Inside the Dragons' Den

Contestants make Finals

Congratulations to Den contestants Jon and Anita from Rollout who just made the finals of the 2006 Telus New Ventures Competition. 

You can read the whole story here, but in the meantime, let's give them a hand!

DD: Potential Pitcher #12: KnoXcooter

Three guys from Sask. have invented something that just has to be seen.  Now I'd like your opinion, does it have to be seen by our Dragons?

Why do you want to be on the Den? We have a product that is not sold anywhere in the world. It is new ,patented ,  innovative, cool , kids love it , and we need the guidance and dollars from investors  and those people that know the business world for marketing our idea and prototype.

Why would you be a good bet for the Dragons to invest in? We feel we have a huge potential market to be addressed. There are 60,000,000 kids in Canada and the USA alone that fit our demographics. Over 20,000,000 pcs of wheeled sport  vehicles/toys  (bicycles , scooters , etc ) were imported to N.A. last year. The cost of manufacturing is low as far as we have found, and the reality is that kids like NEW STUFF, that does something different.

Why do you want to bring your product to market?  From the first time we saw the idea of a scooter in a 3 Stooges Movie , (that is self propelled other than pushing with  one leg on the ground) , we thought kids would like it. With todays technology , materials and marketing , we know it will sell. We can't take our prototype out of our garage without causing a line of kids wanting to try "That Bouncing thing". They also ask where can they get one?  Parents think its cool also. And ask..Where can I get one for my kids / grandkids?

How do you describe your product? It is a new Bounce Propelled scooter that uses your rhythm and weight to gently rock the platform of the scooter. The rear wheel is off center  creating the motion. We have also incorporated our patented "Coasting Clutch" thus having the ability to coast when going downhill or doing jumps.

How did you come up with the idea? We are 3 Stooges fans , and after watching a Stooges Western movie from the 1930's , Curly was riding on what appeared to be a horse , bouncing up and down as you hear the cloppidy clop of horses hooves.  As the camera pans back , you see Curly on this early 1900's invention , The INGO Scooter. We laughed outloud and said why doesn't someone invent a NEW and Updated model of that!  The rest was history for us. We built several prototypes and found by our kid surveys , that they didn't want to bounce all the time , so we invented the coasting clutch. It makes the Bouncescooter safer , and useful for doing the daring things kids do with these types of recreational sports.

In closing, what message would you like to send to the Dragons? We feel that after taking our product "Into the streets" , and getting the response that we have from almost everyone we meet , the Bouncescooter from KnoXcooter is the next "BIG THING". We are inventors , we need the help of serious business people that have the contacts and money to market our idea, and take it to the masses. We feel we have done our research and sweat equity  on the product, taken it to the kids, and now its time to be the first on the market with this new idea. Also , kids nowadays are hung up on computers , gameBoys , video games etc . and need the exercise that the Bouncescooter delivers, without even knowing it.

Want to see more, check this out?

Seen enough? Ok, now vote.....

Please remember as fun as these polls are they are not binding on the CBC nor the Producers of Dragons' Den

DD: Potential Pitcher #11: Ice Shark Blades

Why do you have to buy your kids both Ice Skates and InLine Skates? Why can't you just swap the blade for wheels....well now you can if Renny, our next potential pitcher gets to market.

Why do you want to be on the Den? Pure and simple, the Ice Shark Skate Blade is a dynamite product in the prototype stage. I have a patent for it in hand. I do not have the funds necessary to take my prototype, tweak it, manufacture it and market it to the end user. I can show the Dragons that it's a money-maker, that the ROI is potentially HUGE.

Why would you be a good bet for the Dragons to invest in? I have a patent. I have owned an engineering company that brought other technology to the marketplace. I understand marketing and sales, both domestic and international. I know that it's one thing to have a dream but it takes brains, a lot of drive and a ton of sweat to make that dream become a reality. This is not done alone. It requires a proper team and a clear goal. A goal whose strategy usually needs to be rewritten at least once a day until success is achieved.

