"That's business Barb" — When Kevin Hart swapped Barbara for Mark Cuban to win Shark Tank deal

Shark Tank's season 13 finale, aired on May 20, 2022, saw a rapid-fire negotiation for The Transformation Factory. Founder Alexiou Gibson walked into the Tank with impressive numbers - $3.5 million in sales from 11 months of operations, asking $500,000 for 5% equity.

Initially, Barbara Corcoran and Kevin Hart gave a combined offer. When Gibson countered with $800,000 for 20%, Barbara held firm on her original terms while Hart showed flexibility for $600,000.

In a sudden turn, another Shark Tank regular panelist, Mark Cuban, offered to join Hart in a deal. Kevin accepted without pause and replaced Barbara. As a result, Barbara voiced that he hadn't given her a chance to respond. In response, he stated:

"Well, that's business Barb."

Ultimately, The Transformation Factory secured a $600,000 investment from Kevin Hart and Mark Cuban for 20% equity.

---

Barbara Corcoran watched as Mark Cuban took her spot in $600,000 Shark Tank deal

Guest Shark Tank investor Kevin Hart made the opening move by offering $500,000 for 20% of The Transformation Factory. The company's financials backed up its valuation with proven market success and robust profit margins of 35%. Their sea moss gel products gained rapid market acceptance through online sales channels.

Barbara Corcoran matched Hart's initial terms, creating a potential joint venture scenario. The two Shark Tank investors discussed partnering, planning to split the investment evenly at $250,000 each for 10% equity apiece. Kevin O'Leary saw potential in the brand and stepped in with his own offer at $500,000 for 30% equity, mentioning distribution possibilities.

Gibson demonstrated strong negotiation skills during the pitch, presenting detailed sales data and market penetration statistics. His counter-offer pushed for $800,000 while maintaining the 20% equity stake, highlighting his company's growth trajectory and market position.

The sea moss products showed consistent sales growth through digital channels, with production costs at $4.15 for small jars retailing at $24.99.

Barbara Corcoran stood firm on her original position. The tension mounted as Kevin Hart showed flexibility, suggesting a middle-ground offer of $600,000 for 20% equity.

Mark Cuban's entry changed the entire negotiation dynamic. While Barbara Corcoran took some time to think about increasing her investment beyond the initial terms, Cuban recognized an opportunity.

He approached Kevin Hart with a partnership proposal, maintaining the $600,000 investment level for 20% equity that Hart had suggested. The switch happened rapidly on the Shark Tank floor, leaving Corcoran caught off guard as Cuban smoothly stepped into her position.

---

Results and growth

As per Shark Tank Blog, the deal with Hart and Cuban reached its final form in October 2022, kickstarting a period of substantial business expansion. The Transformation Factory's growth metrics told a compelling success story.

The company achieved $4 million in revenue in 2022, showing strong market acceptance of its sea moss gel products. In the three days following the episode's initial broadcast, the company generated sales equivalent to five months of regular business operations.

By November 2023, The Transformation Factory expanded into physical retail, opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Mangonia Park, Florida. Gibson's business acumen extended beyond product sales as he launched a summer internship program in Riviera Beach, Florida.

The company maintained its growth momentum through 2023, tracking to exceed its previous year's performance. The partnership with Hart and Cuban proved instrumental in scaling operations while maintaining product quality. Revenue figures continued climbing, reaching the significant milestone of $45 million in lifetime sales by May 2024.

---

Catch new episodes of Shark Tank on the ABC network.