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Revolutionizing Culinary Tools: The TurboBaster Story
The TurboBaster revolutionized kitchen tools by introducing a rechargeable device that replaced traditional bulb basters, basting brushes, and marinade injectors.
The TurboBaster’s battery-operated design addresses the time-consuming task of basting chicken and turkey, ensuring a flavorful outcome.
Marian Cruz aimed to simplify the process of cooking whole turkeys, hens, and game birds by eliminating the need for constant supervision with a standard bulb baster.
She showcased the TurboBaster’s innovative brush and injector tips in a video, emphasizing its ease of disassembly for cleaning, although a prototype was yet to be developed after five years of work.
Marian, a newcomer to the industry, was uncertain about production costs and market demand.
The TurboBaster stands out as a culinary tool catering to chefs of all levels, offering a convenient way to ensure thorough basting. This battery-operated device replaces traditional basters and brushes, providing a mechanism to keep roasts crispy yet juicy.
Chefs can easily collect and distribute marinades, sauces, and liquids evenly across their roasts, simplifying the cooking process.
Marian Cruz, the inventor and owner of the TurboBaster, transitioned from a skilled home cook to an entrepreneur.
She approaches her business with the same creativity and skill she applies in the kitchen, continuously seeking innovative solutions to culinary challenges.
Marian aims to make cooking more accessible and efficient for home cooks by partnering with commercial outlets like TV products.
Marian spent five years developing and refining the TurboBaster after she was dissatisfied with an inferior baster during Thanksgiving.
Her journey from a creative cook to an inventor showcases her dedication to enhancing the cooking experience for all.
Marian’s innovative kitchen tool embodies a fresh approach to basting, offering a modern twist on traditional methods.
Marian turned to Shark Tank for financial support when she faced financial challenges when launching her business.
She presented her idea to potential investors in order to turn her vision of a more efficient and enjoyable cooking experience into reality.
From Kitchen Chaos to Culinary Success: The TurboBaster Saga in the Shark Tank
Marian Cruz enters the Shark Tank seeking $35,000 in exchange for a 30% stake in her innovative firm.
She recounts the moment that sparked the creation of her product – a disastrous experience while basting a turkey with a traditional bulb baster during a Thanksgiving dinner.
The messy outcome led her to develop the TurboBaster, a multifunctional kitchen tool that combines a basting brush, bulb baster, and marinade injector into a single device.
The Sharks are presented with a video showcasing Cruz’s TurboBaster, receiving praise from Robert Herjavec for its ingenuity. He likens the concept to “creating a rocket,” acknowledging Cruz’s five years of dedication to the project.
As discussions unfold, Daymond John raises questions about additional features, while Barbara Corcoran inquires about the device’s cleaning process.
Cruz demonstrates the disassembly for cleaning but reveals that the prototype she brought is non-functional.
Despite lacking concrete manufacturing cost estimates, Cruz outlines her pricing strategy for the TurboBaster, offering two versions at $19.99 and $29.99, respectively.
The Sharks express concerns over the absence of detailed financial projections, with Herjavec challenging Cruz to prove the market viability of her product beyond her charisma.
Kevin O’Leary jokes about hypothetical classroom scenarios involving electric cattle prods during his pitch.
The Sharks deliberate on the potential success of the TurboBaster, highlighting the importance of financial preparedness for investors. While some Sharks bow out due to uncertainties, Kevin Harrington expresses interest in a licensing arrangement.
Daymond John presents a compelling offer of $40,000 for a majority stake, emphasizing collaboration on product development. In the end, John secures a controlling interest for $50,000 after a bidding war with Harrington.
In the end, Marian Cruz selects Harrington as her partner, citing the alignment of their visions and the potential for product growth.
The journey in the Shark Tank showcases the challenges and decisions faced by entrepreneurs seeking investment, emphasizing the significance of thorough preparation and market understanding in securing deals.
The Rise and Fall of TurboBaster After Shark Tank Story
After their appearance on Shark Tank, Marian and Kevin finalized their agreement, with Kevin obtaining the rights to TurboBaster. After the show aired, Harrington’s firm, T.V. Goods, released a statement, but little has happened since then.
The estimated value of TurboBaster rose to $140,000 from $35,000 following its Shark Tank appearance.
Despite striking a deal with Kevin Harrington, who proposed $35,000 for full ownership of the business and a 2% share of sales, the product failed to gain traction.
The Facebook page and website for TurboBaster lay dormant, and the product was unavailable for purchase. It became evident six months after the agreement that TurboBaster was struggling.
The business is now defunct, with both the website and social media accounts deactivated. Regrettably, the product fell short of expectations.
Subsequently, TurboBaster never hit the market and is now obsolete. The online presence of the brand has been removed entirely.
In today’s fast-paced and minimalist lifestyles, most individuals opt for multi-functional products over single-purpose devices cluttering their kitchens. The once-popular single-use gadgets from the 1950s and 1960s no longer align with modern consumer preferences.
Turbobaster is out of business, and its effective net worth is $0. The valuation of Turbobaster was $35,000 after securing an investment from Kevin Harrington on Shark Tank.