Why do you want to bring your product to market? The Ice Shark Skate Blades have been designed to retro-fit over 95% of all existing in-line skates. Anyone with in-line skates can convert them to ice skates easily and quickly. If you can rotate your in-line skate wheels, you can install an Ice Shark Blade. These are aimed at the recreational skater and the parents of growing children. No more having to buy a pair of in-lines and a pair of ice skates as the kids grow out of their skates. In the end, it's all about cost. Buy a pair of Ice Sharks for $75 and save half of the price of a new pair of ice skates. Spend a few more bucks on a really comfy in-line skate boot and voila, your ice skates are really comfy!

How do you describe your product? The Ice Shark Skate Blade is an ice skate blade designed to use the axles of an existing in-line skate as an attachment point. The axles support the wheels and they also support the Ice Shark Skate Blade. The boot has now become a dual purpose unit. I envision the Ice Shark in a sexy anodized moulded aluminium body, high density, high molecular weight polyethylene slider attachments and a high carbon skate blade. This is all part of the claims in the patent.

How did you come up with the idea? It occurred to me after having to deal with equipping my growing twin daughters with two sets of skates, both in-line and ice, times two.

In closing, what message would you like to send to the Dragons? With a world skating market of over 31 million and steadily growing, The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association survey (as of 2003) indicates that in-line skating now has more participation than football, softball, skiing, and snowboarding combined. The breakdown of participation in in-line skating is as follows: 1+% speed (growing), 8% hockey (declining), 7% extreme/aggressive (declining), 22% fitness (nearly 7 million--the fastest growing), and 61% recreational (first-timers). The Ice Shark Skate Blade is targeting the fitness and recreational groups, as they are the fastest growing. These groups are gearing themselves towards health and fitness, and combined, they can easily grow to 85% (or 26 million) of the market in the next five years. Now imagine going after just 1% of that total market. That's 310,000 pairs of Ice Sharks. At $75/pair, that's sales potential of over $23 million. Maybe 2% is a reasonable target? What do you think?

note: as always this poll is not binding on the CBC nor the Producers of the Dragons' Den

DD: Potential Pitcher #10: Jack for all Trades

Norma Bradley from the east coast is the next profile for you to vote in.  Do you think her  "Jack For All Trades" should go before the Dragons?

 

Why do you want to be on the Den? I want to bring Jack For All Trades™ to the Dragons’ Den for an opportunity to show Canadians this innovative product  If you’ve ever “homebrewed”, you would know the back-breaking strain of lifting carboys of fluid for the required siphoning process in making wine or beer over multiple times each month.  Homebrewing has become a craft over the decades and many people take great pride in their product.

Why do you want to bring your product to market? Occupational Health & Safety recommend that women lift no more than 35 pounds and men lift no more than 50 pounds.  A full carboy is 65 pounds…we know better than to continually lift it through the homebrewing process, but darn it… its gotta be done!  I think Jack For All Trades™ will encourage inventiveness in all Canadians.  I used JACK this summer to install my air conditioner which is considered a two person job.

How do you describe your product?  Jack For All Trades™ is a simple scissor lift cart on caster wheels that provides easy mobility in the home or commercial environment.  The unique patented design of the lifting wheels ensures that consumers must lower the stand to roll it around.  Homebrewing is just one worthy application for JACK.  It can also be used for handling hazardous chemicals, heavy paper packages around the office and enabling wheelchair bound individuals to move and lift many items around their home (ie: groceries, laundry, etc) without placing weight on their laps, bending, twisting and/or lifting.

How did you come up with the idea? I needed one.  Then I began the process of diagramming on everything from napkins to white boards to my kitchen fridge.  I researched and was surprised to find that there was nothing suitable on the market.  I wanted something light-weight and durable, but not an expensive two ton utility lift that would scratch up my hardwood floors!

