Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Gronkowski.
Chris, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It was over 100 degrees in June in Dallas. I was going to the gym and by the time I got there, the ice in my shaker bottle had all melted. I was leaving sweat marks all over the gym floor and I took a sip of my water and it was warm.
I was frustrated with my bottle and went home that day to try and find an insulated bottle that I could mix up my powders in and bring to the gym. I looked everywhere for a bottle that was easy to fill, that I could blend my powders in and would keep my drink cold but there was nothing on the market. That is when I decided that I was going to make the best bottle that I could, not just for the gym but something I could use all day.
I set out a journey to create this bottle. 20 prototypes later and months of frustration, I finally had something in hand that I thought might be good enough to sell. In the first six months of launching, I was able to generate about $80,000 in sales and had a chance to pitch the product on ABC’s Shark Tank.
On the show, I managed to get offers from all five sharks and walked away with a deal with two sharks – Mark Cuban and Alex Rodriguez. The company exploded and within a year we went from 1 bottle to multiple different bottles and sizes and different colors and patterns.
Has it been a smooth road?
It is never a smooth road as an entrepreneur. Every day is a new challenge and you always have to continue to get better. The first struggle we faced came with our very first shipment. The quality control on the bottles was terrible, and we had to go through all 10,000 bottles that came in and re-check them before shipping to make sure there were not any defects.
Tell us about your business. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
Ice Shaker is a kitchen grade insulated stainless steel bottle. It will hold ice for up to 30 hours, will not sweat and the kitchen grade stainless steel will not absorb odor. Our shaker bottles are unique and come with an easy to carry handle, an easy open pop top, measurement markings inside the bottle and a twist in removable agitator that will break up powders and works as a strainer.
I am proud that our company doesn’t just make a quality product, we also help people live a more active and healthy lifestyle.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I get asked all the time about why I choose to live in Texas. I love that it is centrally located in the USA, the weather is hot but not overbearing and that there is no state income tax 🙂 We have been extremely happy living in Dallas.
Pricing:
- 26oz Shaker bottles – $34.99
- 20oz Tumbler – $22.50
- 36oz Shaker bottle – $44.99
- 20oz Skinny Shaker – $27.50
- 16oz Shaker – $19.99
Contact Info:
- Address: 587 Commerce St, Suite 100, Southlake texas 76092
- Website: www.iceshaker.com
- Phone: 817-329-6478
- Email: info@iceshaker.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iceshakerbottle
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iceshakerbottle
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/iceshakerbottle
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