R. Riveter: Shark Tank Update After the Show - Season 7 (2024 Update) (2024)

R. Riveter, a company founded by military wives Cameron Cruse and Lisa Bradley, made their memorable pitch on Season 7 of the popular business investment show Shark Tank. Addressing the challenges associated with frequent relocations that military families face, the duo established a thriving business producing hand-made leather bags. Seeking capital to grow their business further, they entered the Tank offering 20% equity in exchange for $100,000.

During the pitch, Lisa and Cameron emphasized the importance of the strong community of military wives working together to create unique and stylish products. The business’s name and ethos are inspired by the iconic figure of Rosie the Riveter and her empowering “We Can Do It” motto. The pitch impressed the Sharks, leading to a successful deal with Mark Cuban for $100,000 in exchange for 20% equity, and a line of credit.

The appearance on Shark Tank in 2016 not only provided the investment they sought but also garnered the attention of a wider audience, fueling significant growth for R. Riveter. Over the years, the business has expanded its team of remote workers and built a reputable brand, embodying the spirit of resilience, hard work, and independence.

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Overview of R. Riveter and Shark Tank

The Founders: Cameron Cruse and Lisa Bradley

R. Riveter is a handbag company that was founded by military wives Cameron Cruse and Lisa Bradley. The two started the business with the goal of providing stable employment for military spouses, who often struggle to find consistent work due to frequent relocations. Their innovative idea and passion for supporting their fellow military families caught the attention of the investors on Shark Tank.

In Season 7 of the popular business investment show, Cruse and Bradley presented their pitch to the sharks, offering a 20 percent equity stake in R. Riveter for a cash investment of $100,000. Billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban saw the potential of their business and decided to invest. This partnership not only provided R. Riveter with the necessary funds to grow but also gave the company a valuable mentor in Cuban.

Since their appearance on Shark Tank, R. Riveter has experienced significant growth. The company now has:

  • Storefronts in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Columbus, Ohio
  • Two 5,000-square foot manufacturing centers
  • A four-year track record of success post-Shark Tank

Moreover, R. Riveter was recognized on Shark Tank’s “Greatest of All-Time” episode in February 2020, which featured the show’s most successful products. This recognition serves as a testament to the hard work of both Cruse and Bradley as well as their dedication to supporting military families.

As R. Riveter continues to expand, its impact on the military community grows as well, providing employment opportunities and stable incomes for military spouses. With the help of Shark Tank and Mark Cuban, the company has become a symbol of empowerment and success for military families.

The R. Riveter Handbags and Accessories

R. Riveter is an American company that manufactures handbags and accessories inspired by the iconic Rosie the Riveter image and the “We Can Do It!” motto. The business was pitched on Shark Tank by entrepreneurs Cameron Cruse and Lisa Bradley in Season 7.

Heritage Bags

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The R. Riveter product line consists of unique, functional handbags that stand out for their look and history. The Heritage Bags are made from a mix of upcycled military materials such as green canvas, black waxed canvas, USMA wool, and brown leather. The design of these bags pays homage to the military community and to the resilient spirit of military spouses.

Remote Riveters

One of the distinctive aspects of R. Riveter’s business is the employment of military spouses, who are referred to as “Remote Riveters”. Due to the frequent relocations of military families, these spouses face challenges in finding stable employment. To address this, R. Riveter has a network of Remote Riveters stationed throughout the country who work on the construction of the handbags and accessories. The final assembly of their products takes place in North Carolina and a facility in Florida. This unique business model not only addresses an employment issue but also promotes a strong, tight-knit community of skilled workers.

These high-quality handbags and accessories, coupled with the remarkable story of empowering military spouses, make R. Riveter a company that stands out in today’s market. The founders successfully secured an investment from Mark Cuban on Shark Tank, receiving $100,000 for 20% equity, which has contributed to the continued growth and expansion of the company.

Production and Manufacturing

Unique Production Model

R. Riveter, a company founded by military spouses Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse, has developed a unique production model to support military families. The founders realized that military families typically move every 3 years, making it challenging for spouses to maintain steady employment. To address this issue, R. Riveter’s production model leverages a network of military spouses, empowering them with employment opportunities and a sense of community.

The company’s products, including hand-made leather bags, are crafted by military spouses who work remotely from their homes. This model allows for flexibility and is well-suited to the transient nature of military families, who often relocate due to service requirements.

Manufacturing Centers

In addition to its network of home-based military spouses, R. Riveter operates two manufacturing centers located in Southern Pines, North Carolina. These 5,000-square foot facilities house the company’s core operations, including product assembly, shipping, and quality control. The locations were chosen not only for their proximity to large military installations, but also for the support and resources they offer to military families and army wives in the area.

The manufacturing centers serve as a central hub for receiving and distributing materials, as well as coordinating with the remote team of military spouses. This system enables R. Riveter to maintain a high level of quality in its products, while providing a reliable employment opportunity for military spouses who may otherwise struggle to find stable work due to their frequent relocations.

R. Riveter’s Business Strategy

Marketing and Online Presence

R. Riveter employs a strong online marketing presence to reach their target audience, centering around their unique brand and mission. They began their journey with a successful Kickstarter campaign, which generated significant buzz and gathered support from the Kickstarter community. Following this, R. Riveter developed their online presence further through various social media platforms and other digital channels for promotion.