In closing what message would you like to send to the Dragons? The time has come to introduce Jack For All Trades™.  There is market demand for the product, and Dragons’ Den will bring the exposure and interest to sell.  I am a successful business entrepreneur and ready for the challenge.  I welcome your experience and guidance.

note: The results of this poll, while helpful, are not binding on the CBC nor the Producers of Dragons' Den

DD Potential Pitcher #9: time2eat

Andrew Muirson is tired of waiting at resturants, that's why this Toronto entrepreneur wants to launch Time2EAT.ca. The question, dear readers, is...is time for Andrew to meet the Dragons?

Why do you want to be on the Den? There are many great ideas out there, but there are only a few people who actually follow through on them and bring them to life. I am one of these people.

I believe the Dragon’s Den is the perfect arena for all Canadian entrepreneurs to meet, battle it out and fight for their share of the pie. This will give the Canadian public a chance to see all of the people who sacrifice their time and money to create something that was not there before. It is the entrepreneur who keeps the lights on and puts food on the table. This is why I hold entrepreneurs in such high regard. To be able to mix with this company would be an honour indeed.

Additionally, I think this is a fantastic learning opportunity for any budding entrepreneur. I have already learned so much from this process and am thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. To be part of the show would put icing on an already delicious cake.

Why would you be a good bet for the Dragons to invest in? I am an:

1. excellent listener

2. passionate about my product

3. hard working

4. persistent

5. visionary

6. possess a great sense of humour

7. creative

8. practical

9. confident

10. intelligent

In order to become a successful entrepreneur, you need to possess these traits. After all, one may be hard working but without a vision and creativity there will be no idea. On the flip side, the simple possession of creativity does not necessarily indicate a successful entrepreneur. Without hard work and persistence nothing will get done.

Why do you want to bring your product to market? time2eat.ca is a simple and effective means to conserve time and create money.

Case Scenario: How many times have you been waiting in line to get into a restaurant. Once you are in the restaurant you are waiting again on the server. Once the server comes and takes your order you are waiting on your food. Once your food comes and you have eaten you are now waiting on your server for the bill. After all, they don’t call it waiting tables for nothing.

time2eat.ca will take the waiting away.

The scenario alone makes the idea worthy of consideration but lets produce a few facts to see why time2eat.ca will become a profitable business.

• 21,900,000 Internet users in Canada 

• 3.4 billion $$ Total Food Services Sales 

• 1.5 million Full service restaurants

• 1.3 million Limited service restaurants

• 70% of Canadians "eat out at least once per week"

The numbers speak for themselves, there is a huge market waiting to be tapped. With the right development, management and funding time2eat.ca will become an extremely profitable business with relatively small overhead.

How do you describe your product? Restaurants bring in the majority of their revenue during Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. During these times it is imperative for the restaurant to maximize turnover rates while at the same time ensuring customer satisfaction. The challenge is that there are large numbers of people showing up during a short period of time, expecting speedy and accurate service. This rush affects the whole chain, putting stress on the servers and the kitchen, which ultimately results in slower service, unhappy customers and lost revenue opportunities.

Solution - time2eat.ca is an easy to use website allowing consumers to order their meals before going to the restaurant. This will eradicate the chronic problems consumers and restaurants currently face.

From a consumer standpoint, the time2eat.ca experience can be summarized as follows:

1 – Search

2 – Order

3 – Eat

From a business (restaurant) standpoint the benefits are numerous. Here are a few.

1 – Increase turnover rates during peak periods.

2 – Happy customers equals repeat business.

3 – Being part of a portal increases exposure.

How did you come up with the idea? Through a combination of experience in the hospitality industry (as a waiter) and computer programming.

Working in the hospitality industry allowed me to witness firsthand the bottlenecks to efficient production in a restaurant, which is that the majority of their business comes in spurts (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

After working for years as a web programmer and learning the full capabilities of the Internet, I realized that I could alleviate this bottleneck.

This is how time2eat.ca was born.

