What happened to Shake It Pup! after their appearance on Shark Tank Season 11? Shake It Pup!, the dog food seasoning company, appeared on Shark Tank Season 11 and secured a deal with Mark Cuban. However, the company ultimately failed and is no longer in business. One of the founders left, and while the other attempted to rebrand, that venture also closed.
Summary
- Shake It Pup! was a dog food seasoning company.
- Founders AJ Crook and Brett Maiolfi appeared on Shark Tank Season 11.
- They secured a $100,000 investment from Mark Cuban for 25% equity.
- Despite the initial success, the company ultimately failed.
- One founder left, and the remaining founder’s rebranding attempt was also unsuccessful.
Shake It Pup! Shark Tank Update | Shark Tank Season 11
Pet owners increasingly treat their pets like family. Shake It Pup! tapped into this trend by offering a simple yet innovative solution for picky eaters: dog food seasoning.
The idea was born from the desire to make mealtime more exciting for dogs who tire of the same old kibble.
Founders AJ Crook and Brett Maiolfi developed a line of all-natural seasonings designed to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of any dog food.
Shark Tank Appearance
Hoping to take their business to the next level, Crook and Maiolfi appeared on Season 11 of Shark Tank. Their energetic pitch and the product’s unique appeal caught the attention of the Sharks.
The exposure from the show, coupled with a deal with Mark Cuban, seemed to promise a bright future for Shake It Pup!
The Shark Tank Deal
1. Pitch and Ask
Entrepreneurs | AJ Crook and Brett Maiolfi |
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Business | Shake It Pup! (dog food seasoning) |
Ask | $100,000 for 20% equity |
Deal | $100,000 for 25% equity |
Sharks | Mark Cuban |
Season | Season 11 |
Original Air Date | November 17, 2019 |
Website | Shake It Pup! |
Key Points of Pitch |
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Why Sharks Accepted |
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2. Mark Cuban’s Investment
Mark Cuban, known for his investments in innovative and promising businesses, saw the potential in Shake It Pup!
He was impressed by the product’s simplicity and its ability to address a common problem for dog owners. Cuban’s investment brought not only financial support but also valuable expertise and connections.
3. Deal Details
Cuban invested $100,000 in exchange for a 25% stake in Shake It Pup! This deal gave the company a significant boost in terms of both capital and credibility.
It seemed like Shake It Pup! was poised for rapid growth and success. However, as we’ll explore in the next section, things didn’t quite go as planned.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
1. Challenges and Setbacks
Despite the promising start, Shake It Pup! faced significant hurdles after their Shark Tank appearance. The sudden surge in demand following the episode proved difficult to handle.
They struggled to fulfill orders promptly, leading to shipping delays and customer frustration. Maintaining consistent product quality also became a challenge as they scaled up production.
2. Company Closure
Unfortunately, Shake It Pup! was unable to overcome these obstacles. The company eventually ceased operations, and their website and social media presence went dark.
Although an exact timeline is unclear, it appears the company closed sometime between late 2021 and 2022.
3. Reasons for Failure
Several factors likely contributed to the downfall of Shake It Pup!:
- Production and Fulfillment Issues: The inability to keep up with demand led to delays and dissatisfied customers. This may have been due to insufficient manufacturing capacity or supply chain problems.
- Customer Service Challenges: Negative reviews and complaints about unfulfilled orders likely damaged the company’s reputation and hindered its ability to attract new customers.
- Competition: The pet food industry is highly competitive. Shake It Pup! may have struggled to stand out against established brands with greater resources and marketing power.
- Internal Issues: Reports suggest that one of the founders, AJ Crook, left the company in 2021. This may have caused further disruption and instability within the business.
While the exact reasons for Shake It Pup!’s closure remain unclear, it serves as a reminder that even with a great product and a Shark Tank deal, success is not guaranteed. Building a sustainable business requires careful planning, execution, and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Where Are They Now?
1. What are the founders doing now?
After Shake It Pup! closed, the founders seem to have taken different paths.
- Brett Maiolfi: Maiolfi attempted to revive the concept with a new brand called “Pup Spice.” He even launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the venture. However, Pup Spice ultimately met the same fate as Shake It Pup! and is no longer active. Maiolfi’s current endeavors are unknown, as he maintains a low online profile.
- AJ Crook: Crook appears to have moved on from the pet industry altogether. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he is now involved in real estate.
2. Any lessons learned?
While the founders haven’t publicly discussed specific lessons learned from Shake It Pup!’s closure, their experience offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Scaling Up Can Be Tricky: Rapid growth can strain a company’s resources and infrastructure. It’s crucial to have robust systems in place to handle increased demand.
- Customer Service is Paramount: Prioritizing customer satisfaction is essential, especially for a young company. Negative reviews and complaints can quickly damage a brand’s reputation.
- Competition is Fierce: Market research and a strong differentiation strategy are vital to compete in crowded markets.
- Partnerships Can Be Complex: Founder disagreements or departures can significantly impact a company’s trajectory. Clear communication and a shared vision are crucial for successful partnerships.
The story of Shake It Pup! highlights the challenges of building a successful business, even with a promising product and initial investment. It underscores the importance of careful planning, adaptability, and a relentless focus on customer needs.
FAQs
Is Shake It Pup! still in business?
No, Shake It Pup! is no longer in business. The company closed down sometime between late 2021 and 2022.
What happened to the founders of Shake It Pup!?
One of the founders, AJ Crook, left the company in 2021 and is now involved in real estate. The other founder, Brett Maiolfi, attempted to rebrand the company as Pup Spice, but that venture also failed.
Why did Shake It Pup! fail?
Several factors likely contributed to the company’s failure, including production and fulfillment issues, customer service challenges, competition, and potentially internal issues related to the departure of one of the founders.
Did Mark Cuban invest in Shake It Pup!?
Yes, Mark Cuban invested $100,000 in Shake It Pup! in exchange for a 25% stake in the company.
Can I still buy Shake It Pup! products?
No, Shake It Pup! products are no longer available for purchase.
The Bottom Line
Shake It Pup! initially seemed poised for success after appearing on Shark Tank and securing a deal with Mark Cuban. However, the company ultimately succumbed to the challenges of scaling up, maintaining customer satisfaction, and navigating a competitive market.
The story of Shake It Pup! serves as a reminder that even with a great product and initial investment, building a sustainable business is a complex endeavor. It requires careful planning, adaptability, and a relentless focus on meeting customer needs.