Firefighters Eric Hartsfield and Brett Russell created Rescue Ready to make fire safety more accessible. They introduced an escape ladder that fits neatly into window frames, making emergency evacuations quicker and safer.
Although they pitched on Shark Tank in 2020 for $75,000 in exchange for 15% equity, they didn’t secure a deal. However, the show’s exposure boosted their brand visibility.
As of 2025, Rescue Ready is valued at $5 million. The company is still active, focusing on refining its product while addressing manufacturing challenges to improve availability and safety for its customers.
Rescue Ready Net Worth
| Net worth | $5 million (2025) |
| Annual Sales Revenue | $30,000 |
| Investor | None |
| Founder | Eric Hartsfield and Brett Russell |
Rescue Ready Pitch on Shark Tank
| Company name | Rescue Ready |
| Product | Emergency Fire Escape Ladder |
| Episode | Season 11 Episode 23 |
| Founders | Eric Hartsfield and Brett Russell |
| Asked for | $75,000 For 15% Equity |
| Final deal | None |
| Shark | None |
| Location | Norfolk, VA |
Rescue Ready Founders
Rescue Ready was founded by Eric Hartsfield and Brett Russell in 2015. Brett Russell is a former firefighter and paramedic with over 20 years of experience in emergency medical services.
He is the CEO of Rescue Ready. Eric Hartsfield is a former Marine Corps officer with over 10 years of experience in leadership and management. He is the COO of Rescue Ready.
Rescue Ready’s founders, Eric Hartsfield and Brett Russell, have a net worth of $5 million as of 2025.
Key accomplishments
| Year | Accomplishment |
| 2017 | Appeared on Shark Tank season 11 |
| 2018 | Launched the Rescue Ready app, which provides users with information on how to use AEDs and other emergency medical equipment. |
| 2020 | Received the National Safety Council’s Gold Medal Award for its AEDs. |
Conclusion
From their beginnings on Shark Tank to their current status as a thriving business, they have proven that with the right idea and execution, anything is possible. We can’t wait to see the future for Rescue Ready and its continued success.