In closing what message would you like to send to the Dragons? The next time you’re hungry and waiting for your food, remember there is an alternative, time2eat.ca.

note: as always polls are non binding on the CBC and the Producers of Dragons' Den. But don't let that stop you...vote now!!!

DD Potential Pitcher #8: The Magic Banana

Potential Pitcher # 8 is Ms.Janeson Paynter Rayne from Kingston, who wants to bring a new exercise device to market for females.....something guaranteed to improve SEX! I'd say more but I'll leave it to the inventor herself to explain.

Why do you want to be on the Den…? I admire and respect smart, successful, adventurous people who follow their instincts to act on what is hot … so I look forward to meeting and doing business with these Dragons … to introducing them to an opportunity to be part of a fabulous product that I can guarantee satisfies several needs.

Research confirms, with its’ unique design, there is nothing like this on the market!

Why would you be a good bet for the Dragons to invest in? For many years I was a single mother raising two children. I had my own house and operated my own business by the time I was 24. I went to university to earn a Fine Arts Degree in my thirties, when the youngest child was three and the oldest was eight. I successfully juggled my responsibilities and always came up with creative, inventive solutions even when there were obstacles and setbacks.

I’ve spent much of my life doing research around this product. I did all the patent searches for ‘prior art’ myself (you wouldn’t believe some of the contraptions I found that men, in their good inntentions, had devised for women!). Thanks also to having excellent representation, my patent was granted without a glitch in August of 2005.

I do my homework, I’m diligent, frugal, conscientious, resourceful, and passionate – especially when it comes to bringing a vision to fruition. This one has exceptional possibilities!

Why do you want to bring your product to market? It’s already been taken to market to a certain extent and with the feedback that’s in, it’s clear that the product will work on a larger scale. The next logical step is to take it to market in a big way - through a combination of direct market sales, on internet or television (maybe Suzanne Sommers needs a new product?), or in stores like Shoppers Drug Mart. My vision has always been that it would be sold in the mainstream market - as essential equipment for females - where it would be most easily and readily available to people who want, need, and can benefit from it.

The product has a proven track record of improving quality of life. A family doctor once told me if it were available by prescription, she’d prescribe it to all women.

How do you describe your product…? It’s an exercise device - that works muscles intrinsic to being female. In younger years, it’s an educational self-discovery tool; in childbearing years, it helps women prepare FOR and recover FROM childbirth; through mid-life, menopause and well beyond, with regular use it keeps the all-important parts in good shape ... and may even still bring revelations, as some testimonials confirm! One public health nurse who sings its’ praises is reported to have told all of her co-workers "if you only buy ONE thing to enhance your sex life, buy this."

You can read more about it at either of the two sites I have developed, both of which have different flavours - one being more clinical than the other (< href="www.k-loop.com">www.k-loop.com and www.magicbanana.com ). You may notice that some of the testimonials are the same … and that is because the product is essentially the same product.

How did you come up with the idea…? It was an inspired solution to a perceived problem - the ‘problem’ being, at adolescence, I suddenly found myself in a body that was distinctly female. I felt awkward as this emerging sexual being. Until then, I had been right at home climbing trees and doing anything the boys were doing. I spent a couple of years feeling completely out of sorts and then, as a way to feel more at home in my body, I learned about and started practicing yoga. I wanted to know myself better and I wanted to understand my body. Yoga practice lead me to the realization that muscles are muscles are muscles … and that those particular muscles would probably benefit from a workout just as any other muscle would. Being familiar with isometric and resistance exercise, I knew that was the way to go...and if I could develop something that would function like a hand-grip does - that might be the answer.Eventually, it was my own mothers’ story that finally spurred me on to patent the product so manufacturing could begin.I had kept the product to myself for many years. After my step-father died of cancer, my mom told me she had to go in for the sort of surgery women have to "correct" incontinence. I had not been aware that due to my step-dad’s illness – which went on for ten years, through three different types of cancer – their sex life had suffered greatly, becoming pretty much non-existent. I couldn’t help thinking – If my Mom had had this product even a few years earlier, she might have been able to avoid surgery. When I told her about it, she felt the same way. She wished that I had talked about it, and she did not hesitate to make a financial contribution to help with the costs of patenting and manufacturing the initial run.

