Shark Tank Fire Hose Connector (Hy-Conn Water Hose Connector) Update

Shark Tank Fire Hose Connector (Hy-Conn Water Hose Connector) Update | Season 2 Episode 8

Jeff Stroope, a full-time firefighter, entered Shark Tank Season 2, Episode 8, with his invention, the Hy-Conn Water Hose Connector—a quick-connect device designed to help firefighters save precious seconds when connecting fire hoses to hydrants.

Hy-Conn Water Hose Connector is a quick-connect device designed for fire hydrants, enabling faster and more efficient connections without the need for tools or adapters.

During the pitch, Jeff sought $500,000 for 40% equity but ultimately secured a deal with Mark Cuban for $1.25 million for 100% of the company, which included a $100,000 annual salary for Jeff and a 7.5% royalty on sales.

However, the deal fell through due to disagreements over licensing and operational control, leading to a significant setback for the company.

After the Shark Tank appearance, Jeff partnered with 101 Ventures to resume manufacturing and distribution efforts. The company re-emerged at the Fire Department Instructors Conference in 2024, showcasing its products and actively seeking to establish a wholesale program for retailers and specialty shops.

As of 2024, Hy-Conn’s hose connectors are available for wholesale through their website, allowing businesses to apply for partnerships and access competitive pricing, marketing support, and logistics options.

This move aims to expand their market reach in the firefighting and household applications sectors.

What is Hy-Conn? How Does it Work?

Hy-Conn is a quick-connect device that allows firefighters to connect hoses to fire hydrants in under three seconds, compared to the traditional 30 seconds. The device was designed to save time, which is critical in emergency firefighting situations, potentially reducing the loss of life and property.

The system is also adaptable for homeowners, with a garden hose version, making it a versatile product for both municipal and personal use.

This innovation stemmed from Jeff Stroope’s experience as a firefighter, where he realized the inefficiency of existing hose-connecting systems. The Hy-Conn uses a fast-clamping mechanism to securely attach hoses to hydrants, ensuring a strong and immediate water connection.

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Hy-Conn Fire Hose Connector Shark Tank Episode 8 Season 2: What Happened at Shark Tank Pitch?

During his Shark Tank Season 2 appearance, Jeff entered the tank in his firefighting gear, looking for $500,000 in exchange for 40% equity.

He demonstrated the Hy-Conn’s effectiveness by performing a side-by-side test with a traditional hose connector. The sharks were impressed with how the Hy-Conn drastically reduced the connection time, a potentially life-saving feature.

While Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran were not interested, citing concerns about the market size and potential, Mark Cuban saw significant potential. He offered Jeff $1.25 million for 100% equity in Hy-Conn, along with a 3-year employment agreement, a $100,000 annual salary, and 7.5% royalties on future profits.

Jeff accepted the deal on the spot, choosing Cuban’s generous offer over a counter from Kevin O’Leary, who only wanted the garden hose adapter portion of the business.

Hy-Conn Shark Tank Pitch Summary

What Happened to Hy-Conn Fire Hose Connector After Shark Tank?

While Jeff accepted Mark Cuban’s $1.25 million offer on the show, the deal never closed. During post-show negotiations, Cuban proposed a licensing model rather than a direct manufacturing role. This new direction would have made Jeff redundant in his own company, something he wasn’t willing to accept. As a result, Jeff and Cuban parted ways.

Without Cuban’s backing, Hy-Conn struggled to fulfill its orders and faced challenges with production. Several years passed without major traction, and the company’s social media presence became sporadic. However, in 2014, Jeff partnered with Innovate Arkansas and 101 Ventures, which provided some financial backing. Despite these partnerships, Hy-Conn didn’t gain the market dominance Jeff had initially hoped for.

The company went quiet by 2019, and many assumed it had shut down. However, in 2024, Hy-Conn resurfaced when Jeff exhibited the product at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC), marking its re-entry into the firefighting equipment market.

Hy-Conn Fire Hose Connector Shark Tank Update 2024

As of April 2024, Hy-Conn is back in production. Jeff Stroope reintroduced the product at the FDIC (Fire Department Instructors Conference), and the company’s website is operational again.

While Hy-Conn’s products are no longer available for direct online purchase, interested customers must contact Jeff directly to place orders. This shift indicates that Hy-Conn is still operating, albeit on a smaller scale than initially anticipated after the Shark Tank episode.

Jeff Stroope, while continuing to run Hy-Conn, has taken on a new role as a Tool & Die Shop Manager at D&M Holding Company, an ammunition manufacturer in Arkansas. This dual career suggests that while Hy-Conn is not yet a full-time endeavor, it’s still in business and slowly rebuilding its market presence.

How Much Is Hy-Conn Fire Hose Connector Worth?

Though there is no official figure for Hy-Conn’s current net worth, the company’s earlier valuation stood at $1.25 million. Since the deal with Mark Cuban fell through, and given the intermittent production, it is unclear whether the company has reached profitability. However, Hy-Conn’s return to market in 2024 suggests that Jeff remains optimistic about the product’s future potential.

Is Hy-Conn Fire Hose Connector Still in Business?

Yes, as of April 2024, Hy-Conn is still in business. The company re-emerged at the Fire Department Instructors Conference, indicating that the product is once again available for purchase, though customers need to contact Jeff directly for orders. While it’s unclear how large the business currently is, the re-entry into the firefighting industry shows that Hy-Conn is still alive and has potential for growth in the future.

Which Episode & Season Number was Hy-Conn  Fire Hose Connector Shark Tank?

Hy-Conn was featured on Shark Tank Season 2, Episode 8, which aired on April 29, 2011. Jeff Stroope pitched his quick-connect water hose system for firefighters and homeowners and accepted a $1.25 million deal with Mark Cuban for 100% equity, though the deal later fell through.

FAQs

What is Hy-Conn?
Hy-Conn is a quick-connect device for fire hydrants and garden hoses, designed to reduce the time it takes to connect hoses to water sources.

Did Hy-Conn get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes, Hy-Conn secured a deal with Mark Cuban for $1.25 million for 100% equity, but the deal fell through during post-show negotiations.

Is Hy-Conn still in business?
Yes, as of April 2024, Hy-Conn is still in business, and Jeff Stroope reintroduced the product at the Fire Department Instructors Conference.

How much is Hy-Conn worth?
While Hy-Conn was valued at $1.25 million during its Shark Tank appearance, its current net worth is unclear due to production challenges and changes in the business model.

Why did the Hy-Conn deal with Mark Cuban fall through?
The deal fell through because Mark Cuban wanted to license the product rather than manufacture it directly, a direction Jeff Stroope disagreed with.