Ep 11. Week 11

Based on the popular Japanese reality television show, "Dragon's Den," "Shark Tank" is a critically acclaimed American version that pits budding entrepreneurs against a panel of business moguls. In each episode, aspiring entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel of "sharks" in the hope of securing a business deal. Though often challenging, the "sharks" provide invaluable feedback and, on occasion, come to the table with a cash offer.

In season 1, episode 11 of Shark Tank, aptly named Week 11, viewers are treated to a barrage of unique business ideas that are both inspirational and unusual. The episode consists of five presentations, all vying for a coveted investment deal from one of the panel's five lucrative "sharks": Barbara Corcoran, Kevin Harrington, Kevin O'Leary, Robert Herjavec, and Daymond John.

The first presentation comes from Erik Hopperstad, who introduces his company, the "Product Guard." Like many entrepreneurs before him, Erik has identified a common problem in the consumer world - specifically, a lack of freshness in food items, which can be a real irritant for many discerning shoppers. Erik's solution is innovative and elegant in its simplicity: a reusable, snap-on cap that's equipped with an indicator that tells the user when the food in question has gone bad. The panel is intrigued, yet, skeptical. They question Erik about his business plan and wonder whether his invention is patentable. In the end, Erik walks away empty-handed but with valuable feedback and advice on how to further refine his pitch.

The second presentation is perhaps the most unusual of the episode, as a couple named Sara and Greg Moyers unveil their startup, "One Sole." This company designs and sells shoes with interchangeable soles so that a single pair of shoes can be transformed into dozens of different styles. By attaching various architectural-inspired soles to the base shoe, One Sole claims to offer women a variety of stylish looks for an affordable price. The sharks admire the product's ingenuity, branding, and Sara and Greg's attention to detail, yet wonder how they will compete in the crowded footwear market. In the end, though their potential is evident, One Sole swims away without snagging a deal.

The third presentation, from Gary Gagnon of "Jolt," showcases his innovative charging device for mobile phones, e-readers, and other portable devices. Like many entrepreneurs on the show, Gary's product is aimed at solving an everyday problem: the frustration of dealing with a dead battery. Jolt, which is a small, portable device, allows users to power up their electronics on the fly, without the need for an electrical outlet. Although the sharks appreciate Gary's passion and clever design, they express concerns about the product's ability to succeed in an already saturated market. In the end, Jolt's founder heads out of the Tank empty-handed but with newfound knowledge and insight to improve his product's pitch.

The fourth presentation is given by a Chicago-based start-up, "Vurtego," founded by inventor and entrepreneur Joe Halpin. The company produces a unique kind of pogo stick that's supposedly the most high-tech on the market. With an adjustable air-pressure system, users can customize their Vurtego for a variety of exciting jumps and acrobatic moves, yet the panel remains skeptical. The sharks are amused by the product yet query Halpin about his plans for expansion and competition in the marketplace. Though the sharks are hesitant to enter into the space, Halpin leaves with a renewed sense of energy for the potential of his product in a niche market.

The fifth and final presentation is from Michael Levin, founder of "BusinessGhost," a company that provides ghostwriting and online publishing services to aspiring authors. Michael's service promises to do a complete edit of an author's book and turn it into a published work that can be sold on Amazon or given away as a marketing tool. Although the sharks express concern over the profitability of the business, Michael remains confident and impresses the panel with his dynamic presentation skills. By the end of the presentation, Michael leaves the Tank with a $125,000 investment and newfound connections to further invest in the growth of his business.

In conclusion, Shark Tank season 1, episode 11 - Week 11 - offers viewers a fascinating glimpse into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. With a diverse range of presentations and business prototypes, this episode showcases the challenges and rewards of cultivating a business idea. Each entrepreneur presents a unique solution to a common problem, and although some leave the Tank without a deal, all leave with a sense of pride knowing they have faced their fears and put their product on the market for others to see.