The 21st episode of season 13 of Shark Tank was broadcast on May 2, 2022, featuring the innovative Handy Pan—a ceramic cooking pan equipped with a built-in stainless-steel strainer. Founders Josh Conway and Adam Chaudry entered the Shark Tank seeking a $10,000 investment in exchange for 20% equity in their company.
During their presentation, the Sharks quickly noted the duo’s sales figures, which were dishearteningly low at only $7,955. Lori Greiner, keen to uncover the root of their challenges, posed a direct question:
“Let’s just ask honestly, what do you think you did wrong?”
The entrepreneurs acknowledged that their marketing strategies were lacking, directly contributing to their stagnant sales growth. Despite some skepticism from the panel, Lori recognized the potential in Handy Pan and decided to step in with an offer.
Examining Handy Pan’s Shark Tank Pitch
Throughout their pitch, Josh and Adam depicted the Handy Pan as the ultimate solution for conveniently straining grease and other liquids while cooking. They emphasized its user-friendly design featuring a strainer that flips open at the press of a button.
Robert Herjavec was taken aback by their modest investment ask, commenting:
“One of the hardest things you can do is get on this show… and you’re looking for $10,000?”
Adam explained their decision for the low valuation was to facilitate a deal. When Barbara Corcoran probed further about their sales, Josh indicated that they had brought in $7,955.61 from a limited production run. Robert expressed concern:
“But $7,000, there’s got to be a bigger reason. I feel like you’re not telling us something.”
This raised further inquiries about their sales performance over three years. Adam clarified that they primarily relied on online sales channels and had yet to explore retail options.
As discussions continued, Lori pressed further into why their sales figures were so low. Josh candidly admitted:
“I think that we could have promoted it better with our online videos, advertising sales. That’s not an arena that either of us were in currently.”
Kevin O’Leary dismissed the product entirely, stating, “Nobody cares”and predicting it wouldn’t sell. However, Mark Cuban offered a different perspective, suggesting that the sales figures reflected ineffective marketing strategies, not a lack of demand.
When the conversation shifted to their advertising efforts, Josh revealed their minimal $553 investment in Facebook ads. Mark emphasized that selling directly online without substantial advertising guidance is incredibly challenging. Additionally, Lori pointed out that Handy Pan’s absence from Amazon was a significant oversight. She remarked:
“I think that you probably just didn’t have the right marketing savvy. When you’re cooking, if you could just do this and drain out the grease, Eureka.”
In discussing their backgrounds, Josh identified himself as a realtor, while Adam practiced law part-time and worked as a bartender. Mark jokingly noted, “What does that say about your attorney skills?”to which Adam responded humorously, “I need a break a few times a week.”
Ultimately, Lori Greiner saw the value in Handy Pan and extended her investment offer of $10,000 for 20% equity, asserting, “I have nothing to lose.”Josh and Adam accepted her proposal.
Update on Handy Pan Post-Shark Tank
In the immediate aftermath of their appearance on Shark Tank, demand for Handy Pan surged, leading to an immediate sellout of their inventory. Lori used her Twitter account on episode night to gauge interest, revealing that 72.3% of viewers were inclined to purchase the product.
Despite the initial excitement, Shark Tank Blogs reported that the deal with Lori did not materialize. By August 2022, Handy Pan had replenished its stock but was still absent from Amazon. The company’s social media updates ceased by December 2022.
As of March 2025, while Handy Pan’s website remains accessible, no recent advertising or social media activity is evident. Although the product is still listed on their site, there is no mention of their Shark Tank feature, and reliable revenue figures remain elusive.
For fans of the series, Shark Tank continues to air every Friday at 8 PM EST on ABC.