Growing With Granite

Overview

Granite Insurance is exponentially growing and would like to place another office in the Southeast. The “Grow with Granite” project engaged students in a comprehensive exploration of business expansion and economic development. Partnering with Granite Insurance, students took on the role of consultants to identify the ideal location for the company’s expansion in the Southeast. Spanning across five states, students researched and analyzed data related to quality of life, niche markets, college partnerships, and financial prospects in various locations. Throughout the project, students honed essential skills in collaboration, public speaking, data analysis, and research. Their journey culminated in pitch presentations to the company’s directors and co-owners, showcasing their proposals. The project provided a real-world context for learning, empowering students to apply their knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the growth of a thriving business.

For a full description of the project and associated resources, use this link.

Partners

Driving Question

What city or town would provide the best opportunity for further expansion in the Southeast of Granite Insurance?

Process & Milestones

After dividing into teams, students analyzed data on quality of life, niche markets, college partnerships, and costs in states like Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Each team pitched their ideal location to the directors of Granite Insurance, leading to the top four teams presenting to the co-owners while the winning team showcased their proposal at a county event. Throughout the process, students developed essential skills such as collaboration, public speaking, data analysis, and problem-solving, while aligning with economic and personal finance standards. The project culminated in student-led conferences where participants shared their experiences and learning outcomes.

• Milestone 1: Kick-Off/Introduction – Mr. Keller, co-owner of Granite Insurance, presented the project’s objective and parameters.
• Milestone 2: Learning Collaboration – Students participated in a marshmallow challenge to emphasize teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Milestone 3: Setting up Teamwork – Students formed teams, created team names, and established non-negotiables for effective teamwork.
• Milestone 4: Student Voice & Choice – Students provided feedback on research, data presentation, and pitch qualifications.
• Milestone 5: Research – Students divided into groups to research potential expansion locations in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
• Milestone 6: Refining Data – Students transferred research data onto spreadsheets for analysis and validation.
• Milestone 7: Decision-Making Time – Teams narrowed down potential locations based on data, pro/con lists, and director feedback.
• Milestone 8: Pitch Team Preparation – Teams prepared to present their location proposals through slideshows and speeches.
• Milestone 9: Pitch Team Practice – Teams practiced their presentations and received feedback from peers, directors, and juniors.
• Milestone 10: Director Pitch – Top teams presented to the directors of Granite Insurance, who provided direct feedback and evaluation.
• Milestone 11: Co-Owner Selection – The top team was chosen by the co-owners based on their presentation and information quality.
• Milestone 12: Showcase Presentation – The top two teams presented at a showcase event for further evaluation and feedback.
• Milestone 13: Reflection – Students reviewed the project’s strengths, areas for improvement, and skills developed.
• Milestone 14: End-of-Year Student-Led Conference – Students showcased their project findings and experiences during the school’s Reflections event.

Entry Event

Chase Keller from Granite Insurance presented this Powerpoint to frame the challenge and answered all student questions. The two videos below were also sent to provide context for different aspects of the challenge.

Problem / Challenge

The project presented students with the challenge of identifying the best location for Granite Insurance’s expansion in the Southeast. They needed to consider multiple factors, such as quality of life indicators, niche markets, college partnerships, and financial implications. With five states to research and numerous potential locations within each state, students faced the task of analyzing vast amounts of data and making well-informed decisions. Additionally, the project required effective collaboration, public speaking, and data analysis skills, which students needed to develop and apply during the process. The pressure of presenting their findings to the directors and co-owners added an extra layer of challenge, demanding confidence and clear communication. Nevertheless, students embraced the real-world problem and worked diligently to present compelling solutions for Granite Insurance’s future growth.

Skill Development

Through this project, students developed collaboration, public speaking, research, and data analysis skills. They also learned about economic and personal finance concepts such as market structures, financial institutions, investing strategies, insurance, estate planning, advertising, and consumer decisions.

• Students will be able to design, and execute a plan.
• Students can make connections between career research, job shadowing, and profession-based learning.
• Students will solve a real-world problem.
• Students will collaborate and problem-solve in teams.
• Students will research an area on their own and be able to give data on their proposed site.
• Students will develop and work on public speaking skills.
• Students will foster a growth mindset and learn to receive feedback and make adjustments.
• Students will create roles suitable to the tasks at hand.

Final Products

The final product of this project was a well-prepared pitch, presented through a slideshow and speeches, showcasing the chosen location for Granite Insurance’s expansion. Students were evaluated based on their pitch quality, data accuracy, collaboration, and presentation skills.

• Pitch: Students presented a pitch using all data on their geographic location and be able to give a recommendation to the company. 
• Showcase: Students organized their data and pitch highlights in a visual and interactive medium that communicates to stakeholders the purpose and conclusion of the project. 

Criteria

• Pitch the Location that Granite Insurance should put a brick and mortar location 
• Location must meet all parameters presented by Granite Insurance
  • Sales & Marketing Viability
    • Differentiator – our value proposition
    • Market Saturation
      • Keystone Insurers Group
      • Direct Competition
    • Niche Market Opportunities
  • Finance & Compliance
    • Commercial Lease Availability/Expense
    • Business Tax Environment
    • Compensation Expenses
      • Cost of Living
  • Business Operations
    • Accessibility and logistics
      • Proximity to main-office in Granite Falls, NC
      • Airport/Interstate access
    • Quality of Life
    • College/University Partnership potential
• Must support pitch with data on location – sources must be validated