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Cactus Jack Barringer Brings Body Jac to Shark Tank: An Entrepreneur’s Journey
Body Jac is a workout device designed to make pushups easier by using resistance bands. Invented by “Cactus” Jack Barringer, it was featured on Shark Tank Season 1, episode 05.
Jack pitched the Body Jac as a tool to help users perform pushups with less strain, which is especially beneficial for those struggling with traditional pushups.
Jack, a seasoned entrepreneur, had previously achieved remarkable success by selling over 10 million units of the One-Shot cleaning tablet.
Both triumphs and challenges have marked Jack’s entrepreneurial journey. Recognizing the potential value of the Sharks’ expertise, he sought their guidance to develop a more sustainable business strategy.
The Body Jac, his latest invention, is designed to assist users in performing push-ups with the help of resistance bands, allowing for customized workouts that target specific muscle groups.
Jack presented the Body Jac as a versatile fitness equipment with the charisma of a Texas tycoon. The device features multiple resistance bands that can be adjusted based on an individual’s strength level, and it can be modified to target additional muscles.
The Body Jac also features a repetition counter, calorie tracker, workout chart, and instructional CD.
Jack, affectionately known as Cactus Jack—a nickname given by his father—has been an entrepreneur for his entire adult life. His previous venture, One-Shot, established him as a successful peddler and infomercial star.
In addition to the One-Shot cleaning tablets, Jack holds several other patents and continues to lead Cactus Jack’s Marketing, a company he founded in 1975.
The Body Jac was inspired by Jack’s struggle to lose weight. The doctor advised him to lose weight through exercise, specifically push-ups when he was 30 pounds overweight.
Jack, however, found push-ups challenging due to joint pain. He designed the Body Jac with the help of his bodybuilder daughter to make push-ups easier.
Jack faced financial difficulties bringing the Body Jac to market despite his past successes. He realized that partnering with an investor could help him navigate these challenges and bring his product to a wider audience. This led him to seek investment in Shark Tank.
Throughout his 65 years, Jack has never held a traditional job, relying on his innovative thinking to sustain him.
His diverse portfolio of inventions ranges from cleaning products to fishing gear and sewing machines. Jack remains optimistic about Body Jac’s potential despite experiencing highs and lows.
The Body Jac aims to make workouts more comfortable while delivering effective results. Barringer, who designed the device to ease the strain on his back and shoulders, believes that push-ups are a highly effective exercise despite their potential to cause wrist and joint pain. The Body Jac helps users maintain proper form and reduce discomfort.
Jack’s testing revealed that using the Body Jac for three 8-minute workouts each week could significantly improve strength and tone various muscle groups, including the arms, back, and chest.
Convinced of Body Jac’s market potential, Jack sought investors on Shark Tank to help him overcome his previous financial hurdles and achieve success with his latest creation.
Cactus Jack’s appearance on Shark Tank marked a pivotal moment in his entrepreneurial journey, as he aimed to secure the support needed to bring the Body Jac to fitness enthusiasts everywhere.
Body Jac Shark Tank Pitch: A Gamble on Innovation and Redemption
Cactus Jack made a memorable appearance on Shark Tank, exuding confidence, perhaps even bordering on overconfidence.
He holds several patents for innovative products as a result of his years of entrepreneurial experience.
Jack sought an investment of $180,000 in exchange for a 20 percent stake in his company, Body Jac. Along with his latest invention, he has a wealth of experience and success to draw upon.
He owns patents for several products that have already seen commercial success.
Robert Herjavec cuts to the chase with a pointed question: “Why are you asking for $180,000 if you’ve already made millions?”
Jack recounts how he amassed millions by his early thirties, only to lose it all just as quickly. His business ventures have taken a toll on his family.
Now, he’s looking for a partner to share both the risks and the rewards. “You’re not just investing in the Body Jac,” he says. “You’re investing in Cactus Jack.”
Kevin O’Leary isn’t impressed. He feels that Jack’s $27,000 personal investment doesn’t reflect enough commitment. He opts out.
Robert Herjavec follows suit for similar reasons. He’s out as well.
Kevin Harrington offers $90,000 but wants a 50% stake in the company. Jack needs another Shark to pitch in the remaining $90,000 to seal the deal.
Barbara Corcoran steps up. She was ready to provide the remaining $90,000 but has a condition. She wants Jack to lose 30 pounds using his equipment.
Daymond John steps in to stop Kevin from pressuring Jack into a quick decision. Daymond offers the full $180,000 but wants a comprehensive stake, saying, “I want to be part of the Cactus Jack enterprise.”
Kevin Harrington urges Jack to make a decision, and Jack agrees. After a brief moment of contemplation, he nods.
“Cactus Jack” is the man you’ve been searching for. If he can’t do it, no one can. “I’ll take your offer,” he says.
Jack high-fives Corcoran in celebration of his success.
Final Deal: Kevin Harrington And Barbara Corcoran agreed to invest $180,000 for 50% equity in Body Jac.
The Tumultuous Journey of Body Jac After Shark Tank: From Promising Start to Sudden Collapse
Cactus Jack fulfilled his promise once he reached an agreement with Barringer, Harrington, and Corcoran, shedding 30 pounds to demonstrate the product’s effectiveness. Despite this, the venture saw little success after the deal was finalized.
Corcoran appeared to stay involved with Body Jac into early 2013, as a photo on the company’s Facebook page suggests.
The Body Jac update in season 01, episode 13, highlighted this achievement. Kevin Harrington introduced Cactus Jack at a major infomercial event, using the platform to propel Body Jac to fame.
However, the partnership eventually soured. Barbara Corcoran publicly labeled Body Jac as one of her worst investments, accusing Cactus Jack of cheating her out of her money.
By 2012, the Body Jac website had gone offline, and the product seemed to vanish.
Cactus Jack’s profile has been removed from ABC’s website, and no additional information has been revealed about why the company failed.
Corcoran expressed lingering resentment toward Cactus Jack in an October 2014 interview, but details of their relationship remain unclear.
Body Jacs remained available for purchase for some time, and Cactus Jack continued to run his own marketing company. However, Body Jac ceased operations in 2012.
With the Body Jac website down and the product failing to perform, Barbara attempted to stay involved in some capacity until 2013 but was unsuccessful.
Following the fallout with the Sharks, Jack continued his business until 2015, when Body Jac was put up for sale. Ultimately, Body Jac went out of business, and its effective net worth is $0.
