Brandon Zettek

Class of 2026-2027

Northern Illinois University
Computer Science

Capstone Project Abstract

Gold Crown Foundation is a Colorado nonprofit that brings together youth of all backgrounds through sports. Serving more than 15,000 kids annually, Gold Crown operates a Lakewood field house with six basketball courts alongside a full baseball complex. The organization prides itself on responding to the needs of its community and has become a second home for many kids growing up in the Denver metro area.

This capstone project is focused on discovering opportunities Gold Crown may be able to build itself, so it can continue to provide more for the community. The work centers on the technology behind how Gold Crown's games reach families, and on identifying new revenue streams that would let the organization keep supporting its young athletes.

Market discovery will focus on how families actually watch. It will involve talking with parents, remote viewers, and tournament visitors to understand whether they are in the stands, watching from home, or getting clips texted from another parent.

Why did you choose ESTEEM?

I chose ESTEEM because I want the things I build to have purpose and a positive impact. After undergrad, I had the foundation to build, but I had never learned how to analyze a market, position a product, or actually bring it into the world. I want to combine what I know about building software with a field that matters, and create technology that improves people's health. ESTEEM fit both what I wanted to learn and who I want to become.

What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?

After ESTEEM, I plan to keep the same mindset and move it to a different environment. I'd like to work at a startup or a newer company and learn firsthand what drives them to succeed. Down the road, I want to build something of my own.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time you can usually find me playing pickup basketball at Duncan with friends and classmates. Come Fall, I'll be in the House that Rockne Built every home Saturday. I've also started collecting records from my favorite artists.