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Villy Custom is a unique business concept that debuted in Season 3 of the American reality television series “Shark Tank.” Essentially, the company offers customers the opportunity to design and customize their cruiser bicycles, thus providing an extraordinary personalized experience.
Villy Custom is a durable, high-quality bicycle built to the customer’s specifications. The features that can be customized include but are not limited to the frame color, seat design, tire color, fender color, chain color, and even rim color.
Customers can create a unique bicycle that suits their personality and style preferences. Beyond aesthetics, the bikes are designed with comfort in mind. The traditional cruiser design ensures a comfortable and relaxed riding posture, and the wide, cushy seats provide added comfort.
This unique personalization approach to bicycle production sets Villy Custom apart from the rest of the market. The ability to design one’s bike allows for creativity and self-expression that is hard to find in other products.
Beyond that, Villy Custom’s commitment to quality ensures a smooth, comfortable ride every time. This makes the product a great choice for those who value style and personalization and those looking for a reliable and comfortable bike for recreational riding.
Villy Custom’s approach makes them a standout choice in the crowded bicycle market. Not only does the brand cater to a user’s individuality, but they also commit to a product that doesn’t compromise comfort or functionality. Thus, their presence on “Shark Tank” significantly elevated their visibility, making them a preferred choice for many.
| Company Name | Villy Custom |
| Entrepreneur | Fleetwood Hicks |
| Product | Adult Cruiser Bicycles |
| Investment Asking For | $500,000 For a 33% stake in Villy Custom |
| Final Deal | $500,000 For a 42% stake in Villy Custom |
| Shark | Mark Cuban And Barbara Corcoran |
| Villy Custom Episode | Season 3, Episode 13 |
| Villy Custom Business Status | In Business |
| Villy Custom Website | Villy Custom Website |
What Is Villy Custom?
Villy Custom is a business that sells custom beach cruisers, bike parts, and accessories. Villy Custom’s main aim is to allow customers to design and own their custom cruiser bikes.
Villy Custom features a user-friendly interface where customers can choose from various frame designs, colors, wheels, handlebars, and other accessories to create their dream bike.
Villy Custom specializes in fully customized beach cruisers, bike parts, and accessories so customers can modify their existing bikes. Villy Custom offers everything customers need to make their bikes unique, including colorful pedals, grips, and fenders.
Villy Custom is committed to sustainability, which makes them different from other bike companies. They manufacture all of their bikes and accessories using eco-friendly materials and processes, making them an excellent choice for consumers concerned about the environment.
Villy Custom also takes pride in its exceptional customer service. Their team of experts is always available to answer questions and guide customers, ensuring that every order is fulfilled to the highest standard.
Whether you’re looking to build a one-of-a-kind beach cruiser from scratch or upgrade your current bike, Villy Custom has everything you need to make your cycling dreams a reality.
Villy Custom offers high-quality, durable bikes made to order and handcrafted in their headquarters in Dallas, Texas. They also offer a range of bike parts and accessories, such as baskets, locks, lights, and helmets, to complete the perfect ride.
Customers can create a bike that reflects their style and personality with Villy Custom. So why settle for a generic bike when you can design your own with Villy Custom?
They have an easy-to-use online custom builder that allows customers to choose from over 100 million color combinations, design their bikes from scratch, and add custom decals. Their bikes are assembled in Summerton, South Carolina, by talented professionals.
Villy Custom also offers branded bikes for businesses and brands. They work directly with clients to pick custom colors and add logos, and once the design is approved, the bikes are built and shipped out with constant communication along the way.
Who Is The Founder Of Villy Custom?
The founder of Villy Custom is Fleetwood Hicks. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Hicks initially pursued a career in the fashion and retail industry, opening his first fashion store in Dallas in the mid-1980s.
His entrepreneurial journey continued with a successful home furnishings business in the 1990s. However, after experiencing health issues, Hicks developed an interest in fitness and wellness, leading him to discover a passion for cruiser bicycles.
Hicks initially began by importing cruiser bikes from overseas and selling them in the U.S. However, he found that customers often wanted to customize the bikes to match their style and personality.
