A new contender has emerged in the world of outdoor sports, captivating the hearts of families and friends alike: PaddleSmash. The game is the brainchild of structural engineer Joe Bingham, a blend of pickleball and spikeball. Tim Swindle and Scott Brown got a deal with Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec! After Shark Tank, PaddleSmash is worth an estimated $3 million.
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 potential, they joined forces with Bingham, refining the game 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 October 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, 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 the 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, the pair were still nervous before the pitch. Good thing the Sharks weren’t out for blood as Cuban and Herjavec had fun trying it out.
After Shark Tank
The positive publicity from Shark Tank generated a wave of new customers and the business made around $2 million in 2023. The deal with Mark and Robert didn’t close as the founders changed their mind. Also, media outlets have been in contact for an interview and customers are asking when it will be available in their country.
At least 3.5 million people watched it live and another few million saw it through syndication. The guys only found out a few weeks beforehand that the episode would air but they were prepared for a spike in orders. The original inventor also receives a 1% royalty, so he’ll easily become a millionaire from the product.
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 4.4-star rating from 93 reviews.
With a booming community of players and increasing retail presence, the game is growing rapidly. The company, experiencing a 500% growth spurt, is now a familiar name in 47 states. PaddleSmash is now available in Canada! Given their success, it’s only a matter of time before copycat products start popping up.
