Podillow Sunbathing Pillow Update | Shark Tank Season 1

Anthony and Tina Calvert invented the Podillow to provide comfort and convenience for tanning and massages. While the Calverts identified significant demand for their innovative product, they faced a major obstacle: insufficient capital to meet this demand. Without an investment from the sharks, they risked going out of business. In our Podillow update and pitch recap, let’s find out if a shark will come to their rescue.

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

Anthony and Tina entered Shark Tank Season 1, seeking $250,000 for 33% equity in Podillow. Unfortunately, the sharks were skeptical about Podillow’s sales figures and thought the product was overvalued. As a result, the entrepreneurs left without a deal.

In terms of a Podillow update, the company experienced a surge in sales shortly after its episode aired. Unfortunately, Podillow went out of business in 2012 due to overwhelming business challenges.

Shark	Result
Barbara Corcoran	No offer
Kevin O’Leary	No offer
Kevin Harrington	No offer
Daymond John	No offer
Robert Herjavec	No offer

Shark Tank Podillow Pitch

• Entrepreneurs: Anthony and Tina Calvert
• Business: Pillow for sunbathing
• Ask: $250,000 for 33% equity
• Result: No deal
• Sharks: None

Anthony and Tina began their pitch by sharing the story behind Podillow, a product Anthony invented after struggling to tan comfortably following shoulder surgery.

They sought an investment to expand their product line and grow their business.

The Podillow is a pillow designed specifically for individuals who prefer to lie on their stomachs.

It features a central indentation where users can comfortably rest their faces, eliminating the need for manual support.

This design alleviates discomfort often associated with traditional face-down positions, particularly during activities such as tanning or massage.

Furthermore, the Podillow includes side pockets for storing small personal items like phones, keys, or sunglasses.

This feature provides convenience and security for users, allowing them to relax without worrying about their belongings.

The pillow is portable and suitable for various outdoor settings, making it perfect for people who feel uncomfortable lying on their stomachs.

Customers can use the Podillow to tan, receive a massage, or sunbathe at the beach.

The sharks were interested but wanted more details about the numbers. The couple explained that the Podillow cost around $7 per unit to make and retailed at $29.95.

They had sold 6,000 units overall, resulting in $21,000 in sales in the past year.

Kevin O’Leary immediately noticed the discrepancy between the valuation and total sales.

Kevin Harrington asked if these were retail or catalog sales, and Anthony revealed they had two standing orders for catalogs that they couldn’t fulfil without capital.

Robert Herjavec did the math based on the current figures and estimated a more realistic valuation of $100,000.

This backed up Kevin O.’s feelings about the valuation being outlandish.

Kevin O. declined the offer because the numbers didn’t match the reality of the business.

Kevin H. followed suit, believing the product was too regional and seasonal to succeed as an investment.

Daymond John said he loved the story and the product and saw great potential in it, but the inflated valuation put him off, so he went out.

Barbara Corcoran thought the couple should have prepared more before coming to pitch and also went out.

Robert declined as well, claiming Anthony and Tina were looking for a small loan, and he did not trust the numbers.

Anthony and Tina left without a deal. Do you think their business succeeded despite this? Keep reading our Podillow update to see what happens next.

Shark Tank Podillow Update

Our research on Podillow update found that the company experienced a remarkable 200% increase in sales within six months following its Shark Tank episode. 

This surge in brand visibility led to retail partnerships and international distribution inquiries. They were even featured on ABC’s “The View” in 2011.

However, despite this initial success, Podillow faced significant challenges.

Inventory management became a delicate balance as they struggled to meet the sudden spike in orders without overextending their resources. 

The market also became flooded with knock-offs, forcing the company to continually prove the durability and uniqueness of its product.

In response, our Podillow update found that Anthony and Tina invested in patents to protect their product from imitators. 

Unfortunately, the challenges proved too overwhelming, and in 2012, the company went out of business.

Unfortunately, this will be our final Podillow update.

Would you like to learn about the other companies featured on Season 1 Episode 12? Follow the links below for our other company updates from the episode. 

• The Factionist Update
• Wee Can Shop Update
• Grease Monkey Wipes Update

Before you go, check out our Shark Tank Season 1 page for more updates.