In closing what message would you like to send to the Dragons? A friend in public relations once told me "Your product is a gift to all women and should not languish in obscurity." Will you help make it more available, and share in the fruits of this labour of love?

note: results are not binding on the Producers of Dragons' Den nor the CBC.

DD Potential Pitcher #7

First came HOT or NOT?, then came HOT or NOT NUDE (and no, you will have to find your own link for that one)...and now....the hot or not for pets???? Yup, wait for it...wait for it... http://coolordrool.com/

We interiviwed Maria Siu to find out why she wanted to pitch the Dragons

1)  Why do you want to be on the Den…? To get the word out about this exciting new pet lovers website. I need to raise capital to position it as the "go to" website for rating pets and shoppers paradise for pet products & services. This website has worldwide mass appeal and people will love it! The media exposure will definitely let the public know about this free community service for pet lovers.

2)  Why would you be a good bet for the Dragons to invest in? I have a successful track record of sales in service and product-based industries such as financial services, IT education and ecommerce. I booked millions of dollars for a big bank that I used to work for. Now I run my own internet company and I know how to market, create buzz and generate online sales. I'm an expert at minimizing start-up and operating costs as I create, maintain and manage the content for all of my websites.

3)  Why do you want to bring your product to market? To give people a fun place to showcase and share their passion for their pets with others worldwide. It will also serve as "the" place for people to shop for new and interesting pet products & services as people love to pamper and spoil their pets!

4)  How do you describe your product…? A free pet rating website where pets are showcased and rated by visitors worldwide. Even couples can post a pet profile together, this is not a site for singles. You only have to be 13 years old to join. Members create pet profiles, pet galleries and pet blogs to help bring out their pet's personality on the Internet. Being a pet lovers community website... members can also build their Friends List, CoolPet List and message each other. Services can be expanded to include a chat room, forum and much more!

5)  How did you came up with the idea…? I noticed how popular the Hot or Not website is for rating people so I came up with one for rating pets... Cool or Drool. Nothing like drumming up friendly competition for cats vs dogs. Besides there are many kinds of pets around the world, some that people are not even aware of and would love to vote on, for example, pet beetles are very popular in Japan! Bottom line, people love showing off their pets and the internet is a great place to do so.

6)  In closing what message would you like to send to the Dragons? I know how to create "win-win" situations by giving back to the community, building value for local & global businesses worldwide for this niche market and generating a fantastic opportunity for your investment dollars. Vote for me to be on the show as unlimited people worldwide will benefit from this website, now and in the future!

NOTE: this poll is not binding on the CBC nor the Producers of the Dragons' Den.

DD: Profile of a Potential Pitcher #6: Mindy Shear

Mindy Shear from Montreal is next up in our spotlight.  This lovely entrepreneur wants to bring her unique vision of cosmetics to the world.  Now its your turn to tell us if this is the next Martha in the making.

Why do you want to be on the Den…?  I would like to be on the Den for a few reasons.  I think it is a  great program and would love to be a part of it.  I am an entrepreneur, making a difference in the business world as well as the beauty world and this is a great venue, where I can learn from others as they can learn from my experiences.  I try to get involved in all types of entrepreneurial programs locally and otherwise.  I would also like to be on the Den because I am in the process of expanding my business and I am looking for investors and this is definitely the most fun and unconventional way of doing it.  Also in my field it is all about being high profile and about press and publicity this would be great both local and nation wide for branding.

Why would you be a good bet for the Dragons to invest in? I would be a great bet for the Dragons to invest in because I am very good at what I do.  I have been doing make up for 22 years, and I have a degree in Fine Arts and combine them both.  I am innovative, outgoing, and driven.  I have a vision and I am very focused on achieving my goals.  I also have proven myself and have been successful in business and as a make up artist, now it is time to take everything to the next level based on the demand from my clients for my products and services.

