Let’s talk about a company that made quite a splash on Shark Tank. Known initially as Millet Tots, the company rebranded and is now called Rollin Greens. The founders, Ryan and Lindsey Cunningham, created a sensation with their innovative plant-based foods that cater to the growing trend of healthy, sustainable eating.
Their journey from a small startup to a million-dollar company is both inspiring and instructive. So, let’s take a closer look at their story.
The Millet Tots Shark Tank Pitch and Deal
Back in Season 11 of Shark Tank, Ryan and Lindsey Cunningham took the stage with confidence. Their proposal was bold: they were seeking $500,000 for a 10% stake in their company, valuing it at a whopping $5 million. Their product, Millet Tots, was a unique and healthier version of the traditional tater tots made from millet, a nutrient-rich grain.
The Sharks were intrigued by this unique twist on a beloved snack, but it was Robert Herjavec who saw the most potential. He offered the $500,000 they were asking for, but in return, he wanted a 20% stake in the company. The Cunninghams agreed to this deal on the show.
However, as sometimes happens in the high-stakes world of investment, the deal did not close after the show. But this didn’t deter the entrepreneurial spirit of the Cunninghams. They were ready for the hurdles and prepared to face them head-on.
Is Millet Tots Still in Business?
You bet they are! But they’re not just surviving; they’re thriving. Despite the setback with the Shark Tank deal, the Cunninghams have successfully grown their business, taking full advantage of the “Shark Tank effect” that boosted their sales.
Before their TV appearance, Rollin Greens had made $320,000 in sales in 2018 and projected to make $700,000 in 2019. But after their episode aired, their sales skyrocketed, tripling to a mind-blowing $2.1 million in just three weeks! Now, their annual revenue ranges between $4 to $5 million. Quite an impressive jump, wouldn’t you say?
But that’s not all. The company has expanded its product line beyond millet tots. They’ve pivoted to focus on plant-based meat alternatives, including ground taco meat, chorizo, and a plant-based chicken that has won accolades. These products are now available in over 5,000 stores across the country, including giants like Walmart, Wegman’s, and Whole Foods. They also sell online through QVC, Thrive Market, and their own website.
This successful pivot and expansion have led to recognition and awards. In 2021, Rollin Greens was named QVC’s Best Plant-Based Food. They also won the best alternative meat category in the 2024 BrandSpark awards for their plant-based chicken.
Today, Rollin Greens is a thriving business with an estimated net worth of $3.33 million, celebrating 13 years of operation in January 2024. So, despite the initial deal with Robert Herjavec not closing, the company has proven that with persistence, creativity, and a great product, success is indeed achievable.
The Current Updates
Rollin Greens, the company which initially captured attention with its innovative product, Millet Tots, on Shark Tank, has continued to evolve and grow. They’ve channeled their passion for plant-based foods into a thriving business that caters to the growing trend of healthy, sustainable eating.
Despite the initial deal with Robert Herjavec not closing post the show, this didn’t dampen the spirits of the Cunninghams. Instead, they took it in their stride and leveraged the exposure they received on the show to boost their sales and extend their reach. This is a classic example of how an entrepreneur’s resilience can turn a seemingly disappointing situation into a golden opportunity.
Moreover, the company has successfully pivoted from focusing solely on millet tots to introducing an array of plant-based meat alternatives. This was a strategic move on their part to tap into the burgeoning market for plant-based meat substitutes. Their innovative product line now includes ground taco meat, chorizo, and plant-based chicken, all of which are garnering praise from consumers and critics alike.
Rollin Greens’ products are now available in over 5,000 stores across the country, including big names like Walmart, Wegman’s, and Whole Foods. They’ve also made their presence felt in the online market, selling their products through QVC, Thrive Market, and their own website. This extensive distribution network has played a crucial role in their success story.
Millet Tots’s Net Worth
Rollin Greens, formerly known as Millet Tots, is currently worth around $3.33 million. This is a significant achievement considering the company’s humble beginnings and the initial setback they experienced with the Shark Tank deal. The company’s worth is a reflection of its steady sales, innovative product line, and strong market presence.
Moreover, Rollin Greens’ value isn’t just monetary. The company has also earned respect and recognition in the industry for its commitment to providing healthy and delicious plant-based alternatives. In 2021, they were named QVC’s Best Plant-Based Food. They also won the best alternative meat category in the 2024 BrandSpark awards for their plant-based chicken.
Impact of Millet Tots Appearance on Shark Tank
Appearing on Shark Tank was a turning point for the Cunninghams. While the deal they made on the show didn’t close, the exposure they received was invaluable. In the weeks following their TV appearance, the company’s sales tripled from what was projected, going from $700,000 to an impressive $2.1 million. This surge in sales is often referred to as the “Shark Tank effect,” and it’s helped many businesses, including Rollin Greens, boost their sales and brand recognition.
Moreover, the experience also provided the Cunninghams with priceless insights into the business world and valuable feedback on their product. They took these learnings to heart and used them to refine their business model and product line. Today, they are a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the courage to dream big.
Millet Tots Business Overview
Rollin Greens, previously known as Millet Tots, is a success story born from the entrepreneurial spirit of Ryan and Lindsey Cunningham. Their journey began with a single product, the millet tots, which were a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots. Recognizing the growing trend of health-conscious consumers, they innovated a product that was both nutritious and delicious.
Despite making an initial deal with Robert Herjavec on Shark Tank, the agreement fell through after the show. However, this did not deter the Cunninghams. They used the platform to their advantage, leveraging the exposure to boost their sales and extend their reach. The aftermath of their Shark Tank appearance is often referred to as the “Shark Tank effect,” where sales skyrocketed, tripling to a staggering $2.1 million in just three weeks.
Rollin Greens didn’t stop at millet tots. Realizing the increasing market demand for plant-based meat substitutes, they expanded their product line to include ground taco meat, chorizo, and plant-based chicken. This strategic move has been well received, as reflected in the company’s growing sales and revenue. Today, their products are available in over 5,000 stores nationwide and through various online platforms.
The company has also garnered industry recognition for their commitment to providing healthy and delicious plant-based alternatives. In 2021, Rollin Greens was named QVC’s Best Plant-Based Food, and in 2024, they bagged the award for the best alternative meat category by BrandSpark. This recognition, coupled with their strong market presence, contributes to their current net worth of around $3.33 million.
Conclusion
The journey of Rollin Greens is a testament to the power of resilience in the face of setbacks. Their story serves as an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs, demonstrating that persistence and a deep understanding of market trends can turn a small startup into a multi-million dollar company.
Despite the initial hiccup with the Shark Tank deal, Rollin Greens has proven that success is not just about securing investment. It’s about having a great product, understanding your market, and maintaining the grit and determination to keep pushing forward, even when things don’t go as planned. The Cunninghams have indeed done that and continue to thrive in the plant-based food industry.
So, whether you’re a fan of their products or an aspiring entrepreneur, the story of Rollin Greens offers valuable lessons. It’s a story of innovation, resilience, strategic thinking, and, ultimately, success. And it’s a story that continues to unfold, as Rollin Greens continues to grow and evolve in response to the ever-changing market demands.
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