SharkPreneur Episode 1183: How to Win the College Game with Paul Celuch and John Decker
If you believe college costs are non-negotiable—or that you can’t haggle with a university—this episode will change everything.
In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Paul Celuch, Co-Founder of College Assistance Plus, and John Decker, a Founding Director of Every Student Sent. They are dedicated to helping families lower student debt, secure better college offers, and guide students toward purpose-driven careers. With experience in executive leadership, nonprofit work, and real-world college admissions strategies, Paul and John have created a proven system to help families navigate the college process from start to finish—without overspending. From uncovering little-known negotiating tactics to preparing students for interviews that win scholarships, they assist families in not just getting in—but graduating with a degree, a clear direction, and minimal debt.
Key Takeaways:
→ Why impersonal financial aid offers are just a starting point.
→ How understanding the business of college leads to better offers.
→ The critical importance of choosing a major before choosing a school.
→ What colleges don’t tell you about how they fill class gaps.
→ Why GPA and essays matter less than you think in the negotiation process.
Paul Celuch is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with over 15 years at IBM and successful leadership roles at MCI Telecommunications, Rochester Telephone, Intermedia Communications, Coyote Technologies, and Mpower. With 20 years in telecommunications, Paul also served as President, CEO, and Co-Owner of Lanier Office Equipment in Western NY, and operated his own Executive Search firm. In 2004, he co-founded College Assistance Plus to help families minimize college costs, assisting over 6,000 students nationwide. Paul is also an active community leader, serving as a Deacon at Lima Baptist Church and President of the Board at Lima Christian School. He has been a member of the Parent Boards at Messiah College and Gordon College.
John Decker is a business development professional with over 16 years of experience at College Assistance Plus, where he helps families prepare financially and strategically for college. With a background in aerospace and fiber optics, John worked at top companies like Lockheed Martin and Philips for 27 years, holding roles such as Contract Manager, Product Manager, and Director of Business Development. A graduate of Syracuse University, John is a founding director of the nonprofit Every Student Sent, which helps students start college with purpose and support. He is also a past president of the Businessmen’s Fellowship chapter in Syracuse. John lives in Syracuse, NY, with his wife, three children, and eight grandchildren.
Connect With Paul and John:
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