"I learned how to take not only a idea but my dream, and pull people I knew that felt the same as me in to believing what a few people working together can do for positive outcomes. I learned to ask for what I believe in, work as a dedicated team, take criticism and learn from it to develop something better and work hard."
"I would honestly have to say that this was the very best experience I had ever had. I had the opportunity to explore creative ways to put my ideas forward as well as learning from highly talented and amazing advisors how to communicate my ideas in a professional way."
"I feel that this competition is very much needed in this community and at HCCS, because it helps students realize they can be successful, make a difference in the community and listen to people such as our advisors and make the most of what comes before them."
"You have so many wonderfully experienced advisers, to see their credentials was so impressive. Thank you for involving these people of merit in this endeavor! The training sessions were great and I really loved the video on the T&C website and the poster in the halls; that was great marketing. I saw the poster while I was checking out the school – it convinced me to pursue enrolling!"

Business Advisor

Atul Vir

Atul Vir is a serial entrepreneur. His flagship company is Equator Advanced Appliances, which specializes in innovative energy-efficient products. His products have won awards from the Appliance Manufacturing Association, American Society on Aging, Consumers Digest, and has been featured on CBS News, HGTV and Oprah, Fortune, Popular Mechanics, New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Under Vir’s leadership, Equator has been three times in the Houston 100 list of fastest Growing Companies, Wells Fargo Bank twice selected him as the Entrepreneur of the year and he was an Ernest and Young finalist. Equator has offices located in Houston, China, India and Europe. Vir is also a promoter of Carpe Diem Holdings, which invests in small business, and Everest Business Services, which provides cloud solutions to businesses. He is also the Principal of Shangri-La Contemporary Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes local and international art. Atul was born and educated in India where he did his Masters in International Business and qualified as a Chartered Accountant (CPA). Vir is involved in charitable work and contributes his time to Club 24, a group that builds bridges between cultures, and the Youth Leadership Development Program, focused on developing leadership talent in high-school students. He lives in Spring Branch.