This week, Marcus Lemonis travels to Los Angeles, California to help The Casery, a startup that offers fashionable and designer iPhone cases. According to CNBC, the company’s “young CEO does whatever he pleases, leaving his partners demoralized and the business unable to grow.” Will Lemonis be able to help turn the business around and keep things from completely falling apart?
Visiting their store, Lemonis meets owner Matthew Harlow and the production staff. He’s immediately concerned, however, that Matt doesn’t seem to know every employees’ name. He also views their other products, which include screen protectors, pockets and phone rings—and puts them to the test by dropping his own phone. Last year, they did $1.7 million in revenue, but they are losing money.
Not knowing your employees’ names? That’s a no no. #TheProfit pic.twitter.com/1ZsBa5m3L3
— CNBC’s The Profit (@TheProfitCNBC) June 20, 2018
Lemonis likes the designs on the phone cases but he thinks they should be more balanced, especially since they’re targeted at women. They then look at the financials with the creative director Charlotte and COO/CFO Skyler. He decides to offer $700,000 for 41 percent equity and Matt counters him at 39. Lemonis declines so Matt ultimately accepts his initial offer. He will, however, double Matt and Charlotte’s equity—leaving Lemonis with 31 percent.
The group holds a focus group outside of UCLA next and they put their cases to the test. Many people say the designs are extremely feminine, while others point out that they should offer Android cases. Despite the feedback, Matt is resistant to change. Lemonis worries that he won’t listen to anybody but himself. They visit a trade show next to reinforce how they’re not always beneficial without a plan. Lemonis then confronts Matt about his attitude and, per CNBC, “blames his new contention on insecurity.” Matt says Lemonis should be less of an “a–hole.”
Is it just us or does Matt go against everything @marcuslemonis says? #TheProfit pic.twitter.com/vKxbmUHUCM
— CNBC’s The Profit (@TheProfitCNBC) June 20, 2018
Next, Lemonis and the group visit T-Mobile, which they hope leads to a deal. They are also introduced to Public Pool, who will help them create a variety of new designs. Skyler and Charlotte then confront Matt about being away too much at training and sessions, which he pays for through the company. Matt pushes back and tells them to accept his decisions, but Skyler says he’s being self-centered. Lemonis encourages them to hold Matt accountable.
Two weeks later, Matt, Charlotte and Skyler meet with Lemonis about an apparent “cash crisis.” Lemonis questions how that could be based on how “well” they’re doing, but Skyler says the bills are piling up. Lemonis offers a band-aid of $150,000 but says he wants $1 per product for the rest of Matt’s life. In a heated exchange, Lemonis also accuses Matt of misrepresenting the business.
Keep it with @marcuslemonis and you’ll be alright. #TheProfit pic.twitter.com/UyR4vvEDEN
— CNBC’s The Profit (@TheProfitCNBC) June 20, 2018
The team visits JD Custom Designs next to create new designs for the T-Mobile presentation. Just before they travel to Seattle for the presentation, Lemonis meets with the trio and attempts to put the final touches on everything. Charlotte and Skyler don’t believe Matt puts the company first and Matt says he wants majority ownership in the deal. Matt says he either wants full control or for Lemonis to buy him out—or no deal. Lemonis says there will no longer be a deal and tells Matt to pay the $150,000 back. Lemonis calls him “a smug pr–k” and says he needs to be more respectful toward his partners.
Ultimately, Lemonis walks away from the deal. He later receives a call from Charlotte, however, who presents him with a potential new deal if she and Skyler leave The Casey—with a “to be continued” ending.
MOOD.⛔ #TheProfit pic.twitter.com/10L3qRADEU
— CNBC’s The Profit (@TheProfitCNBC) June 20, 2018
See how social media reacted to The Casery below:
Social Media Reacts to The Casery’s Appearance on “The Profit”
#TheProfit this is a CASE that really needs Marcus’s expertise!
— BartSimpson13 (@NedFlanders113) June 20, 2018
Just for girls? You’re cutting out half your potential buyers #TheProfit
— Adam Fenwick (@Adam_Fenwick) June 20, 2018
Only iPhones, only female cases. Way to really segment and ignore millions and millions of people. #TheProfit
— Politically Incorrect (@BeingPCSucks) June 20, 2018
Oof. Beautiful profit margins just DESTROYED by the total expenses, some of which may not be properly accounted for. #TheProfit
— Thomas Harkins (@TomHarkins5) June 20, 2018
This CEO has some outstanding partners. @marcuslemonis @TheProfitCNBC #TheProfit #HesLucky pic.twitter.com/OEVKbmPaab
— Marja Ricci (@marjamoo) June 20, 2018
I can already tell this isn’t going to end well. #TheProfit
— Brian Reitmeyer (@brianreitmeyer) June 20, 2018
Nothing like “real life” to teach lessons. #TheProfit is a MASTER at this!
— J. Ariel Garza (JAG) (@jag731) June 20, 2018
Matt, just stop. Your current way of doing things is losing the company money. Time to listen to the canaries in the company’s coal mine. #TheProfit
— Thomas Harkins (@TomHarkins5) June 20, 2018
Matt is not adaptable…New Processes @TheProfitCNBC #TheProfit
— JaLynne A. Santiago (@JaLynneAS) June 20, 2018
Omg, this guy ♂️#TheProfit pic.twitter.com/KTaglRpqyZ
— Jason Foye (@fooye06) June 20, 2018
The CEO’s problem is that he thinks he contributes far more than he actually does. He’s putting a premium on his value that isn’t warranted. These partners have kept this business going. @marcuslemonis @TheProfitCNBC #TheProfit
— Marja Ricci (@marjamoo) June 20, 2018
All this dude cares about is having control…he doesn’t care that his expenses and liability are piling up because he wants the title but doesn’t want to work. #TheProfit
— Gsignature (@GSignature843) June 20, 2018
Finally, thank you for telling him off like that @marcuslemonis. He was LONG overdue. #TheProfit
— Thomas Harkins (@TomHarkins5) June 20, 2018
@marcuslemonis Matt is a narcissist. Possibly the most unlikeable person I’ve ever seen on your show, and I’ve watched every episode multiple times. #TheProfit
— Jacob West (@jacobwest87) June 20, 2018
He’s nuts! Boom! #TheProfit pic.twitter.com/28C4C0q41G
— Tammy Motola ❤️ (@tmotola) June 20, 2018
“The Profit” airs every Tuesday at 10 p.m. on CNBC.
What are your thoughts on The Casery’s phone cases and designs? How did you feel about Matt’s attitude? Do you think Lemonis will end up doing a deal with Charlotte and Skyler? Sound off in the comments section below!