A Colorado College senior project led students to a spot on ABC’s Shark Tank. Seniors Kayla Benson and Shawn Crawford presented their business case to the sharks, Kevin ‘Mr. Wonderful’ O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Daniel Lubetzky, and special guests Chip & JoAnna Gaines from TV’s Fixer Upper. The premise of the show is for entrepreneurs to pitch investors (sharks) to partner and invest in new ventures, products, or services.
“Sharks, let me show you the latest innovation in hockey skates – offering breathability and comfort for competitive hockey players – Soft Skates!” said Benson. “Tested and proven this summer by hockey players at Colorado College!” said Crawford, holding up the final version, a high-top ankle support version.”
“I’m out,” stated shark Kevin O’Leary after the brief product introduction.
“What was the biggest challenge in testing this new sports innovation?” asked shark Barbara Corcoran.
“Low slap shots resulted in bone bruises, broken toes, and fractured metatarsals. Also, some players experienced sprained ankles,” said Crawford. “We changed from a soft rubber low-top material to a ballistic Kevlar high-top for protection and rigidity.”
“I can’t see how we could sell this at our shop (Magnolia Market) – we’re out,” said JoAnna Gains, interrupting her husband Chip, who seemed optimistic about potential Soft Skate sales in Waco, Texas.
Pleading with the only remaining shark, Daniel Lubetzky, Kayla Benson presented the additional ancillary income that Soft Skates could generate. “In the case of the CC Tigers pilot project, we have developed charms that can be inserted into the holes. Our cost is $2.95 each, and we can sell them for $8.00 each.”
“I’m concerned about the product’s durability and market acceptance. I’m out,” as Lubetzky took a hard pass on the student start-up.
While the students were disappointed in rejection, they enjoyed the trip to Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. “We’re not discouraged. The dream is still alive. We hope to see the Tigers wearing Soft Skates during the Gold Pan series against Denver“, said an upbeat Crawford.
Note: DU plays a home-and-home weekend series against CC starting this Friday at Magness Arena at 7:00 pm MT.
Can’t imagine why investors passed. The Soft Skates offer a myriad of holes to insert charms for self expression. The rainbow, coexist, socialist and Antifa charm ensembles could reach a hockey audience that is almost entirely white and patriarchal. What an opportunity for combating the oppressive, bigoted, capitalist MAGA crowd. Lean in for this product. Key tip: Ex-Speaker Pelosi is rumored to have enough cash to bankroll this investment before it goes public…might be a huge windfall. Plus, they’d look FABULOUS in SFO!
CC should wear soft HELMETS!
Great idea!