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Siblings Christian, Keira and Kaley Young enter The Shark Tank seeking $100,000 for a 10% share of their late father’s business, Cup Board Pro. Keith Young was a firehouse chef for the New York City fire department. He designed and patented the Cup Board Pro to solve the problem of where to put both solid and liquid waste that is generated in the cutting process. These wastes can accumulate in the cup that attaches to the cutting board. This prevents liquid wastes from overflowing the working space of the cutting board and solid wastes from reducing the amount of usable workspace available.
Keith Young, a two time champion on “Chopped,” had to put his innovation on hold several times over the years. His wife was diagnosed with, and would later pass away from, breast cancer which was the first time that he halted forward progress on his company. Later, Keith himself would be diagnosed with cancer after receiving his first shipment of 2,000 boards. Keith’s cancer was acquired as a result of breathing in toxic dust during the 9/11 cleanup. Keith passed away 3 months ago and his children came to The Shark Tank to carry on his legacy and his business.
In a very emotional introduction to their business, Keith’s audition video for “The Shark Tank” was aired. Keith explained his product in his own words and he didn’t leave a dry eye in The Tank. The Cup Board Pro has a special embossing to honor the number of New York City firefighters that did in 9/11.
The Young siblings explain to The Sharks that they are seeking funds to renew their tooling, order additional inventory, and to increase their marketing and advertising. They also share that they are achieving healthy profit margins on the Cup Board Pro which is very attractive to investors. They are currently running the business since their father passed away and they are hoping to get the assistance from The Sharks to be able to carry on his legacy.
Out of my entire decade of being on #SharkTank this was the most emotional pitch I have ever been through. It took everything in me not to walk off the set because my emotions ran so crazy because I was there and lost many friends from 9/11.
— Daymond John (@TheSharkDaymond) October 22, 2018
The most emotional pitch I’ve seen in 10 seasons of #SharkTank. These young entrepreneurs have such inspiring strength. #CupBoardPro
— Barbara Corcoran (@BarbaraCorcoran) October 22, 2018
We know, we’re crying with you #SharkTank pic.twitter.com/9VN44G6Lrl
— Shark Tank (@ABCSharkTank) October 22, 2018
I’ve never ‘lost it’ crying in the tank before until now. #SharkTank @ABCSharkTank
— Lori Greiner (@LoriGreiner) October 22, 2018
Shout out to these kids for keeping their dad’s dream alive after losing both him and their mom. #sharktank
— Morenita (@rashidapowell) October 22, 2018
WOW. Just wow. Talk about a real hero. A tragic story, but I know Keith is looking down beaming with pride. #cupboardpro #SharkTank
— Kevin O’Leary (@kevinolearytv) October 22, 2018
In a rare move, The Sharks ask the Youngs to step out of The Tanks so they can discuss this deal among themselves. When they return, The Sharks make a collective deal for the Cup Board Pro. They each offer to invest $20,000 for a total of $100,000 for a 20% share of the company. All profits they earn will be given back to a charity that their dad supported for his fellow fireman with cancer. The Young siblings quickly accept the deal.
Their parents would be soooo incredibly proud! They are so impressive, smart & strong! I was blown away. #SharkTank @ABCSharkTank @firehousechefky
— Lori Greiner (@LoriGreiner) October 22, 2018
I’m glad that you all met this special family tonight and @mcuban @lorigreiner @kevinolearytv @mhiggins and myself made a deal with #CupboardPro. I’m looking forward to working with these incredible entrepreneurs. I will remember this pitch forever. #SharkTank
— Daymond John (@TheSharkDaymond) October 22, 2018
My own dad died when I was a kid. I can’t imagine losing both parents at their age and showing the kind of strength they are right now. This family is incredible. #SharkTank #CupboardPro
— Kevin O’Leary (@kevinolearytv) October 22, 2018
It’s a deal for The Cup Board Pro! All 5 Sharks are going to come together, donating their profits to charity. ❤️ #SharkTank pic.twitter.com/0Liz3MRc6t
— Shark Tank (@ABCSharkTank) October 22, 2018
Thank you #SharkTank for warming the cockles of my heart tonight. Congrats, Young family! #cupboardpro
— Amy Naas (@AmyNaas) October 22, 2018
What amazing children and a legacy for their father and mother. Never cried at #SharkTank before…until now. Incredible…
— Debra Isaacs Schafer (@EdNavigation) October 22, 2018
What are your thoughts on The Shark’s deal on the Cup Board Pro?
For a full summary of this episode, check out this article. Shark Tank airs on Sundays at 9:00 PM EST on ABC.