Table of Contents
- What Is American Ghost Walks?
- Who Is The Founder Of American Ghost Walks?
- How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of American Ghost Walks?
- Did American Ghost Walks Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
- What Happened To American Ghost Walks After Shark Tank?
- American Ghost Walks Shark Tank Update
- Is American Ghost Walks Still In Business?
- What Is the Net Worth Of American Ghost Walks?
American Ghost Walks is a family-run ghost tour company that provides unique and immersive experiences based on local ghost lore and historical stories.
The company was founded by Mike Huberty and Allison Jornlin, a brother and sister team who started their tours in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin.
They offer a variety of ghost tours across different states, including Minnesota and Illinois, and more recently, they are expanding to locations such as Puerto Rico and Hawaii.
Their tours are designed to cater to both believers and skeptics, promising an engaging journey through history and the paranormal.
The company’s tours are conducted in various cities, where participants are guided to explore haunted locations and learn about chilling tales that are part of the local folklore.
American Ghost Walks also capitalizes on historical figures and events to add authenticity to their tours. For instance, they have tours focusing on the hauntings related to the infamous H.H. Holmes murders in Chicago.
The tour guides, such as Ursula Bielski in Chicago, are knowledgeable and experienced in ghost research, which adds depth to the experience.
Furthermore, American Ghost Walks has diversified its offerings by acquiring other tour companies like Maine’s Red Cloak Tours, and they have even launched bus tours in Los Angeles.
Their reach extends to prominent haunted locales like New Orleans, where they pass by well-known haunted sites.
In addition to their tours, American Ghost Walks has an associated podcast, “See You On the Other Side,” hosted by Mike Huberty and Wendy Lynn Markus.
This podcast provides those who can’t attend the tours with a platform to enjoy supernatural stories and discussions about strange phenomena.
American Ghost Walks is a good choice for those interested in ghost stories and history because it combines entertainment with education.
The tours explore the darker side of history and bring to life the stories that shape the legends of various cities.
This company offers a unique experience that appeals to ghost story enthusiasts and history buffs, making it a versatile activity for a wide range of audiences.
| Company Name | American Ghost Walks |
| Entrepreneur | Allison Jornlin and Mike Huberty |
| Product | Tourism business that offers ghost tours |
| Investment Asking For | $250,000 in exchange for a 10% equity in American Ghost Walks |
| Final Deal | No Deal |
| Shark | No Shark |
| American Ghost Walks Episode | Season 15, Episode 5 |
| American Ghost Walks Business Status | In Business |
| American Ghost Walks Website | Visit Website |
| American Ghost Walks Net Worth | $2 Million |
What Is American Ghost Walks?
American Ghost Walks is a company that offers ghost tours in various cities across the United States. These tours are designed to be entertaining and educational experiences where participants can learn about local history, folklore, and paranormal activity—experts with deep local knowledge and a passion for the ghostly guide the tours.
The company promises true stories based on thorough research, engaging and expert guides, and entertainment value for the participants.
The tours occur in different locations, including California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Puerto Rico, and Wisconsin.
In addition to the standard ghost walks, American Ghost Walks provides additional services such as corporate events, private and group tours, charitable donations, gift cards, and merchandise like t-shirts.
American Ghost Walks markets itself as a provider of “Real Hauntings, Real Fun” and caters to those interested in a mix of ghost stories and historical facts.
The company encourages potential customers to book tours through its marketing efforts, highlighting the unique and thrilling experiences they offer.
Who Is The Founder Of American Ghost Walks?
Founders Of American Ghost Walks
Mike Huberty and Allison Jornlin are the founders of American Ghost Walks. Both siblings are deeply interested in paranormal activities and the unknown, which they have cultivated since childhood.
Mike Huberty grew up near the Rainbow Springs Resort in Mukwonago, a place shrouded in mystery, especially after the hotel burned down in 2002. His passion for the paranormal was part of his upbringing, influenced by popular culture and shows like “Unsolved Mysteries.”
Mike channeled his interests into music with his band Sunspot, which focused on Weird Wisconsin Rock. His paranormal claims also led him to be featured on platforms such as the BBC and the TRVL Channel.
The idea for starting Madison Ghost Walks, which later evolved into American Ghost Walks, came at a time when Mike was experiencing financial difficulties. His sister Allison suggested he begin a ghost tour in Madison, which quickly gained traction and helped him financially.
Allison Jornlin has been investigating strange phenomena for over two decades. Her inspiration came from Richard Crowe, a pioneer in U.S. ghost tourism. She created Milwaukee’s first haunted history tour in 2008.
With her extensive experience and recognition as the Wisconsin Researcher of the Year in 2016, Allison has made significant contributions to the field. She has appeared publicly and written extensively about paranormal events.
