Extreme Sandbox Update | Shark Tank Season 7

Randy Stenger got the idea for Extreme Sandbox after a simple moment with his kids. They passed a construction site, saw the big machines, and wished they could try driving them. But there was nowhere nearby for regular people to do that. So, Randy created Extreme Sandbox, a place where anyone can operate real heavy equipment in a safe and fun way. Now, it’s a popular spot for birthdays, corporate events, and bucket-list experiences. Keep reading our Extreme Sandbox update and pitch recap to see how it all went down with the sharks.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Extreme Sandbox after Shark Tank.

Randy entered Shark Tank Season 7, seeking $150,000 for 15% equity in his heavy equipment adventures brand. After his pitch, he made a deal with Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban for $150,000 for 20% equity.

In terms of an Extreme Sandbox update, the company expanded its operations after Shark Tank, securing a second location in Texas and partnering with Komatsu America to enhance its equipment offerings. However, the business faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later closed its Texas location in 2022 after the property lease was not renewed.

Shark	Result
Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban	Accepted offer $150,000 for 20% equity
Lori Greiner	No offer
Daymond John	No offer
Robert Herjavec	No offer

 

Shark Tank Sandbox Pitch

• Entrepreneur: Randy Stenger
• Business: Heavy equipment adventures
• Ask: $150,000 for 15% equity
• Result: $150,000 for 20% equity
• Sharks: Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban

Randy walked into Shark Tank wearing a black polo with his company’s name embroidered on the lapel.

In front of him sat a small sandbox filled with toy construction vehicles, setting the stage for his pitch.

He then invited the sharks to think back to childhood, the excitement of playing with toy bulldozers and excavators.

The product gave adults the chance to operate real construction equipment and experience that thrill firsthand.

To demonstrate, a video played of Randy using an excavator to crush a car while loud metal music blared in the background.

He explained that Extreme Sandbox is an adventure company where customers pay to operate real bulldozers and excavators, turning it into a bucket-list experience.

Kevin O’Leary, intrigued, asked if customers could crush cars. Randy confirmed they could, but it required an extra $400 fee.

Robert Herjavec then inquired about pricing. Randy stated that the average session cost was $300 per person.

Mark Cuban, curious about sales, asked for numbers. Randy revealed they had generated $1 million in revenue over three years, with steady year-over-year growth.

Robert, surprised at the affordability, asked if Randy owned the land. Randy clarified that Extreme Sandbox was based in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Initially, he leased both the land and equipment, but as the business grew, he purchased the property to keep costs down.

In the year before filming, Extreme Sandbox brought in $400,000 in revenue. Randy wanted to expand to major cities, starting with Dallas.

Randy explained that instead of buying equipment outright, he leased it for five years, reducing upfront expenses.

Mark followed up, asking how much it would cost to open a second location. Randy estimated between $100,000 and $120,000.

Kevin asked where he planned to expand next, and Randy confirmed Dallas. Mark immediately showed interest, mentioning that he had available land in Dallas, making it a promising opportunity.

The conversation then turned to safety and liability concerns. Robert asked if they had experienced any accidents.

Randy confidently responded that they hadn’t had a single one. He explained that every vehicle had a remote shutoff system, though they had never needed to use it.

Despite the strong safety record, Robert pressed further on why Randy needed the investment.

Randy explained that while the business was profitable, he had been reinvesting all earnings into growth. Now, he needed outside capital to expand faster.

Robert questioned revenue potential, asking how much each location could generate. Randy estimated that, with increased bookings, each site could reach $1 million in annual revenue.

Lori wasn’t convinced the business could scale and bowed out. Daymond John liked the concept and even recalled watching construction equipment for hours as a kid.

However, he didn’t see how he could add value, so he also opted out.

Kevin, on the other hand, saw a unique opportunity. Joking that he didn’t have an excavator business in his portfolio, he offered $150,000 for 20% equity.

Before Randy could respond, Robert said he wasn’t passionate about the industry and stepped away.

But Mark surprised everyone. He said that if Kevin partnered with him, he would be willing to invest.

Randy asked if they would actively help him scale the business. When they confirmed, he accepted the deal, sealing the partnership.

Let’s check in on our Extreme Sandbox update to see where the company is now.

Shark Tank Extreme Sandbox Update

Our Extreme Sandbox update found that the deal with Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary closed successfully.

In April 2016, leveraging the investment from Shark Tank, they opened a second facility at Tanglewood Resort in Pottsboro, Texas. This expansion aimed to cater to the Dallas-Fort Worth area clientele.

Further, the company secured a sponsorship deal with Komatsu America, allowing them to utilize Komatsu’s construction equipment.

Unfortunately, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 posed significant challenges.

To adapt, Extreme Sandbox introduced “Heavy Metal Drive Thru” events, enabling families to watch construction equipment demonstrations from their vehicles.

Recognizing a demand for skilled operators in the construction industry, the company launched Heavy Metal Learning in 2019.

In September 2020, the Texas branch moved from Pottsboro to Sachse to better serve the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

However, by April 2022, this location was closed due to the sale of the site by the developer and the subsequent non-renewal of the lease.

Capitalizing on the success of their “Heavy Metal Dine In” events, the company ventured into the food service industry.

In 2023, they opened The Quarry Taphouse, a construction-themed restaurant in Hastings, Minnesota.

On December 30, 2023, Extreme Sandbox announced the closure of its original Hastings, Minnesota location. The decision was made to seek a larger venue to accommodate their growing operations.

At the time of this writing, the company plans to relaunch in a new location within the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, targeting a reopening in 2025.

You can learn more about the Extreme Sandbox experience on the company’s website.

We can’t wait for another exciting Extreme Sandbox update.

Don’t forget to check out our company updates from the other products featured in Season 7 Episode 12.

• ABS Pancakes Update
• Total Tie Keep Update
• FireAvert Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 7 products.