Stormbag Shark Tank Update: The Innovative Flood Defense Product’s Journey
Stormbag, a business that promises superior flood protection, wants to revolutionize traditional products to address modern problems. In Season 15 of Shark Tank, Stormbag presented an alternative to the conventional sandbag…with a functional twist: the ability to protect from storm surges and flooding. The exposure on Shark Tank was a unique opportunity for Stormbag to start the conversations about the need for readily deployable and user-friendly solutions for flood prevention.
Shark Tank Facts
Shark: Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner
Investment: $200,000 for 30% equity
Valuation: $1,000,000
Season, Episode: 15,2
Stormbag distinguishes itself by eliminating the need for sand, thus offering a convenient solution during emergencies. Unlike traditional sandbags that require labor-intensive filling, Stormbags activate with water. When extra time can be the difference between life and death, Stormbag wants to save both: time and lives.
The Concept of Stormbag
StormBags are an innovative approach in the disaster preparedness products industry. Using a specialized material that expands upon contact with water, providing a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional sandbags.
Ok…but What is a Stormbag?
Stormbag is a simple “Just add water” solution to flooding containment
A Stormbag is a brown sandless sandbag designed for flood protection and water containment. Its core advantage lies in its efficiency and ease of use compared to traditional sandbags. Typically, a dry Stormbag is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and store. When it comes into contact with water, it absorbs and swells, becoming a robust barrier against flooding. Non-toxic and environmentally friendly, Stormbags offer a practical solution for both households and communities in areas prone to floods.
Understanding Absorbent Polymer Technology
The Stormbag harnesses the power of absorbent polymer technology. This advanced material can absorb up to 300 times its weight in water, making it a powerful tool for water mitigation. When a Stormbag is placed in water, the absorbent polymer inside the fabric casing begins to expand, transforming the bag from a flat, manageable pack into a full-sized sandbag within minutes. This technology not only provides quick and convenient protection against floods but also negates the labor-intensive process of filling and stacking traditional sandbags.
Stormbag’s Debut on Shark Tank
Stormbag’s founders pitched their idea on Shark Tank’s season 15, episode 2.
Pitch by Maurice Huffman and Miles Huffman
The pitch was delivered by the father-son duo Maurice Huffman and Miles Huffman, who did a wonderful job in showcasing the bag’s properties and practicality in emergency situations. One of their strongest suits is the easy-to-use solution for the disaster preparedness market.
Sharks’ Reception and Negotiation
Overall, the Shark agreed that the product is important and can be life-saving. Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner had an extra interest on Stormbag’s potential and marketability.
Comparison to Traditional Solutions
Probably the best way to understand Stormbag is to look at the differences with conventional flood prevention methods.
Stormbag vs. Traditional Sandbags
Traditional sandbags are (very) heavy and require significant manpower to fill and place, often resulting in longer time to set, less maneuverability, less portability and weight limitations. In contrast, StormBag is as a lightweight and convenient option that can be easily transported and deployed. Once in place, they absorb water to form a barrier against flooding, reducing the physical labor associated with the use of conventional sandbags. This means that older people, kids, and pretty much anyone can set these sandbags in place without any risk.
Eco-Friendly Alternative
From an environmental perspective, StormBag claims an eco-friendly stance. The traditional sandbag’s design often includes materials that are not biodegradable, leading to long-term environmental concerns when these bags are left to deteriorate in natural settings. On the other hand, StormBag represents an advancement in terms of ecological impact by being more eco-conscious.
While burlap sandbags are biodegradable, the environmental implications of the sand used within them—and the challenge of proper disposal—persist. In contrast, StormBag’s approach to flood control is to minimize environmental footprints by providing a solution that emphasizes sustainability alongside efficiency.
StormBags are non-toxic which means that they are landfill friendly, but you’d be missing out on the opportunity to lay a few around your trees and bushes to keep them hydrated in drought conditions. StormBags will dry up in a few weeks in hot/dry conditions. They can then be stored for re-use.
Stormbag.co
Practical Applications and Use-Cases
Simple doesn’t mean limited. Stormbags have a dual application: during floods and during drought.
Flood Protection and Management
As mentioned, these bags are an alternative to traditional sandbags, weighing only one pound when dry, but can absorb and retain water, expanding to between 30 to 35 pounds. This makes them particularly useful in communities prone to flooding, as they are easier to handle before activation and can be positioned quickly to manage rising water levels.
Key Features for Flood Protection:
- Lightweight when dry for easy transportation
- Expands with water for effective barrier creation
- Sold in kits for full door protection, catering to different door sizes
Emergency Response
During emergencies, immediate response is imperative. StormBags provide first responders and relief agencies with an efficient tool to quickly mitigate the impact of floods. Their rapid expansion allows for swift deployment, which is critical in saving both property and lives. In addition, StormBags can be stored in emergency vehicles and disaster relief warehouses due to their compact size, facilitating a prompt response when natural disasters strike.
