Pythons’ Pit is an entrepreneurial Dragons’ Den type of contest developed by the Rotary Clubs of Halton to give aspiring entrepreneurs and students an opportunity to pitch their business ideas for cash prizes. Pythons’ Pit is supported by presenting sponsors RBC and MNP LLP and several community sponsors, partners and rotary clubs.
Kyle Bissett of Grad Potential, a top 5 OPEN finalist with Pythons’ Pit 2015, graduated from the University of Guelph in 2012 where he studied Environmental Science. Following the completion of his degree, he moved back to Oakville, where he has lived since he was six. He did not follow his course of study, but instead, worked for a local, non-profit youth organization for two years.
In the fall of 2014, Kyle went to work for his dad, Craig Bissett, a local employer and owner of Hire Results. To date, he is still learning his dad’s business, but has been exposed daily to the issues employers have in finding suitable graduates for their roles, coupled with the difficulties recent grads have in finding work in their fields.
Kyle noticed that with many of his friends who had graduated, they still hadn’t been able to find full time jobs. Kyle felt there must be a solution. Based on the work his dad’s company does with regular job seekers, he knew there was the potential to also use a similar process for hiring grads, to be able to see them in action. That is when the idea of Grad Potential was born. He had a viable business idea and knew about Pythons’ Pit from a third degree connection. He went online, found the info and thought it would be a good opportunity to pursue, not just for the prize but as a learning experience as well.
When asked who his inspiration was, Kyle pointed to his dad, Craig, who has had much success in his own company with hiring and connecting people. Kyle said the best advice he’s received to date in life is: Always put people first and treat them how you would like to be treated.
From the Pythons’ Pit perspective, the best advice he got was to tell about his business idea as if it is a story. He claims that being advised on how to make a pitch will be forever useful in business!
Will Kyle be the lucky recipient of the $20,000 first place prize at Pythons’ Pit? Come and find out as well as witness pitches from the high school division on Mon May 4th at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Doors to the theatre open at 6:30pm and seating is FREE. More details are available at www.PythonsPit.ca
Interviewed by: Dana Peever- Mentor