Business Week is more than a series of events… It’s an immersive experience designed to help you connect what you’re learning in the classroom to the world you’re preparing to enter. This year's Lion's Cage competition is sponsored by SouthState and Stellar and will allow students to participate for a chance at up to $10,000 in prize money.
Throughout the week, you’ll have opportunities to explore real-world challenges, learn directly from professionals and alumni, and practice the skills that matter most after graduation. From networking and career preparation to idea building and pitching, Business Week is designed to help you move from curiosity to confidence. This year's title sponsor is Rulon International.
What makes Business Week different:
- Learning by doing: Engage in hands-on sessions that challenge you to think critically, collaborate, and apply your ideas.
- Real connections: Meet alumni, employers, and mentors who want to share insights—and open doors.
- Support at every stage: Whether you’re testing your first idea or refining a polished pitch, there’s space to grow.
- Momentum you can feel: Each event builds toward helping you see what’s possible—and how to get there.
Business Week is designed for every School of Business student, no matter where you’re starting. Come curious. Leave more confident.
Business Week Events
Upcoming Events
Monday, March 2
Career Closet Appointments
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Career Development Center
You can set a time to select professional attire. The clothing and accessories are yours to keep, free of charge!
Use your MyFlagler name and password to log into Handshake and make an appointment.
Kick-Off Luncheon with John Sgromolo - Sponsored by The Link
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Virginia Room
Enjoy lunch and learn more from Flagler alum John Sgromolo. John Sgromolo is a Sport Management major who was drafted by the L.A. Dodgers and is currently serving as a Clay County Commissioner in District 1.
Panel: “Future-Proof: Leveraging AI” - Sponsored by NLP LOGIX
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Virginia Room
Tuesday, March 3
Saints Showcase - Sponsored by Ameris Bank
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Bailey Center
Students pitch their solutions to this year's challenge for a chance to compete in the Lion's Cage.
Panel: "Future Proof: Your Career" - Sponsored by Enterprise Mobility
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Jay's Place
Wednesday, March 4
Career Expo
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Ringhaver Student Center Bailey Lounge
Networking After Dark - Sponsored by SJC Chamber of Commerce
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Solarium in Ponce Hall
School of Business alumni and members of the SJC Chamber of Commerce will be on campus to network with our students
Thursday, March 5
Lion’s Cage Competition - Prize Money Sponsored by SouthState & Stellar
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Lewis Auditorium
Similar to “Shark Tank,” the top 5 teams from the Saints Showcase pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges for the opportunity to win cash prizes. Compete for your chance to earn $10,000 sponsored by both SouthState & Stellar.
Lion's Cage Awards Ceremony & Reception - Sponsored by Enterprise Mobility
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lewis Auditorium Foyer
Friday, March 6
Professional Head Shots - Sponsored by Monarch Studios
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Alumni House, Alumni Lodge
Keynote Speaker: John Sgromolo - Sponsored by The Link
Keynote Speaker
Monday, March 2nd - 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Location: Virginia Room
John Sgromolo is a servant leader whose career spans athletics, education, and public service—defined by adaptability, integrity, and community impact. A proud Flagler College alumnus, Class of 2012, and former member of the Flagler College Baseball Team, John earned his degree in Business Administration before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, launching a professional baseball career grounded in discipline, resilience, and a team-first mindset. During his senior year at Flagler, he was recognized as the NCAA Male Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year, a national honor reflecting his commitment to leadership, character, and respect—values that continue to guide every chapter of his career.
John holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Missouri, with a concentration in Athletic Leadership and Positive Coaching, and is a Nationally Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA)—credentials that underscore his expertise in leadership development, organizational culture, and student-centered athletics.
Following professional baseball, John transitioned into educational leadership, serving as Athletic Director at Ridgeview High School, where he focused on building programs rooted in excellence, character development, and lifelong leadership skills. In 2020, he was appointed by the Superintendent of Schools as the first-ever Clay County Director of Athletics, overseeing 14 athletic directors, more than 500 coaches, and approximately 6,000 student-athletes, with an emphasis on culture-building, accountability, and collaboration across the county’s athletic programs. He now serves as Athletic Director at St. Johns Country Day School, a K–12 private school in Orange Park, leading comprehensive programs that align athletics with character-based education and the holistic development of student-athletes. In recognition of his impact and forward-thinking leadership, John was named a National Athletic Director of Influence by BOUND in 2022.
In addition to his local leadership, John has held several statewide athletic roles, including Chairman of the FHSAA State Athletic Directors Council. He is currently a Board Member of the State Athletic Directors Association, where he also serves as Public Relations Chairman, helping shape communication, advocacy, and best practices for athletic programs across Florida.
Inspired by his career in education and his desire to serve the community where he was raised, John ran for public office. In 2024, he was elected to serve District 1 on the Clay County Board of County Commissioners and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Commission. He also serves as Chairman of the Tourist Development Council, alternate liaison to the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Public Safety Coordinating Council, and a member of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Circuit 4 Advisory Board. In these roles, he works collaboratively to advance economic development, public safety, youth advocacy, and quality-of-life initiatives across the county.
Lion's Cage Speaker: Tricia Taylor
Lion's Cage Speaker
Thursday, March 5
Location: Lewis Auditorium
Tricia Taylor is President of The Breakers Palm Beach, one of America’s most iconic luxury resorts. In her role, she leads the operations of the 140-acre oceanfront property and its off-site businesses, while guiding a team of more than 2,400 associates. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being and workplace culture, Taylor drives the organization’s people-first approach - an essential pillar of the enduring success of this independent, family-owned enterprise.
A graduate of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, Taylor began her hospitality career at the legendary Waldorf Astoria in New York before joining The Breakers in 1996. Over the past three decades, she has advanced through the company, culminating in her appointment as president in 2023.
A passionate advocate for learning and professional development, Taylor earned her MBA with honors from Florida Atlantic University and continued her executive education as a Wharton Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania.