When Burleigh Wagon rolled into the Shark Tank Australia spotlight in 2023, it wasn’t just another pitch, it was a parenting game-changer.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Regan and Nathan Merka, Burleigh Wagon stood out with its all-in-one wagon: a cooler, stroller, bench seat, and storage unit.
The pitch wasn’t just heartfelt; it was practical and visionary, striking a chord with outdoorsy families around the world. But what happened after that big Shark Tank moment? Did the investment lead to booming sales or slowdowns? What’s the current Burleigh Wagon net worth in 2025? And is the business still around?
This article dives deep into their journey, from startup struggles to Shark-backed success, with all the highs and bumps in between.
Spoiler alert: the road hasn’t been entirely smooth. Let’s break down the real story behind this Aussie innovation.
Founder Profile: Who’s Behind Burleigh Wagon?
Regan and Nathan Merka are the creative force behind Burleigh Wagon. Originally from Southern California, the couple moved to Queensland, Australia, where Regan found herself frustrated by the lack of practical beach wagons for parents.
Drawing from her experience as a hands-on mom and former hairstylist, she transformed that frustration into innovation.
“I needed something that could carry everything, even the kids, and not get stuck in the sand,” Regan shared in a post-interview clip.
The couple launched the business in 2018 with a DIY prototype. Over time, it evolved into a premium outdoor product, particularly beloved by active families.
As of 2025, their combined personal net worth is estimated to be around $1.35 million, based on their 75% ownership in the company after their Shark Tank deal.
The Shark Tank Pitch: High Stakes in the Tank
When Burleigh Wagon appeared on Season 5, Episode 7 of Shark Tank Australia, the Merkas asked for $450,000 AUD in exchange for just 10% equity. Their valuation placed the company at $4.5 million, and they backed it with a compelling story and solid sales.
The wagon wasn’t just a stroller alternative. It was built for the beach, equipped with Bluetooth speakers, a hidden ice chest, a bench seat for adults, and even a changing table for babies. The Sharks were intrigued, and the feedback was immediate.
“This isn’t just a wagon, it’s a lifestyle product,” said Davie Fogarty, founder of The Oodie.
But the valuation raised some eyebrows. Steve Baxter expressed concern about scalability. Janine Allis called it “clever but niche.”
After some tense back-and-forth, Davie Fogarty made a bold counter: $450,000 for 25% equity and a 10% royalty until the investment was paid back. The Merkas accepted.
“We knew Davie understood e-commerce and brand-building. That made all the difference,” said Nathan.
Burleigh Wagon Pitch on Shark Tank (Quick Info Card).
| Product | An easy-to-maneuver family-friendly wagon |
| Episode | Season 05 Episode 07 |
| Founders | Regan and Nathan Merka |
| Asked for | $450,000 for 10% equity |
| Company name | Burleigh Wagon |
| Final deal | $450,000 for 25% of equity + 10% royalty till the money is paid back |
| Shark | Davie Fogarty |
| Location | Queensland |
Did the Sharks’ Investment Pay Off? Inside Burleigh Wagon’s Post-Tank Boom
Following their Shark Tank appearance, Burleigh Wagon experienced a noticeable sales spike. Their website saw a surge in traffic, and the wagon quickly gained traction in U.S. markets after a successful launch.
As of early 2025, the company remains operational in both Australia and the U.S., with product listings live and updated. Although specific revenue figures haven’t been disclosed, the brand expanded its lineup to include accessories like the Side Storage Rack and custom canopies.
“The exposure was massive,” Regan told the Gold Coast Bulletin. “We had thousands of visitors on our site the night the episode aired.”
This visibility led to a boost in brand recognition, solidifying Burleigh Wagon as a must-have product for beach-loving families.
Was This the Sharks’ Best Deal Yet? Breaking Down the Profits
Davie Fogarty invested $450,000 for a 25% stake plus royalties. Assuming Burleigh Wagon’s post-show valuation stayed consistent, his equity is now worth around $1.125 million. That’s a 150% increase in paper value.
If the company hit even moderate annual sales of $1 million AUD, which isn’t unrealistic given its international traction, Fogarty could have already recouped part of his investment through the 10% royalty.
Compared to some of his other ventures like The Oodie or Calming Blankets, Burleigh Wagon is a smaller-scale brand. Still, it fits his brand portfolio: niche, direct-to-consumer, and high-margin.
“We love brands that are easy to scale with a passionate customer base,” Fogarty has said about his investment strategy.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
After airing on Shark Tank, Burleigh Wagon focused on refining logistics and supply chains. They expanded warehousing and adjusted pricing to improve margins. International orders, especially from the U.S., became a major revenue driver.
The business also rolled out a Shopify-based affiliate program to encourage social selling and influencer partnerships.
However, not all was smooth sailing. Customers occasionally cited issues with shipping delays and inventory availability.
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Burleigh Wagon Reviews: The Good and the Not-So-Great
Burleigh Wagon holds mostly positive reviews online, with many families praising its versatility, design, and rugged wheels. Parents especially love the “cooler + stroller” combo.
That said, common complaints include:
- Long shipping times
- Limited color options
- Higher price point compared to traditional wagons
“It took nearly 3 weeks to arrive, but once we got it, we loved it,” one verified buyer wrote.
The team has since addressed some of these issues through backend improvements and customer service automation.
Where Burleigh Wagon Stands Now
Despite some online rumors, Burleigh Wagon is still very much in business. Both the Australian and U.S. websites are live and taking orders. There is no evidence of the company being sold or renamed.
In fact, founder Regan Merka was recently named a finalist for a businesswoman of the year award, underscoring her continued leadership.
So, why the confusion? Likely due to temporary stock shortages or website maintenance, which may have led to speculation.
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Davie Fogarty’s Other Businesses: The Shark’s Brand Empire
Davie Fogarty is no stranger to startup success. Best known for founding The Oodie, he’s also behind Calming Blankets, Pupnaps, and other 7-figure DTC brands under his company, The Davie Group.
He focuses on direct-to-consumer ecommerce and frequently invests in products with strong online potential and emotional resonance.
“The products I back are designed to solve real problems, and make people feel good,” he once shared in a Forbes interview.
How Much Has Davie Fogarty Made from Burleigh Wagon?
Exact earnings from Burleigh Wagon aren’t public, but with a 10% royalty structure, Davie Fogarty begins recouping his $450,000 from the first dollar earned post-deal.
Assuming Burleigh Wagon generated $500,000 in sales since the episode aired, he would have earned $50,000 in royalties already, plus his equity is now worth more than double the original investment.
If the brand scales as planned, Davie could clear his investment within 2 years and continue profiting from his 25% stake long after.
Final Thoughts: What We Can Learn from Burleigh Wagon
Burleigh Wagon’s story is about more than a clever product. It’s about resilience, parent-led innovation, and smart partnerships.
Their path post-Shark Tank shows how visibility can drive sales, but also how founders must adapt quickly to operational challenges. With a strong brand identity and backing from one of Shark Tank’s savviest investors, Burleigh Wagon seems poised for more success in the years ahead.
Whether you’re a parent, a founder, or a fan of the show, there’s a lesson here: great ideas get noticed, but great execution keeps them rolling.
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TL;DR
Burleigh Wagon’s net worth hit $1.8M in 2025 after securing a Shark Tank deal. The business is still running and expanding globally.
