Londonderry, NH entrepreneurs TJ Evarts, Jaiden Evarts, Bryeton Evarts, Emily Balcom, Kate Balcom, and Paige Balcom stepped into the tank with a fervent pitch about a steering wheel cover designed to save lives. As they typically do with young entrepreneurs, the Sharks welcomed them with smiles that grew as the clever pitch kicked off and Emily, Kate, and Jaiden displayed what not to do while driving.
The sextet impressed the Sharks with an endorsement from then-President Obama and a pilot study performed at MIT, where 90% of participants felt the device would work. But when asking for $100,000 for 15% of a company, you have to expect a little pushback. Kevin O’Leary was the first to get vocal, ultimately calling it a “bad idea” that doesn’t stop teens from driving while distracted.
Daymond John was the next to chime in, stating that, while he liked the product, he didn’t feel he was the best investor. Next out was Barbara Corcoran, who was harsher with her disbelief that teenagers would allow the device on their cars. Ultimately, it was Robert Herjavec who made an offer: $100,000 for 30%, contingent on a licensing deal with a car manufacturer. Mark Cuban, who remained mostly silent, offered to join Herjavec so long as the contingency was dropped.
And just like that, the inventioneers joined the ranks of successful “Shark Tank” pitches.
