Husband and wife duo, Geanie and Chris Rodgers, created Rapid Rope to simplify rope usage and secured a $250,000 investment on Shark Tank.
Key Highlights: Rapid Rope on Shark Tank
- Product Overview:
- Rapid Rope is designed to store, dispense, and cut rope without tangling.
- Each rope is 120 feet long, holds 1,100 pounds, and can be cut to any size.
- Sales and Distribution:
- Achieved $172,000 in lifetime sales.
- Sold through retail (60%) and direct-to-consumer online (40%).
- Recently signed a contract with Duluth Trading Company.
- Cost and Pricing:
- Production cost: $5.65 per unit.
- Retail price: $24.99 per unit.
- High profit margins impress the Sharks.
- Investment and Social Responsibility:
- Geanie and Chris invested $115,000 of their own money.
- They aim to build a school in Ethiopia, reflecting their social responsibility.
- Shark Tank Deal:
- Barbara Corcoran offers $250,000 for 30% equity, contingent on joint agreement on spending the money.
- The Rodgers agree to the deal.
Rapid Rope: A Quick Company Overview
Husband and wife duo, Geanie and Chris Rodgers, were tired of untangling ropes – especially when they needed them the most. They developed the Rapid Rope to easily store, dispense and cut the rope to size without the hassle of constantly untangling.
The product is uniquely designed in an ingenious dispenser that allows the Rapid Rope to be an all in one product. The dispenser canister can easily be reloaded with replacement canisters to promote repeat sales.
Each rope is 120′ long, can hold 1,100 pounds of weight, and can be cut to size as needed.
The product launched two years ago and has achieved $172,000 in lifetime sales which impresses the Sharks.
Currently, Rapid Rope sells its product through retail (60%) and direct-to-consumer online (40%) and has recently signed a contract with Duluth Trading Company.
The Sharks are also impressed with Rapid Rope’s margins as the total cost to make the product is $5.65 and is typically sold for $24.99.
Will these entrepreneurs rope in a deal in the tank? #SharkTank
— Shark Tank (@ABCSharkTank) January 20, 2020
The Story Behind Rapid Rope
The Rodgers have invested $115,00 of their own money to developing the product and starting their own company.
They have a strong sense of social responsibility to give back to the Ethiopian community from which they adopted their son. They are raising money to build a school in his honor.
Although Rohan doesn’t know how to be the most effective partner for them, he does offer to donate $10,000 to help build the school in Ethiopia.
While the other Sharks also admit that they are really impressed by The Rodgers and how they are creating their own American dream, most of the Sharks are afraid to invest money in the product.
Although she doesn’t know anything about rope or their industry, Barbara Corcoran does love Geanie and Chris.
She recognizes that it is dangerous, however, she feels that the best decisions that she has made have been driven by her heart and not her head. She would like to partner with The Rodgers and offers Rapid Rope $250,00 in exchange for 30% equity.
The only contingency would be that they have to collectively agree on how to spend the money. They agree and partner with Barbara Corcoran.
In sales, when you're nice, people like you. When people like you, they're willing to entertain your idea. And man, do I like these two! @rapid_rope #SharkTank
— Barbara Corcoran (@BarbaraCorcoran) January 20, 2020
What is your why? What two to five words do you stand for? When you know that, being motivated, having passion, and keeping that fire burning will never be an issue. #RapidRope #SharkTank
— Daymond John (@TheSharkDaymond) January 20, 2020
Special people, a true #AmericanDream! Congrats @BarbaraCorcoran and #RapidRope! #SharkTank
— Rohan Oza (@RohanAOza) January 20, 2020
Amazing couple & human beings with such a lovely mission. I’m a big believer that we all have a responsibility to give back. What a great example they’re setting for their children & others to make a difference in the world. #SharkTank #RapidRope @ABCSharkTank
— Lori Greiner (@LoriGreiner) January 20, 2020
Final Thoughts
Geanie and Chris Rodgers’ journey with Rapid Rope highlights the importance of innovation and determination in entrepreneurship.
Their unique product, designed to solve a common problem, has garnered significant sales and caught the attention of Shark Tank investors.
Despite the Sharks’ initial hesitation, Barbara Corcoran’s faith in the duo’s passion and drive led to a substantial investment. The Rodgers’ commitment to social responsibility, aiming to build a school in Ethiopia, adds a commendable dimension to their business venture.
Would you purchase a Rapid Rope? Would you invest in the company? If you were Geanie and Chris, would you be willing to give up 30% equity in your business? Sound off in the comments below!