Haley McClain Hill pitches Torch, her military themed bodysuits, in Shark Tank episode 1513. Hill went to Penn State where she majored in math, enrolled in the ROTC program and she was a Penn State cheerleader. She went on to a 9 year stint in the Air Force and also, simultaneously, was a cheerleader for the San Francisco 49’ers and Atlanta Falcons.
She created the bodysuits to match the official colors worn by various branches of the military. The inspiration for Torch was the uncomfortable military tee shirts she was issued. She wanted to find something more comfortable and empowering for military women to wear. When she couldn’t find it, she made it herself! With a Tik Tok approach to marketing, she’s grown the brand to include customers all around the world.
Torch bodysuits aren’t just for women in the military. They’re for female warriors of all shapes, sizes and occupations. They come in seven military colors: coyote brown, Navy brown, Marine green, Coast Guard blue, black, white and grey. A short sleeve bodysuit costs $60 and a long sleeve bodysuit costs $75. She also sells hats and scrunchies. All products are made in the USA. Haley likely wants a Shark’s help scaling.
Company Information
Video
Posts about Torch on Shark Tank Blog
Torch Warriorwear: Empowering Women Warriors
Torch Shark Tank Recap
Haley enters the Shark Tank seeking $150,000 for 10% equity in her company. The first time she wore her military uniform was 10 years ago. She spent 5 years in the Air Force ROTC and served as a Lieutenant on active duty for 4 years. Since that time, she was a professional cheerleader for 2 NFL teams. This is her opportunity to give women in the military not uncomfortable tee shirts made for men, but getting the opportunity to have comfort, fashion and functionality..
Introducing Torch Warrior Wear, home of the fearless body suit. She created the first body suit military women can wear in their uniform. She has 2 styles: long and short sleeve. They come in every color for each branch of the military. The fabric is breathable and stretchable. It’s not just for the military community, they’re expanding to include her sisters in law enforcement, fire fighting and healthcare. She asks the Sharks, “who’s ready to join our fearless Torch Team and start a female uniform revolution?”
Q&A
Kevin asks if it’s OK to look hot in the military. Haley tells the Sharks the military has certain standards for uniforms: tee shirts have to be a certain cut and color. Torch meets those standards. Lori likes the fabric and remarks that the body suits are longer than normal, which is good, because if they’re too short they drive you crazy. Mark thanks her for her service and asks what made her want to be an entrepreneur. Haley’s grandmother served 20 years in the Air Force and told Haley to look into it.
She tells Emma about the standards and that the company is more than just body suits for the military. Other occupations can wear them too. She’s even developing a fire proof suit. Haley wants to offer alternatives to women in tactical career fields. Fire fighters need to wear fire resistants under garments. Emma wants to understand why someone can’t go out and buy another body suit. Kevin calls it a commodity. As a small business run by a woman of color, the government wants to do business with people like her first.
Numbers
She just became a vendor for the largest retailer for military gear around the world. That officially launches next month. The company launched in June, 2021 when she was still in the military and finished the year with $16,000 in sales. In 2022 she had $86,000 and for 2023 she’s on track for $500,000 in sales. Each suit costs $13; the short sleeve retails for $60 and the long sleeve retails for $75. Each suit has the word “fearless” embroidered on it. Haley added that as a morale booster and she wants women to feel more confident in their uniform.
Kevin is concerned a “behemoth” will copy her and crush her like a cockroach. He says it’s a commodity driven by large unit volumes. Kevin wishes Haley luck and goes out. Lori asks about finances. Haley says “it’s all me” and explains that she liquidated her own finances for $50,000 and her grandmother kicked in $50,000. Her grandmother is her rock. Mark says what Haley’s accomplished is amazing but it’s not his “ride or die” business; he’s out. Robert worries that the market is too narrow, it’s not for him; he’s out. Emma is impressed with what she’s done, but she doesn’t see how another company couldn’t come in and compete; she’s out. Lori is in love with Haley’s energy, commitment and the fact that she served our country. Lori offers $150,000 for 25%. Haley counters with 20% and Lori immediately counters with 22.5%, Haley accepts.
Torch Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank Blog constantly provides updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs who have appeared on the Shark Tank TV show. The deal with Lori closed and Torch appears on Lori’s webpage. The company saw a huge increase in sales following the initial air date. Currently, they ship to all branches of the US military in 10 countries. As of July, 2024, we can confirm that Torch made its goal of $500,000 in sales for 2023.
The Shark Tank Blog will follow-up on Torch & Haley McClain Hil as more details become available.
