Top 20 team in the 2018 High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge at the University of Utah. lassonde.utah.edu/hsuec

1. THE C.A.P.S. PEDESTAL
(CAPSTONE ADJUSTABLE PROP SERIES)
Kael Berkley
Brigham Watt
Erica Straddeck Lassonde Entrepreneurship Challenge

2. WHY THE INDUSTRY NEEDS THIS
Our product is designed to address some pressing needs in the modern
construction industry.Tile pedestal systems are used for a variety of
applications, but their main function is to create a raised floor.The pedestals
rest on a solid base or substrate, extend a specified height to create a hollow
space, and hold up the floor material- be it tile, pavers, or wood decking.
These systems are invaluable because they allow accessible space for
utilities while also giving opportunity for a sloped grade that drains
beneath a level floor.They’re commonly found in fountain systems (City
Creek Center, above, makes extensive use of pedestals), data centers, (left,
with conduit visible) command centers, decks, office buildings (air
distribution through separated flooring is becoming prevalent), and flat-
roof projects.

3. OUR INSPIRATION
The current industry for raised flooring
pedestals is diverse, and three main
competitors exist. However, each
company has weaknesses that we believe
give us an opportunity to break into the
market.
The ideal pedestal system is adjustable
for height, adjustable for slope, easily
assembled, affordable, and represented by
great customer service.The competitors
and their failings are listed to the right.
Above and right is an interest email
response from a major manufacturing rep.
“If you guys could develop a product like this, I could sell a
lot of them.The only companies in the USA that have
products like this are below.All of them are terrible to deal
with.“- Doug Keller, Keller & Associates
Focuses mainly on tile itself, not pedestals.
Requires large bulk orders. Ineffective shim
method for slope correction.
Foreign company with poor customer
service. Backlogged on deliveries significantly.
Overly complex system. Copied Bison’s logo
and name idea- not unique enough to stand
out.
Inefficient height adjustment that requires
lots of extra parts. Poor customer service,
reputation for shady distributors.

4. OUR OPPORTUNITY
 We received a unique opportunity to make our product and
business ideas a reality through a school program called
CAPS- Center for Advanced Professional Studies.This
program gives you the opportunity to pair with local business
leaders who offer guidance through a project.
 All Engineering work, drafting, testing, pricing, logo design,
name design, shipping configuration, and professional
communication was ultimately done by our team. However
we had mentorship from Miro Industries, a local engineering
company.They provided professional advice, contacts and
connections, and the investment and sales network to make
this project a reality.

5. THE DESIGN PROCESS, PART 1
Final ProductSecond DraftFirst DraftOur design process took place
through SolidWorks, a 3D
modeling software available on
our school computers.
The product underwent three
major drafts over the course of
six months of work. Special
attention was put into cutting
down on the number of
necessary parts, which would
significantly enhance usability and
reduce startup costs for us.
PATENT PENDING

6. THE DESIGN PROCESS, PART 2
Our designs underwent extensive
testing and reviewing. FEA software
was used to virtually test the finished
products for stress loads and weak
points. Models and drawings were
sent to a toolmaker to ensure they
were able to be manufactured within
our price range.We worked closely
with a Professional Engineer at a local
Engineering firm, who reviewed all
our drafts and worked with us on
code requirements. 3D printing was
used to create a full-sized prototype
(right).Drawings of two of the four components of
our product. FEA analysis of top cap
PATENT PENDING

7. THE FINISHED PRODUCT, PART 1
PATENT PENDING
We ended with a tile pedestal unique to the industry. Our unique dome-piece and top-cap allows
for 360 degree slope compensation and rotation.The pieces fit with optional S35 PVC, allowing for
up to 2’ of height extension within recommendations.
We were able to file our unique product for a design patent through FabianVanCott, and it’s
currently pending with our team members names listed as inventors.
Drawing showing
5% sloped grade
and level top
surface
Drawing
showing use
of PVC for
additional
height.

8. THE FINISHED PRODUCT, PART 2
A model of our CAPS Pedestal as a system,
holding up pavers.
PATENT PENDING
Our product, once designed, needed work to move to
market. Spec sheets are being drafted per industry
standard, along with detail sheets that advertise the
virtues of our product.We virtually tested the product
as an entire system, and have drafted instructions for
use.
Above: Detail sheet draft.
Right: Cross section of entire
product

9. BUSINESS MODEL
 Our product has received investment from Miro Industries, totaling near $100,000 so far in industrial mold costs
alone.The product will be sold under the Miro “umbrella”, but their CEO wishes to create a new entity for our
product specifically.We had complete freedom in creating a name and logo that we felt was appropriate to the
industry.
 We named the product based on function, to help with search engine optimization, and after our CAPS program
to commemorate it.The product line will be called the Capstone Adjustable Prop Series, which acronymns to
CAPS. Paperwork towards filing a new business entity is currently being done, and our initial logo drafts are
complete.

10. TARGET AUDIENCE
 Our research into this market has been extensive as we
prepare to launch the product.As evidenced by our
communication with Keller Associates, there is significant need
for the product fixes we bring to the table.
 We plan on using Miro’s contacts to create a new team of sales
reps that specialize in Division 7, which is the construction
category where our product would be designated.They would
work through rep networks that would specify our product to
contractors- essentially they’d gain license to use our pedestals
for a specific project, such as a new mall, and then the
contractor would be required to use our pedestals.
 This new business would impact a large percentage of those
concerned in industry.We’ve communicated directly with 6
major construction reps throughout the nation and they’ve
demonstrated substantial interest.

11. MOVING FORWARD
Over the course of this project we have successfully-
- Developed a viable product for a specific audience
- Created a company name and logo
- Filed the necessary legal paperwork for patent
and protection
- Researched extensively into competition and
pricing
- Received mold and piece quotes and received
investment pledges
Moving forward, we look to-
• Place orders for molds and receive
samples
• File a trademark for the logo and
name
• Complete pricing breakdowns
• Complete shipping configurations
• Sell the product on the market

12. Thank you