Lindner Marketing Case Competition Launch
February 26, 2026
This spring, Questrom launched the Lindner Marketing Case Competition, drawing more than 170 participating students, as another stellar opportunity to work with real-world clients. The inaugural Lindner Marketing Case Competition is proudly sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market, shaping how millions shop for healthy food.
With cash prizes of $10,000, $6,000, and $4,000, 44 teams across undergraduate, specialized master’s, and MBA programs are putting fresh thinking into action. Round 1 kicked off in February, introducing Questrom students to a timely challenge: develop a strategic New England rollout for Sprouts.
Sprouts started out in the 1940s as a Farmer’s Market in San Diego. The first official Sprouts store opened in 2002, and today the Phoenix-based grocer employs more than 30,000 people nationwide. Known for serving vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and food-allergy households, Sprouts offers students a brand with both scale and mission.
The competition is made possible through the generosity of donors Mark and Debbie Lindner. After researching institutions across the Northeast, they chose Boston University Questrom School of Business because its mission—to create value for the world—aligned closely with their own philanthropic vision and desire to invest in the next generation of business leaders.
Mark Lindner currently leads an elite program at San Diego State University (SDSU), Fowler Scholars, along with being a full-time lecturer in the Fowler School of Business for both MBA and undergraduate students. Prior to retiring, Mark spent 35 years in the consumer products industry with both Molson Coors and Mark Anthony Group. His roles included building a national import and craft team and overseeing one of the largest operating divisions within Molson Coors. Along the way, he developed a patented Beer Merchant training program and helped design a professional development curriculum at SDSU focused on preparing students for long-term career success.
Panel of judges:
- Jackie Coffey, Vice President, Marketing, Media & Performance, Sprouts Farmers Market
- Glen Thornborough, President, TD Garden and Chief Operating Officer, Boston Bruins
- Shore Gregory, CEO & Co-Founder, Row 34 Restaurant Group
- Edward Rich, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Private Client
- Saba Solomon, Vice President, Relationship Manager, J.P. Morgan Private Client
- Mark Lindner, Director, Fowler Scholars Program, Professional Development – MBA & Undergraduate
Final competition is March 28th. The winners will compete for:
- 1st Place: $10,000
- 2nd Place: $6,000
- 3rd Place: $4,000
The Lindner Marketing Case Competition represents Questrom’s commitment to experiential learning, where students test ideas in real markets, receive feedback from senior industry leaders, and build the confidence to lead.
The competition will return in Spring 2027.
