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Mike Robb and Tom “Ozzy” Osborne are back on Shark Tank for episode 725 with their innovative creation, the Beer Blizzard—a compact beer cooler that gained traction through a successful Kickstarter campaign.
In June 2014, they raised an impressive $43,574, far surpassing their initial goal of $5,000, which helped them kickstart production.
The Inspiration Behind Beer Blizzard
Warm beer is a universal frustration, especially during hot summer days when everyone craves a refreshing, cold drink. As a result of this common problem, the duo created the Beer Blizzard.
Additionally, they offer Beer Koozies, fabric or foam sleeves designed to keep beer containers cool.
The Beer Blizzard functions similarly to traditional ice blocks, featuring a plastic disc filled with a freezeable substance.
Its unique curvature allows it to fit into beer cans snugly, making it versatile enough to serve as a coaster on tables or bars. When placed in contact with a beer, the Beer Blizzard effectively chills it down, ensuring your drink stays cold from the first sip to the last.
You can grab a six-pack of Beer Blizzards for $12.99 or opt for a 12-pack at $19.99, which includes a complimentary koozie.
The product is available for purchase on their website, which offers worldwide shipping. The duo is likely seeking a Shark’s help to expand their market reach.
What is Beer Blizzard?
Every beer enthusiast knows the difference between warm and cold beer. Beer Blizzard addresses this issue, whether you prefer your beverage in a can or a bottle. These innovative cooling discs are made from hydra-gel that freezes faster than water and retains cold temperatures longer.
Place your beer in a koozie with the Beer Blizzard, and you can expect it to stay cool for over 20 minutes. The fast-freezing thermal solution inside the discs works equally well for soda cans.
Company Overview
- Name: Beer Blizzard
- Founders: Mike Robb and Tom Osborne
- Product: Beer cooling discs
- Investment Sought: $100,000 for 20% equity
- Final Deal: $100,000 for 25% equity
- Shark: Mark Cuban
- Business Status: Out of business
- Website: Visit Website
Meet the Founders
Childhood friends Tom Osborne and Mike Robb are the brains behind Beer Blizzard. Tom has extensive experience in the food industry, particularly in quality assurance, while Mike is a lawyer based in Pittsburgh.
They both share a love for beer but were often frustrated by warm drinks, especially when a refrigerator wasn’t available.
The Journey Before Shark Tank
The idea for Beer Blizzard was born during a reunion at Tom’s West Virginia property in 2013. One hot day, while target shooting, Mike experimented with putting ice in a koozie to keep his beer cool, but it melted too quickly. This led him to wonder if reusable ice cubes could be a solution.
After some initial skepticism, Tom revisited the idea, and they sketched a prototype on a napkin at a restaurant.
Months of trial and error resulted in a successful design: a disc-shaped hydra-gel cube that freezes quickly and fits under any aluminum can, effectively cooling drinks.
Their innovation won first place at the summer 2014 Invention and New Product Exposition, leading to over 2,000 orders and more than $43,500 in sales within 45 days.
After addressing patent concerns and securing manufacturing contracts, they aimed to attract a prominent investor to help scale their operations.
Beer Blizzard Shark Tank Experience
When Mike and Tom stepped into Shark Tank, their genuine and relaxed demeanor immediately resonated with the Sharks.
Dressed casually in jeans and Beer Blizzard shirts, they shared their mission to combat warm beer. The CEO jokingly introduced himself as the “Chief Redneck in Command,” emphasizing that warm beer “stinks.”
The Sharks were entertained as the duo demonstrated how the Beer Blizzard fits perfectly into the base of a beer can. They even provided samples for the Sharks to try.
While Lori was hesitant, she asked about the product’s cooling capabilities, which Tom confirmed could keep drinks cold for an extra 21 minutes.
The conversation turned to patents, and Mike confirmed they were pending. Although Lori suggested expanding to all carbonated beverages, the duo preferred to focus on beer and understand the specific preferences of beer drinkers.
Tom and Mark sought $100,000 for a 20% stake in the business, explaining their plans to increase inventory and production.
Mark Cuban recognized the potential and offered $100,000 for 25%, while Lori matched their original request. After some deliberation, they ultimately chose Mark, despite Tom’s admiration for Lori’s offer.
What Happened To Beer Blizzard After Shark Tank?
Following their Shark Tank appearance, Beer Blizzard experienced a surge in sales, with their products appearing in major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond.
The founders continued to pursue various ventures, including developing new beer accessories.
However, as time passed, the company faced challenges. By September 2021, their Twitter account was inactive, and their website had been deactivated, redirecting to a placeholder page.
Beer Blizzard is out of business, hence its net worth is estimated to be $0.
Beer Blizzard’s Legacy
While Beer Blizzard enjoyed a successful run, the decision to reject Lori’s offer in favor of Mark’s may have limited their potential. They did raise $43,574 on Kickstarter after the show but ultimately closed down in 2018 due to funding issues.
Despite the ups and downs, Beer Blizzard provided a refreshing solution for beer lovers, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and creativity. Cheers to the memories of cold beers and good times!
