By Rob Merlino

Better Life Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 5

Highlights

• Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs pitched Better Life on Shark Tank.
• The founders entered the show seeking $400,000 for 7% equity.
• Better Life offers plant-derived, non-toxic cleaning products with catchy names.

About Better Life

Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs pitched their green cleaning product line called Better Life in the Shark Tank during episode 501 on November 1. Kevin was the “mad skilled scientist” of the operation, while Tim handled marketing and branding.

The two came together to create an ultimate solution for safe, effective, and environmentally friendly household cleaning. This appeared to be another mature business on the Shark Tank, looking for advice and guidance to take a successful company to the next level.

Would the Sharks be interested in investing in their business?

Better Life Pitch

Tim and Kevin came into the Tank seeking $400K for 7% of their business. They introduced the Better Life line and told their story. They cleaned a tile with spray paint on it, then disinfected a raw-chicken-smeared countertop with a leading national brand and their Better Life Whatever Cleaner. Their product killed the bacteria more effectively. Kevin even sprayed the disinfectant in his mouth to demonstrate how safe it was!

The lifelong friends got the idea for Better Life cleaning products when they had kids. They couldn’t stand the idea of their toddlers putting their fingers in their mouths after touching surfaces that had traces of toxic cleaning chemicals on them.

They set out to create Better Life cleaning products from plant-derived sources and eventually developed dozens of cleaning products with catchy names like “I Can See Clearly, Wow,” and “Even the Kitchen Sink.”

The pair revealed they had over $2 million in sales in the last 12 months with virtually no debt. The Sharks were impressed! Their products were sold in Crate and Barrel, Whole Foods, Amazon, and on their own website. They netted 7% on their sales because they were plowing their profits back into the business. Daymond expressed concerns about the products being knocked off, but Kevin said reverse engineering their products would be difficult.

Read more posts about Better Life- Green Cleaning Products on the Shark Tank Blog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Better Life (@betterlifecleanhappens)

What Makes Better Life Unique?

• Non-toxic and plant-based ingredients – Safe for kids, pets, and the environment.
• No harsh chemicals – Free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, sulfates, and petroleum-based solvents.
• Biodegradable formulas – Break down naturally and don’t pollute water systems.
• Eco-friendly packaging – Uses recyclable materials.
• Cruelty-free – Not tested on animals.
• Widely available – Sold in major stores like Target and Whole Foods, and online.

Did Better Life Get a Deal on Shark Tank?

The entrepreneurs were financially healthy. They just wanted the Sharks for a strategic partnership.

• They were financially healthy and wanted the Sharks for a strategic partnership.
• Lori offered $400K for 17% with a direct line into Bed Bath and Beyond and QVC.
• Kevin offered a $400K loan for 3 years at 10% interest and a 5% equity stake.
• Lori said she was certain she would make them millionaires.
• John Paul DeJoria offered to go in with Lori for $400K at 20%.
• Daymond offered $500K for 20%.
• Lori and DeJoria then altered their offer to $400K for 17%.
• Tim and Kevin wanted to hear from Mark, who offered $800K for 20% with just him and Lori.
• She thought it was too much.
• Mr. Wonderful then offered $400K for 17%, then cut the equity to 7% once he was repaid.
• Lori said she would match Kevin’s deal.
• Daymond then said he would do $500K for 20% with DeJoria.
• Tim and Kevin then countered Lori and Mark with $500K for 10%.
• Lori responded that she didn’t need Mark and stuck with her original offer.
• Without Lori, Mark backed out.

Lori cautioned them against having an “Oh No” moment. Finally, the guys made a deal with her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Better Life (@betterlifecleanhappens)

What Happened to Better Life After Shark Tank?

With Lori Greiner leading the way, the entrepreneurs from Better Life are cleaning up. After their Shark Tank debut, the pair experienced the famous “Shark Tank effect,” which sent their business rocketing skyward. With all 5 Sharks offering a deal, it was clear that Better Life was a success story waiting to happen.

Since appearing on Shark Tank, and making a deal with Lori, the company has managed to double their manufacturing, added six new employees, and gained retail contracts with Meijer, Marianos, and some Target stores. Better Life is now available internationally, having gained market share in Bermuda, Canada, throughout the European Union, and even making inroads into Korea. The business has grown by 645%, and was named the 503rd Fastest Growing company in the US by Inc. Magazine.

Not only has the company been raking in the green, it’s become greener in its operations as well. Two solar panel arrays were added to the manufacturing facility, and a new way of making the packaging means more post-consumer content is used in the production of the products. Lori had to fight her fellow Sharks for a bite of the Better Life company, and it seems she’s helped them get a healthy taste of success.

In 2018, the company was acquired by Bissel, Inc for an undisclosed amount. Fast forward to April 2024, and the brand is still in business with annual revenue of $8.7 million.

Where Can You Buy It?

Better Life products are available at Whole Foods markets nationwide, Crate and Barrel, Bristol Markets, and a host of other locations. They also sell on Amazon. You can even find the product on the official website of Better Life. Check out their Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.

Quick Summary

• Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs, lifelong friends, pitched their company, Better Life, in Season 5.
• Better Life offers safe, plant-derived, non-toxic cleaning products designed to be effective yet family-friendly. They have catchy names and a broad retail presence.
• The entrepreneurs struck a deal with Lori Greiner.

FAQs

1. Is Better Life cleaning products still in business?

Yes, the company is still in business. It is growing and making progress.

2. Are Better Life cleaning products safe?

Yes, the ingredients used are non toxic. However, it is best to avoid drinking any cleaner.

3. Is Better Life safe for pets?

The non toxic properties of Better Life make it safe for both people and pets.

See what else is new! View other businesses featured in this episode.

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By Rob Merlino

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Entrepreneur, author, and raconteur, Rob Merlino is a blogger and writer who enjoys the Shark Tank TV show and hot dogs. A father of five, he freelances for a variety of publications and manages a stable of websites, including Shark Tank Blog, Hot Dog Stories, RobMerlino.com, and more.