Their partnership with Mark Cuban, which resulted from their appearance on Shark Tank in 2016, gave their online marketing efforts an additional boost. This led to increased exposure and further growth in their customer base.

Retail Locations and Expansion

Since Shark Tank, R. Riveter has experienced remarkable growth and expansion. It now has storefronts in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Columbus, Ohio, serving as both retail locations and manufacturing centers. These physical locations have a dual role in promoting the brand and enabling the production of their unique hand-made leather bags.

Additionally, R. Riveter established a 5,000-square foot manufacturing facility in Wauchula, Florida, which further indicates its commitment to expansion and production capabilities. The flagship store in Southern Pines serves as the symbol of their brand, showcasing their commitment to supporting military families and their communities.

While not directly available on Amazon, the company has managed to increase its annual revenue, partly through the support of their ever-growing online community. With continued strategic expansion efforts and a strong focus on their core values, R. Riveter is poised for further success and expansion in the coming years.

Shark Tank Funding and Partnerships

The Sharks’ Offers

During their appearance on Shark Tank, R. Riveter’s founders Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse presented their business model and goals. They sought an investment of $100,000 for a 20% equity stake in their company. The handbag business, which employs military spouses and utilizes upcycled military materials, gained significant attention from the sharks.

Mark Cuban, seeing the potential in R. Riveter’s social mission and unique products, offered a deal of $100,000 for a 20% equity stake in the company. This deal aligned with the original terms that Lisa and Cameron had presented, and they accepted Mark’s offer.

Although other sharks like Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and Robert Herjavec showed interest in R. Riveter’s mission and business model, they ultimately did not make offers on the show. They expressed concerns around scalability, manufacturing capability, and competition within the handbag industry.

Following the Shark Tank deal in 2016, R. Riveter has experienced considerable growth. The company has expanded its product line, opened up physical stores in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Columbus, Ohio, as well as two 5,000-square foot manufacturing centers. This growth and accomplishments can be attributed to their partnership with Mark Cuban, who provided the funding and guidance needed for R. Riveter to scale.

Furthermore, R. Riveter’s collaboration with Combat Flip Flops, another Mark Cuban-backed Shark Tank company, has allowed both businesses to leverage each other’s strengths, reach a wider audience, and build on their shared commitment to supporting military families and veterans.

In conclusion, the Shark Tank funding and partnerships have played a crucial role in R. Riveter’s expansion and commitment to empowering military spouses, creating economic opportunities, and building a successful, mission-driven business.

Impact of R. Riveter’s Success

R. Riveter, a handbag company founded by Cameron Cruse and Lisa Bradley, has grown significantly since their appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2016. The company was created as a way to address the employment challenges faced by military spouses, who often struggle to find stable work due to frequent moves every 3 years.

Their innovative business model focuses on manufacturing hand-made leather bags, which are produced by military spouses across the United States. This flexible and mobile income source has provided a sustainable employment solution for many military families. After successfully securing a $100,000 investment for 20% equity and a line of credit from Mark Cuban, R. Riveter has expanded considerably over the years.

As a result of their Shark Tank appearance, R. Riveter has experienced a surge in sales. This growth allowed them to open two 5,000-square-foot manufacturing centers, providing more opportunities for military spouses to earn a consistent income. In addition, they have established storefronts in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Columbus, Ohio, further increasing their reach and fostering job opportunities.

R. Riveter’s success positively impacts military families, not only by directly employing military spouses but also by increasing awareness about the unique struggles they face. The company’s inspiring story gained public attention and shed light on the necessity of flexible employment options for people in similar situations.

In summary, R. Riveter’s expansion and success, since appearing on Shark Tank, have led to increased employment opportunities and financial stability for military spouses. Furthermore, their innovative approach has highlighted the employment challenges faced by military families and inspired broader discussions around creating more flexible job solutions for those in need.

Related Shark Tank Companies

During the same episode of Shark Tank that featured R. Riveter, several other companies presented their unique ideas:

  • Combat Flip Flops: Founded by two former Army Rangers, this company created a line of stylish and comfortable flip flops, as well as other accessories made in conflict zones by local people. The idea is to promote peace through economic opportunity. Combat Flip Flops secured a deal with three Sharks, including Mark Cuban, Daymond John, and Lori Greiner.
  • BearTek: This innovative company developed gloves with built-in controls that allow users to manage their devices through touch sensors. BearTek aimed to improve safety in various domains like motorcycling, skiing, and working with heavy machinery. Unfortunately, BearTek did not get a deal on Shark Tank, but it gained valuable exposure.
  • Major Mom: This is a professional organizing business started by a former Air Force officer. Major Mom helps customers declutter and organize their homes in a systematic manner. While Major Mom did not secure a deal on the show, it continued to grow and serve customers across various locations.
  • Bottle Breacher: A veteran-owned company that got a deal with Sharks Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban. Bottle Breacher repurposes .50 caliber ammunition into stylish and functional bottle openers. The company employs military veterans, providing them with job opportunities and support.

In conclusion, R. Riveter shared the spotlight with several innovative businesses on Shark Tank. From Combat Flip Flops to Bottle Breacher, these companies also aimed to have a positive impact on society while creating successful businesses. Their journeys since appearing on the show, including R. Riveter, serve as inspiration for future entrepreneurs.

R. Riveter: Shark Tank Update After the Show - Season 7 (2024 Update) (2024)

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