&L Pressure Washing Company, or request a free quote, email llpressurewashco@outlook.com.
For more information about the School of Business, visit www.grace.edu/academics/undergraduate/academic-schools-departments/school-of-business/.
Photo attached: Grace College finance major Luis Loera-Arambula (center left) and sports management major Luke Nier (center right) were awarded $7,000 at the 14th annual Grace College Business Plan Competition by Dr. Rick Koontz (left) and Professor Glenn Grossman (right).
