The COB 300 business plan competition has come about through the efforts of its founder, Don Rainey (‘82), along with Russell “Rusty” Shepard ('86), Rick Kushel ('87) and more than 90 other JMU alumni and business professionals. Not only have they provided financial support, they have also given generously of their time and expertise in the judging of the event. Thanks to them, the competition has been able to positively impact some 700 students during its 20-plus years of existence.
In addition to the scholarships for which they may qualify, student-participants receive mentoring—before, during and well after the competition—that has an enduring impact on the future course of their careers. Their personal networks expand to include a team of highly successful business leaders and visionaries. The competition thus becomes a lifetime investment in future entrepreneurs and executives that will pay dividends in perpetuity.
*Also served as preliminary round judge
2026 judges
Independent Investor
President and CIO, Angel Park Investors, LLC
Rick Kushel
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Fintop Capital
Co-founder and President, BarTrack
VP of Growth, MorganFranklin Consulting
Entrepreneur, Investor, Investment Banker
Managing Director/Corporate Development and M&A Advisor, Springstone Advisory Services, LLC
Managing Director, Trading, Oaktree Capital Management
2026 competition alumni mentors
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Technology Analyst, Accenture Federal Services
Sales Development Representative, memoryBlue
Senior User Experience Designer, Deloitte Digital
U.S. Chapter Operations Intern, Run Your City
Hours of operation:
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