Why do you want to bring your product to market? I want to bring my product and services to the market because I have already made a name for myself in Montreal. I also have many clients in other parts of Canada especially in Toronto (they keep asking me when I will open there), I also have repeat clients from the US, Israel. I have basic products and packaging in the meantime but my line is very well received because of my choice of products, colours and services.  If I embellished my products and packaging and made it more exclusive to Mindy Shear Make Up for branding, it would fly globally rather than just keeping it local. If I expanded my product line I would be able to compete with larger lines such as MAC, Bobby Brown, Nars, and Lise Watier etc.  I would also train more people for the Mindy Shear brand to provide my services and sell my products since there is such a demand for what I do and it is very hard to find qualified talented people who do more than basic make up.  It’s all about customized make up and personalized service with the cutting edge technology in make up and fashion.

How do you describe your product…? I would describe my product and services as being very sexy. In terms of products it is all about colour, texture and the amount of choice my clients have in my line to suit their needs.  My product and choice of colours and textures are great for women of all ages, and backgrounds.  I carry a lot of mineral make up which is healthy for the skin and looks natural. Mineral make up is the hottest trend in cosmetics today. My products and services are all about what women want, looking young and feeling great.  Make up that looks and feels natural, and services such as airbrush make up and semi permanent eyelashes which was only available to the stars on the red carpet since I was one of the pioneers that brought it onto the market for everyday people who want glam and flawless make up.

How did you came up with the idea…? I came up with the idea to expand my business because I am an artist and designer and I am always coming up with new ideas. I travel a lot and get to see what is hot and happening, what works and what doesn’t.  Based on that I have introduced many different products and services into my existing make up store and everything that I have introduced to my clients, have sold very well.  I also have been paying attention to make up trends, fashion trends and the market at large and came to realize that women love to shop and try new things and if they are happy with the results and product then they are very loyal.  When is comes to products, services and shopping, it is all about the experience and the good feeling.  I decided that a beauty bar concept would be very well received by women who can shop, relax, have a drink, a latte, some chocolate etc. that corresponds with the treatment or products they buy.  I need to design my packaging of my products to better suit this entire concept.  I realized having been a make up artist for 22 years, working in salons after opening my first make up store what products and services work the best, based on what women are looking for and taking it even further.  I am all about cutting edge and setting trends.

In closing what message would you like to send to the Dragons? In closing I would like to inform the Dragons that the make up industry generates billions of dollars a year.  Make up is recession proof because no matter what a women’s income is, they will always want to look younger and feel better and it is less expensive to buy or change a lipstick that can change a look instead of a wardrobe.  I would also like to express again that with my experience, innovativeness and talent in make up, my business can only thrive further and be successful.

As always while this poll is illustrative and helpful, the results are not binding on the CBC nor the producers of the Dragons' Den.

DD: Profile of a Potential Pitcher #5 - Borrow Me

Sean Young (no not that Sean Young) wants the world to stop buying more crap and start borrowing it.....through his Calgary startup BORROW ME. But this is more than just another web 2.0 start-up, it is a revolution against mass consumerism and buying more than we need. Or as the site says:

Borrow Me offers up a new formula for the good life: more value, choice & flexibility, all with less cost, consumption, pollution & clutter

And the revolution is already underway, more than 10,000 users are currently participating in beta trials. Here's what Sean has to say about his latest adventure:

Why do you want to be on the Den…? It’s about the chance to tell the story…to the people and to the investment community.  And what a great story it is!  Everyone can relate!  Everyone has bought something, used it once and put it in a box or on a shelf.  Why not borrow or rent it from a neighbor next time?

If only people could find people they could trust to rent to, or find items they need from people willing to share them.  Truth is – now they can, but most don’t know it yet.

Why would you be a good bet for the Dragons to invest in? Could there really be a chance for another eBay out there?  I believe there is.

