What Exactly Is iSlide?
ISlide is a website where you may build your own slip-on or slide sandals. After picking the size and background colour, the user is urged to add images (NBA logos, flags) and a photo with or without text. The design options are endless. ISlide is known for its slide sandals, which have no back and open toes, allowing you to slip your foot directly in.
More Details About iSlide:
Company Name | ISlide |
Entrepreneur | Justin Kittredge |
Product | Customized athletic sandals of the highest quality. |
Investment Asking For | $500,000 for 5% equity in iSlide |
Final Deal | No Deal |
Shark | No Shark |
Episode | Season 8 Episode 1 |
Business Status | In Business |
Website | Visit Website |
Who Is the iSlide Founder?
ISlide was created and founded by Justin Kittredge. He put in long hours to perfect his concept and brand. Justin Kittredge has been a shoe specialist for over two decades and began his iSlide journey in 2013. Justin formerly worked for Reebok in the basketball footwear department.
Justin created a pair of comfy, casual slippers to meet a basic requirement. The slip-on shoe has a single flap and a wave gel sole, which provides a unique sensory experience comparable to walking on water.
One of the most appealing aspects of this experience is the ability to personalise the design and add your own logos and inscriptions to the flip-on top side. During his final year of college, he was able to acquire an internship there, after which he was recruited as a product marketing and development expert.
Justin worked at Reebok for eleven years until being laid off in 2014, and he learned a lot during that time. Justin was also prepared to use his connections and networking to grow his iSlide firm. Justin had already gotten some traction prior to his appearance on Shark Tank. In 2009, while playing basketball, he set two Guinness World Records.
Justin got this prize for shooting 64 unaided free throws in two minutes and 16 blindfolded free throws in one minute, according to Business Wire. It’s especially astounding since the previous record was only five flings in 60 seconds. While working at Reebok, he owned a company called Shooting Touch, Inc. that required him to practise.
He taught young boys and girls from Boston basketball when he was head of this firm. Despite his undeniable basketball prowess, can the Sharks trust the entrepreneur with their commercial affairs?
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of iSlide?
Justin went on Shark Tank, demanding a $500,000 investment in exchange for a 5% interest in iSlide. It does not sit well with Daymond. In his discussion, he explores his past and contacts with a number of sports and entertainment superstars.
After that, he gives each Shark a pair of custom-made iSlides. Robert tested his sandals and pronounced them to be the most comfortable sandals he’d ever worn. When Daymond questions Justin’s sales figures, Justin claims that he has made $1.5 million in the last three years.
Each pair of handmade shoes he sells for $50 costs him $15. Dropshipping and sports teams account for nearly all of his earnings, with bespoke orders accounting for barely 15%.
The drop shipper is DJ Khalid. Justin customises the sandals before arranging for them to be supplied straight to customers. Mr Wonderful eviscerates Justin as Antonio Brown takes the stage wearing his slides. He likes them and has a few for sale on his website. Nothing, Lori claims, is keeping others from doing the same. She’s gone.
Robert is interested in the slides and has offered $500,000 in exchange for a 20% investment. Justin asks whether he may hear additional bids, which is a frequent Shark Tank error. Kevin opts for the easy way out and walks away. Barbara walks out and blames the assessment. Mark claims that the investment is not right for him and walks away.
Daymond also departs, once again criticising the value. Justin responds with 10%, but Robert remains unconvinced. Despite Antonio Brown’s prodding, Justin will not comply. He walks away without signing a contract.
After Shark Tank, What Happened to I Slide?
According to Forbes.com, even if ISlide did not land a sale, the Shark Tank influence gave it an enormous boost. The firm has a licencing deal with Nickelodeon, has collaborated with New Kids on the Block and other celebrities, and has teamed up with Fanatics, a big online retailer of licenced sports items.
The musician 2 Chainz, actors Mark Wahlberg and Ice Cube, and comedians Ellen Degeneres and Chelsea Handler are all linked with the ISlide brand. On the company’s website, the shoes received five stars out of 77 evaluations, with most consumers commenting that they are very comfortable and that the customer service is good.
Update on The iSlide Shark Tank:
Following the intended premiere date, Justin inked deals with Nickelodeon, Fanatics, and a slew of sports and entertainment personalities.
He also sells through Dick’s Sporting Goods a licencing relationship with the NBA and Major League Baseball. Despite a tough 2020, iSlides continues to prosper. Until the global Covid-19 epidemic, he experienced a 25% rise in annual income.
He gets a lot of his business from sports teams, both collegiate and professional, so when sports were cancelled, so did his sales.
Is iSlide Still in Operation?
Even though he didn’t win a deal on Shark Tank, iSlide is still going strong. Following the completion of Shark Tank, Brown claims that “business is still thriving.”
ISlide has subsequently relocated its production and headquarters (to Boston) and implemented “a beast of an ERP system” as the business continues to grow.
The NBA’s massive licence contract was iSlide’s most significant accomplishment. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fanatics, and the NBA Store, among others, have sold iSlides.