American Ghost Walks Before Appearing On Shark Tank
Before their appearance on Shark Tank, American Ghost Walks had experienced substantial growth and expansion over 15 years.
The business that began with Madison Ghost Walks in Wisconsin expanded to eight states, including locations like Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
The core offering included meticulously researched walking tours with true stories of hauntings across America. These tours were led by knowledgeable guides well-versed in local history and folklore.
They crafted engaging experiences to thrill participants with real ghost stories and historical facts.
American Ghost Walks covered a range of destinations before appearing on Shark Tank:
- In California, stories resembled pulp fiction but were based on first-hand accounts.
- Illinois focused on notorious crimes and their haunting aftermath.
- Louisiana Tours delved into voodoo culture in New Orleans.
- In Maine, participants heard tales from coastal towns.
- Minnesota offered stories of vengeful ghosts and past executions.
- Puerto Rico explored Old San Juan with tales linked to the Devil’s Triangle.
- Wisconsin, where it all started, presented local legends from the capitol steps to Lake Michigan shores.
American Ghost Walks has turned the founders’ eclectic interests into a successful business, appealing to those intrigued by the darker aspects of American history and folklore.
Their ghostly storytelling tours across various states offered a unique perspective on American culture and history.
Their appearance on Shark Tank was aired on October 27, 2023, during Season 15, Episode 5.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of American Ghost Walks?
The Shark Tank pitch of American Ghost Walks, presented by sibling entrepreneurs Allison Jornlin and Mike Huberty, was for their company that offers historical and entertaining ghost tours. They were seeking an investment of $250,000 in exchange for 15% equity in their business.
During their presentation, they began with a ghost story to set the atmosphere and give the Sharks a taste of what their tours involve. They explained that their company operates in 7 states and Puerto Rico with 32 employees.
The founders are responsible for writing the tour scripts, researching, and uncovering stories, which they find more accessible in larger cities due to the abundant history.
The Sharks were interested in the financial aspects of the business. It was revealed that Allison started the company in Milwaukee in 2008, and Mike joined in 2010 with a Madison location. They expanded to include Minneapolis and St. Paul, among other places.
Financially, the company grossed $92,000 in 2020 from Minnesota and Wisconsin alone. In 2021, with the addition of Illinois, they grossed $392,000 but spent $300,000, leaving a profit of $92,000.
In 2022, they grossed $546,000 but faced a net loss of $42,000 due to reinvestment in the business. They projected sales of $650,000 for the current year but anticipated losses of $600,000. They also expressed an interest in expanding into the haunted cruise market.
The Sharks were unanimous in their concern about the company’s broad focus and lack of profitability in certain areas.
Guest Shark Jason Blum advised making a small area profitable before expanding into other markets.
Lori Greiner found the company fun but echoed Jason’s concerns.
Barbara Corcoran warned against the common entrepreneurial mistake of not focusing on one thing before expanding.
Mark Cuban criticized the scattered presentation, and Kevin O’Leary doubted the return on investment.
Ultimately, no Sharks made an offer, resulting in no deal for American Ghost Walks. Despite this outcome, the company continued to operate and potentially received a boost in sales following its appearance on Shark Tank.
The company maintained an online presence with options for joining their mailing list deals on merchandise and had a decent following on social media, suggesting a positive audience reception.
Did American Ghost Walks Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
No, American Ghost Walks did not get a deal on Shark Tank. During their appearance on Shark Tank, the founders of American Ghost Walks, Allison Jornlin and Mike Huberty, asked for $250,000 in exchange for 15% equity at a $1 million valuation. However, no sharks were interested in investing in their ghost tour business.
The sharks expressed concerns about the business’s profitability, as American Ghost Walks was already operating at a loss and spending more money than they were making.
Additionally, guest shark Jason Blum advised the founders to focus on other assets once their current assets became profitable.
Despite their efforts and the exposure from appearing on Shark Tank, American Ghost Walks did not secure a deal with any sharks.
After the episode aired, Founder Mike Huberty interviewed on various media channels, including ABC30 Fresno and WKOW 27 News, to promote their business.
However, despite their continued operations and efforts to grow the business, American Ghost Walks has not secured an investment through Shark Tank.
American Ghost Walks did not receive a deal on Shark Tank, and the sharks believed the business was not investable due to its lack of profitability.
What Happened To American Ghost Walks After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank Season 15, Episode 5, American Ghost Walks gained significant exposure and recognition, increasing popularity for their unique and immersive ghost tours.
The company specializes in providing guided tours to haunted locations across the United States, offering participants an unforgettable experience filled with spooky tales and historical facts.