Recognizing a gap in the market, he launched Villy Custom to cater to these customers, offering the opportunity to personalize every part of their cruiser bikes, from the frame and seat to the tires and fenders.
The idea of Villy Custom came about when Hicks realized a demand for personalized, high-quality, stylish bicycles. He combined his fashion background with his passion for fitness and wellness to create a unique product that meets an individual’s lifestyle needs and allows them to express their style.
Hicks believes in creating products that make people happy, and his unique, customizable bikes certainly bring joy and a sense of personal connection to their riders.
Before appearing on “Shark Tank,” Villy Custom had already made a name for itself in the custom bicycle industry. Founded in 2009 by Fleetwood Hicks, the company attracted attention due to its unique value proposition: offering customers the ability to customize their cruiser bikes fully. This blend of personalization and quality gave Villy Custom a niche in the market.
The company’s business model was successful, attracting a wide range of customers, from casual riders to bicycle enthusiasts interested in having a bike that reflected their style.
However, the company was still relatively small and was looking for ways to expand and scale its operations. Fleetwood Hicks’s decision to appear on “Shark Tank” was driven by a desire to secure investment to help grow his business.
He recognized that while Villy Custom had a loyal customer base and a unique product, there was significant potential for growth with the right strategic partners and financial backing.
The exposure from the show and the potential for investment from one of the Sharks would help Villy Custom reach a broader audience and scale its operations to meet growing demand.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Villy Custom?
Fleetwood Hicks, the founder of Villy Custom, appeared on the third season of “Shark Tank” with a clear vision and an infectious enthusiasm that made his presentation stand out.
He began by introducing his company and product: customizable cruiser bicycles that allowed customers to reflect their style in their ride. Hicks was seeking a $500,000 investment in exchange for a 33.3% stake in Villy Custom, valuing the company at $1.5 million.
Hicks prepared a demonstration of the bike customization process to showcase the unique aspect of his product. He displayed a variety of components, such as frames, fenders, seats, and tires, in a wide range of colors.
He explained how customers could select these components to create a unique bicycle. Hicks also highlighted the quality and comfort of the Villy Custom bikes, emphasizing their appeal to bicycle enthusiasts and casual riders.
He presented the Sharks with a business plan that included a marketing strategy focused on expansion into retail outlets, collaborations with corporate clients for branded bikes, and an online sales push.
Throughout the pitch, Hicks shared his journey, including his previous ventures in the fashion industry and how he had turned a passion for fitness and wellness into a thriving business. His narrative added a personal touch to the pitch and showcased his dedication and commitment to the business.
Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran find the bike presented to them as a great product, resulting in them deciding to team up for a joint investment. Despite appreciating the bike’s design, Daymond John feels it falls outside his expertise and decides to pass on the opportunity.
Kevin O’Leary finds the bikes a fashion statement but ultimately decides it’s not a suitable investment for him. Barbara Corcoran, alongside Mark Cuban, offers a substantial amount of $500,000 in exchange for a 45% equity stake in the company. However, after some negotiation, they settle on a deal to invest $500,000 for a 42% equity share.
Robert Herjavec, while expressing his admiration for the bicycles, opts out due to the perceived high valuation. The final deal concludes with Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran investing $500,000 in Villy Custom, securing 42% ownership in the company.
The Sharks were impressed with Hicks’s presentation, with several showing interest in the business. Hicks’s ability to convey the potential of his product and his passion for his business made for a memorable “Shark Tank” pitch.
His compelling blend of storytelling, product demonstration, and solid business strategy ultimately secured investment from Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran.
Final Deal: Villy Custom secured a deal worth $500,000 for a 42% stake from Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban.
What Happened To Villy Custom After Shark Tank?
Following its appearance on “Shark Tank,” Villy Custom experienced a significant boost in its business operations. Fleetwood Hicks secured a $500,000 investment in exchange for a 42% stake in the company, with Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran investing.
