Business majors discover potential and passion in latest Keystone Sales Competition

They did more than just compete — they dominated.

It was a top-three sweep for Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg at this year's Keystone Sales Challenge, a competition designed to simulate real-world selling experiences.

Lexi Urbassik placed first, Carly Neidig earned second, and Ethan DiPippa took third, marking another impressive showing for Bloomsburg’s Zeigler College of Business and its nationally recognized professional sales and marketing program.

“This competition helped me discover my potential and passion for professional sales,” said Neidig, who entered her first-ever competition with a mix of nerves and excitement. “Our sales program is top-notch all around. From dedicated professors to determined students, the environment constantly pushes you to grow and perform at your best.”

For all three students, success began long before competition day. The rigorous coursework, hands-on roleplays, and one-on-one feedback built into the sales curriculum played a crucial role in their preparation.

“In both Principles of Selling and Advanced Sales, we worked through scenarios just like those in the Keystone Challenge,” said Urbassik. “We learned how to handle objections, present confidently, and adapt on the fly. That foundation made all the difference.”

The students credited their faculty mentors — Michael Huben, Monica Favia, and Christopher Tanner — for putting them in position for success.

“Professor Huben was the driving force behind my participation,” said Neidig. “He offered practice sessions, reviewed pitches, and spent long hours helping us prepare. Without his encouragement, I might never have signed up.”

The competition gave students a chance to apply what they’d learned in class to high-pressure, real-world scenarios.

“The short turnaround time between rounds really tested my skills,” Urbassik said. “In class, we have weeks to prepare. In Keystone, we had only a few hours to research, adjust, and create new slides. It forced me to think like a real sales professional.”

For DiPippa, the event was also a confidence builder.

“At first, nerves were definitely a challenge,” he said. “But once I relaxed and treated it like a real sales conversation instead of a performance, things started to click. The competition helped me grow both personally and professionally.”

Though the competition focused on individual performance, teamwork played a big role behind the scenes.

“I quickly found a group of welcoming classmates that I could bounce ideas off of,” Neidig said. “It was less overwhelming knowing I wasn’t the only one competing for the first time. Everyone was so supportive.”

For Urbassik, mentorship became one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

“My favorite moment was seeing my mentee, Ethan, take home third place,” she said. “We worked together before the competition, and seeing him succeed in his first event was incredibly fulfilling. It reminded me how important it is to lift each other up.”

All three students agreed that Bloomsburg’s sales program gave them more than technical training — it gave them confidence, connections, and purpose.

“The classes, roleplays, and coaching sessions prepare you for real-world selling,” said DiPippa. “By the time competition day comes, you already know how to think on your feet and handle unexpected challenges.”

Neidig echoed that sentiment, crediting the program for helping her find direction.

“Before this experience, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go,” she said. “Now, I know I want to pursue a career in sales. This program and this competition showed me that.”

Urbassik agreed, adding that the experience strengthened her commitment to the field. “Every competition I participate in makes me love sales even more,” she said. “Whether I win or lose, I walk away better than before.”

All three students encouraged future Huskies to take advantage of Bloomsburg’s many experiential learning opportunities.

“Get involved early and take risks,” said DiPippa. “You’ll learn so much from stepping outside your comfort zone.”

Neidig added, “You can’t grow without challenging yourself. It’s so beneficial to apply what you’ve learned and find your strengths.”

Urbassik summed it up best, “Take risks, make mistakes, and fall down — but always pick yourself back up. Competing has given me experiences and friendships I’ll carry with me forever.”