When Joe Wayne, co-founder of The Coldest Water Bottle, stepped into the Shark Tank, he was filled with hope and determination. The product he and David Stark had developed was more than just a water bottle—it was a vision.
A vision of keeping people refreshed, even in the hottest conditions. But that vision took a hit when the Sharks dismissed their pitch. Daymond John bluntly declared it “the worst ever” even before they had a chance to fully present.
Overcoming the Odds: How Joe Fought Back
It was a crushing moment. Joe and David poured their hearts into their business, starting from a garage in 2015. Over time, they grew it into a company with a 72,000-square-foot facility.
Yet, here they were, being told by some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world that their efforts weren’t good enough. Despite their hard work, they faced harsh criticism from these accomplished individuals.
“We have no regrets,” Joe later commented. “Not all losses are losses, and not all wins are wins.”
The company was doing well on paper, with sales of $15.1 million in 2022. However, the reality was that they had lost $400,000 that year, a fact that Kevin O’Leary found hard to overlook.
“Kevin was pleased with our sales,” Joe admitted, “but he wasn’t convinced we were making the right adjustments to become more profitable.”
The rejection left Joe and David at a crossroads. They could either accept the Sharks’ verdict and fade into obscurity, or they could fight back and prove that their product had value beyond what the Sharks could see.
The YouTube Comment That Changed Everything
One evening, as Joe was browsing YouTube, he came across a video titled “Coldest Offer Ever? | The Coldest Shark Tank.”
It was a fan-made video, where passionate supporters of The Coldest Water Bottle defended the product, arguing that the Sharks had missed the mark. Joe felt a spark of hope. Here were people who believed in what he and David had created, even when the Sharks didn’t.
Moved by the support, Joe decided to comment on the video, sharing his thoughts and experiences from the Shark Tank ordeal:
“Joe here from COLDEST. I just was sent this video! Hope you guys enjoyed last night’s episode! The entire experience was absolutely epic, whether we got a deal or not, so we are super grateful for being selected to be in the tank and have no regrets.”
Joe’s transparency and heartfelt message resonated with viewers, sparking a wave of renewed interest and support. Fans began sharing the video, rallying behind Joe and his brand.
The outpouring of support was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most valuable feedback doesn’t come from experts, but from the community that genuinely believes in your product.
The Power of Community Support: How Fans Helped Revive The Coldest Water Bottle
The response to Joe’s comment was overwhelming. The video quickly gained traction, and with it, so did The Coldest Water Bottle. Fans and potential customers began to take a second look at the brand, intrigued by Joe’s honesty and the product’s growing reputation.
“We have learned a LOT,” Joe shared. “Some of the hardest things about the business have been the scaling costs. As the brand grew, so did warehousing, employees, marketing… It’s a huge balancing game that we are trying our best to make work.”
The Coldest Water Bottle wasn’t just another product on the market—it was a symbol of perseverance, of a small business fighting against the odds. The community’s support was a testament to the brand’s value, and it wasn’t long before this renewed interest translated into real success.
On Reddit, one user remarked, “I love my Coldest bottle! I have other bottles, and they don’t even come close to keeping the water as cold.”Another noted, “It insulates better than HydroFlask, so if you are into that, go for it haha.”These voices of support helped to rebuild the brand’s reputation, proving that the rejection on Shark Tank was just a bump in the road, not the end of the journey.
Strategic Shifts: Focusing on the Core of the Brand
As the positive reviews and comments continued to pour in, Joe realized that The Coldest Water Bottle had something special. It was the loyalty and trust of its customers, which couldn’t be bought or sold. This realization was a turning point for the brand.
“Over the next year, we plan to reduce categories and SKUs to focus deeper into the core of our brand and where it all began… COLDEST water bottles,” Joe explained. This strategic shift, driven by customer feedback and the lessons learned from their Shark Tank experience, set the stage for a new chapter in the company’s story.
How The Coldest Water Bottle Turned Rejection into Success
The resurgence in support led to a significant increase in sales and brand visibility. Joe and David, once disheartened by the Shark Tank rejection, are now in a position to expand their product line. They are also exploring new opportunities.
The Coldest Water Bottle had become more than just a product. It was a symbol of resilience and the power of community support.
Reflecting on the journey, Joe said,
“This is just the beginning. Thanks again for watching and being a part of this journey.” The Coldest Water Bottle’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t always about getting the approval of experts. Sometimes, it’s about staying true to your vision, listening to your community, and never giving up, even when the odds are stacked against you.
As of August 2024, the company has an estimated net worth of $10 million.
The company now operates out of Naples, Florida, and continues to expand its product line while planning ambitious future projects like Coldest World, a theme park scheduled for completion by 2030.
As the company moves forward, Joe and David remain committed to their mission. Their goal is to provide the coldest, most reliable water bottles on the market. With the unwavering support of their community, there is no doubt that they will continue to defy expectations. They are poised to achieve new heights.
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