Did you know a simple $45 car accessory led to a $3 million deal on Shark Tank? The Moki Doorstep, a clever device that hooks onto a car’s door latch, changed how people access their vehicle’s roof. This innovative product raised over $110,000 on Kickstarter and caught Daymond John’s eye on Shark Tank, leading to an unexpected outcome.
Alyssa and Zachary Brown entered Shark Tank seeking $150,000 for 5% of their company. They pitched the Moki Doorstep, a car step made for $10.50 and sold for $44.95. Their journey from firefighter and nurse to entrepreneurs highlighted the product’s potential to solve a common problem for car owners.
The Browns’ Shark Tank appearance took a surprising turn when Daymond John made an offer. Instead of a traditional investment, John proposed buying the entire company for $3 million. This deal would change the path of Moki Doorstep and its creators.
Key Takeaways
- Moki Doorstep raised over $110,000 on Kickstarter before Shark Tank
- The product costs $10.50 to make and sells for $44.95
- Alyssa and Zachary Brown initially sought $150,000 for 5% equity
- Daymond John offered to buy the entire company for $3 million
- The deal marked one of Shark Tank’s most unexpected outcomes
The Innovative Concept Behind Moki Doorstep
The Moki Doorstep is a game-changer for car roof access. It’s named after the ancient Pueblo people’s carved footholds. This device hooks onto a car’s door latch, creating a sturdy step about three feet off the ground. It’s a simple yet brilliant solution for anyone struggling to reach their vehicle’s roof rack.
Zach Brown, the inventor, drew inspiration from his firefighting background. He wanted to solve a common problem. The Moki step provides a safe and comfortable way to access roof-mounted gear. It’s especially beneficial for shorter individuals and outdoor enthusiasts.
Made of solid aluminum and later upgraded with a rubber coating for extra stability, this compact tool has quickly become a must-have for many drivers.
The Moki Doorstep’s success story is remarkable. It started with a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $116,000, far exceeding its initial $2,000 goal. This overwhelming response highlighted the product’s potential and the widespread need for such a practical vehicle accessory. The innovative concept caught the attention of major retailers and even landed a spot on Shark Tank, cementing its place in the automotive accessory industry.
- Provides easy car roof access
- Compact and portable design
- Fits most vehicle models
- Enhances safety for loading and unloading
The Moki Doorstep’s clever design and practicality have earned it recognition as one of the top five “must-have” auto accessories of 2018. Its success proves that sometimes, the simplest ideas can have the biggest impact on our daily lives.
Meet the Inventors: Alyssa and Zachary Brown
Alyssa and Zachary Brown, a dynamic duo, turned a personal challenge into a thriving business. Their journey from emergency services to entrepreneurship shows the power of innovation and determination.
From Firefighter and Nurse to Entrepreneurs
Zachary Brown, an American firefighter and paramedic, and Alyssa Brown, an emergency room nurse, came together. They used their unique perspectives to create the Moki Doorstep. Their careers in high-stress environments sharpened their problem-solving skills, which were key in their entrepreneurial journey.
The Inspiration for Moki Doorstep
The idea for the Moki Doorstep came from a simple problem. Alyssa, at 5’0″, found it hard to reach the roof rack of their car. This challenge inspired Zachary to create a solution for people of all heights to easily access their vehicle’s roof.
Kickstarter Success Story
The Browns’ journey took off with a Kickstarter campaign. Their innovative product caught the attention of backers, raising $110,736 – well above their $2,000 goal. This support confirmed their idea and prepared them for Shark Tank.
| Moki Doorstep Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Length | 8.75 inches |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs |
| Material | Aircraft aluminum, powder-coated |
| Unique Feature | Large enough for two feet |
| Additional Features | Rubber bumpers, divots for rainwater drainage |
How Moki Doorstep Works
The Moki Doorstep is a clever device that attaches to your car’s door striker. It can hold up to 2200 pounds. This makes getting to your car’s roof easy for everyone, no matter the car model.
