At Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District recognized the students in its business program for their entrepreneurship and performance at the district’s inaugural Virtual Enterprise Trade Show last month.
The event, on Dec. 5, turned the high school gym into a hive of activity, with students from five districts, representing more than a dozen “virtual firms,” pitching their products and services to attendees equipped with special VE credit cards — a tool designed to simulate real-world business transactions in a risk-free environment.
One of the participating firms, Oyster Bay High’s own NomadNest, captivated the audience with its presentation, which it reprised at the board meeting. The student-run company, which focuses on innovative outdoor adventure gear, showcased its flagship product, the Backpack-Tent Hybrid. The tent’s instant deployment system transforms it from a backpack into a fully functional shelter within seconds, addressing common complaints among campers about setting up equipment.
“Our tagline, ‘Take your home wherever you roam,’ embodies our commitment to making outdoor exploration accessible to everyone,” Giovanni Morenos, CEO of NomadNest and a senior at the high school, said during the presentation to the Board of Education. “Traditional camping equipment presents three critical challenges: complex assembly requiring multiple people, a time-consuming setup process, and bulky equipment that’s difficult to transport.”
The trade show gave students a unique opportunity to engage in real-world business scenarios. The participating schools included Comsewogue, Huntington, Manhasset and West Hempstead high schools and the Nassau BOCES Center for Community Adjustment. Each brought teams of students who assumed various roles within their virtual companies, from CEOs to CFOs, and were honing skills in marketing, sales and customer service.
Attendees browsed virtual booths and “purchased” products using their VE credit cards. While no real money or goods changed hands, the event offered students invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship. Products ranged from jewelry designed to detect allergic reactions to innovative sunscreen dispensers and school security solutions.
NomadNest’s detailed pitch outlined the students’ innovative solutions and ambitious growth plans. Chief Operating Officer Owen Perfetti, a senior at Oyster Bay High, emphasized the growing demand for camping products, citing a 68 percent increase in active camping households over the past decade, according to a report by KOA Campgrounds.
“Covid-19 had a huge impact on the camping industry, with more families turning to the great outdoors,” Perfetti noted. “Our product solves a critical problem in camping.”
Senior Connor O’Brien, NomadNest’s chief marketing officer, highlighted market research indicating that over 70 percent of campers identify tent setup as a primary frustration, with 93 percent willing to pay a premium for improved convenience.
“Our mission is to inspire outdoor exploration by providing gear that is accessible, durable, and innovative,” O’Brien said. “We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the great outdoors fully equipped with reliable tools no matter what their budget is.”
The backpack-tent hybrid is competitively priced at $599, with a bundle package that includes a kayak paddle and camping stove for $999. Chief Technology Officer Alex Karpavicius, a senior, stressed that NomadNest’s products are cost-effective compared with offerings from established brands like REI and Coleman.
“While competitors like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Bass Pro Shop offer camping equipment, NomadNest provides a more extensive and specialized product profit range,” Karpavicius explained. “Our offerings are not only more diverse but more cost-effective, giving us an advantage.”
During the presentation, Chief Financial Officer Ari Komos, a senior, gave an overview of NomadNest’s financial performance. Despite recording a net loss of $424 in its first year, the company achieved significant milestones, including 20 percent growth and total revenue exceeding $900,000.
“Our financials indicate that we are operating very close to breaking even, which is a strong indicator of a sustainable business model,” Komos said.
Looking ahead, NomadNest and other VE firms will take participate in a “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition at Long Island University later this month, where the students will have an opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of industry professionals.
Oyster Bay High Principal Melissa Argaman congratulated the students on their excellent pitch and their performance at the trade show.
“Our business teacher, Ms. (Angela) Kowalsky, has done a great job of providing our students with real-world experiences in her classes,” Argaman said. “Our business students are learning so much.”