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The Blowzee is a product that appeared on Season 13 of Shark Tank. Created by co-founders Mark Apelt and Mark Lareau, it is designed to serve as a candle flame extinguisher toy.
The Blowzee adds a playful element to children’s birthday parties while addressing a prevalent hygiene concern. The Blowzee, priced at an average of $11.99, is a small device resembling a fan.
The Blowzee extinguishes a candle flame on a cake by triggering a rotating plastic fan when blown into. A blowout mechanism eliminates the traditional method of blowing out candles, thereby reducing the spread of germs to the cake – an issue highlighted by studies showing that blowing out candles increases the germ count by 1400%.
The relevance of Blowzee becomes more apparent in the context of increased health awareness, especially after the global onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parents are more concerned than ever about hygiene during their children’s birthday celebrations, and Blowzee presents a fun yet effective solution.
Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, the Blowzee remains a popular product and is available for purchase from several major retailers, including Wegmans, Publix, Party City, Target, and Walmart, as well as online platforms like Amazon.
Although it started with a humble investment of $5,000, the company has since fulfilled over 100,000 orders and is looking to expand its market internationally. This shows the product’s potential and increasing acceptance as a practical tool for ensuring celebration hygiene.
The Blowzee product successfully marries the concept of fun with the need for hygiene. It addresses a significant concern of germ spreading during cake-blowing ceremonies at children’s parties, ensuring celebrations can proceed with fewer health concerns.
The Blowzee’s creative design and functionality make it a must-have product for every parent planning a birthday party.
| Company Name | The Blowzee |
| Entrepreneur | Mark Apelt and Mark Lareau |
| Product / Business | Candle blower with clean air |
| Investment Asking For | $100,000 for 20% equity in The Blowzee |
| Final Deal | No Offers |
| Shark | No Shark |
| Episode | Season 13, Episode 13 |
| Business Status | Out Of Business |
| Website | The Blowzee Website |
| Net Worth | $0 |
What Is The Blowzee?
The Blowzee is a device designed to blow out candles without spreading germs. It’s a handheld tool that uses a small fan to create a stream of air to blow out your birthday candles without potentially spreading saliva onto the cake. It’s a practical solution for birthdays and other events where a cake might be shared.
The Blowzee is a battery-operated device designed as a hygienic alternative to blowing out candles on a cake. It helps reduce the potential spread of germs when blowing directly on a cake.
The device is small, handheld, and easy to use. Its design includes a fan that generates a stream of air strong enough to blow out candles. The device is activated by simply pressing a button.
The Blowzee is suitable for all ages and offers a more sanitary way to continue the tradition of blowing out birthday candles. It’s not limited to birthdays; it can be used for any occasion involving candles.
The device uses replaceable batteries, making it reusable for many events. It is easy to clean and maintain, adding to its convenience factor.
The Blowzee was created to make celebrations safer and more enjoyable, and it’s an innovative solution in today’s health-conscious world.
Who Is The Founder Of The Blowzee?
The Blowzee, a novel and hygiene-focused invention, was co-founded by Mark Apelt and Mark Lareau. Mark is a Richmond resident and a University of Virginia graduate.
The company also includes a second silent partner who stays out of public attention. The conception of Blowzee originated from an everyday event – children’s birthday parties.
As Mark accompanied his son, Jake, to birthday parties, he noticed the traditional practice of the birthday child blowing out candles on the cake.
However, one such event left Mark and other parents uncomfortable as they could visually perceive the child inadvertently spitting on the cake’s icing.
Mark, having a strong inclination towards hygiene, was struck by this incident, and it initiated his thought process on the subject.
Although he conceptualized a prototype early on, he realized the niche nature of the product since birthday cakes were the only food items subjected to such a practice. As a result, he thought the product might not succeed in the market.
However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent surge in awareness about hygiene reignited Mark’s idea. Confined to his home during the lockdown, he collaborated with another father from Richmond to develop the concept of Blowzee.
The development of Blowzee was not without its share of challenges. Before creating a working model, Mark and his partner navigated several designs and prototypes.