Here’s how it works:
- Open your car door
- Locate the car door striker (the metal piece on the door frame)
- Slide the Moki Doorstep onto the striker
- Use the sturdy platform to step up and reach your roof
This invention is a big help for outdoor lovers. It gives you a solid place to stand when loading gear like skis, kayaks, or bikes. It’s safer than standing on your car’s tires or seats.
The Moki Doorstep is small, so it fits in your glove box or door pocket. It’s built to last, making it a great friend for your adventures. Say goodbye to the hard part of reaching your car’s roof and hello to easy loading and unloading.
Moki Doorstep Shark Tank Pitch
The Moki Doorstep Shark Tank pitch was full of ups and downs. Alyssa and Zach Brown came in hoping to get $150,000 for 5% of their car accessory business.
Initial Ask and Product Demonstration
The Browns started by showing off the Moki Doorstep’s ease of use. They asked Lori Greiner to try it, showing how it opens car roofs quickly. The Sharks were amazed by its smart design.
Surprising Revelations
Zach shared some big news during the pitch. Their Kickstarter campaign had made $110,000 in just 30 days. They also mentioned talks for a $3 million deal with a car roof rack company over seven years.
Unexpected Turn of Events
Things took a surprising turn when selling the whole company was mentioned. This idea caught the Sharks’ attention, leading to many offers and talks.
| Original Ask | Daymond’s Offer | Final Deal |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 for 5% | $450,000 for 20% | $3 million for 100% |
The Moki Doorstep Shark Tank pitch was unforgettable. It ended with a $3 million offer for the whole company. This was much more than their initial $150,000 for 5% equity.
Daymond John’s Surprising Offer
Daymond John made a big surprise on Shark Tank with his offer for Moki Doorstep. The Browns wanted $150,000 for 5% of their company, worth $3 million. Daymond offered $450,000 for 20% equity, but then things got even more interesting.
Zachary Brown suggested selling the whole company. Daymond then offered $3 million for 100% of Moki Doorstep. This deal also included taking on a royalty to Zachary’s uncle, who had helped with the start-up and patent.
This deal made the Browns millionaires right away. It was one of the biggest deals in Season 10. The negotiation showed Daymond’s smart business skills and the Browns’ bold move for their company’s future.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Ask | $150,000 for 5% equity |
| Company Valuation | $3 million |
| Daymond’s First Offer | $450,000 for 20% equity |
| Final Deal | $3 million for 100% ownership |
This deal showed Moki Doorstep’s potential and Daymond’s faith in it. The Browns’ choice to sell everything was a big moment in Shark Tank history. It showed how appearing on the show can change lives.
The $3 Million Deal: Selling the Entire Company
The Shark Tank negotiation for Moki Doorstep took an unexpected turn. Zachary and Alyssa Brown were looking for $150,000 for 5% equity, valuing their company at $3 million. They didn’t expect their pitch to lead to a complete buyout offer.
Negotiation Process
The negotiation was intense. Daymond John first offered $450,000 for 20% equity, but the Browns didn’t budge. Seeing a chance, Daymond made a bold move. He offered to buy the whole company for $3 million, matching the Browns’ valuation.
Final Agreement Terms
Zachary Brown quickly accepted Daymond’s $3 million offer. The deal included Daymond handling royalty payments to Zachary’s uncle. This showed the Browns were ready to leave their business for the right price.
| Initial Ask | Final Deal |
|---|---|
| $150,000 for 5% equity | $3 million for 100% ownership |
| $3 million valuation | Complete buyout |
Although initially reported as closed, later updates showed the deal with Daymond didn’t happen. Despite this, Moki Doorstep’s Shark Tank appearance greatly increased its visibility. It sold over 150,000 units and partnered with Rightline Gear.
Post-Shark Tank Success
After appearing on Shark Tank, Moki Doorstep’s journey took an unexpected turn. Despite not getting a deal with Daymond John, the Browns found another way to succeed.