Although American Ghost Walks did not accept an investment from any of the Sharks, their appearance on the show helped showcase their intriguing product and captivate them with their chilling tales and potential for growth in the tourism industry.
Since its Shark Tank appearance, American Ghost Walks has continued to expand its offerings and attract a wider audience.
They have received positive reviews from satisfied customers, further establishing their reputation as a provider of captivating and immersive experiences.
The company’s dedication to storytelling and historical accuracy has contributed to its success in creating memorable journeys for participants.
American Ghost Walks has expanded its reach by offering virtual tours for those unable to attend in person, allowing it to extend its presence and cater to a more extensive customer base.
This innovation has enabled the company to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain its strong presence in the market.
The company’s website showcases various tour options in multiple cities across the United States, including Milwaukee, Madison, and Minneapolis.
Each tour is carefully crafted by experienced and knowledgeable guides who share chilling tales of eerie encounters and historical hauntings.
American Ghost Walks offers different themes for their tours, such as haunted pub crawls or ghost ship adventures, catering to diverse interests and preferences.
American Ghost Walks are notable for their commitment to merging education and entertainment. Participants learn about the ghostly legends in each city and gain an appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of these stories.
This approach sets American Ghost Walks apart from other ghost tour companies and adds depth to their experiences.
American Ghost Walks has experienced growth and success since appearing on Shark Tank. Their unique blend of captivating storytelling, historical accuracy, and immersive experiences continues to fascinate travelers across America.
With their expanding range of tour options and dedication to providing unforgettable journeys, American Ghost Walks remains a popular choice for those seeking a thrilling adventure into the paranormal world.
American Ghost Walks Shark Tank Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, American Ghost Walks experienced mixed results for their business. While they could not secure a deal with the Sharks, the exposure on the show provided them with significant publicity and increased interest in their ghost tours.
The founders, Allison Jornlin and Mike Huberty had already established American Ghost Walks as a niche business specializing in paranormal tours.
However, their appearance on Shark Tank allowed them to reach a wider audience and attract more customers.
The exposure on Shark Tank led to a surge in inquiries from show fans interested in experiencing ghost tours in their area.
This increased demand prompted the company to expand its operations beyond Wisconsin, where it was initially founded, and launch tours in other states.
Currently, American Ghost Walks offers tours in 25 destinations across seven regions, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Maine.
The company’s website, AmericanGhostWalks.com, became a popular platform for potential customers to book their tours. Prices start at $25 per person, and the company plans to expand to at least 30 destinations by next year.
In addition to the exposure on Shark Tank, American Ghost Walks benefited from the rise of dark tourism, a $30 billion industry.
Dark tourism refers to the growing interest in visiting sites associated with death, tragedy, and the supernatural. According to Explore.com, 82% of travelers have seen at least one dark tourism site, indicating a high demand for such experiences.
American Ghost Walks capitalized on this trend by offering ghost stories and historical information about public executions, gang activities, and voodoo culture.
This approach attracted a diverse range of customers interested in both the paranormal and historical aspects of the locations they visited.
Furthermore, the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction were reflected in its online reviews. Their tour in Puerto Rico received an average rating of 4.5 stars from 20 TripAdvisor reviews, indicating positive customer feedback.
While American Ghost Walks did not secure a deal on Shark Tank, the exposure on the show significantly benefited their business. The increased publicity led to a surge in demand for their tours, prompting expansion into new regions.
With dark tourism’s growing popularity and unique approach to combining paranormal and historical narratives, American Ghost Walks is well-positioned to continue thriving in the industry.
Is American Ghost Walks Still In Business?
Yes, American Ghost Walks is still in business. The company was founded by Allison Jornlin and Mike Huberty in 2010 and has been operating for 13 years.
American Ghost Walks offers ghost tours in various cities across eight states in the United States. The company has its headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, and employs over 16 professionals who conduct ghost story tours for customers.
Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, American Ghost Walks continues to operate and expand its business. The company has gradually expanded its operations to different states and actively provides entertainment through its paranormal and corporate events.
In addition to ghost tours, American Ghost Walks also offers food, drink, and alcohol options for their customers.
While the business’s profitability has faced challenges, with expenses exceeding earnings, the company remains operational and continues to generate sales.
The founders, Allison Jornlin and Mike Huberty have appeared on various media channels to promote their business, including giving interviews on ABC30 Fresno and WKOW 27 News.
American Ghost Walks is still an active and ongoing business, striving to provide its customers with unique ghost tours and paranormal experiences.
What Is the Net Worth Of American Ghost Walks?
According to our research, the net worth of American Ghost Walks is estimated to be $2 million. The valuation of American Ghost Walks was $1.66 million when it appeared on Shark Tank.
Also, read about other businesses that appeared in Episode 05, Season 15 of Shark Tank:
