Seafood is a superb supply of protein, however not everybody will get it contemporary. Fish Fixe was created by Melissa Harrington and Emily Castro to assist deal with this downside. The entrepreneurs pitched on Shark Tank and scored a cope with Lori Greiner. As of 2024, Fish Fixe is value an estimated $1.8 million.
About the Founders
Melissa Harrington and Emily Castro are two mothers from Houston, Texas. which are making waves within the seafood business. The women each went to Texas A&M University, the place Melissa studied vitamin sciences whereas Emily pursued sociology. They grew to become mates after becoming a member of the varsity’s ladies’s soccer staff.
As adults, they stayed mates despite the fact that they selected completely different profession paths. Emily labored at Republic National Distributing Company. She began as a retail wine vendor and finally bought promoted to division supervisor.
After faculty, Melissa and her husband launched a seafood wholesale distribution firm, Lonestar Lobster. Melissa later moved as much as the place of gross sales specialist at a associated agency, Lonestar Seafood.
Founding the Company
Harrington continuously craved fish when she was anticipating a toddler. However, sourcing and getting ready seafood took an excessive amount of time. She and her husband determined to purchase huge bundles, break up them, seal them, and freeze them for future use.
That’s how Melissa bought began within the seafood enterprise. When she was with Emily on a visit, they talked about promoting completely portioned seafood utilizing the Harringtons’ distribution strategies. They additionally deliberate to promote them in tightly sealed baggage with further cooking elements.
Fish Fixe opened its doorways in 2017. They developed a web site the place customers can order contemporary seafood on demand or join their subscription service. In 2020, Fish Fixe made $821,000 in income and a revenue of $20,000.
Shark Tank Appearance
Although their gross sales had been spectacular, Melissa and Emily had transport points and low-revenue margins. They had a plan to repair these issues, nevertheless it required an enormous funding. In 2021, they appeared on season 13 of Shark Tank, in search of $200,000 for 15% fairness.
The Sharks beloved the seafood dishes they supplied as treats, however they had been involved concerning the firm’s numbers. Some backed out, however some believed there was nonetheless hope for the corporate.
Kevin O’Leary provided $200,000 for 33.33% of the enterprise. The presenters countered 25%, however the hungry Shark wouldn’t budge. Mark Cuban even spoke up and stated why they need to take Kevin’s provide. Out of nowhere, Lori Greiner jumped again in and agreed to do the deal at 25%.
After Shark Tank
Appearing on Shark Tank led to an enormous increase in gross sales however the firm wasn’t outfitted to deal with the orders. They rapidly mounted the problems with deliveries, and the enterprise is now thriving. To enhance operations, they signed up with Oracle’s NetSuite software program.
Among its choices, Fish Fixe sells fish comparable to Norwegian salmon, wild-caught gulf shrimp, and Icelandic haddock. They promote direct to customers on their web site store.fishfixe.com the place you may make a one-off order or signal-up for the subscription service. Each Fish Fixe field at the moment retails for $149 and comes with 16 parts.
The firm is a handy, all-in-one seafood retailer, which is why it principally has optimistic opinions on-line. For instance, Eater.com rated them as one of many high locations to purchase frozen fish. In addition, they declare the fish are “100% traceable and sustainably caught.”
In 2021, Fish Fixe was anticipating to do $1.2 million in income for 2021. No latest figures have been launched however the firm must be on observe to make over $2 million in 2024.
