TIK PIK on 'Shark Tank': What is the cost and how to buy guitar picks with comfortable non-slip grip that sticks
PORTLAND, OREGON: Get ready to witness the dynamic duo of entrepreneurs, Kevin McDonald and Nick Nowak, taking the spotlight on 'Shark Tank' on November 3, as they promote their revolutionary firm, TIK PIK. These co-founders bring a unique blend of musical expertise with business acumen to the table.
What is TIK PIK?
TIK PIK, located in the music capital of Nashville, Tennessee, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers musicians a one-of-a-kind solution to a frequent problem: guitar pick loss. TIK PIK has invented a guitar pick that sticks to the instrument's surface without any adhesives, assuring that guitarists will always have a pick within reach and removing the all-too-familiar annoyance of missing picks.
The TIK PIK picks adhere to the guitar surface, thanks to nano-suction technology, a patent-pending system that harnesses thousands of minuscule suction cups. Imagine a pick that is magnetically attached to the guitar yet leaves no trace when removed.
Another area where TIK PIK excels in is comfort. Traditional guitar picks frequently need a firm grip, which can cause hand strain over time.
The TIK PIK design combats this by providing a non-slip grip that feels like memory foam on the fingers. This soft yet strong texture provides for a more relaxed, pleasant playing experience, allowing players to focus on their craft rather than maintaining their pick grip.
Picks from TIK PIK are available in three gauges: thin, medium, and heavy. These are color-coded for simple identification, allowing guitarists to easily switch between different playing techniques, such as fingerpicking and strumming, without losing momentum.
For customers who are confused about their favorite gauge, the firm offers a multi-pack with two of each variety.
The packaging represents the company's focus on utility. Each set of TIK PIKs comes with a safe storage case, which adds another level of convenience for artists on the road.
This emphasis on user-centric design appears to be a shared goal among the company's various founding partners.
Who are the founders of TIK PIK?
Kevin McDonald, co-founder, COO & VP of Marketing, has extensive experience in the music industry. He is also the originator of Elsie Marshall - The Shot Granny's Whiskey and a Nashville-based national touring country performer and songwriter.
Kevin's life has been filled with music and gambling since his childhood in the little hamlet of King George. He began singing in the Hanover Baptist Church children's choir at the age of four and dressed up like Elvis in elementary school talent contests, complete with mom-painted sideburns on his cheeks.
His mom enrolled him in piano lessons, but he despised his teacher, who only taught classical scales and refused to let him play like Jerry Lee Lewis. At 14, he acquired an acoustic guitar for Christmas. He began teaching himself chords and riffs, as well as penning songs and convincing his high school administrator to allow country music concerts at pep rallies.
He relocated to Virginia Beach in 2007 to attend Old Dominion University (ODU) where he spent two years in community college while performing at open mics, low-paying gigs, and small barroom stages. His reputation as a top-tier entertainer in intimate settings rose swiftly.
He won the Virginia Beach Colgate Country Showdown in 2008 and finished first in Kenny Chesney's 'Big Star' competition the following year, earning the opportunity to open for the country superstar's show in Virginia Beach. Kenny pushed him to perform in New York. At 22, the singer was living the dream of any fresh college graduate: $300 in rent.
Brandon "Shaggy" Stokes, a longtime Z104 radio personality and DJ, met Kevin and introduced him to the area's top musical talents, including Pharrell Williams, Pusha-T, and Missy Elliott.
Kevin recorded his first demo in Timbaland's then-Virginia Beach studio and began hanging out there regularly as the only vocalist in the room with a twang. Hip-hop musicians referred to him as "Country Kev."
Kevin signed a music and composition contract with Grammy winner Keith Stegall in 2017, who has produced for George Jones, Alan Jackson, and the Zac Brown Band.
Kevin has opened for LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, and Kip Moore, among others. When the epidemic struck and venues shuttered, he was on tour with REO Speedwagon.
The pandemic created a revenue crunch. While listening to one of his fan-favorite songs, 'Granny Drinks Whiskey' began playing through his headphones.
Kevin commissioned a buddy to create a label for a fictitious whiskey brand that related to the song's lyrics, which he then slapped on empty bottles. He began selling the bottles on the internet as if they were concert mementos. His fans adored them.
Kevin teamed with distillery professionals in Tennessee loved the concept and began working with Nick to make TIK PIK.
CEO Nick brings to the table a unique combination of business knowledge and musical skill. He is not only an award-winning singer/songwriter/producer but has also established 'Skog Å Kust outdoor gear' and co-founded 'Breakers Beach Supply'. Nick dreamed of becoming a songwriter since he was a child.
His business of creating and selling outdoor equipment allowed him to visit Nashville in 2021, where he met Kevin during a songwriting session. The musician was at ease enough to reveal a concept he and others had been working on — a guitar pick that adheres to a guitar without the need for adhesive or chemicals.
Jacob Lyda, another co-founder who specializes in Artist Development, has written songs for celebrities such as Blake Shelton.
With their financial and business knowledge, CFO Mike Stalnaker, who has over 30 years of experience in payment processing firms, and Nicholas Wolfs, VP of Business Sales and co-founder of Breakers Beach Supply, round out the ensemble.
What is the cost of TIK PIK and how to buy it?
The picks' silky touch is an extra benefit. They're padded to prevent players from gripping their picks too tightly. A single selection costs $9.95.
A three-pack costs $19.95, while a six-pack costs $29.95. They also sell a six-pack with two of each type.
On the company's social media page, fans have left positive reviews. One fan added, "The Tik Pik is one of my favorite creations EVER!!!". Another added, "Yessir. I was absolutely surprised by the tone of TikPiks. I am a plectrum connoisseur, and yours exceeded my expectations."
One user further commented, "My favorite and I got the sticker on the mic too ;)" The Fourth user wrote, "Love the TIK PIKS THANKS."
What is TIK PIK's USP?
While the picks themselves attach to the surface of a guitar with ease, it is the collaboration of this talented group of entrepreneurs and artists that has allowed TIK PIK to stand out in a market crowded with more traditional choices.
The firm exemplifies how technological innovation may be combined with customer requirements to create a product that appeals to a broad audience.
The product has been available in the market for almost a year, but Nick believes "'The Shark Tank’ show is going to hopefully jumpstart us into becoming a household brand. We want to be a Ziploc bag or a Kleenex tissue."
The boys are most likely looking for marketing assistance from a Shark.
Who will steal the deal on 'Shark Tank'?
Shark Kevin O'Leary is a guitarist, so he'll be an excellent partner for the boys. The other Sharks may or may not bite.
It will be either 'too small' or 'too niche for them'. If Nick and Kevin want a deal, they should go to Mr Wonderful and be prepared to sign a royalty contract.
'Shark Tank' Season 15, Episode 6, airs on ABC on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 8.00 pm ET. Catch the latest episode featuring products like Mini Materials, Supermix Studio, TIK PIK, and Krapp Strapp.
Did you miss an episode? Been wanting to catch up? Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and Hulu. Not just that, you can also watch old seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.