Business Management and Entrepreneurship (BME) AM students achieved a major milestone on January 13, 2026, earning first place at the Virtual Enterprises International (VEI) New York Metro South Regional Division competition. The team was recognized for its outstanding business plan for their virtual company, Res-SKU, a student-created venture focused on sustainability and mental health.
The winning Executive Team is composed of four students:
· Tyler Deisher, Chief Executive Officer – Fleetwood, junior
· Isabella Torres, Chief Marketing Officer – Wyomissing, junior
· Izabella Modeste, Chief Financial Officer – Antietam, junior
· Thomas Gentry, Chief Design Officer – Wyomissing, senior
Together with their morning BME classmates, the Executive Team developed Res-SKU with a clear mission: addressing both the environmental impact of fast fashion and the rising mental health challenges facing today’s youth. Students identified the harmful waste stream created by cheaply produced, short-lived clothing, as well as the increasing prevalence of anxiety and depression among young people.
Res-SKU’s solutions target both issues. The company “rescues” zip up, hoodie, and crew neck sweatshirts, cleans them, adds motivational quotes and original branding, and resells them—encouraging sustainable habits while also sharing uplifting messages.
Creating the company requires extensive collaboration. Students brainstormed global problems, a process CEO Tyler Deisher described as “a long, mentally draining process.” After settling their mission, the class developed the company's name, operations outline, Human Resources policies, and organizational structure. They interviewed classmates for internal positions, crafted a business plan and mission statement, and built a full suite of branding materials including a marketing campaign, newsletter, website, and social media presence. Weekly meetings helped keep the team aligned as the competition approached.
Preparing for the VEI regional competition was equally rigorous. Students submitted a four-page business overview, a competitive analysis, and a slideshow presentation. They also memorized a presentation script and even coordinated their outfits to present as a unified executive team. Two days before the event, the original five-member team faced an unexpected challenge when one member lost their voice, forcing the remaining four to learn a new script on short notice.
“That was tough because we are all busy high school students, but we all made it work,” Tyler explained. “We would spend up to two hours practicing together. That is what really helped us.”
The regional competition took place over Zoom, where judges evaluated both the slide deck and the team’s 10-minute presentation. Their first-place finish now advances them to the national competition in New York City, which will be held in person. Nationals will feature multiple rounds, culminating in a final on-stage presentation before judges and VEI competitors. Students must now expand their business overview into a more detailed, 20-page plan, leaving far less room for error.
BME Instructor Mr. Voit expressed his pride in the class. “The level of detail and work the students have to put into this competition will certainly prepare them for the business world and beyond,” he said. “Students gain soft skills, collaboration, communication, and the ability to present at a professional level. It is amazing from my end to watch the growth of the students.”
Many BME students were drawn to the program because of family entrepreneurship influences. Isabella drew inspiration from the business her grandmother founded, which her aunt now operates, and where Isabella also works. Tyler added, “My dad is an entrepreneur, and I’ve always been interested in the business world. BME is more than I thought it would be.” He also competed at SkillsUSA Nationals last year in Atlanta. “It was a great opportunity and a good memory,” he added.
Tyler encourages younger students to take chances and explore opportunities at BCTC: “Put yourself out there and take the risk and come to BCTC. It is a lot different from regular school.”