An idea popped into Christian Cody’s mind as he sat in an organizational behavior class at East Central University on Oct. 31, 2016.
The senior business finance major from Tecumseh immediately jotted those ideas on an index card and has put his plan into action. As a result, Cody was the winner of ECU’s 2016 Tiger Tank Pitch Competition, three days later, on Nov. 3.
Cody attributes that successful first-place effort to the education he has received through ECU’s Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business.
“East Central University and the Stonecipher School of Business have had such a phenomenal impact on my growth as a student and young professional,” Cody said. “I would like to thank Dr. Stacey Bolin, Peggy Saunkeah, ECU President John Hargrave and Governor of the Chickasaw Nation Bill Anoatubby for the atmosphere and environment they have cultivated to encourage students to dream big, to have confidence and to take advantage of the opportunities offered in this school and community.”
The Tiger Tank competition is similar to network television’s “Shark Tank” in which participants pitch a business idea in hopes of securing an investment deal from a millionaire.
Cody’s app idea is linking those seeking a healthier lifestyle with local fitness partners and fitness facilities.
“Eighty percent of adults don’t get the recommended exercise of 2 ½ to 3 hours a week and it’s leading to an increase in the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, obesity and heart disease,” said Cody. “This app is really like a mobile personal trainer and it features dietary evaluations and meal planning to make healthier food choices.”
Cody says he has already gathered around 100 workouts for the app to target every muscle group. His goal for the app is that everyone can have their own fitness program and nutrition plan designed and catered to help in meeting their goals.
“You can do this without personal trainers, but you will have the opportunity to hook up with personal trainers. Of course, that would be at your expense,” Cody said. “But it will give you the opportunity to find people registered at gyms and form relationships with workout buddies or accountability partners.”
Cody’s goal is to build up a team of software designers, personal trainers, nutritionists, and social media experts to help put the plan into play.
“I would also like to present training for specific sports like football, soccer and basketball and bring in experts in those areas to assist in building the best quality workouts,” said Cody. “Users will have access to workouts, meal plans and even Olympic training workouts. I would like to present it to colleges with the hundreds of workouts and meal plans. It will be for all athletes in any sport. It is a virtual mobile training app, that is sure to elevate the performance of any user.”
Cody is a 2012 graduate of Tecumseh High School where he participated in band, sang in the choir, ran cross country and competed in track.
During his senior year he was named Tecumseh’s Outstanding Musician while playing the baritone. He also served as drum major for the marching band his junior and senior years.
As an athlete, he was a four-time state qualifier (two times in cross country and twice in track). He was team captain for cross country his junior and senior years.
Cody is expected to finish his degree in business finance this May and will have accumulated three certificates in banking and finance, human resources management and project management.
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