The Blowzee was designed as a tube-shaped device equipped with a fan on one end and a hole to blow into on the other. When a user blows into the device, the internal sensor activates, causing the fan to rotate and extinguish the candle.
Importantly, the contaminated air is deflected back towards the user, ensuring that the cake remains free from any spit.
Before the Blowzee appeared on Shark Tank, Mark Apelt and his silent partner actively refined the product’s design. They uploaded the design on the Upworks freelance network, and to their surprise, a Michigan-based engineer who found the idea appealing created a functional version of it.
After the product was launched, it received a positive response from the market, with numerous people choosing to use it at their birthday parties. The product even got featured in the New York Post, amplifying its popularity and leading to a surge in demand that they struggled to meet.
As a result of this success, the Blowzee was featured in several shows and publications, including “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show,” “NPR’s Morning Edition,” and “The Daily Mail.”
With each Blowzee priced at $11.99 and a delivery fee of $1.99 that’s waived for orders over 4 units, Mark sought partnerships with local Richmond bakeries to increase their consumer base.
The Blowzee can be purchased online through their website or Amazon, and plans are in motion to make the product available in major grocery chains.
This journey underlines Mark’s creative process, dedication to hygiene, and ability to transform everyday observation into a successful product.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of The Blowzee?
In the 13th season of Shark Tank, co-founders Mark Apelt and Mark Lareau took to the stage to pitch their innovative solution to the hygiene problem posed by blowing out birthday candles, a product called Blowzee.
Mark Apelt and Mark Lareau were seeking an investment of $100,000 for a 20% equity stake in their company, valuing The Blowzee at $500,000.
The Blowzee device uses an electronic sensor to detect air pressure. When a child blows into one end of the Blowzee, their breath powers a fan on the other end of the device. This fan generates a germ-free wind that can be used to blow out the candles.
The sharks were initially impressed with the product’s engineering, with Robert Herjavec even mentioning that it was fun to use. However, the business side of the pitch failed to capture their interest.
Over five months of operation, Blowzee had only generated $12,000 in sales. The sharks were concerned that Blowzee was more of a product than a sustainable business, and they expressed doubts about its potential for consistent sales given its specific use for special occasions.
Kevin O’Leary was the first shark to decline an investment, strongly disliking the product. Mark Cuban followed suit, stating that the pitch didn’t offer enough to persuade him to invest.
Daymond John shared similar sentiments, declaring he didn’t find the product investable. Herjavec, despite finding the product fun, did not see any potential for repeat purchases, which led him not to invest.
Lori Greiner also echoed these concerns about sales consistency due to its use for special occasions only, and hence, she, too, declined the offer.
Ultimately, the Blowzee left the Shark Tank without securing a deal, much to the disappointment of its co-founders. However, despite the setback on Shark Tank, the product has been gaining some traction outside of the show.
Before its Shark Tank appearance, Blowzee had already been featured in media outlets like Real Simple and the New York Post and on various radio shows.
The latest update also suggests that Blowzee is ranked #1 for birthday candles on Amazon, indicating success despite not securing the sought-after investment from the sharks.
Did The Blowzee Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
The product’s creator, Mark Apelt, appeared on Shark Tank with hopes of securing an investment of $100,000 for a 20% stake in the company.
Despite presenting his product to the ‘sharks’ (the investors on the show), Apelt did not manage to secure an investment deal for The Blowzee.
However, not securing a deal on Shark Tank did not spell the end for The Blowzee. As is often the case with products featured on the show, the exposure alone can significantly boost.
In the case of The Blowzee, its appearance on Shark Tank led to a surge in interest and sales. All Blowzee products were sold out within 2.5 hours after the episode aired. This demonstrates that securing an investment in Shark Tank can be beneficial but is not always necessary for success.
What Happened To The Blowzee After Shark Tank?
Following their appearance on Shark Tank, Blowzee’s business seems to have experienced considerable growth despite not securing a deal.
The product garnered significant attention due to its unique concept and relevance in maintaining hygiene, especially in the post-pandemic world.
