Where is StormBag now? 'Shark Tank' Eco-Friendly brand played a vital role during Hurricane Irene
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Stormbag, an innovative alternative to traditional sandbags, achieved notable success on Shark Tank, securing a deal of $200,000 for a 30% share in the business from sharks Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner. Under the ongoing guidance of Maurice and Miles Huffman, the company has extended its reach beyond its 'Shark Tank' debut. Today, their products are not only available on their website but also on platforms like Amazon, significantly expanding their market presence.
What distinguishes their sandbags is their specificity. They provide kits customized to cover various areas including garage doors, single doors, double doors, and even double-wide doors. Priced at under $10 per bag, these sandbags offer an affordable and practical solution. Furthermore, they offer comprehensive kits that include polysheets, duct tape, and a box cutter for sealing openings, providing an additional layer of protection. For instance, a double-wide garage door kit may cost up to $219.99, while a garage door kit comprising 15 bags could be priced at $54.99.
To make purchases more accessible, the brand offers interest-free installment options for consumers, enhancing convenience and affordability. These kits are strategically designed to serve as advanced flood protection systems, catering to the needs of homeowners and businesses alike.
What happened to StormBags on Shark Tank?
The product presented by Maurice and Miles Huffman struck a deal on 'Shark Tank' with investors Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner. Maurice and Miles made a memorable appearance in Season 15 of 'Shark Tank' and captivated all the judges with the emotional story behind the creation of their product. The Sharks expressed empathy for their journey, and their story resonated on the internet, with many supporters ready to back them up. The determined duo had entered the tank seeking $200,000 in exchange for a 10% equity stake.
During the negotiations on 'Shark Tank', the judges made various offers for a stake in the company. While Kevin O’Leary opted out of the deal, Daniel Lubetzky and Daymond John proposed $200,000 for a 40% stake. Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban presented the same offer of $200,000 but for a 30% stake, along with offering assistance in diversifying the product line.
Following that, Daniel and Daymond matched Lori and Mark’s offer, presenting a challenging decision for the entrepreneurs as they had to choose between two compelling offers. Ultimately, Maurice and Miles Huffman decided to collaborate with Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban.
How was StormBags instrumental during Hurricane Irene?
Maurice Huffman's journey with Swiss Link Military Surplus began in 1995, but it was not until much later that his company and their standout creation, the StormBag, gained widespread recognition. This newfound attention was, unfortunately, catalyzed by one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent history.
In August 2011, Hurricane Irene devastated the East Coast of the United States and neighboring islands, resulting in extensive damage totaling billions of dollars and tragically claiming the lives of 58 individuals. During this critical period, Huffman's innovative product emerged as a crucial tool in various relief efforts. For instance, they sold over 5,000 bags to a hospital in New York that was severely impacted by the hurricane.
The demand surged significantly, with orders exceeding 25,000 bags, a stark contrast to Huffman's early days of selling the product. Huffman's company started receiving more exposure once major news outlets like The Wall Street Journal covered their journey.
What is StormBags' founder Maurice Huffman currently up to after appearing on 'Shark Tank'?
Maurice "Big Mo" Huffman, born in Germany in 1960, harbored a deep passion for music from an early age. His love for radio and live performances by renowned artists like Ray Charles fueled his musical aspirations. As he grew older, Huffman honed his musical talents through lessons and engagements with different musical groups.
In 1989, Huffman relocated to the United States, where he encountered like-minded individuals who would become crucial collaborators in his musical journey. Among these were Scott Shaw, Amy Grayson, Steve Valine, Richard Moore, and Don Bowman. Together, they formed the blues and Southern rock band known as Big Mo and The Full Moon Band, based in Paradise, California. The band enjoyed considerable success, winning accolades as the best blues band on numerous occasions and releasing several albums.
However, tragedy struck when a devastating fire destroyed much of their physical media and original recordings. This loss deeply affected Huffman and his bandmates. In a segment of 'Shark Tank', Huffman mentioned how this tragic event played a role in inspiring the creation of the StormBag, demonstrating the resilience and innovation born from adversity.
StormBag boasts $1 Million net worth since appearing on 'Shark Tank'
Following their appearance on the widely watched reality show 'Shark Tank', StormBag experienced a remarkable surge in both popularity and sales. The Sharks on the show showed genuine empathy for the founders, Maurice Huffman and Miles Huffman, and their compelling story resonated with viewers on social media platforms like X.
In a post-show update, StormBag's final valuation was reported to be $666,667. The significant publicity garnered from their appearance on Shark Tank is estimated to have resulted in at least $50,000 in sales for StormBag, showcasing the tangible impact of the show's exposure on the company's success. It is currently estimated that Storm Bag company is worth $1 million.
'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.
