Where is Glove Wrap now? 'Shark Tank' glove company CEO shares his invention with All-Star Nomar Garciaparra
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: Gavin Batarse, an eight-year-old baseball enthusiast and CEO of Glove Wrap, impressed investors on Shark Tank US with his innovative product designed to break in and shape baseball, softball, and hockey goalie gloves.
As of March 2024, Glove Wrap maintains its thriving operations, offering gloves for sale at $19.99 through its website. With a robust social media strategy, the company has amassed a substantial following of 100,000 across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Their compelling videos have collectively garnered over 30 million views.
Since its appearance on 'Shark Tank' and its successful partnership deal with Michael and Mark, Glove Wrap has undergone significant expansion in its business operations.
In a recent video shared by Glove Wrap's founder Gavin Batarse, he was seen meeting with the legendary baseball player, Nomar Garciaparra. Gavin presented him with a Glove Wrap, which the former Major League Baseball player graciously accepted.
Impressed by the innovative product and the young entrepreneur behind it, Nomar expressed his interest in "giving it a try" and called Gavin "awesome."
View this post on Instagram
What happened to the Glove Wrap on the Shark Tank?
Gavin Batarse serves as the President and CEO of Glove Wrap Company, with invaluable support and guidance from his father, John Batarse, in the business operations. The father-son duo, alongside their daughter Morgan, presented Gavin's company, Glove Wrap, on ‘Shark Tank’ Season 15.
The family presented a solution to a common challenge faced by baseball and softball players: breaking in stiff gloves. They highlighted the necessity of breaking in a glove for optimal performance on the field, acknowledging the often unconventional methods players resort to in the absence of a suitable solution.
During his pitch, Gavin, alongside his father and sister, Jon and Morgan Batarse, demonstrated their invention to the panel of investors. They sought a $50,000 investment in exchange for a 20% stake in the company.
Gavin Batarse highlighted their impressive sales figures, stating that they had already sold over a thousand glove wraps. He elaborated on the cost and revenue breakdown, revealing that the product costs $3 to produce, including all expenses, and is sold at $19.99 retail and $10 wholesale, resulting in lifetime sales of over $19,000 since the company's launch in 2022.
Despite their promising numbers, most Sharks dropped out of the potential investment opportunity. However, guest Shark Michael Rubin, CEO and founder of sports retailer Fanatics, expressed interest and proposed an offer contingent on billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban's participation.
Mark Cuban agreed to join the offer, and together they presented the family with a deal: $50,000 for a 22% stake in Glove Wrap Company, which the family accepted without hesitation.
What is the story behind Glove Wrap?
Explaining the concept behind Glove Wrap, Gavin Batarse shared his personal experience, stating, "My dad and I just bought me a new glove, and we were going to use the old-fashioned way to break it in with rubber bands, but we didn't have enough. So I found a piece of rubber that my dad used when he hurt his leg and I asked him if we can wrap the entirety of the glove with it."
Gavin's ingenuity and passion for baseball captured the attention of two billionaires, who extended a $50,000 investment to bolster the development and expansion of Glove Wrap. This investment marks a notable milestone for Gavin and his family as they strive to introduce their innovative product to the market.
What is Glove Wrap's founder Gavin Batarse currently up to after appearing on 'Shark Tank'?
Since 'Shark Tank', Glove Wrap's founder, Gavin Batarse, and his family have been actively engaged in marketing their product through social media channels.
Gavin consistently shares videos featuring his encounters with various baseball players nationwide, presenting them with his innovative product. These interactions serve to raise awareness of Glove Wrap while also showcasing its effectiveness and value to potential customers.
By leveraging social media platforms, Gavin and his family are effectively reaching a wide audience of baseball enthusiasts and players. Their strategy of featuring endorsements from professional athletes adds credibility to the product and enhances its appeal to potential customers.
They are also trying to expand the market for their product beyond baseball. According to the official Glove Wrap website, the product is touted as 'versatile' and effective for use on baseball gloves, softball gloves, and hockey goalie gloves.
Glove Wrap's CEO Gavin Batarse posts about sharing his invention with Seattle Mariners players
Glove Wrap's CEO, Gavin Batarse, recently took to social media to share his experience of introducing his invention to players from the Seattle Mariners.
Gavin met with several players from the team and presented them with a Glove Wrap. During the encounter, the players showed genuine interest in Gavin's invention, asking questions about its inception and expressing admiration for his entrepreneurial drive.
Impressed by the product and Gavin's dedication, the players eagerly expressed their intention to "try it out" immediately, highlighting the positive reception and potential impact of Glove Wrap within the professional baseball community.
View this post on Instagram
Glove Wrap has started a series called 'Catching Up with Gavin' on Instagram for their followers
Glove Wrap's founder, Gavin Batarse, has launched a new series titled 'Catching Up with Gavin' on his Instagram platform.
In one of the episodes, Gavin featured Eric Sim, a former baseball pitcher known as the 'King of JUCO.' The episode showcased Gavin and Eric playing ball together, with Eric complimenting Gavin on his impressive arm for an 8-year-old.
During the conversation, Gavin asked Eric for advice that he would give to young little leaguers. Eric emphasized the importance of having fun and throwing well, encouraging young players not to worry too much. His advice highlighted the significance of enjoying the game while focusing on fundamental skills, contributing to a positive and fulfilling experience on the field.
View this post on Instagram
'Shark Tank' Season 15 airs on Fridays on ABC at 8 pm ET. For those who missed the episode, it will be available on demand the following day and on Hulu. Additionally, viewers can explore past seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.