Will Kussow, Rowan Bodemer and Jake Hendrickson – class of 2026 Middleton High School graduates – were among the seven winners of Wisconsin Business World’s Kwik Trip Spring 2026 Innovation Contest.
The statewide business-focused contest asked 6th-12th grade students to create and present a marketing plan for a new product to be sold in Kwik Trip stores. Students were challenged to develop original ideas that reflect real‑world business problem‑solving, customer focus, and operational excellence.
Kussow, Bodemer and Hendrickson won for their “Kwik Harvest” project. Their video presentation outlined how Kwik Trip could partner with local farmers to give customers access to fresh, local produce.
Their presentation included a pitch for pop-up farmers markets and local produce shelves at Kwik Trip stores. They shared a marketing strategy identifying a target audience and explained how their approach would increase consumer sales.
Kussow, Bodemer and Hendrickson were part of Middleton High School’s Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program, which immerses students in a professional environment to tackle real-world problems under the guidance of experienced mentors. The CAPS program fosters a culture of creativity and problem-solving, encouraging students to think innovatively.
This environment is crucial for helping students cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and design thinking. Kussow, Bodemer and Hendrickson leveraged these skills in creating their winning entry.
The winners each received a $500 cash prize. Learn more about the contest and the CAPS program, and join us in congratulating Middleton High School's alumni on their win.