Table of Contents
- What Is Thrill Builders?
- Who Are The Founders Of Thrill Builders?
- How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Thrill Builders?
- Did Thrill Builders Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
- What Happened To Thrill Builders After Shark Tank?
- Thrill Builders Shark Tank Update
- Is Thrill Builders Still In Business?
- What Is the Net Worth Of Thrill Builders?
Thrill Builders is a company based in Madison, Wisconsin, that specializes in creating custom escape room experiences, haunted attractions, and other thrilling activities for clients. Thrill Builders appeared on Episode 05, Season 15 of Shark Tank.
Unlike traditional venues that host escape room challenges, Thrill Builders designs and constructs these attractions for other companies, essentially functioning as a B2B service provider.
They offer a wide range of themed escape rooms such as “alien autopsy,” “cryosleep,” and “haunted mansion,” among others, with the option for clients to create their themes and props.
Their services extend beyond the physical build-outs to include customized soundtracks and lighting to enhance the atmosphere of the attractions.
In addition to escape rooms, Thrill Builders offers a variety of other experiences. Their expertise in crafting haunted attractions is notable, with a portfolio that includes work for major theme parks and events worldwide.
They can construct mini-golf courses with animatronics and custom laser tag arenas with interactive props that respond to players’ actions for a more family-friendly offering.
The company’s approach is comprehensive: they manage the project from concept to completion, ensuring that attractions are delivered on time, on budget, and to the client’s satisfaction. This includes training the client’s staff to operate the new facility.
Thrill Builders’ commitment to providing turnkey solutions and their ability to create immersive experiences tailored to their client’s needs make them appealing to businesses looking to add unique entertainment options.
| Company Name | Thrill Builders |
| Entrepreneur | Guy Kitchell |
| Product | Custom escape room experiences company |
| Investment Asking For | $250,000 for 20% equity in Thrill Builders |
| Final Deal | $300,000 for 30% equity in Thrill Builders |
| Shark | Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, and Jason Blum |
| Thrill Builders Episode | Season 15, Episode 5 |
| Thrill Builders Business Status | In Business |
| Thrill Builders Website | Visit Website |
| Thrill Builders Net Worth | $1.25 Million |
What Is Thrill Builders?
Thrill Builders is a company that designs, builds, and installs custom attractions for entertainment venues. Their product offerings include Escape Rooms, Mini Escape Games, Lasertag arenas, Haunted Houses, Mini Golf courses, and themed environments for Family Entertainment Centers.
They provide a complete service from concept design to installation and training, with dedicated staff, including carpenters, themes, CAD drafters, artists, and game designers.
Thrill Builders also offers after-sale support and boasts a variety of ready-made themes while also having the capability to create custom themes per client requests.
Their services are targeted primarily at customers in the USA, emphasizing domestic benefits like lower shipping costs and no import fees.
They market themselves as a complete turnkey solution for entertainment businesses looking to add or improve attractions, focusing on providing profitable and engaging experiences for guests.
Who Are The Founders Of Thrill Builders?
Guy Kitchell is the founder of Thrill Builders. Kitchell’s background and the conception of Thrill Builders are intertwined with his passion for fun and a commitment to craftsmanship.
He started the venture to create beautiful, entertaining spaces that engage visitors and leave a lasting impression.
Kitchell’s drive to build dreams into profitable realities led him to assemble a multi-disciplinary team that includes carpenters, artists, game designers, CAD drafters, and faux finish painters. This team works collaboratively to bring his vision to life.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Thrill Builders had already carved out a niche in the themed entertainment industry, focusing on escape rooms, haunted houses, and other family attractions.
The company had become known for its ability to construct customized, immersive, and profitable entertainment venues.
They offered various services, including creating escape rooms with meticulous attention to detail, haunted attractions that provide an adrenaline-pumping experience, complete theming solutions, innovative laser tag arenas, and engaging mini golf courses.
Thrill Builders provided comprehensive services from conceptualization to operational support, including staff training and maintenance.
Clients were attracted to the company due to its cost-efficient shipping, lack of import fees or taxes, and excellent support and maintenance services – all without the burden of monthly or franchise fees, as clients own their attractions outright.
By the time they appeared on Shark Tank on October 27, 2023, in Season 15, Episode 5, Thrill Builders had established itself as a reliable partner for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to enter the specialized-themed entertainment field.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Thrill Builders?
Guy Kitchell, the founder of Thrill Builders, appeared on Season 15, Episode 05 of Shark Tank, to seek an investment for his thrill-seeking entertainment company.
Thrill Builders specializes in escape rooms, haunted attractions, laser tag, mini golf, and theming services for themed spaces and sells escape room props.
Guy’s plan included expanding into a large theme park facility named Thrill Factory, a 50,000-square-foot entertainment center featuring a variety of activities, including Wizard’s Adventure and interactive bowling games.
