Kettlebells and dumbbells are should-haves for house exercises. But what in case you may mix the 2 to economize and area? Enter the Kettle Gryp, a tool that may be connected to a dumbbell to make it operate like a kettlebell. Dan Sheppard and Andy Thomas pitched the product on Shark Tank and made a cope with Lori Greiner. As of 2024, Kettle Gryp is price $3 million.
About the Founders
Daniel Sheppard is from Missoula, Montana and went to Schenectady, New York, to pursue a bachelor’s diploma in biology. After school, he turned the CEO of Elite Concessions Inc. and later turned president of the Pangolin Design Group.
He was greatest mates with Andrew Thomas from Locust Grove, Georgia. Andy went to Clemson University and studied development science and engineering. After graduating, he joined the United States Marines and was stationed at Pendleton, California.
Thomas was a helicopter pilot and flight teacher who acquired a number of awards earlier than retiring in 2018. Unfortunately, the courageous soldier handed away from most cancers in late 2021.
Founding the Company
Dan was the individual that initially got here up with the thought of creating the product. He is a health fanatic who wished a option to save more cash for his train tools at house.
He thought possibly he may flip his outdated dumbbells into kettlebells, and the primary sketch of the Kettle Gryp was born. The enterprise govt despatched his drawing to Andy, who believed the idea may work.
They manufactured the product and made it in order that it may maintain as much as 55-pound dumbbells. The ingenious invention was first offered in 2016, and after about 4 years, the startup made $3.6 million in lifetime gross sales.
Shark Tank Appearance
The enterprise was booming in the course of the pandemic as gyms have been closed. In 2021, they wanted a strategic companion to assist them increase into new markets. They entered the Tank in season 13, in search of $300,000 for a ten% fairness stake.
The guys did a terrific job demonstrating the product and allowed the Sharks to strive it. The Sharks have been impressed after they revealed their lifetime gross sales. During the time of the pitch, in addition they had $680,000 in gross sales for 2021 and forecasted gross sales of $1 million for the yr.
Kevin O’Leary was the primary to make a proposal of $300,000 for 20%. O’Leary shared that he already owns fairness in PRX Performance, a house gymnasium tools firm. Lori Greiner was quiet in the course of the pitch but in addition . She made the same provide to Mr. Wonderful’s however wished most well-liked inventory as a substitute. They countered at 15% and Lori fortunately accepted.
After Shark Tank
Kettle Gryp’s episode was filmed in 2021 and aired in early 2024. Shortly after filming, Andrew sadly handed away on December 16 2021 after a brief battle with most cancers. The former marine was honored in a tear-jerking tribute on Shark Tank.
Despite the tragic circumstances, Dan Sheppard pushed on as the only proprietor of the corporate. Kettle Gryp is now that can be purchased on Ebay, Amazon and smaller shops corresponding to Rogue Fitness. They haven’t expanded into retail but as eCommerce remains to be the principle driver of gross sales.
Kettle Gryp’s utility patent hasn’t stopped different firms from creating knockoff variations. In late 2021, they solely had two copycat merchandise, now they’re much more.
The product is a big vendor on Amazon, with a median ranking of 4.5 stars from 8,281 critiques. Customers love the product, and this helped the corporate flourish much more. Currently, the enterprise is valued at an estimated $3 million.
