Bounce Boot Camp
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: January 10, 2014
Asking For:
$30,000 for 20%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Bounce Boot Camp offers a unique fitness program for kids, utilizing inflatable obstacle courses, slides, and castles to make exercise enjoyable.
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Background Story
Thomas Hill, the founder of Bounce Boot Camp, is driven by a mission to tackle childhood obesity through innovative fitness solutions. Located in an unspecified region, Hill’s background is rooted in fitness, making him well-equipped to address this pressing health issue. His journey to creating Bounce Boot Camp began with a simple yet impactful moment spent with his daughter, Jada, in a bounce-house castle. As they bounced together, Hill, a self-proclaimed “fit guy,” experienced a surprising physical workout, realizing the potential for combining fun and exercise.
Inspired by this revelation, Hill embarked on a mission to create a fitness program tailored specifically for children, utilizing the engaging nature of inflatable obstacle courses, slides, and castles. Drawing on his expertise as a children’s fitness specialist, Hill envisioned a mobile fitness company that could bring the excitement of Bounce Boot Camp to various communities. The idea was not just to offer traditional exercise classes but to reimagine fitness as an enjoyable and accessible activity for children.
With a deep understanding of the importance of instilling healthy habits at a young age, Hill’s vision for Bounce Boot Camp is rooted in a commitment to promoting physical activity and well-being among children. His passion for combatting childhood obesity, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit and background in fitness, drove him to bring his idea to fruition. Through Bounce Boot Camp, Hill aims to revolutionize the way children approach exercise, turning fitness into an exciting adventure that fosters health and vitality.
The Product
Bounce Boot Camp offers a unique and engaging fitness experience for children through inflatable obstacle courses, slides, and castles. Each session lasts for 60 minutes and is designed to make exercise fun and accessible for kids. The program operates as a mobile fitness company, utilizing a specially equipped trailer that houses the inflatable structures.
Children participate in various activities within the inflatable course, including climbing, jumping, crawling, and sliding, all while improving their coordination, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. The classes are structured to provide a full-body workout while also promoting teamwork, confidence, and social interaction among participants.
To participate in Bounce Boot Camp, parents can sign their children up for packages of 8, 16, or 24 classes, with prices ranging from $99 to $250. As children progress through the ranks of the program, they earn different-colored dog tags, similar to martial arts belts, adding an element of achievement and motivation to their fitness journey.
Bounce Boot Camp classes can be held at various locations, including schools, parks, recreation centers, and gyms, making it convenient for parents and accessible to communities. The program offers a refreshing alternative to traditional exercise programs for children, emphasizing enjoyment and participation over competition and performance.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Bounce Boot Camp’s performance reflects its early-stage development with both promise and challenges. In its 16 months of operation, the company generated $43,000 in revenue, operating only one day a week. This limited schedule indicates potential for growth with increased operational hours. The company targets a diverse range of locations for its classes, including schools, parks, recreation centers, and gyms, demonstrating a flexible business model adaptable to various community settings.
Currently, Bounce Boot Camp operates as a mobile fitness company, utilizing a trailer equipped with inflatable structures to deliver its programs. The company’s structure appears to be lean, with founder Thomas Hill likely managing operations single-handedly alongside his full-time job in pharmaceutical sales. As for funding, Bounce Boot Camp’s capital seems to be primarily self-generated, with Thomas Hill investing his own resources into the business. Despite the lack of external investors, Hill’s dedication to the company’s mission is evident, as he continues to pursue growth opportunities and seek partnerships.
The company’s customer base comprises parents seeking engaging and active experiences for their children, aiming to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy habits. While there are no specific partners or wholesalers mentioned in the pitch, Bounce Boot Camp may explore collaborations with schools, community centers, or fitness organizations to expand its reach and offerings. Overall, Bounce Boot Camp shows promise as a concept, but its scalability and profitability may require further refinement of its business model and strategies. With a passionate founder at the helm and a commitment to improving children’s fitness and health, the company has the potential to grow into a successful and impactful venture in the future.
The Negotiations:
During the negotiations on Shark Tank, Thomas Hill, the founder of Bounce Boot Camp, pitched his business seeking $30,000 in exchange for 20% equity. Despite the sharks’ interest in the concept and Hill’s passion for combating childhood obesity, none of the sharks were willing to invest in the company. Kevin O’Leary expressed concern over the high cost of Bounce Boot Camp’s franchise model, suggesting it may not be viable compared to competitors offering similar services at lower prices.
While some sharks admired Hill’s dedication and hustle, they ultimately felt the business was not yet ready for investment due to its early stage and uncertain profitability. Barbara Corcoran and Lori Greiner both commended Hill for his creativity and commitment to the cause of promoting children’s fitness. However, they advised him to focus on refining the business model and establishing a solid foundation before seeking investment or expansion. Mark Cuban expressed skepticism about the proprietary nature of Bounce Boot Camp’s offerings and questioned the company’s ability to differentiate itself in the market.
Despite Hill’s efforts to defend the uniqueness of his business, Cuban, along with the other sharks, ultimately decided not to invest. In the end, Hill left the tank without a deal but remained optimistic about the future of Bounce Boot Camp. While the sharks didn’t see an opportunity for investment at the time, Hill’s determination and passion suggest that he will continue to pursue his mission of promoting children’s fitness and well-being.
