A new contender has emerged in the world of outdoor sports, captivating the hearts of families and friends alike: PaddleSmash. This innovative game is the brainchild of structural engineer Joe Bingham, a thrilling blend of pickleball and spikeball. Founders Tim Swindle and Scott Brown pitched it on Shark Tank and got a deal with Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec! As of 2023, PaddleSmash is worth an estimated $3 million.
About the Founders
The path from a backyard invention to a market sensation wasn’t a solo journey. Tim Swindle and Scott Brown are friends with the inventor, Joe Bingham. Both guys are seasoned entrepreneurs with a strong background in the toy and game industry.
Their encounter with PaddleSmash was nothing short of love at first sight. Recognizing its massive potential, they joined forces with Bingham, refining the game to perfection and preparing it for the public spotlight.
Their expertise was instrumental in evolving PaddleSmash into a product ready for the masses. The duo’s dedication shone through every decision, from enhancing the equipment’s durability and portability to strategic marketing and networking.
Founding PaddleSmash
Joe allowed Swindle and Brown to take the wheel, and the two gentlemen didn’t want to let their buddy down. Launched in 2022, it didn’t take long for them to get media attention and is already making six-figures in annual revenue. The startup has got coverage in The Salt Lake Tribune, ABC4 Utah, Fox 13, and Forbes.
Tim and Scott had a lot of connections, and one of them helped the founders nab a spot on NBC’s Today Show. As fate would have it, a Shark Tank producer was watching their episode. They got invited and were guaranteed a second appearance on national television.
Despite the high stakes, the founders’ passion and the product’s appeal shone through. Although they are veterans in their field, they were still nervous before their pitch. Good thing the Sharks weren’t out for blood as Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec had fun trying it out.
After Shark Tank
Although the episode has just aired, the positive publicity from Shark Tank will generate a wave of viral traffic that should generate at least $200,000 in sales. At least 3.5 million people will be watching it live and another few million will see it through syndication.
The guys only found out a few weeks ago that their episode would air and are well prepared to handle a spike in orders. The deal with Cuban and Herjavec should close within the next three to six months.
You can buy PaddleSmash gear on PaddleSmash.com, Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Scheels. A complete set costs about $199. That’s the starting price on Amazon, where it has a 4.5-star rating from 59 reviews.
The journey doesn’t stop here for PaddleSmash. With a booming community of players and increasing retail presence, the game is on a trajectory of rapid growth. The company, experiencing a 500% growth spurt, is now a familiar name in 47 states. It’s hard to deny the rapid rise to prominence of PaddleSmash, and it is just getting started. Given their success, it’s only a matter of time before copycat products start popping up.