The Entrepreneur: 

A proven ability to take a whacky idea and make it a moneymaker:  took the last business to over 10 million dollars.

The Product:

Consumers are looking for a way of out of the earn/buy trap and BorrowMe is in the perfect place at the perfect time.  Consider:

1. Consumer Backlash - Clutter, cost and environmental concerns have created a mainstream backlash against old style consumerism.
2. Debt – Consumers are under financial pressure – consumer debt has hit all-time highs even as incomes have grown. 
3. Mini-preneurs – From e-Bay stores to MLM’s everyone is looking for an opportunity for a second income.
4. Alternative Trade – New ways to give and get are poised to hit the mainstream; so says Popular Science Magazine’s 3 top emerging trends to watch in 2006.

The Business:

BorrowMe is the first, and the clear leader in this social lending market concept.  Our two-month-old private beta has strong member attraction. 11,543 people in 50 countries have already found us, and believed in the idea enough, while we were still building, to participate.  Those numbers represent the first of potentially millions of paid transactions on which BorrowMe earns transaction fees and could sell rental insurance.

Why do you want to bring your product to market? For us:  It’s time to crack wide open the ‘old consumerism’ model of buy and hide.  People are changing and they need a way to stop mad, un-necessary consumption; give the environment a break; and use their money for something more meaningful than a chainsaw and another specialized kitchen appliance.For me:  I’m ready for another big success.  One ‘A’ grade and a few ‘B’s doesn’t make a glowing report card, and frankly fall below my personal standard.  Besides, my wife deserves a break.  She’s been floating this ship too much lately.

How do you describe your product…? BorrowMe is a rental marketplace.  Somebody recently called it a kind of person-to-person ‘rent-a-center’.  Think:  eBay meets Friendster, where you borrow instead of buy – allowing friends to share and strangers to rent.  We call this aspect ‘social pricing’, and it helps set borrow prices based both on demand, and on relationship.  Example: My karaoke machine is free for friends, cheap for their friends, and a bit more for others that I trust. Folks can use BorrowMe to make money, save money or simply share things amongst a group of people (like the quilting bee, the car club or the neighbors).  Maybe it’s a meeting room, an RV, a wheelbarrow or a tent.  Pretty much anything goes.  My wife even has me listed on her ‘stuff’ as ‘one slightly used husband’.  Sometimes I test her patience.

How did you come up with the idea…? I sat in my home office above the garage and watched the cars emerge from garages and return there at the end of the day.  I witnessed first hand the ‘buy and hide’ phenomenon.  I looked in my own basement and garage at the idle clutter.  I told myself, ‘something is wrong here; something needs to change’.  I found out I wasn’t alone.  The Spiderman DVD was the first of many borrows to come; the most recent for us was a banquet table.  Our Wishlist now includes a power washer and a vacation villa in Spain so we can visit our ex-pat friend.

In closing what message would you like to send to the Dragons? BorrowMe matters.  BorrowMe is a compelling business model that can make its early supporters prosperous, but also has the potential to become a social movement.  The world is changing.  People are waking up to the social, economic and environmental costs of how we live and consume.  An effective vehicle for wide spread social sharing and a streamlined alternative to unsustainable consumerism is not only inevitable, it is BorrowMe. No, it is not an easy journey.  Yes, it is an uphill climb.  The Den is a place to tell the story and share the vision with those who can jump on this train and help fuel the fire.

This pole, wile quite enlightening, is not binding on the CBC, nor the producers of Dragons' Den.

DD: Profile of a Potential Pitcher #4 - FitChair

  Here's an interesting pitch from Daniel Rudich, who thinks his invention, the FitChair has what it takes to get us off the couch to excerise, actually scratch that.  Daniel may have what it take sto get us to stay in the lazy boy WHILE excersing. 

Why do you want to be on the Den…?I believe I have developed a unique product in the FitChair that has mass market appeal and has the potential to actually benefit society.  The product development is complete and the early orders are pilling up (including commitments from national retail chains).  All that is missing is the capital to begin manufacturing.

