Kobee’s Founder Declines Kevin O’Leary’s Offer on Shark Tank: “I’m Not Gonna Give Up”

Shark Tank Season 16 Episode 3: A Dive into Entrepreneurial Ambitions

As the popular reality series Shark Tank continues its sixteenth season on ABC, episode 3 aired on November 1, 2024, featuring an array of innovative pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs. This episode presented a platform where four entrepreneurs sought investments to elevate their ventures, hoping to impress the seasoned sharks.

Featured Sharks Adjusting Their Strategies

This season has brought back familiar faces, including influential investors such as Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, and Lori Greiner. Notably, Mark Cuban announced that he plans to retire from the series after the conclusion of this season. The episode also welcomed guest shark Kendra Scott, the founder of a prominent jewelry brand, adding fresh perspectives to the panel.

Kobee’s: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Kobe Harris

One of the standout pitches came from Kobe Harris, the founder of Kobee’s, who sought $300,000 for a 6% stake in his beeswax lip balm business. Despite capturing the sharks’ attention with his story, only Kevin O’Leary made a counteroffer, proposing a 20% stake. Kobe firmly declined, expressing confidence in his ability to secure funds through a bank loan rather than relinquish a larger portion of his company.

“So, why can I not go get a loan for $300,000 and spend it on marketing… I’m not gonna give up 20% of my company today,”Kobe emphasized.

Other Entrepreneurs Take Center Stage

In addition to Kobe, the episode featured pitches from Sugardoh Hair Removal, Doatnut Gluten-Free Doughnuts, and Yardsale Magnetic Ski Poles. However, it was Kobe’s compelling narrative about the evolution of his brand that resonated most with viewers and sharks alike.

Inspiration Drawn from Personal Experiences

During his segment, Kobe explained the pivotal moment of his career shift from aspiring medical professional to entrepreneur. His journey was significantly influenced by his mother, who encouraged his entrepreneurial spirit, reaffirming that support from family can be crucial in shaping one’s career path.

The Genesis of Kobee’s

Kobe’s entrepreneurial journey began humbly when his mother provided him with $200 to purchase initial ingredients. While working as a lifeguard, he dedicated his evenings to crafting lip balms in his bedroom, where he once generated $3,000 in a single day — a transformative experience that sparked his entrepreneurial drive.

“So, that first summer is really where I started to figure some things out. I had a day where I made $3,000. That was the most money I’ve ever seen in my entire life in my bank account. I remember it hit. I was like, I was so excited. I was ecstatic,”Kobe recounted.

Sales Growth and Strategic Marketing

Following that initial success, Kobe saw his business flourish. In the first year, Kobee’s generated $30,000; by the second, revenue skyrocketed to $200,000. Last year, sales reached an astounding $864,000, and for the current year, his business has already made $1.5 million. This impressive growth is attributed to Kobe’s commitment to mastering marketing strategies, including leveraging social media platforms to reach a broader audience.

Community and Personal Connection

Kendra Scott shared her admiration for Kobe’s journey, noting parallels to her own beginnings in business. Daymond John empathized with Kobe’s story, recalling his mother’s entrepreneurial aspirations despite the challenges of being a single parent. Although Daymond expressed interest in investing, he ultimately chose not to back the specific product this time.

Conclusion

The third episode of Shark Tank provided a glimpse into the aspirations and stories of young entrepreneurs, highlighting the resilience and creativity required to succeed. As the season progresses, viewers can look forward to more innovative ideas and entrepreneurial journeys.

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