Additional Coverage:
- Kevin O’Leary was ready to invest in a nurse’s company but he had one brutal condition: “You got to…” (marketrealist.com)
“Mr. Wonderful” Makes Nurse an Offer She Can (Almost) Refuse on “Shark Tank”
Kevin O’Leary, known for his sharp business acumen and tough negotiating tactics on “Shark Tank,” presented a compelling yet challenging offer to a maternity nurse with a promising product. Melissa Gersin pitched her company, Tranquilo, which produces a vibrating baby mat designed to soothe infants by mimicking the sensations of the womb. Gersin, also an infant crying specialist, impressed the Sharks with her product and revealed she’d already made a $65,000 profit in less than a year.
While other Sharks, including Daymond John, expressed interest, O’Leary made a substantial offer of $250,000 for 25% equity – but with a significant caveat. He insisted that Gersin quit her nursing job to focus entirely on the business.
“If you really want to make this a business, you got to be 100% focused,” O’Leary stated. He emphasized that his investment would provide enough capital to replace her salary and build inventory.
Lori Greiner echoed O’Leary’s sentiment, highlighting the value of his offer while acknowledging the sacrifice it required.
Despite O’Leary’s insistence, Gersin hesitated, unwilling to relinquish her nursing career. She countered his offer with 15% equity, leading to a back-and-forth negotiation.
O’Leary ultimately demanded 20%, causing the other Sharks to withdraw their offers, sensing Gersin’s reluctance to commit fully to the deal. Robert Herjavec then stepped in with a compromise: $200,000 for 15%.
Gersin accepted on the show, but the deal ultimately fell through during final negotiations.
Gersin continued to work as a nurse while running Tranquilo, but ultimately sold the company to Boom Consumer Products in 2018. In a press statement, Gersin expressed her excitement for the acquisition and the opportunity for her product to reach a wider audience. While she didn’t secure a deal with the Sharks, Gersin’s story highlights the difficult decisions entrepreneurs face when balancing existing careers with the demands of a growing business.