Why would you be a good bet for the Dragons to invest in?

1. I have built a strong reputation as a product launch specialist in the global technology and consumer products industry.  I have been the lead marketing and sales executive for many new product launches including the Compaq Proliant Servers, Iomega ZIP Drives and CAE Web Based Simulation Products.  I hold a Bachelors of Commerce degree from McGill University and an MBA from Yale University.  My ideas have made the companies I have worked for a lot of money (without boasting easily over $500 Million).  I have been waiting for the right product idea to develop on my own and the FitChair is it.
2. The product is aimed at three huge and growing markets; the overweight, the elderly and exercise equipment purchasers.  Here is a little data to back this up:
   1. According to the Nautilus Research Group the US domestic retail market for home and commercial fitness equipment is approximately $6.1 billion and $700 million respectively.
   2. According to the National Centerfor Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, among adults age 20-74 years, the estimated prevalence of obesity has doubled from approximately 15 percent to an estimated 31 percent in the last 10 years.
   3. According to the US Census Bureau, 12.4% of the US population was over 65 year of age in 2000.  By 2025 that segment of the population is expected to grow 55% to 19.2% of the total population.
3. I have already secured all relevant local and international patent rights to the intellectual property.
4. Fitness equipment sells! (ex: the BowFlex home gym sells approximately $70 Million US per year of product off of infomercials alone)

Why do you want to bring your product to market?Given that the North American population is getting older and more obese and that fitness equipment sales continue to increase it is clear that the current fitness equipment does not satisfy the needs of the market.  The FitChair can actually benefit society and provide tremendous profit generating potential.

How do you describe your product…? The FitChair is a revolutionary hybrid piece of equipment that crosses the comfort and aesthetic appeal of a reclining living room chair with an exercise bike.  This state of the art device maximizes exercise comfort, minimizes joint stress and eliminates any space requirement hindering the purchase of exercise equipment.   To date there are no competitive products similar.

In “non-exercising” mode the FitChair simply looks and feels like a comfortable reclining chair.  With the simple push of a button the FitChair transforms automatically into “exercise mode” as the pedalling mechanism comes out from under the chair.  The peddling mechanism includes a tension controller and an onboard fitness computer that calculates rpm’s, calories lost, etc.  Once an exercise session is complete the FitChair simply reverts back into a stylish reclining chair.

Due to the comfort maximization of the FitChair those people who have a very hard time starting and maintaining an exercise program can simply and comfortably get themselves into better physical condition while maximizing space already reserved for a standard piece of furniture.  The FitChair also addresses the general fitness equipment market because its unique design satisfies two major consumer demands:

1. An aesthetically appealing piece of fitness equipment that can permanently stay in the living/TV room.
2. A piece of fitness equipment that when not used maintains a functional use (other than clothes hanger) in the home.

For a closer look at the product go to www.fitchair.com

How did you come up with the idea…?I had recently completed a long day of work and had just put my kids to sleep and settled in on the sofa for some much needed relaxation.  I began to contemplate the need to go down to my basement to exercise on my treadmill.  I asked my wife if she would mind if I bring the treadmill up to the TV room.  My wife clearly indicated that it was too big and ugly.  I then realized that the world was missing a fitness solution that would be comfortable, safe, convenient and could aesthetically blend in to the average living room.

After researching the ever growing obesity and demographic aging trends I was sure that the concept of fitness equipment hidden in living room furniture was a much needed invention.  I discussed the idea with many elderly and obese individuals who verified that their “conditions” where not adequately addressed with the current exercise equipment on the market.  For example, they lacked the balance for treadmills and exercise bikes where to uncomfortable to sit on for more than 5 minutes.   I knew I had to create the FitChair.

In closing what message would you like to send to the Dragons?Let’s go make some serious coin!

please note: the above poll is not binding on the CBC, the producers of the Dragons' Den, or anyone else for that matter.