You’re at a packed music festival, your phone battery is down to 2%, and you desperately need to text your friends or order a ride home. You search your pockets, no charger, no power bank, and the nearest outlet is nowhere in sight.
That’s exactly the kind of stressful situation FlaminGO was designed to solve, a compact, pre-charged, rechargeable portable charger that fits in your pocket and instantly powers up your devices when you need it most.
When entrepreneur Smith Alan Baggett, a fourth-generation cattle rancher from Pulaski, Georgia, kept running into the same problem on his ranch, a dead phone battery with no way to charge it, he decided to create a solution.
Instead of relying on bulky power banks or searching for outlets, he wanted a grab-and-go charger that was small, convenient, and ready to use.
That idea led to FlaminGO, a pocket-sized charger that comes pre-charged with a built-in 3-in-1 cable for USB Type-C, Micro-USB, and Lightning devices.
It is perfect for travel, theme parks, concerts, and everyday emergencies.
As the product gained traction, Baggett took his idea to Shark Tank Season 16, looking for an investment to expand his business. His vision was simple: make FlaminGO the go-to portable charger for people who need power on the move.
With a solid pitch, impressive sales, and a clear vision, he secured a $100,000 deal from Barbara Corcoran for 22% equity. But what happened after Shark Tank? Let’s find out!
FlaminGO’s Journey Before Shark Tank
Before Shark Tank, Smith Baggett had already built a strong foundation for FlaminGO. In December 2018, he recognized that “the need for on-the-go charging has become more critical than ever”.
He set out to create a charger that was sleek, portable, and efficient. He wanted something easy to carry, reliable, and ready to use without extra cables or charging time.
FlaminGO is a 2-inch by 2-inch charger, small enough to fit in a pocket or purse. It comes pre-charged with a 3000mAh battery, allowing users to “power up their devices immediately on the go without the wait”.
Unlike traditional power banks, which require separate charging cables, FlaminGO has a built-in 3-in-1 cable that supports USB Type-C, Micro-USB, and Lightning ports.
It is also rechargeable via USB-C. When stored properly, it can hold a charge for up to two years, making it both practical and sustainable.
Baggett had already seen success before stepping onto the Shark Tank stage. FlaminGO had generated $318,000 in sales from just seven major deals.
His primary customers were theme parks and promotional companies that recognized its convenience and branding potential.
Even more exciting, a “major convenience store chain was testing an initial order of 50,000 units”. This deal had the potential to take the business to the next level.
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
When Smith Baggett stepped into the Shark Tank, he confidently presented his product. He explained how FlaminGO is the perfect solution for people who run out of battery at crucial moments.
He demonstrated how the compact, pre-charged charger could “provide an immediate power boost to various devices”. He also highlighted its built-in 3-in-1 tip and rechargeable design.
The Sharks were immediately interested and began asking questions. Barbara Corcoran asked about the battery’s lifespan. Baggett explained that “it could hold a charge for a couple of years when stored on a shelf”, though its power would gradually decrease over time.
Lori Greiner wanted to know if the charger was reusable or a one-time-use product. Baggett clarified that it “was rechargeable and included a USB-C port for easy recharging”. This feature made it more sustainable than many competitors.
When it came to pricing, Robert Herjavec asked about FlaminGO’s retail cost. Baggett shared that the product “retails between $12.99 and $19.99”, with theme parks pricing it at the higher end.
Robert then inquired about production costs. Smith revealed that each unit “currently costs $3.65 per unit when shipped by boat”, making it a highly profitable product.
The conversation shifted to sales. Baggett proudly stated that FlaminGO had already made $318,000 in sales. He also mentioned his largest potential deal was with a major convenience store chain testing a 50,000-unit order.
As the Sharks considered investing, Barbara Corcoran made the first offer. She proposed $100,000 for 25% equity, explaining that she “saw mass-market potential” in the product. After some negotiation, Baggett countered with 22.5% equity. Barbara suggested 22%, and he accepted.
Flamingo Shark Tank Update
After Shark Tank, FlaminGO saw an immediate spike in demand. “The exposure from the show led to increased sales and interest from consumers looking for reliable portable charging solutions”.
The company’s website traffic surged. Customers took to social media to share their excitement about the product.
FlaminGO also attracted big-name corporate clients. Hershey’s, Uber, American Airlines, Anheuser-Busch, and Bimbo all placed bulk orders.
These companies saw its potential as a branded portable charger for giveaways and promotions. The company capitalized on this interest by introducing customization options.
Businesses could now print logos, choose custom colors, and modify packaging for bulk orders. “To place such an order, a minimum of 500 chargers must be purchased”.
This made FlaminGO an appealing option for corporate marketing.
To keep up with demand, FlaminGO launched special promotions. These included “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” and free shipping deals.
These offers boosted direct-to-consumer sales and strengthened relationships with wholesale buyers.
Future Plans
With Shark Tank exposure and Barbara Corcoran’s investment, FlaminGO is now focused on expansion. The company is working to secure retail shelf space in convenience stores, airports, and major retailers.
This will make the charger available to more customers. Baggett is also developing larger-capacity chargers and wireless charging options to meet different needs.
International expansion is another key goal. The company plans to enter markets in Europe and Asia, where portable charging solutions are in high demand.
Additionally, FlaminGO is increasing its business-to-business partnerships. This ensures that it remains a top choice for corporate branding, travel accessories, and event giveaways.
Final Thoughts
FlaminGO started as a simple fix to an everyday problem. Since then, it has grown into a successful business. Thanks to Shark Tank, Smith Baggett secured the investment and mentorship needed to scale his brand and expand into retail and wholesale markets.
With increasing demand, strong corporate partnerships, and continued innovation, FlaminGO is on its way to becoming a must-have portable charging solution.
Will FlaminGO become the go-to charger for travelers, event-goers, and everyday users? Stay tuned for future updates!
We’re closely following the company to bring you valuable insights. Stay tuned for the latest updates on FlaminGO!
Feature Image Credit: @abc/@christopherwillard