Guy asked for $250,000 in exchange for 20% equity in Thrill Builders. He presented his company’s financial success, with $4.2 million in sales projected for the current year and $12.2 million over the last six years.
The prior year’s profit was $975,000. Though haunted houses were less profitable, he aimed to transition to the more financially viable facility model, with projections of $5.5 million in the first year and $10 million the following year.
Barbara Corcoran did not make an offer, citing unfamiliarity with the industry. Lori Greiner expressed interest but wanted equity in the entire business, not just the new facility. She initially offered $250,000 for 25% equity.
Kevin O’Leary and guest shark Jason Blum were also interested; they partnered with Lori and revised the offer to $250,000 for 30% equity.
Mark Cuban was skeptical about Guy’s numbers and did not make an offer. Despite this skepticism, Guy countered the three sharks’ offer by asking for $300,000 for the same 30% equity stake. Lori, Kevin, and Jason agreed to Guy’s counteroffer.
Ultimately, Guy left with a deal from Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, and Jason Blum: $300,000 for 30% equity in Thrill Builders.
After the show, Thrill Builders remained in business. They received a boost in marketing from its Shark Tank appearance, with no immediate updates on the development of the 50,000-square-foot facility at the time of writing.
Did Thrill Builders Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Yes, Thrill Builders got a deal on Shark Tank. Guy Kitchell, the owner of Thrill Builders, went into the Shark Tank seeking $250,000 for a 20% share in his company.
After some discussion and negotiation, Guy asked the Sharks if they would offer $300,000 for 30% of the business.
The Sharks agreed to this counteroffer. Therefore, Thrill Builders secured a deal with the Sharks for $300,000 in exchange for 30% equity in the company.
What Happened To Thrill Builders After Shark Tank?
After appearing on “Shark Tank,” Thrill Builders, a company specializing in constructing escape rooms and Halloween attractions, experienced a significant increase in interest and business.
The founder, Guy Kitchell, managed to secure a deal with three Sharks: Lori Greiner, Jason Blum, and Kevin O’Leary. This partnership valued the company at an estimated $1.25 million.
Post-“Shark Tank,” the exposure led to a surge in inquiries on Thrill Builders’ website. The company offers services, including constructing themed facilities like mini-golf courses and laser tag arenas, in addition to their escape rooms and haunted houses.
Despite the high price range for their escape rooms ($10,000 to $70,000), their clientele includes notable brands such as Walt Disney, Universal, National Geographic, and Six Flags.
Thrill Builders has a catalog of 15 ready-made themes but also provides custom-themed designs according to client requests.
They have served nearly 8,000 clients globally and offer international shipping, installation services, and staff training to ensure operators know how to manage the attractions.
The deal with the Sharks is expected to be finalized within three to six months from the episode’s airing. With the new partnership and continued interest in their unique offerings, Thrill Builders is positioned to maintain and enhance its standing in its niche market.
Thrill Builders Shark Tank Update
After appearing on Shark Tank Season 15, Thrill Builders made a deal with Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, and guest shark Jason Blum for $300,000 in exchange for 30% equity in the company.
The company, specializing in thrill-seeking entertainment such as escape rooms, haunted attractions, and theming services, received a boost in marketing from its appearance on the show.
Despite concerns about the viability of haunted houses as a profitable venture, Guy Kitchell, the entrepreneur behind Thrill Builders, plans to expand by building a 50,000-square-foot facility called Thrill Factory.
This facility is designed to offer a variety of activities and experiences and aims to generate significant revenue through birthday parties and other services in addition to games and attractions.
The business was doing well at the time of the show, with $4.2 million in sales for the current year and a total of $12.2 million in sales over the past six years.
The company’s profitability was solid, with $975,000 from sales the year before the Shark Tank appearance.
Post-appearing on Shark Tank, Thrill Builders is still operational and seems to be thriving, although specific updates on the progress of the new facility were not provided. The deal with the sharks is expected to help propel the company’s growth and expansion plans.
Is Thrill Builders Still In Business?
Our research shows that Thrill Builders is still in business. The company, led by Guy Kitchell, has successfully carved out a niche in the construction industry by specializing in creating escape rooms and Halloween attractions.
The appearance of Guy Kitchell on Shark Tank and the deal with three investors, Lori Greiner, Jason Blum, and Kevin O’Leary, indicate ongoing operations and potential growth.
What Is the Net Worth Of Thrill Builders?
According to our research, the net worth of Thrill Builders is estimated to be $1.25 million. The valuation of Thrill Builders was $1 million after securing an investment from Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, and Jason Blum on Shark Tank.
Also, read about other businesses that appeared on Season 15, Episode 05 of Shark Tank:
