Charlotte Entrepreneurs Showcase Revolutionary Foam Cooler on Shark Tank

Charlotte Entrepreneurs Take the Stage on Shark Tank with Innovative Cooler

Introducing the Foam Cooler!

Have you ever found yourself struggling with a bulky cooler that weighs a ton? Well, if you’re in Charlotte, you’re about to meet a game-changing invention that just might be the cooler of your dreams! Two local entrepreneurs, David Kittle and Chad Lee, are set to pitch their exciting invention, the Foam cooler, on tonight’s episode of ABC’s hit show, *Shark Tank*. So grab your popcorn and tune in at 8 p.m. because you won’t want to miss this!

What Makes the Foam Cooler Unique?

Let’s get to the juicy details of this hybrid cooler! The Foam cooler is a fantastic mix of soft and hard-sided designs, crafted from durable EVA foam—yes, the same super comfy material used in Crocs! The cooler is super lightweight, weighing in at just four pounds, and it’s designed to float, making it perfect for all your outdoor adventures.

Imagine heading to the beach or a picnic with your friends and not having to lug around a heavy cooler. This cube-shaped wonder can hold up to 36 cans or 12 bottles, allowing you to stay refreshed without the backache. What’s more, Kittle and Lee even take it a step further on the show by running over the cooler with a car to show just how tough it really is! Now that’s a serious durability test!

The Journey to Shark Tank

Now, you might be wondering how these two guys ended up on *Shark Tank*. Kittle and Lee met while working for The Coleman Co., a well-known outdoor gear brand. After Kittle ventured off to start his own design firm, he came up with the idea for the Foam cooler and shared it on LinkedIn. This post rekindled his connection with Lee, and together they launched an incredibly successful crowdfunding campaign, where they surpassed their $5,000 goal in just nine minutes. Talk about hitting the ground running!

In 2022, they officially launched Foam, with Kittle handling design work from Charlotte and Lee managing operations from Bentonville, Arkansas. The duo has invested over $200,000 into this venture, even using some of their retirement funds to ensure the success of their startup. They’re now seeing the fruits of their labor, with over 10,000 coolers sold and projections of hitting between $350,000 and $400,000 this year. The hustle truly is real!

What’s Next for Foam?

As Foam steps into the national spotlight with this *Shark Tank* appearance, Kittle and Lee are eagerly waiting to see the response to their product. With thousands of coolers stocked and more on the way, Kittle confidently states, “We assume we’re going to sell out of them. We don’t know what’s capable of happening.” Wouldn’t it be thrilling if this local invention became a household name?

Their cooler has already made waves, being sold in 97 Target stores and countless independent retailers. Plus, there’s exciting news on the horizon with plans to hit the shelves of select REI stores soon.

Final Thoughts

As we watch Kittle and Lee take the stage tonight, it’s a heartwarming reminder of how innovation and perseverance can bring ideas to life. So, whether you’re a fan of outdoor fun, innovative products, or just great stories of entrepreneurship, keep your eyes peeled for the Foam cooler! It’s not just an ordinary cooler; it’s a testament to creativity and hard work, made right here in Charlotte.

Get ready to cheer on these local heroes as they dive into the *Shark Tank* tonight, and who knows, this could be the beginning of something huge for their business!