Even before its Shark Tank presentation, Blowzee had already started to create buzz and had made appearances in media outlets such as Real Simple and the New York Post, in addition to being featured on various radio shows. This media exposure likely boosted its visibility among potential customers and retailers.
After its episode of Shark Tank aired, the founders leveraged the exposure they received from the show to boost their marketing and sales.
The company’s sales improved significantly, and it has been reported that within two hours of their Shark Tank episode airing, all Blowzee products were sold out. This indicates a strong demand for the product in the market.
As of a recent update, Blowzee is ranked #1 for birthday candles on Amazon, suggesting robust sales performance and customer interest.
The company’s products are also available through its website and have started to penetrate physical retail markets, with availability in stores like Wegmans, Publix, Party City, Target, and Walmart.
Despite the sharks’ initial concerns about the product being too niche and not offering repeat purchase potential, Blowzee appears to have found its market niche and is carving out a successful path. Its ability to solve a common hygiene concern in a simple, fun, and effective seems to have resonated with customers.
Moreover, the founders are actively expanding their business reach, and it was reported that they are currently in talks with retailers in countries such as Canada, Brazil, Portugal, and the United Kingdom to make the product available internationally.
However, as of the last available update in January 2023, the Blowzee Birthday Fan was out of stock on both their website and Amazon, indicating a potential need for the company to scale up its production to meet the growing demand.
The company is estimated to be worth $500,000 in terms of its financial performance. The company sells the Blowzee for an average price of $11.99, with a shipping charge of $1.99, which is waived if four units are ordered.
While Blowzee didn’t secure an investment deal on Shark Tank, the exposure and feedback it gained from the show have undeniably boosted its business and propelled its growth.
Despite challenges, Blowzee seems to be on a promising trajectory in both domestic and international markets.
The Blowzee Shark Tank Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, The Blowzee, a device designed to blow out birthday candles without spreading germs, has continued to operate and even saw quite a significant increase in publicity and business.
Although the company did not secure a deal with any sharks, their appearance on the show increased orders. The company sold out of its inventory just over an hour after the episode aired.
This demonstrates that despite not getting an investment from the sharks, the exposure from the show itself can still create a huge impact on a company’s business.
In addition to the immediate post-show sales spike, The Blowzee was featured in various media outlets, including Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, The Daily Mail, Real Simple, and NPR’s Morning Edition. This further increased their visibility and likely contributed to continued sales.
To expand their reach, Mark Apelt, the founder of The Blowzee, partnered with local bakeries to sell his product. This strategic move allowed him to place his product directly in a context where it would be relevant, likely increasing the chances of sales.
Moreover, The Blowzee started selling on Amazon and was rated #1 in the best birthday candle products category. This high rating likely resulted in an additional sales boost as Amazon is a popular platform for consumers looking for unique and useful products.
The Blowzee’s net worth is estimated to have reached approximately $500,000. Therefore, even without securing an investment deal on Shark Tank, The Blowzee leveraged the opportunity and expanded its business significantly.
Is The Blowzee Still In Business?
Our research shows that The Blowzee is out of business. Blowzee’s website has been down for some time, and social media posts from more than a year ago indicate the company is inactive.
Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, the company continued to gain traction and grow its customer base. They managed to keep a steady stream of sales going, thanks to their innovative product, which helps prevent the spread of germs during birthday celebrations.
The Blowzee products are sold through their official website and major retail stores such as Wegmans, Publix, Party City, Target, and Walmart. The product is also available on Amazon, further expanding its reach to potential customers.
The company’s founders, Mark Apelt and Mark Lareau, have also talked with retailers in various countries, including Canada, Brazil, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, to expand their product’s global reach further.
The Blowzee’s presence on Shark Tank has also boosted its visibility significantly, leading to increased sales and interest in the product. However, the company could not survive and closed its doors in 2023.
What Is the Net Worth Of The Blowzee?
According to our research, the net worth of The Blowzee is $0 since the company is out of business. The valuation of The Blowzee was $500,000 when it appeared on Shark Tank.