Licensing Deal with Rightline Gear
Moki Doorstep made a licensing deal with Rightline Gear, a company that makes outdoor gear. This partnership was a big change. The Browns no longer make the product themselves. They rely on Rightline Gear for production and distribution.
Retail Expansion
The deal with Rightline Gear led to big retail success. Moki Doorstep is now sold in major stores. You can buy it on Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, Duluth Trading Co, and Pep-boys.
This growth brought in sales of $500,000 to $1 million a year. The product’s price shows its success. Each unit costs $10.50 to make and sells for $44.95.
| Retailer | Product Cost | Selling Price | Profit Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $10.50 | $44.95 | 76.6% |
| Dick’s Sporting Goods | $10.50 | $44.95 | 76.6% |
| REI | $10.50 | $44.95 | 76.6% |
| Duluth Trading Co | $10.50 | $44.95 | 76.6% |
| Pep-boys | $10.50 | $44.95 | 76.6% |
The deal with Rightline Gear guarantees $3 million over 7 years plus a 12.5% royalty. This shows the product’s strong market potential. In a surprising move, MacNeill Pride Group bought Rightline Gear in November 2021. This move further strengthens Moki Doorstep’s market position.
Challenges and Triumphs in the Market
The Moki Doorstep faced big challenges after Shark Tank. Product knockoffs filled the market. Zachary Brown, the co-inventor, worked hard to remove thousands of infringing listings from Amazon. This fight against copycats showed the need for strong patent protection in the car accessory world.
But Moki Doorstep didn’t give up. The company made a deal with Rightline Gear, growing its market. This partnership let Moki Doorstep focus on new ideas while using Rightline Gear’s wide reach.
The product’s success is clear in its sales. In just two weeks after Shark Tank, Moki Doorstep made $1 million. This fast growth shows how much people want the product.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight Capacity | 2,500 pounds of vertical force |
| Kickstarter Funds Raised | Over $100,000 |
| Initial Shark Tank Ask | $150,000 for 5% equity |
| Daymond John’s Offer | $3 million for entire company |
Moki Doorstep’s story highlights the value of patent protection and smart partnerships. By staying focused on quality and new ideas, the company became a top name in easy car access solutions.
Impact on the Automotive Accessory Industry
Moki Doorstep changed the game in the automotive accessory world. It solved a big problem for people who are shorter and love the outdoors. This product showed how simple ideas can make a big difference in making cars more accessible.
Addressing a Common Problem
The Moki Doorstep’s success showed there’s a big need for useful car accessories. It raised $110,000 on Kickstarter in just a month, selling about 3,000 units. This was a clear sign of its popularity and potential in the market.
The company didn’t stop there. At the New England Camping and RV Expo, it made $6,000 in just a weekend. This success led to deals with big names like REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Duluth Trading Post. This helped Moki Doorstep reach more people in the car accessory world.
Safety Considerations
Moki Doorstep made car safety a top priority in the industry. It used the car door striker to create a safe way to access roof racks. This focus on safety made other companies think about adding similar features to their products.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Market Demand | $110,000 in Kickstarter sales |
| Retail Expansion | Partnerships with REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Duluth Trading Post |
| Industry Recognition | Featured on Shark Tank, The View, Good Morning America |
| Intellectual Property | Removed 9,000+ knockoff listings |
Moki Doorstep’s journey from a Kickstarter hit to a well-known brand shows the power of innovation in cars. It’s not just about making money. It’s about making cars better for everyone, focusing on safety and ease of use.
Conclusion
The Moki Doorstep’s story on Shark Tank is truly remarkable. It was featured in a season with 23 episodes and many different pitches. Alyssa and Zachary Brown’s car accessory caught the eye of both the Sharks and the audience.
Getting to the tank is a big deal, with over 35,000 entrepreneurs applying each season. The Browns not only made it but also got a deal that changed their lives. Their $3 million buyout from Daymond John is one of the biggest in Shark Tank history.
