“It brings me joy to be part of such a positive program, which makes my overall life better.” – Gregory, NFTE Volunteer. Gregory Mayo, a dedicated NFTE volunteer, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and giving back! As a judge for both the 2023 NFTE Midwest/St. Louis Quarterfinals and the 2024 NFTE St. Louis Semifinals, Gregory has witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of young innovators.

The Path to Volunteerism

Gregory’s involvement with NFTE began through his company, NetScout Systems, which actively promotes charitable programs. He explains, “I saw an opening on our website for NFTE, needing mentors to go into high schools to help students. I first did that, and then also started judging. I still do both.” This initial step led to a deeper commitment: “Once engaging in any volunteer opportunity, I look for ways to assist in any means possible.”

The Challenge of Judging Excellence

Evaluating the diverse and innovative ideas presented by young entrepreneurs is no easy task. Gregory compares it to judging the Olympics, noting the often minute differences in scores. This challenge highlights the exceptional quality of submissions NFTE receives.

One particular pitch stood out to Gregory: “A girl had an idea for a company producing fashion-based prosthetics. It was very thought out and was for an amazing cause.” This experience not only impressed him but also allowed him to make a meaningful connection, sharing, “I gave them the name of a Paralympic snowboarder that I met that spoke at our company, that started building sports-based prosthetics.”

Tips for Fellow Judges and Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Drawing from his experience, Greg offers valuable advice for both judges and aspiring entrepreneurs:

For judges:

  • Look for the subtle differences in the pitches as it is easy for them to fall into the same scoring areas.
  • Just keep an open mind and try to really understand what is being presented.

For entrepreneurs:

  • Highlight your uniqueness: “The most important advice I give is to highlight what makes you different than all your competition.”

The Impact of Volunteering

Gregory’s involvement with NFTE has been deeply rewarding. He reflects, “I have been exposed to so many good ideas, it really gives me hope in the younger generation that they are motivated and also looking to impact society in a positive way.”

If you’re inspired to make a difference in the lives of young entrepreneurs, visit volunteer.nfte.com to explore volunteer opportunities to get involved!