Emergency Response Merits:
- Quick and easy deployment
- Stores compactly for emergency readiness
Military and Homeland Security Usage
The importance of adaptable flood barriers is recognized by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Guard for both civilian protection and military use in fortifying bases or critical infrastructure. StormBags can form part of military surplus store offerings, reflecting their utility for temporary water containment or flood control during training exercises or operational deployments.
Homeland Security and Military Notables:
- Useful for protecting critical infrastructure
- An option for military training and field operations
StormBags symbolize not only a commercially viable product but a critical tool for a variety of sectors focused on safeguarding against water-related damages and emergencies.
Plant and gardening applications
Plants need water to survive, and many states in the US suffer from drought, which can be a deadly enemy for most greenery and plants. Stormbags can be strategically placed at the bottom of plants and greeneries. Water will be slowly released by the bags and absorbed into the ground.
This unique approach allows for a slow and steady flux of vital water to living plants, allowing them to survive the often long and hot drought seasons.
Stormbag’s Market Performance and Growth
Since its appearance on Shark Tank, Stormbag has shown a significant uptick in market performance, leveraging its innovative approach to flood mitigation. Through astute sales strategies and customer-centric developments, it has marked its growth in the industry.
Sales and Distribution Channels
Stormbag’s sales have climbed due to a straightforward and effective online presence, complemented by an optimized website that caters to both retail and wholesale customers. They have embraced e-commerce giants like Amazon, which has broadened their market reach. Additionally, the strategic use of social media platforms, including TikTok, has played a pivotal role in engaging with a diverse customer base and boosting direct-to-consumer sales.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The company has engaged in partnerships that have expanded its market presence. Their collaboration with home improvement stores and disaster preparedness businesses has facilitated accessibility of Stormbags for a wide range of consumers looking for efficient flood control solutions. These partnerships have not only expanded their distribution channels but have also reinforced the product’s reputation in the market.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Customer reviews have been a testament to the product’s efficacy, with many users appreciating the convenience and reliability of Stormbags. Through their official website and various online marketplaces, they have accumulated an impressive array of positive feedback. This direct customer insight has been instrumental in shaping product improvements and has affirmed the brand’s commitment to quality in the public eye.
Product Details and Instructions
When considering StormBags as seen on Shark Tank, potential users should understand the specifications and materials of the product, appreciate its user-friendly features, and follow the correct instructions for usage and storage.
Specifications and Materials
StormBags are designed with practicality and efficiency in mind. They are constructed from a sturdy, biodegradable burlap material that can withstand wet and dry conditions. Each bag is exceptionally lightweight in dry conditions, with an initial weight of approximately one pound. Once activated with water, they can expand and reach weights between 30 to 35 pounds.
User-Friendly Features
These flood prevention tools are crafted to be remarkably user-friendly. They eliminate the need for a shovel or the process of filling bags with sand. The bags are easy to handle and position, making the preparation for potential floods much more efficient. The ability to re-use StormBags provides an advantage over traditional sandbags, offering both economic and environmental benefits.
Instructions for Usage and Storage
To use a StormBag, one simply needs to submerge it in water and allow it to absorb and expand. After use, StormBags can be left to dry out and then stored for future use. Users should keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their integrity and extend their lifespan.
Adoption and Recognition
StormBag, after being featured on Shark Tank, has seen significant adoption and recognition within the emergency preparedness market. Government endorsements and market acceptance are testament to the product’s credibility and effectiveness.
Endorsements from Government Agencies
StormBags have received approval from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), indicating that it meets the stringent requirements set by the agency for flood protection and emergency response tools. Additionally, they are acknowledged by Homeland Security, further solidifying their status as a trusted product for disaster preparedness. The Salt Lake City Bomb Squad has also recognized StormBag as an innovative alternative for traditional methods, implying its utility across different emergency response scenarios.
Stormbag After Shark Tank
StormBag, featured on Shark Tank Season 15, caught the attention of investors with its innovative approach to flood protection. The company sought to revolutionize traditional flood defenses with a user-friendly alternative.
Investment and Valuation Post-Pitch
On Shark Tank, StormBag sought a $200,000 investment in exchange for 10% equity, setting the company’s valuation at $2 million. However, they were able to secure a deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner for $200,000 in exchange for 30% of the company. This puts the new valuation of the company at $1M.
Company Trajectory and Expansion
Since appearing on Shark Tank, StormBag has experienced notable growth. By leveraging the exposure gained from the show, the company has been able to broaden its market reach, scaling operations to meet the increasing demand. Their growth trajectory suggests a promising future for both the company’s net worth and its impact on the flood defense market.
Customer and Retail Information
For customers interested in flood prevention solutions, StormBags offer an innovative alternative to traditional sandbags. They are readily available for purchase through various channels and at different price points to accommodate diverse consumer needs.
Purchasing Options
Customers can purchase StormBags through the company’s official website, which provides direct sales with potential bundle deals.
The price for each StormBag starts at $89.90 for a 10 pack on their website. This puts the cost of roughly $9/bag. Bulk pricing options is 25 pack for $179.99, efficiently cutting the cost to $7.2 per bag.
