The Meyers Cup, powered by LaunchVT, is the largest undergraduate business pitch competition in the country. Grand prize winners receive $225,000 in funding, plus in-kind services and mentorship from Vermont’s entrepreneurial community. As part of its commitment to fostering innovation, Hula provides Air Desks to all competitors and designated desks to the winning team, giving them a space to grow their business alongside other entrepreneurs.
This year’s champions, Campus Storage Solutions, are tackling a long-standing challenge for college students: moving and storage. Their service simplifies the process by allowing students to pack up their belongings, have them picked up, stored, and then delivered back when needed—eliminating the hassle of finding storage and transportation during school breaks.
Meet the Founders
From left to right: Logan Vaughan, Ally Updegrove and Ethan Israel lead Campus Storage Solutions.
CEO Ethan Israel (Junior, Randolph, NJ) and CFO Logan Vaughan (Sophomore, St. George, VT) founded the company after Israel experienced firsthand how inefficient student moving can be. “It took a 16-foot Penske truck just to move a kayak, a couple of bikes, and some clothes,” he recalls. Seeing an opportunity, he and Vaughan created a business model tailored to individual universities rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
In October, they brought on Ally Updegrove (Senior, UVM) as CMO, strengthening their team before entering the Meyers Cup.
Building a Business & Winning the Cup
The idea quickly gained traction. Campus Storage Solutions launched a pilot program with 85 UVM students, successfully moving over 500 belongings in their first year. Their model—focused on working directly with universities and offering personalized service—set them apart from competitors trying to scale too broadly without refining their service.
But their path to victory wasn’t easy. Their initial pitch at the semifinals fell short. “We got ripped to shreds in the Q&A,” Vaughn admits. The feedback, though tough, was invaluable. Over the next month, they rebuilt their pitch from the ground up. “We knew our business inside and out,” says Israel. “We had practiced every possible question. The pitch was great, but winning came down to nailing the Q&A.” Their preparation paid off, and they walked away as Meyers Cup champions.
What’s Next?
With their winnings, the team is gearing up for major growth. Their immediate plan is to expand to four additional Vermont schools (Champlain, Middlebury, St. Michael’s, and Norwich) while solidifying their UVM partnership.
For now, though, their focus is on the present. “Customers are reaching out 24/7,” says Vaughan. The spring and summer months are their busiest, and the Meyers Cup win has only increased demand.
“This money gives us a strong base to grow from,” he adds. “We could have expanded without it, but now we can move faster and with more confidence.”
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
Updegrove: “Do it now. College is the perfect time—before life gets in the way.”
Israel: “Find something you’re passionate about. If you love it, you’ll make it work.”
Vaughan: “Get involved, make connections, and join the Meyers Cup. The relationships we built—especially at Hula and with Lauren Bass (of LaunchVT)—have been invaluable.”
With their new home at Hula, the team has access to a thriving entrepreneurial network. As they continue to grow, Vermont’s startup community is behind them, excited to see where they take Campus Storage Solutions next.
