Additional Coverage:
- ‘Shark Tank’ judge calls US war veteran a ‘cockroach’ — then she gets offered a life-changing deal (marketrealist.com)
Air Force Veteran Lands ‘Shark Tank’ Deal Despite Harsh Critique
Haley McClain Hill, a US Air Force veteran, bravely entered the “Shark Tank” seeking an investment in her company, Torch Warriorwear. Her company designs comfortable bodysuits specifically for women in tactical fields, including military personnel, pilots, and firefighters. Hill, who bootstrapped the business with the help of her grandmother’s $50,000 investment, requested $150,000 for a 10% stake in her company.
Hill explained the strict dress code requirements for military personnel, emphasizing the need for specific colors and sleeve lengths. She highlighted Torch Warriorwear’s focus on providing stylish yet compliant apparel. While acknowledging the challenges of transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship, she credited her grandmother’s unwavering support for helping launch her business.
Kevin O’Leary questioned the appropriateness of prioritizing style in the military, but Hill affirmed the desire for well-fitting, comfortable attire while adhering to regulations. She also shared her vision to expand beyond standard bodysuits to include maternity and fire-resistant options, catering to the diverse needs of women in tactical professions.
Despite impressive sales figures, growing from $16,000 in 2021 to a projected $500,000 in 2023, and securing a contract with a major military retailer, some sharks remained skeptical. Kevin O’Leary, while acknowledging Hill’s progress, expressed concerns about the competitive landscape of the clothing industry and the risk of being “crushed” by larger companies, declining to invest.
Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec also opted out, citing the limited target market. Guest shark Emma Grede, a founding partner of Skims, also declined, echoing O’Leary’s concerns about competition.
Just as Hill’s hopes seemed dashed, Lori Greiner stepped in, offering the full $150,000 but for a 25% stake. After a brief negotiation, they settled on 22.5%, securing Hill a life-changing deal despite facing tough criticism and initial rejection.