ootBox on 'Shark Tank': What is the cost, who are the founders, and all about portable workspaces
Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, remote working has become the new norm. While the idea of working out of home, a coffee shop, or even a park, might sound exciting and fun, it might not be the best fit for many. From noisy surroundings to distractions, remote working can become a nightmare if your environment isn't conducive to your productivity. Robbie Friedman, a big law attorney-turned-entrepreneur and a new father, discovered the challenges of working out of his home as he couldn't have certain work-related conversations at home, or family-related discussions in the office, due to the blurred lines between workspace and home.
This prompted him to create an "out of the box" solution to his privacy problems and discovered a widely unmet demand for movable, shareable workspaces that provide a third place (or an “escape” as he called it) for anyone, anywhere, and at any time. This led to the creation of 'ootBox'. Friedman and his business partner Allison Zofan will be pitching for their unique innovative service on the upcoming episode of 'Shark Tank' before Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, Barbara Corcoran, and Guest Shark Daniel Lubetzky. If you're curious to know more about ootBox, and how it might be the answer to all your remote-working woes, then keep reading.
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What is ootBox?
ootBox stands for out of the box, and is a small, compact workspace that can be delivered anywhere. These small offices come with all the amenities you can think of- insulation, heating system, air-conditioner, carpeted floors, etc. The best part about these portable workspaces is that you can set it up anywhere, as it doesn't require any permits. All you need is level ground and a 20amp NON-GFCI outlet, and you're good to go.
The brand's website states, "Officially launched in June 2020, ootBox is a spunky start-up company that is looking to reinvent expectations for the traditional temporary office space. Led by co-founders Robbie Friedman and Allison Zofan, ootBox was first conceptualized by Robbie back in 2016. As a big law attorney-turned-entrepreneur and a new father he was unable to have certain work-related conversations at home or family-related discussions in his office. With no clear solution available, Robbie set out for an “out of the box” answer to his privacy problems and discovered a widely unmet demand for movable, shareable work spaces that provide a third place (or an “escape” as he called it) for anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Fully equipped and beautifully designed, ootBoxes are made from 10-foot traditional shipping containers, and provide users with a comfortable, leasable office that is delivered straight to properties on-demand. ootBoxes can be deployed anywhere for just about any application from residential backyards, parking lots, and coffee shops to university campuses, shopping centers, medical facilities and other public spaces."
Who are the founders?
Robbie Friedman and Allison Zofan are the founders of ootBox. After graduating from the University of Michigan School of Law and starting his career as a New York City-based attorney, Friedman found himself coming up with creative solutions to everyday work needs and launched a software startup called Viewabill—a legal billing transparency product, for which he was named one of LinkedIn’s Next Wave inductees.
During Viewabill’s successful exit, Friedman built himself an “Escape Pod” in his backyard as a place where he could work in private, which would eventually prove to be instrumental in his conception of ootBox. After raising seed funding, he officially launched the company in June 2020 and is committed to delivering inspiring work environments wherever they are needed, in a way that is environmentally friendly, socially conscious, and cooler than expected.
Prior to joining ootBox, Zofan served as the Senior Director at Gartner for 12 years where she advised and worked with global leaders across various corporate real estate industries. She helped companies such as Google, Amazon, Nationwide Insurance, and Dell optimize their portfolios and implement new workplace strategies. Having been neighbors and close friends with Friedman for over a decade, Zofan shared his passion for developing innovative ideas and solutions related to the future of work. As a parent of two young boys and extensive remote work experience, she understood that at some point in life you’ll encounter a need for a private space for concentrated work––even the kids do, it’s just human nature! So she officially quit her corporate job and joined ootBox in December 2019 to help launch her friend/ neighbor's backyard “Escape Pod” into a creative business model that provides a flexible space for just about any application. Zofan graduated from the University of Indiana Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science in public affairs management.
What is the cost and where to buy it?
ootBoxes are made in Ohio from old shipping containers. The company currently sells three variants: OG model, which is 8-ft long, 8-ft wide, and 8.5 ft high. It has a fixed glass on one end, and a glass entry door on the other. The rent for OG model is $1000 per month. The O2 model too has the same dimensions as the OG model but has an operable window as well. The O2 model is available for leasing at $1100 per month. The third variant is a customized box that you can design as per your need. The boxes can be bought for $25,000 as well, and can be rented for a minimum of four months. You don't have to worry about transportation as the company handles both the delivery and the return of boxes. You can learn more about the boxes as well as the process of purchase on the brand's website here.
Where is ootBox now?
ootBox seems to be a hit with its clients. The unique remote workstation solution has earned several glowing reviews from its customers. A customer shared, "…I knew it would be better than a single wide trailer but it's consistent with a luxury office rental with wood paneling, heating and cooling, big windows, security, and spacious feel."
Who will steal the deal?
Mark Cuban might close the deal. Although the brand's sales numbers and profit margins will ultimately be the major deciding factor for the sharks on whether to invest in the business or not.
'Shark Tank' Season 13 Episode 16 airs on ABC on March 18, 2022, at 8 pm ET. Catch the latest episode featuring products like Do Amore, Oot Box, PrepDeck and Sunflow.
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 iTunes.