KU News Release

LAWRENCE — Four business students from the University of Kansas ranked second overall in “Can’t Beat the Experience” National Team Selling Competition.

Andrew Rangel, Barbara Watkins, Michael Siegele and Michael Wagner — under the direction of Kissan Joseph, associate professor of business — traveled to Bloomington, Ind., to participate in the competition, held Oct. 7-9 at Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business.

“We need to congratulate our talented students,” Joseph said. “It is clear that they are capable of running with the best.”

Each year, Can’t Beat the Experience attracts top undergraduate sales teams from major U.S. universities to compete in a complex sales simulation. The competition includes a case analysis, mock sales calls with purchasing agents and a final presentation. Teams are evaluated by a panel of judges from marketing academia members of the industry at large.

“I’m impressed with the team’s energy and drive to have the best possible showing at the competition,” said Joyce Claterbos, marketing lecturer and sales coach at the KU School of Business. “Both Kissan Joseph and Wally Mayer (director of entrepreneurship programs) were fundamental to the team’s success. The team’s hard work helped them earn its ranking.”

The competition was sponsored by Indiana University’s Center for Global Sales Leadership and Altria Corp. The KU School of Business team received $1,500 for its second place ranking.

The sales team members are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names and high school.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood 66209 and 66224
Michael Joseph Wagner, junior in management and leadership; son of Harold Wagner and Michelle Wagner; Blue Valley North High School.

From Olathe 66062
Andrew J. Rangel, senior in marketing; son of David Rangel; Olathe Northwest High School.

CALIFORNIA
From San Diego 92154
Barbara Watkins, senior in management and leadership; daughter of Flora Curry; Shawnee Mission East High School.

MICHIGAN
From Okemos 48864
Michael Robert Siegele, senior in marketing; son of Paula and Robert Siegele; Okemos High School.