Highlights
- Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs pitched Better Life on Shark Tank.
- The founders enter the show seeking $400,000 for 7% equity.
- Better Life offers plant-derived, non-toxic cleaning products with catchy names.
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Better Life |
| Founders | Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs |
| Industry | Cleaning Products |
| Product | Plant-derived, non-toxic cleaning products |
| Funding | Secured a deal with Lori Greiner for $400,000 for 17% equity |
| Investment Ask | $400,000 |
| Equity Offered | 7% |
| Valuation | $5.71 million (at the time of Shark Tank pitch) |
Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs pitch their green cleaning product line called Better Life in the Shark Tank during episode 501 on November 1. Kevin is the “mad skilled scientist” of the operation while Tim is the marketing and branding guy. The two got together. The life-long friends got the idea for Better Life cleaning products when they had kids. They couldn’t stand the idea of their toddlers putting their fingers in their mouths after touching surfaces that had traces of toxic cleaning chemicals on them.
They set out to create Better Life cleaning products from plant-derived sources and now have dozens of cleaning products with catchy names like “I Can See Clearly, Wow” and “Even the Kitchen Sink.” Better Life products are available at Whole Foods markets nationwide, Crate and Barrel, Bristol Markets, and a host of other locations. The also sell on Amazon. This appears to be another mature business in the Shark Tank looking for advice and guidance to take a successful company to the next level.
Better Life Shark Tank Recap
Tim and Kevin came into the Tank seeking $400K for 7% of their business. They introduced the Better Life line and told their story. They cleaned a tile with spray paint on it, then disinfected a raw chicken smeared counter top with a leading national brand and their Better Life Whatever Cleaner. Their product killed the bacteria better. Kevin even sprayed the disinfectant in his mouth to demonstrate how safe it is!
The pair revealed they have over $2 million in sales the last 12 months with virtually no debt. The Sharks are impressed! Their products sell in Crate and Barrel, Whole Foods, Amazon, and their own website. They net 7% on their sales because they are plowing their profits back into the business. Daymond has concerns about the products being knocked off, but Kevin says reverse engineering their products would be difficult.
Did Shark Tank Invest In Better Life?
They are financially healthy and they want the Sharks for a strategic partnership. Lori offers $400K for 17% with a direct line into Bed Bath and Beyond and QVC. Kevin offers a $400K loan for 3 years at 10% and a 5% equity stake. Lori says she’s certain she’ll make them millionaires. John Paul DeJoria offers to go in with Lori for $400K at 20%, then Daymond offers $500K for 20%.
Lori and DeJoria then alter their offer to $400K for 17%. Tim and Kevin want to hear from Mark, who offers $800K for 20% with just him and Lori. She thinks it’s too much. Mr. Wonderful then offers $400K for 17% then cuts the equity to 7% when he’s repaid. Lori says she’ll match Kevin’s deal. Daymond then says he’ll do $500K for 20% with DeJoria. Tim and Kevin then counter Lori and Mark at $500K for 10%. Lori then says she doesn’t need Mark, and she’ll stick with her original offer. Without Lori, Mark goes out. Lori cautions them against having an “Oh No” moment and the guys do a deal with her.
Better Life Shark Tank Update
With Lori Greiner leading the way, the entrepreneurs from Better Life are cleaning up. After their Shark Tank debut, the pair experienced the famous “Shark Tank effect,” which sent their business rocketing skyward. With all 5 Sharks offering a deal, it was clear that Better Life was a success story waiting to happen.
Since appearing on Shark Tank, and making a deal with Lori, the company has managed to double their manufacturing, added six new employees, and gained retail contracts with Meijer, Marianos, and some Target stores. Better Life is now available internationally, having gained market share in Bermuda, Canada, throughout the European Union, and even making inroads into Korea. The business has grown by 645%, and was named the 503rd Fastest Growing company in the US by Inc. Magazine.
Not only has the company been raking in the green, it’s become greener in its operations as well. Two solar panel arrays were added to the manufacturing facility, and a new way of making the packaging means more post-consumer content is used in the production of the products. Lori had to fight her fellow Sharks for a bite of the Better Life company, and it seems she’s helped them get a healthy taste of success.
In 2018, the company was acquired by Bissel, Inc for an undisclosed amount. Fast forward to April, 2024 and the brand is still in business with annual revenue of $8.7 million.
Posts About Better Life on Shark Tank Blog
Better Life Information
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1/26/2016
Hi
I Just caught a old shark tank with your product line..
I would like to speak with you ASAP.
I own A-Z Solutions, Inc. ; I am a re-seller of janitorial supplies to the Federal Gov’t and NYS Agency’s. http://www.az-green-solutions.com az-solutions.com http://www.rubbermaid-greensolutions.com.
i notice you have a few businesses on GSA. selling your product line. The difference i bring to the mix of resellers. I already have a customer base. And my economic status Service Disabled Veteran Small Business. ; which can offer me opportunities. i would like to talk you guys sometime this week. I am in Brooklyn New York. i supply the Dept of Labor , VA Hospitals,. US Sealift Command , USCG. DOD.
Brad Sternberg
718-377-5976
cell 917-803-2721
Brad,
You’re posting to the wrong people. This is a shark tank blog.
You should approach the company directly.
M Y O B.