When Maurice and Miles Huffman pitched their innovative StormBag on Shark Tank, they had only one hope. They need to get the funding and guidance needed to take their product to the next level.
StormBag, a sandless sandbag, offered a much-needed eco-friendly and efficient solution for flood protection. However, before appearing on Shark Tank, their business faced challenges in scaling and attracting widespread attention.
“Well our fiscal year just closed and we did $90,000 but we have so far done absolutely zero marketing zero”
The Shark Tank deal turned out to be a major turning point for them, driving rapid growth and bringing StormBag into the spotlight. Let’s dive into what happened to the Storm Bag after Shark Tank.
The fire that united the Family
Maurice Huffman invented StormBag over a decade ago, but it was only her side business. The product was innovative, it expanded from just 1 pound to 30 pounds when soaked in water.
That made it easier to use than traditional sandbags, but it wasn’t getting the attention it deserved.
Before their appearance on Shark Tank, Maurice ran StormBag as a side product within their military surplus business, Swiss Link, based in Chico, California.
Maurice’s motivation to grow StormBag was fueled by a personal experience. Their home and warehouse were destroyed in the 2018 Camp Fire. “There are losses that are monetary, like a house… but what really burns is the community,” Maurice shared. After the fire burned everything they had, his son Miles teams up to help build their family business again.
“So when it came to rebuilding it seemed to me like a really hard task by myself so here we are working together”
Why StormBag Stood Out
StormBag’s unique selling point was its ability to replace traditional sandbags. Traditional sandbags are heavy, cumbersome, and require back-breaking labor.
The sandless sandbag could be easily stored and deployed during emergencies, expanding with water in minutes to provide a barrier against floods. Unlike traditional sandbags, which are often free but labor-intensive, StormBag was reusable and environmentally friendly.
“When the storm bag is dry it only weighs 1 lb but in 3 to 5 minutes it weighs a whopping 30 lb wow the best thing about the storm bag is that it can be used by anyone regardless of their physical ability”
Maurice and Miles knew they had a great product, but they needed help scaling production and educating the market about StormBag’s advantages.
Competing with Tradition: The Sharks’ Concerns
One of the biggest challenges for StormBag was competing with free sandbags provided during flood emergencies. Kevin O’Leary pointed out this hurdle during their Shark Tank pitch, saying, “You have a lot of passion for I get it but I really hate competing against free so for that reason I’m out ”
It was a valid concern, why would people pay for a product when sandbags were freely available in most cases?
Despite this, the Huffmans remained confident that StormBag’s ease of use, portability, and reusability would make it a superior choice for many.
Maurice and Miles asked for $200,000 in exchange for 10% equity in their business. They demonstrated how quickly and efficiently StormBag could absorb water and expand, eliminating the need for shoveling and sand.
“The best thing about the StormBag is that it can be used by anyone, regardless of physical ability,” they explained during the pitch.
They wanted to secure investment that would allow them to scale production and create a strong marketing campaign to raise awareness about StormBag’s benefits.
A Deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner
While some Sharks were hesitant, Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner recognized the potential in StormBag. They appreciated the eco-friendly nature of the product and saw value in its practicality during flood emergencies.
“Mark and I were just talking and we’d like to make some dreams come true for the two of you so we have an offer As well so we’re going to offer the 200,000 but for 30%”
The duo offered Maurice and Miles $200,000 in exchange for 30% equity, which the Huffmans accepted. This deal not only provided the much-needed capital but also connected StormBag with two of the most experienced and resourceful entrepreneurs in the Shark Tank family.
Growth After Shark Tank
After their appearance on Shark Tank, StormBag experienced a significant surge in demand. The investment from Cuban and Greiner helped the Huffmans ramp up production and improve their marketing efforts.
Maurice acknowledged the increased attention, saying, “We did not expect such a rush of orders, but we’re trying to catch up.” With the help of their new investors, they were able to streamline their production processes and source materials more efficiently, allowing them to meet the growing demand.
With the backing of Cuban and Greiner, StormBag gained recognition from key organizations such as FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Guard. This endorsement cemented its reputation as a valuable tool for disaster preparedness.
Beyond just flood protection, StormBag found additional uses in homes, warehouses, and even for watering plants. “You can build a wall with it; it’s great for plumbing in the house,” Maurice explained, showcasing the product’s versatility.
Despite their growing success, Maurice and Miles stayed true to their roots. They continued to operate their business out of Chico, California, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses.
“In general, shop local. Your community is very important,” Maurice urged, highlighting their commitment to giving back to the community that had supported them through tough times. As of 2024, StormBag is worth around $2 million.
What’s Next for StormBag?
StormBag’s journey after Shark Tank is a testament to the power of innovation, persistence, and the right partnerships. With the help of Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner, Maurice and Miles have turned their vision into a thriving business.
StormBag is now recognized as a leading flood protection solution by homeowners and businesses. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, efficient way to protect your home from floods, check out StormBag today.
