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Thompson Tee entered the Shark Tank in Season 8 with their sweat-proof undershirts for both men and women which use an underarm sweat-proof technology.
We interviewed president Billy Thompson, who launched the company with his friend, Randy Choi. Both men suffer from hyperhidrosis aka excessive sweating, so had a vested interest in finding a solution. Choi told us that sales were $4 million in 2016 and that this year they expect to do $6 to $8 million before their Tank airing. “Not bad considering we started with $20,000 in start-up capital,” he noted.
Here’s what else he told us about…
Interested in Thompson Tee? Buy one here.
How the Idea Came About
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Necessity was the mother of invention. This was an issue I’ve dealt with since adolescence. Many guys wear undershirts to combat the problem, so I knew if an undershirt could simply block the sweat from passing, problem solved! However, like many things, easier said than done!
How the Partnership Formed
Our wives grew up together so I knew Randy was in the clothing business. I reached out to him and amazingly found out he dealt with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweat) so he knew exactly what I was trying to do. Randy brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial domestic garment production experience and I had the sales and marketing experience (although neither of us knew anything about digital marketing and ecommerce). We met at a Starbucks in San Clemente CA, shook hands and the rest, as they say, is history! We’re 50/50 on this.
Nerves in the ‘Tank’
It was equal parts Hollywood and knowing just how much this could benefit our business. I fortunately had a lot of exposure in dealing with both Hollywood and high net worth individuals. My last two jobs were selling private jets and working for the William Morris Agency (now William Morris Endeavor). So we were able to fend off much of the anxiety and remain focused.
Advice to Future ‘Tank’ Contestants
Take your time through the vetting process; know your business; do everything asked of you in a timely manner. It will be a tad chaotic, but that’s just how the entertainment industry works. Be creative and polish your pitch, then show up in your best form with your passion ready to tell the world about your business!
Interested in Thompson Tee? Buy one here.
Other Shark Tank products:
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Beloved Shirts After No Deal on ‘Shark Tank’: Interview With Owner
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Angela Barbuti started her reporting career in the seventh grade at her middle school newspaper in Queens. She’s had lunch with Tony Danza, and Dave Franco said he liked her accent. Follow her on Twitter @angciao.May 5, 2017 6:00 pm
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