The Moki Doorstep’s journey from Kickstarter to national stores shows how entrepreneurship has changed. Despite facing patent issues, the product’s success story inspires many. It proves that innovation, hard work, and Shark Tank can make dreams come true.
FAQ
What is Moki Doorstep?
Who invented Moki Doorstep?
How does Moki Doorstep work?
What was the Moki Doorstep pitch on Shark Tank?
What deal did Daymond John offer for Moki Doorstep?
Did the Moki Doorstep deal with Daymond John go through?
How did Moki Doorstep find success after Shark Tank?
FAQ
What is Moki Doorstep?
Moki Doorstep is a step that hooks onto a car door latch. It makes getting to the roof easy. It’s great for shorter people and outdoor fans to safely load and unload from their car’s roof or roof rack.
Who invented Moki Doorstep?
Alyssa and Zachary Brown, an emergency room nurse and a firefighter, created Moki Doorstep. Their jobs in emergency services helped shape the product’s safety focus.
How does Moki Doorstep work?
It attaches to the car door striker, which can hold up to 2200 pounds. This gives a stable platform for easy access to the car roof or roof rack.
What was the Moki Doorstep pitch on Shark Tank?
The Browns asked for 0,000 for 5% equity on Shark Tank. They showed off the product, impressing the Sharks with its smart design.
What deal did Daymond John offer for Moki Doorstep?
Daymond John first offered 0,000 for 20% equity. Later, he proposed buying 100% of the company for million if they sold the whole business.
Did the Moki Doorstep deal with Daymond John go through?
The deal with Daymond was initially reported as done. But later, it was revealed that it didn’t actually happen.
How did Moki Doorstep find success after Shark Tank?
After Shark Tank, Moki Doorstep got a deal with Rightline Gear. This led to wide retail distribution and sales of 0,000-
FAQ
What is Moki Doorstep?
Moki Doorstep is a step that hooks onto a car door latch. It makes getting to the roof easy. It’s great for shorter people and outdoor fans to safely load and unload from their car’s roof or roof rack.
Who invented Moki Doorstep?
Alyssa and Zachary Brown, an emergency room nurse and a firefighter, created Moki Doorstep. Their jobs in emergency services helped shape the product’s safety focus.
How does Moki Doorstep work?
It attaches to the car door striker, which can hold up to 2200 pounds. This gives a stable platform for easy access to the car roof or roof rack.
What was the Moki Doorstep pitch on Shark Tank?
The Browns asked for $150,000 for 5% equity on Shark Tank. They showed off the product, impressing the Sharks with its smart design.
What deal did Daymond John offer for Moki Doorstep?
Daymond John first offered $450,000 for 20% equity. Later, he proposed buying 100% of the company for $3 million if they sold the whole business.
Did the Moki Doorstep deal with Daymond John go through?
The deal with Daymond was initially reported as done. But later, it was revealed that it didn’t actually happen.
How did Moki Doorstep find success after Shark Tank?
After Shark Tank, Moki Doorstep got a deal with Rightline Gear. This led to wide retail distribution and sales of $500,000-$1 million a year.
What challenges did Moki Doorstep face in the market?
The company faced knockoff products, with over 9,000 infringing listings removed from Amazon. They worked hard to protect their ideas.
How did Moki Doorstep impact the automotive accessory industry?
Moki Doorstep solved a big problem in the industry, especially for shorter people and outdoor fans. It showed the need for new, safe ways to access vehicles.
million a year.
What challenges did Moki Doorstep face in the market?
The company faced knockoff products, with over 9,000 infringing listings removed from Amazon. They worked hard to protect their ideas.
How did Moki Doorstep impact the automotive accessory industry?
Moki Doorstep solved a big problem in the industry, especially for shorter people and outdoor fans. It showed the need for new, safe ways to access vehicles.