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Video: Metro Detroiters Get Grief on 'Shark Tank' Before Landing Deal

May 15, 2021, 1:11 PM by  Allan Lengel
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Mikey Bashawaty, 31, (left) and Jeremy Quillico, 30

Two Metro Detroit men got mocked by sharks on ABC's "Shark Tank" Friday night because of their measly earnings for their invention, Float 'N' Grill, a portable barbecue for partyers on the water.  

But in the end, they got a deal with Daniel Lubetzky, billionaire founder of the snack company Kind, which makes healthful candy bars.

The duo started with this: 

"Hey there Sharks, my name is Michael Bashawaty and I’m Jeremy Quillico. We’re from Plymouth, Michigan, and we’re here seeking $200,000 in exchange for a 20-percent stake in our company."

When they disclosed that they only grossed $19,400 since launching about 18 months ago, skeptical investors were not impressed.

“The sand bar community has rejected you,” blurted Kevin O’Leary, aka "Mr. Wonderful." “All I know is, nobody is using this in the sand bar. You want 20 percent. A million evaluation when no one in the sand bar community gives a poo-poo about this thing.”

But Lubetzky, who said he's friends with executives from Weber grill, made an offer they accepted: $100,000 investment for 22.5 percent of the business, $100,000 loan at 7-percent interest and a 50-percent licensing deal.

Lubetzky sounded particularly interested licensing the product to a big manufacturer like Weber.



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