This new influx of capital and strategic guidance from these experienced investors accelerated Villy Custom’s growth trajectory. After striking a successful deal with Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran, Villy Custom experienced an exponential surge in sales, surpassing a remarkable milestone of $2 million.
The company’s exceptional performance allowed them to expand its operations by building custom bikes for renowned corporate brands and high-profile celebrities. The combined support and expertise of Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran undoubtedly played a crucial role in driving the company’s growth and success.
However, amidst the triumphs, there was also a touch of sadness for the Villy Custom team. Unfortunately, DeVille, the beloved dog who had been an inseparable part of the company’s journey, passed away the previous year.
DeVille had become an endearing presence in the Villy Custom family, providing companionship and joy to everyone involved. Though deeply saddened by the loss, the team fondly remembers DeVille’s contributions and cherishes the memories shared with their furry friend.
Despite the bittersweet moments, Villy Custom remains determined to continue its pursuit of excellence in crafting top-quality bicycles. Villy Custom is poised to embark on new ventures with the support of Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran while maintaining their commitment to delivering exceptional products and services.
Post “Shark Tank,” Villy Custom saw an immediate increase in sales, and the brand’s visibility also substantially improved. The show’s national exposure helped the company reach a wider audience, leading to an uptick in its customer base.
The investment also allowed the company to scale its operations and expand its product offerings. Hicks had mentioned during the “Shark Tank” pitch his intention to expand into retail outlets, and the investment likely helped expedite this process.
Additionally, Villy Custom was able to explore collaborations with corporate clients for branded bikes, which served as a new revenue stream for the business.
The company was able to secure a significant investment and garner national attention, leading to increased sales and opportunities for expansion.
Villy Custom Shark Tank Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, Villy Custom, a custom bike company, has continued to thrive and remains in business. The founder of Villy Custom, Fleetwood Hicks, pitched his company on Season 3, Episode 13 of Shark Tank, seeking a $500,000 investment for 33% equity in his business.
Despite concerns raised by some of the Sharks about margins and the high price of the bikes, Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran recognized the potential and made a joint offer of $500,000 for a 45% stake. After negotiations, they settled at a 42% stake, valuing Villy Custom Bikes at nearly $1.2 million.
Following their appearance on the show, Villy Custom experienced growth and success. The Sharks played a significant role in helping Hicks connect with brands and celebrities, contributing to the company’s progress.
In 2017, Villy Custom ran a Kickstarter campaign to provide bikes to needy children, showcasing their commitment to philanthropy. The company’s yearly revenue is approximately $3 million, demonstrating its continued financial success.
Villy Custom Bikes offers personalized, custom-designed bicycles, allowing customers to create unique designs online. The business started in 2008, initially focusing on customized accessories for Felt Cruisers and Hawk Classic Cruiser bikes.
Over time, it expanded its offerings and now provides a wide range of custom bike options. Villy Custom Bikes combines fashion, texture, and unique color combinations in its premium adult cruiser bicycles.
The company redesigned its website after the Shark Tank appearance to enhance the user experience and accommodate its growth. Villy Custom Bikes offers various types of bikes, provides international shipping, and maintains a flexible return policy, catering to customers worldwide.
With a net worth estimated at $3 million, Villy Custom Bikes has established itself as an American lifestyle brand providing luxurious and fashionable custom cruiser bicycles for adults.
Villy Custom has remained a thriving business after its appearance on Shark Tank. With the support and investment from Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran, the company has expanded its offerings, connected with brands and celebrities, and maintained a strong revenue stream.
Villy Custom Bikes continues to provide custom-designed bicycles, combining fashion and unique color combinations to create premium adult cruiser bicycles.
Villy Custom is a great example of how a small business can use Shark Tank to achieve its goals. The company secured funding, grew its business, and reached new heights.
Villy Custom is still in business and thriving. The custom bike company featured on Shark Tank has sustained its operations and achieved notable success since its appearance on the show.
What Is the Net Worth of Villy Custom?
The net worth of Villy Custom is estimated to be $3 million. Villy Custom was valued at $1.2 million after securing a deal from Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran on Shark Tank.
