Turbo Trusser, the innovative kitchen gadget that revolutionizes how we cook poultry, has emerged as a remarkable success story. Founded by Kirk Hyust and Brian Halasinski, this ingenious product has captured the attention of consumers and investors alike, leading to its impressive net worth of $1 million as of 2024. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll dive into Turbo Trusser’s founding history, explore the insights behind its Shark Tank pitch, and uncover the factors that have contributed to its remarkable growth and valuation.
Who is Turbo Trusser?
Turbo Trusser is a revolutionary kitchen tool that simplifies trussing chicken and turkey. Invented by Kirk Hyust and Brian Halasinski, two friends from Stark County, Ohio, the Turbo Trusser features a stainless steel frame with two wire hooks that securely hold the wings and legs of the poultry in place during cooking. This ingenious design ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful birds every time.
Who Is The Founder Of Turbo Trusser?
The founders of Turbo Trusser are Kirk Hyust and Brian Halasinski, two ambitious entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds. Kirk Hyust, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, has a passion for inventing new products, particularly in the barbecue and pet industries. Brian Halasinski, on the other hand, holds a BBA from Kent State University and an MBA from Malone University, and his professional experience includes roles as an analyst, lean engineer, and therapeutic specialist.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Kirk Hyust and Brian Halasinski |
| Location | Stark County, Ohio |
| Founding Year | 2021 |
| Product | Turkey and chicken trusser |
| Manufacturing Cost | Approximately $3 per unit |
| Retail Price | $15 per unit |
| Sales (2024) | $290,000 annual revenue |
| Distribution Channels | Amazon, TurboTrusser.com, 80 retail locations in the US and Canada, international orders (Germany, Chile, Australia, UK) |
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Turbo Trusser?
Turbo Trusser’s success began with a memorable appearance on Shark Tank, where the founders pitched their innovative product to the panel of investors. Entering the Tank in whimsical turkey and chicken costumes, Kirk and Brian showcased their passion and enthusiasm for Turbo Trusser. Despite a shaky start, they quickly recovered and delivered a compelling presentation, highlighting the product of use, cost-effective manufacturing, and impressive sales figures.
| Entrepreneurs | Kirk Hyust and Brian Halasinski |
|---|---|
| Business | Turkey trusser |
| Ask | $100,000 for 10% equity |
| Result | $100,000 for 33% equity + $1 royalty per unit in perpetuity |
| Sharks | Kevin O’Leary |
Turbo Trusser Shark Tank Update:
During their Shark Tank pitch, Turbo Trusser had already generated $90,000 in sales within the first 8.5 months of operations, with 60% of those sales coming from their website and 27% through three distributors. This impressive performance caught the attention of the Sharks, although some were hesitant due to the product’s market.
Ultimately, Kevin O’Leary, known as “Mr.Wonderful,” saw the potential in Turbo Trusser and offered $100,000 for a 33% equity stake and a $1 royalty per unit sold in perpetuity. After some negotiation, Kirk and Brian accepted Kevin’s ser, setting the stage for the next phase of Turbo Trusser.
What Happened To Turbo Trusser After Shark Tank?
The Shark Tank appearance proved to be a transformative moment for Turbo Trusser. After the episode aired, the company experienced a significant boost in sales, finishing the year with an impressive $290,000 in revenue. The availability expanded beyond the site, with listings on Amazon and in over 80 retail locations across the United States and Canada.
The deal with Kevin O’Leary opened up new opportunities, as SharShark’s” Wonderful” be” helped to amplify the Turbo Trusser’s sibility, particularly around crucial holiday seasons like Thanks giving and Christmas.
Turbo Trusser Net Worth:
As of 2024, Turbo Trusser’s worth is estimated at $1 million. This impressive valuation is a testament to the product’s growing popularity, strong sales performance, and savvy business decisions made by Kirk Hyust and Brian Halasinski. While the $1 royalty per unit sold in perpetuity to Kevin O’Leary has a long-term impact on the company’s cash flow, Turbo Trusser’s success has positioned it as a valuable asset in the kitchen gadget market.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Raised | $100,000 from Kevin O’Leary |
| Valuation | $1 million |
| Royalty Details | $1 royalty per unit sold in perpetuity |
| Annual Revenue | Approximately $100,000 |
Turbo Trusser Growth and Operations:
Turbo Trusser’s journey has been impressive, with the company expanding its distribution channels and product offerings. Beyond their website and Amazon presence, the founders have secured partnerships with local retailers, such as Ace Stores in Kent and Akron, Ohio, and Mister Brisket in Cleveland Heights. Additionally, Turbo Trusser has begun to gain traction in international markets, with customers in countries like Germany, Chile, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Turbo Trusser Marketing and Sales:
The Turbo Trusser team has implemented a multi-pronged marketing strategy to drive sales and increase brand awareness. In addition to their robust online presence and partnerships with e-commerce platforms, the founders have leveraged their Shark Tank appearance to generate buzz and attract new customers. The product’s customer satisfaction, evidenced by its 4.3-star average rating on Amazon, has also contributed to its growing popularity through positive word-of-mouth.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sales Channels | Majority from the website (60%), distributors (27%), retail (13%) |
| Market Performance | #1 Best Seller on Amazon post-Shark Tank appearance |
| Retail Presence | Ace stores (Kent, Akron), Mister Brisket (Cleveland Heights) |
| Customer Rating | 4.3 average star rating from 784 reviews on Amazon |
| Marketing Boost | Sales boosted post-Shark Tank appearance |
Turbo Trusser Social Media Presence:
Turbo Trusser’s social media presence has been integral to its marketing efforts. The company maintains active profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where it engages with its customer base, showcases product demonstrations, and shares recipe ideas. This digital strategy has helped it build a loyal following and increase brand recognition among home cooks and culinary enthusiasts.
Turbo Trusser Interesting Facts:
- Multi-Product Inventors Kirk Hyust and Brian Halasinski, the founders of Turbo Trusser, have a history of inventing multiple products, focusing on the barbecue and pet industries. Turbo Trusser is their first major success story.
- Shark Tank Costume Entrance: During their Shark Tank pitch, the founders hilariously strutted into the Tank wearing turkey and chicken costumes, showcasing their creativity and enthusiasm for the product.
- Rapid Sales Growth: In the first 8.5 months of operations, Turbo Trusser had already generated $90,000 in sales, an impressive feat for a new kitchen gadget.
- International Expansion: While Turbo Trusser primarily sells in the United States and Canada, the product has also gained traction in global markets, including Germany, Chile, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
- Exceptional Customer Satisfaction: Turbo Trusser boasts a 4.3-star average rating on Amazon, reflecting a high level of customer satisfaction with the performance and quality.
What What’s for Turbo Trusser?
As Turbo Trusser continues solidifying its market position, the founders are exploring new opportunities to expand the brand and diversify their product offerings. This may include introducing complementary kitchen tools, exploring international expansion, and leveraging their Shark Tank connection to secure additional partnerships and investments. With their proven track record of innovation and commitment to delivering high-quality products, the future looks bright for Turbo Trusser.
Final Words:
Turbo Trusser’s remarkable journey from a simple kitchen gadget to a $1 million net worth company is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and strategic execution. Kirk Hyust and Brian Halasinski’s vision, coupled with their Shark Tank success and the ongoing support of their customers, has propelled Turbo Trusser to new heights. As the company looks toward the future, it will be exciting to see how it continues to evolve and solidify its position as a leading player in the kitchen gadget market.
Table of Contents