From Dallas to Nationals: Meet the Champion Team Bolts & Brains!
- Make48+Team
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
Get ready to cheer for Bolts & Brains, the incredible team from Vandermont in Dallas, who are now headed to the Make48 Nationals!
This spirited group from Vandermont, led by SMU team captain Michael Llanes, took home first place with their winning invention, The Coolzie. The challenge? The teams had to build a prototype of a solar-powered outdoor innovation that uses electricity generated by rooftop solar panels. Their solution was designed to enhance the backyard experience by providing comfort, convenience, or entertainment while embracing sustainable energy practices.
The Coolzie is a patent-pending, solar-powered ecosystem that looks like a cooler and a koozie. The core of the product is a top-of-the-line koozie that keeps drinks cold for hours. When placed inside the larger Coolzie Cooler, it can actively cool beverages down to a colder temperature.
We sat down with Michael (20), along with team members Malachi and Greyson Goggans (12), and Anthony Perea (11), to hear about their journey.
A Team Built on Innovation and Teamwork
Working together to create a prototype in 48 hours is no easy task, but the teams had plenty of help and each other to rely on. When asked about their favorite part of the Make48 competition, the team's answers reflected their shared dedication for the experience.
For team captain Michael, it was working with the "amazing tool techs" who helped bring their ideas to life. Malachi and Anthony both emphasized the fun and camaraderie, with Malachi saying his favorite part was "my team because we worked so well together." Anthony loved "being on tv and having fun with my friends." Greyson appreciated the challenge, enjoying the "competing and having a deadline."
The team's winning idea was a standout for its marketability and real-world potential. Michael believes their product was so successful because it was something "most people could see themselves wanting and buying."
Anthony agreed, noting that it was "complicated but yet achievable and would be a good item on the market." Malachi and Greyson also highlighted its practicality, with Malachi calling it "more realistic and more creative," and Greyson pointing out that it could "actually become a real product."
Beyond the Competition: Proud Moments and Life Lessons
The team members shared personal achievements they are particularly proud of. Michael talked about performing with his country stunt and dance team at the Texas State Society's Inaugural Ball, an experience he called the "culmination of a year and a half of learning and effort." Anthony shared his pride in building a wiffle ball backboard out of PVC pipes, foam, and zip ties, calling it a project of "hard work" that got "a really good use out of it." Malachi and Greyson were most proud of winning Make48, with Greyson adding that it was a huge accomplishment since he won $500 and will be on a TV show.
When it came to who they admire, the answers highlighted the important people in their lives. Michael looks up to his engineering fraternity peers, Theta Tau, for helping each other "progress in our academic and professional lives. Some specific shoutouts I have are Brayden Diaz, Jackson Reed, William Flinchbaugh, and Justin Vincent.”
Brothers Malachi and Greyson admire their mom for "creating the school" for them and their brothers. Anthony looks up to Abraham Goggans, whom he admires for being someone who "never gives up."
Teaching Life Skills
The team also had some great ideas for new school subjects. Malachi suggested a history class taught through quizzes and projects. Michael proposed a class on communication and effective conversation, where students with different beliefs would be encouraged to talk to each other to learn how to express opinions without getting upset.
Anthony and Greyson both suggested cooking as a life skill that students would need for college, with Anthony offering to teach them how to make things like steak, hamburgers, bacon and eggs, and Greyson adding that he would teach it "like real life lessons, like how life isn't perfect."
Make48 Memories
The best memories were all about celebration and collaboration. Michael's favorite memory was when his team helped him overcome stress. “Every time I got a little stressed or took on too much of the project… as soon as I talked with my team they would come up with an innovative idea that I hadn't even thought of. They really shined in our Vandermont Competition and I know they'll do great at nationals too.”
For the younger members, the best memory was simply winning. As Anthony put it, "winning and also being the youngest team" was the highlight, a point Greyson echoed, proudly remembering that they were "the youngest team to ever win Make48" and that their victory came "on the day before my Birthday."
Finally, the team members shared their favorite personal qualities. Michael loves being "well rounded and adaptable," believing it's crucial to be able to work with anyone in any situation. Malachi and Anthony both take pride in how athletic they are. Greyson loves his adventurous personality.
Bolts & Brains' journey from Dallas to the national stage is a testament to their skill, teamwork, and the bright futures ahead of them. We wish them the best of luck at Nationals!
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