Biography of Josh Conway: Founder of Handy Pan -Entrepreneur
Biography of Josh Conway:
Birth of Handy Pan
Handy Pan is a unique kitchen innovation designed by
childhood friends Josh Conway and Adam Chaudry. The idea for the Handy Pan
originated from a simple sketch on a napkin and grew into a product that aims
to revolutionize the way we cook and drain excess liquids from food. The pan is
equipped with a built-in, food-grade stainless steel strainer that flips up
with the press of a button, allowing users to easily drain grease, water, and
other liquids. This practical feature is designed to eliminate the need for
separate kitchen tools like colanders, making it both a time-saver and a
space-saver in the kitchen.
Struggles to Fund the Idea
Before getting the Handy Pan to market, Josh and Adam tried
raising funds through a Kickstarter campaign in 2018. However, their campaign
only raised about $9,277, far from the $40,000 they were hoping for. Despite
falling short of their goal, the duo was determined to bring their invention to
life. They turned to Priority Designs, a product development consulting group
that helped them bring their vision to reality. They were able to manufacture
the pan and move forward with their business, though they still faced
significant challenges in the early stages.
The Handy Pan Design
The Handy Pan is designed with a non-stick ceramic surface
and a high-grade stainless steel base. The key feature is the attached strainer
that hinges up above the rim of the pan, making it easy to drain liquids
without the need for an extra utensil. The product was priced at $29.99, which
includes free shipping. With its innovative design, the Handy Pan stood out as
an all-in-one solution for a common kitchen problem: how to strain liquids from
food without making a mess or using multiple utensils.
The Shark Tank Pitch
In 2022, Josh and Adam decided to pitch their Handy Pan on
the popular TV show Shark Tank. They were seeking a modest investment of
$10,000 for 20% equity in their business. When they appeared on the show, the
entrepreneurs demonstrated the functionality of their product and explained how
it solved a common problem in kitchens: straining liquids from food. The pan’s
design, with its integrated strainer, impressed the Sharks. However, they were
also quick to ask some tough questions about the product’s sales and marketing.
Concerns from the Sharks
Despite the Handy Pan’s clever design, the Sharks were
skeptical about the product’s potential for success. Barbara Corcoran
questioned the low sales figures, while Kevin O’Leary criticized the product’s
marketability. The duo admitted that they had made only $7,959 in sales after a
small production run. They attributed this to their limited online marketing
efforts and the fact that they were not selling the product in retail stores,
or on Amazon. The Sharks were disappointed by the lack of advertising investment,
noting that they had only spent $553 on marketing.
The Product’s Patents
Despite the setbacks, Josh and Adam had secured multiple
patents for their product, including an approved design patent for the Handy
Pan and a pending utility patent for a pot version of the strainer. This gave
them some credibility and showed that their product was protected legally. The
patents were important to their business, as they set them apart from
competitors and gave them a competitive edge in the market.
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Lori Greiner’s Offer
As the pitch progressed, Lori Greiner, one of the Sharks,
expressed interest in the Handy Pan. She offered the duo the full $10,000 for
20% equity in the business, stating, "I have nothing to lose." This
was a surprising offer, as the Sharks were initially critical of the product’s
low sales and lack of marketing. Lori’s willingness to invest was based on her
belief in the potential of the Handy Pan, despite its current challenges. She
saw value in the product’s unique design and thought she could help the founders
get the product into more homes.
The Deal with Lori
Josh and Adam were thrilled with Lori’s offer, and they
quickly accepted the deal. However, they also realized that the partnership
would require them to improve their marketing and sales strategy. Lori’s
expertise in retail and her vast network of connections could help them scale
the business, but it was clear that they needed to work on their online
presence and retail strategy to make the product a success. The deal marked a
turning point for the Handy Pan, but there were still many hurdles ahead.
After Shark Tank: The Surge in Demand
Following their appearance on Shark Tank, the Handy Pan
quickly gained attention. In fact, their inventory completely sold out after
the episode aired. During the show, Lori asked her followers on Twitter if they
would buy the product, and 72.3% of them said yes. This surge in demand showed
that there was a strong interest in the Handy Pan, and it seemed that the
product had the potential to become a hit in the market. The episode’s airing
helped them gain visibility, and many viewers were eager to get their hands on
the product.
The Deal that Never Closed
Although the initial interest was promising, the deal with
Lori never actually closed. Despite the post-show excitement and high demand,
there was no evidence that the investment materialized. By August 2022, just a
few months after the original air date, the Handy Pan was still sold out, and
there was no update on the business’s social media or website about the deal.
The founders had not made any announcements, and it appeared that the product
was facing difficulties in fulfilling the promises made during the show.
Continuing the Struggle
As of 2024, the Handy Pan is still in business, but the
founders have not updated their social media or website since December 2022.
The product is not listed on Amazon, and the company has not been engaging in
any advertising or marketing efforts. While the Handy Pan remains available on
the company’s website, the lack of updates and marketing strategies has raised
concerns about the future of the business. Reliable revenue figures are
unavailable, and it’s unclear how the company is performing in the long run.
Lack of Marketing and Advertising Efforts
One of the main reasons for the Handy Pan’s struggle after
the Shark Tank appearance was the lack of marketing and advertising efforts.
Despite the initial success and the buzz generated by the show, the founders
did not capitalize on this momentum. They failed to implement a solid marketing
strategy, which left the product largely unknown to potential customers.
Without advertising and promotions, the Handy Pan’s sales began to stagnate,
and the product struggled to maintain its initial success.
The Importance of Retail and Online Presence
Another significant factor contributing to the Handy Pan’s
challenges was its limited retail presence. The product was only available on
the company’s website, which restricted its reach. The Sharks, particularly
Kevin O’Leary, had expressed concern about the lack of retail availability, and
this proved to be a major hurdle. In today’s market, being available on
platforms like Amazon or in brick-and-mortar stores is essential for a
product’s success. The Handy Pan’s absence from these platforms limited its potential
to grow.
The Handy Pan’s Future
Despite the setbacks, the Handy Pan remains an innovative
product with a clever design that could still find success in the right market.
However, the company’s future depends on how effectively Josh and Adam can
address the challenges they faced after their appearance on Shark Tank. If they
can improve their marketing efforts, secure a stronger retail presence, and
engage with their customers more effectively, the Handy Pan may still have a
chance to thrive in the competitive kitchenware market. For now, the future of
the Handy Pan remains uncertain, but its unique design and functionality still
hold potential.
Timeline for story
2018: Kickstarter campaign launched, raising $9,277 (goal:
$40,000).
2022: Appeared on Shark Tank, seeking $10,000 for 20%
equity.
2022 (Post-Shark Tank): Lori Greiner offered investment,
leading to product sell-out.
August 2022: No deal closure with Lori; no updates on
business.
December 2022: Last social media update by founders.
2024: Company still in business but with no recent updates
or marketing efforts.
