Timberwolves excel in sales role-play and speed-selling competitions at inaugural regional event featuring seven universities.
Northwood University students earned multiple championships and top finishes at The Closer: Great Lakes Bay Sales Exchange, an inaugural collegiate sales competition co-hosted Friday, Oct. 23, by Northwood University and Saginaw Valley State University.
The event brought together 52 students from seven universities to compete in realistic business scenarios and build industry connections.
In a sales role-play challenge presented by Nexteer Automotive, students demonstrated their ability to build relationships, uncover business opportunities, communicate value, handle objections, and advance a professional sales conversation.
Northwood students earned top honors in both the advanced and novice sales role-play divisions:
- Advanced Division Champion: Alexandria DeMitchell of Freeland, Michigan
- Advanced Division Runner-Up: Reagan Johnson of South Lyon, Michigan
- Room 2 Champion: Reagan E. Page of Zeeland, Michigan
- Room 4 Champion: Meredith Knieper of New Lothrop, Michigan
A Perfect Pitch Speed Sell Competition, sponsored by R.R. Donnelley (RRD), tested each student’s ability to deliver a compelling, concise message in just 90 seconds. Northwood students also dominated this competition, sweeping the top four positions:
- Champion: Reagan E. Page of Zeeland, Michigan
- Second Place: Anya Rankin of Battle Creek, Michigan
- Third Place: Meredith Knieper of New Lothrop, Michigan
- Fourth Place: Elijah Smith of Pinckney, Michigan
The event also featured student creativity beyond the competition floor. Northwood University student Helisha Sharma designed The Closer’s official logo and marketing materials, helping establish the visual identity for the new regional competition.
“The Closer reflects Northwood University’s commitment to experiential learning, industry engagement, and career readiness. It also illustrates how our Sales Management Program prepares students to succeed in competitive business environments by combining classroom instruction with practical selling experiences, employer interactions, and collegiate sales competitions,” said Dr. Andrew Anderson, an associate professor of marketing and sales who advises competitive sales students through Northwood’s Center for Professional Sales Education. “I’m proud of the professionalism, preparation, and confidence our students demonstrated at The Closer, and I’m grateful to Nexteer Automotive, RRD, and our partners at SVSU for making this inaugural event a success.”
Northwood University has been recognized by the Sales Education Foundation as one of the Top Sales Programs in the United States for three consecutive years. As member of the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA), Northwood offers a certified Professional Sales curriculum, with qualifying students eligible to earn USCA Sales Certification.
Organizers are already looking ahead to hosting The Closer competition in 2027. Employers and organizations interested in supporting or participating in next year’s competition are encouraged to email Dr. Andrew Anderson at .
