Josiah Ogier

Josiah Ogier’s first trip outside of the United States was the trip of a lifetime as he earned a chance to compete in L’Oreal Paris’ annual Hackathon.

Supply Chain Management - Student

Josiah Ogier’s first trip outside of the United States was the trip of a lifetime as he earned a chance to compete in L’Oreal Paris’ annual Hackathon. The supply chain undergraduate and Knoxville native was one of five Americans chosen for the international competition after L’Oreal USA selected his idea during a presentation in New Jersey.

Out of 6,400 applicants globally, Ogier was one 39 individuals flown to Paris the event. Before arriving, he was placed into an international team that worked together with the goal of creating a more efficient supply chain for L’Oreal. Upon their arrival, the team was given 48 hours to establish, develop and practice the presentation of their plan.

Ogier was surely given a confidence boost when his idea, a points-based game whereby customers received points depending on how much carbon emission they saved, was selected to be the team’s platform for the competition. They gave consumers the choice of picking up their packages at a local CVS or Walgreens, having their items delivered by bike, or choosing standard delivery (for which they would receive no points).

“We presented our idea in front of judges and a mixture of about 50 L’Oreal executives and various supply chain related managers,” Ogier said. “My team received the ‘People’s Choice Award,’ which was chosen by the crowd as to who they thought had the best idea and best presentation.”

The “People’s Choice” award put them in second place overall for the competition.

Ogier spoke highly of those at Haslam who supported him.

“I want to thank professors Ted Stank and Diane Mollenkopf, as well as videographer Jason Greenway, for all their help and support along the way,” Ogier said.