The season finale of "Shark Tank" started out fairly weak compared to past episodes but finished with one of the most impressive products and businesspeople ever seen by the panel. The episode gave two strong examples of entrepreneurs trying to enter difficult or inundated markets and gave two examples of people having completely original ideas. As always, important business lessons were shared.
The Low Points
Energy drinks and exercise equipment are two examples of inundated markets. It was hard not to believe that the only reason why the "Cougar" energy drink was featured on "Shark Tank" was because "Cougar Town" is on ABC. The exercise equipment might have fared better if it was featured on an episode when Lori Greiner was on the panel since she has the strongest connections to the infomercial world.
Daymond
While bidding on the Remix recycled shoe line, Daymond John showed a softer side for the second week in a row. In the previous episode, he ran out after the creator of a featured product to explain the plan in better detail and showed compassion. This week, while facing an entrepreneur who was concerned about passing his business on to his children, Daymond calmly explained that the lessons the budding businessman would learn from him could be passed on to his children so that they could become rich. By showing a softer side of the panel on "Shark Tank," the creators are able to humanize them instead of showing them as rich people on pedestals to be worshiped by the economically-strapped masses.
Unikey
"Shark Tank" is actually based off of a Canadian show called "Dragon's Den" which also features Robert Herjavec and Kevin O'Leary. Since I live in the Detroit area, I have access to Canadian broadcasting and have never missed an episode of "Dragon's Den." As a business consultant by trade, I would not be going on a limb by saying that the creator of the Unikey was one of the top five businesspeople I have seen on either version of the show. His product, preplanning, presentation, and ability to think quickly on his feet to make a strong business deal with the sharks place him on a higher level than almost any other entrepreneur to stand before the panels on "Shark Tank" or "Dragon's Den."
The season finale of "Shark Tank" ended on a high note with a product and entrepreneur who were strong enough to remind everyone that the American Dream is still alive and well. The continued push to humanize the sharks will come with rewards and could help to smooth over the misconceptions of the rich. Fans should be left looking forward to next season with eager anticipation.
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