Flated on 'Shark Tank': Meet the four outdoor industry veterans who create usable space on automobiles
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ken Hoeve, Monique Keefer, Dan Watts and Ryan Guay are the four creators of Flated. Dan will pass up the chance to feature on the Emmy-winning program, leaving only three. Inflatable vehicle toppers are reported to be produced by the business. Let's learn a little bit more about the business before they debut on our TV screens this Friday.
The former TANDM Surf company will also be updated for fans in episode 16. The company was introduced to the program in episode 17 of Season 12 and was started by the Clark family in San Clemente, California. Sharks Daniel Lubetzky and Robert Herjavec made investments in the business at the time. Five original sharks, including Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, and Robert Herjavec, will be featured in the forthcoming episode 16 of 'Shark Tank', which will air soon. Daymond wasn't there in the prior episode; Barbara Corcoran was.
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What is Flated?
It can sometimes be so difficult to get your car set for an outdoor excursion that it hardly seems worth it. 'Almost' is stressed. Cause you're not going to miss out on the joy of roaming the highways and byways, climbing mountains roads to breathe in the innocence, and exhilarating air, heading off to your preferred water place to do anything from a cliff going to a sunset sail, or holidaying in the desert to sand surf, hang-glide or pursuit for ancient fossils.
Therefore, you wrangle that cap onto your vehicle, lift the freight carrier up onto your top, collect up all of the camping equipment, scatter it around, and yank out the pet carrier. It drains both your bodily and emotional energy. The creators of Flated have spent their entire lifetimes participating in outdoor adventures. Together, they have created innovative, hassle-free, cost-effective, and long-lasting goods to outfit cars. They each have their own fields of specialization.
The company's creators got together and created their own "wish lists" for the ideal car accouterments that would make it simple for all road nomads to outfit their cars before they set out in comfort and excitement.
-- Create original artwork to create the best possible road-ready car accouterments.
-- The side seams have a better connection thanks to polyurethane-glued seams.
-- High tear-strength PVC covering shields against strong UV radiation and other harsh external elements.
-- Utilize flexible materials with the most cutting-edge technology. This is the Drop Stitch material, which is made of tens of thousands of polyester stitches and which expands to a rigidity that is almost impenetrable and deflates to a pliable material that coils up for convenient storing.
-- Reduce the global use of manufactured plastic. Bulky plastic truck toppers and freight containers take up a lot of room in your house and will eventually take up the same amount of space in a landfill.
Flated Products
Air-Chalet
Your companion is welcome to travel with you on your journey at the Air-Chalet. Consider a rigid, cushioned bouncy house for Rover or Tabby. The inflatable framework offers a stable, forgiving, yet shock-absorbing atmosphere. Ventilation is provided by numerous screened windows, the roof, and the complete front fast zip door, making the entry simple. The Air-Chalet can be used both indoors and outdoors while traveling. From the living room floor to the seats and then to the luggage area.
Air-Deck
When combined with the Air-Topper, the Air-platform creates an airy elevated platform that converts your vehicle bed into a comfortable sleeping area. The problem of lack of sleeping room is resolved without sacrificing stowage space and can also be used in trailers, RVs, and SUVs. Any equipment is kept beneath the elevated platform where you slumber. Smaller things can be accessed quickly in integrated compartments, and the valve outlet enables fast inflation.
Air-Carrier
The Air-Carrier is a rooftop freight carrier with dual side access that increases the stowage space on the roof of any vehicle by up to 23 cubic feet. The assembly only requires one person and weighs 23 pounds when unloaded. Easy to put on and take off. Almost any car can use the Air-Carrier thanks to the incorporated strap mounting system.
Air-Topper
For full confinement, the Air-Topper is a shell that attaches to the truck bed. It suits most vehicle beds and is available in three configurations. The same material that inflatable stand-up paddle boats are constructed of is used to create the slab-sided platforms. When it is expanded, it is both pliable and rigid enough to withstand contact without breaking. It folds up easily and can be stored in a closet or the shed when deflated. With the included manual pump or the available motorized pump, inflation, and deflation are simple.
Who is the founder of Flated?
CMO A "jack of all outdoor sports," Ken Hoeve. He has spent more than 30 years actively engaged in the outdoor business, and he seems to know everyone! He is constantly coming up with new product ideas and is an expert at using athletes, ambassadors, and associates in sincere marketing efforts to spread the word.
CFO Former finance whiz Monique Keefer worked for Surftech, a business that produces surfboards with eco-friendly technology and brings together surfers and shapers in a worldwide community. She has expertise in construction, food and beverage, leisure, and wholesale industrial distribution at different points in her career.
CPO Dan Watts has a distinguished background in product creation and brand identification. He established his own consulting company and worked in project management and product marketing after receiving degrees in applied design from San Diego State University. He took part in the Flated automative accouterments' design, branding, and marketing.
The CEO and co-founder of this business is Ryan. Additionally, he served as "VP of Sales" for two significant businesses, Surftech and FORLOH INC. He has experience working in various businesses' sales departments.
What is the cost and where to buy Flated from?
Depending on the merchandise, prices vary. For instance, the Air Topper is similarly priced with a hard limit of $1899 for a standard-sized pick-up bed. The Air Carrier costs $629, which is also competitive with high-end metal rooftop carriers. The inflatable Deck costs $549, which is more than other inflatable mattresses for pickup trucks. Currently, they offer through REI.com, their website, and a number of specialty car aftermarket retailers.
Where is Flated now?
Currently, FLATED offers its goods directly through REI.com and other specialized car stores as well as its website. They were selected for "Shark Tank" due to their creative product blend, and they are ready for the next phase of expansion.
A business called FLATED specializes in producing inventive and excellent inflatable car accessories. Incorporated in 2021 by leaders in the outdoor equipment and stand-up paddleboard industries, FLATED is renowned for creating the first inflatable rooftop freight container and the first inflatable truck topper. All FLATED products have simple transit and storing options that are inflatable, deflatable, and patent-pending for mobile lifestyles. The business is pleased to be a part of SEMA, a preeminent association for the automobile service sector.
FLATED, which has its roots in the stand-up paddle and surf mecca of Carlsbad, California, just recently established an R&D facility and customer support office there. FLATED is committed to innovation and bringing fresh ideas to anyone who wants to go on adventures more frequently and simply. Visit www.getflated.com to learn more.
Who will steal the deal?
In the Tank, camping supplies are a hit-or-miss affair. Kevin aka Mr. Wonderful, won't compete because he believes that camping "sucks." No bid is also anticipated from Shark Lori. The remaining sharks are Mark, Daymond, and Robert. In Season 3, Mark made an investment in Towed Paddle Boards, and Flated utilizes the same material. Even though it doesn't guarantee a contract, he will at least receive it. This trio may depart empty-handed if they don't get a bargain for Flated Truck Bed Covers from Robert, Daymond, or Mark.
'Shark Tank' Season 14, Episode 16 airs on ABC on Friday, March 10, 2023, at 8 pm ET. Catch the latest episode featuring products like Woof, SweetKiwi, Pluie, and Flated.
Missed an episode? Been wanting to catch up? Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu. Not just that, you can also watch old seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTune.