Firefighter Turnout Bags Update | Shark Tank Season 8

Firefighters like Matt Rasor face a steady buildup of old, unused turnout gear every ten years, thanks to mandatory replacements. Nicole took this as her chance to turn that surplus into something fresh and functional. By transforming retired gear into durable bags—from purses to packs and duffels—she’s not only cutting down on waste but also giving people a chance to own something unique, each piece carrying its own story. Let’s take a look at our Firefighter Turnout Bags update and pitch recap to see if any of the sharks were willing to invest in their business.

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

Nicole and Matt entered Shark Tank Season 8, seeking $250,000 for 33% equity in Firefighter Turnout Bags. After their pitch, they made a deal with Lori Greiner for $250,000 for 50% equity.

In terms of a Firefighter Turnout Bags update, the company successfully expanded its product line with the “Probie” series, which included items like phone cases and backpacks. However, the pressures of scaling, combined with personal demands, led Nicole to close the business in early 2021, marking the end of its 13-year journey.

Shark	Result
Lori Greiner	Accepted offer of $250,000 for 50% equity
Robert Herjavec	$500,000 for 100% ownership, with Nicole as a consultant
Mark Cuban	No offer
Kevin O’Leary	No offer
Daymond John	No offer

Shark Tank Firefighter Turnout Bags Pitch

• Entrepreneurs: Nicole and Matt Rasor
• Business: Bags handcrafted from firefighter uniforms
• Ask: $250,000 for 33% equity
• Result: $250,000 for 50% equity
• Shark: Lori Greiner

Nicole and Matt Rasor started their pitch by sharing how the business began with repurposing Matt’s old firefighter gear into unique bags.

They were seeking $250,000 for 33.3% equity, hoping to use the funds to purchase fabric rolls and streamline production so they wouldn’t have to rely only on recycled gear.

Firefighter Turnout Bags transforms retired firefighter gear into tough, stylish bags like duffels, pouches, wallets, and backpacks.

Made from fire-resistant materials, these bags are built for everyday use and travel. They come in various sizes, making them practical and versatile for different needs.

The company offers both ready-made and custom designs, and customers can even include gear from their own fire departments for a personal touch.

By repurposing old firefighter gear, they’re not only reducing waste but also creating durable, one-of-a-kind products with a story.

Each bag is crafted with heat-resistant fabric, strong zippers, and reinforced stitching to withstand tough conditions.

Sustainability and quality craftsmanship are at the heart of Firefighter Turnout Bags.

During their pitch, Nicole and Matt shared that they’d made $194,000 in sales over the past year, earning about $70,000 in profit.

An average bag sells for $130 and costs $60 to make.

They further revealed that they were managing a $30,000 debt.

The sharks appreciated the entrepreneurs’ commitment to repurposing firefighter gear but raised a few concerns.

Kevin O’Leary suggested they bring on a manager, while others wondered how they’d scale up without losing their authenticity.

Daymond John chimes in. He likes the quality, but he’d need to commit too many resources to make it work, so he’s out.

Mark Cuban views it as a product, not a brand; he’s out.

Kevin thinks the business isn’t ready for a $250,000 investment; he’s out, too.

Robert Herjavec likes authentic bags, but he’s not crazy about fabric bags. Still, he offers $500,000 for 100% of the business.

Lori Greiner envisions premium, authentic bags, and less expensive fabric bags. She offers $250,000 for 50% equity.

After taking a moment to think, Nicole and Matt accept Lori’s offer.

Was this the right investment for the entrepreneurs? Let’s find out in our Firefighter Turnout Bags update.

Shark Tank Firefighter Turnout Bags Update

Our Firefighter Turnout Bags update found that the deal with Lori Greiner never closed, but the company saw a spike in popularity shortly after its episode aired.

Moreover, Nicole even launched the “Probie” line, which included phone cases, wallets, and backpacks made from both recycled and new materials.

However, as demand grew, so did the pressures of running the business. Nicole found herself stretched thin, balancing the demands of scaling up and her personal life.

Unfortunately, by early 2021, Nicole made the difficult decision to close the business.

Our research on the Firefighter Turnout Bags update found that over its 13 years, the business had recycled close to 50,000 pieces of firefighter gear. 

These products are crafted to honor the spirit of first responders.

At the time of writing, the company had fully closed its doors, with the website offline and products no longer available.

It appears this will be our final Firefighter Turnout Bags update.

For other company updates from Shark Tank Season 8 Episode 16, look below:

• Tranquilo Update
• Doc Spartan Update
• Peaceful Fruits Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 8 products.