ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

'Shark Tank' judge Kevin O'leary cries after hearing founder's story — then Lori surprises everyone

The emotional story behind the product even left the most ruthless shark in tears.
PUBLISHED MAR 4, 2025
Screenshots showing Kevin O'Leary and Lori Greiner on Shark Tank (Cover image source: YouTube | Shark Tank Global)
Screenshots showing Kevin O'Leary and Lori Greiner on Shark Tank (Cover image source: YouTube | Shark Tank Global)

"Shark Tank" isn't simply about connecting entrepreneurs to investors on TV, but the episodes also allow people to narrate their journeys, which resonate with viewers but, in some cases, leave sharks emotional as well. One such participant was Mike Gatow, one of the two co-founders of Legacy Shave, who made the judges cry with his company's heartwarming backstory. While the pitch was one of the most moving incidents on the show, it also showed that entrepreneurs can't score big without creating a superior product. 

Screenshot showin Mike Gatow making his pitch (Image source: YouTube/Shark Tank Global)
Screenshot showin Mike Gatow making his pitch (Image source: YouTube/Shark Tank Global)

Gatow walked into "Shark Tank" seeking a $300,000 investment for 10% of the company. He claimed that the firm's patented technology was ready to disrupt the $50 billion global shaving industry. To demonstrate the product, Gatow smeared one side of his face with shaving cream with his hand. He explained that the action did not exfoliate his skin and that he was pushing the hair down, which would lead to razor bumps and other problems. He stated that while the old-school shave brush was a great innovation in the shaving industry, people "don't have time" for it.

Screenshot showing Mike demonstrating the Legacy Shave
Screenshot showing Mike demonstrating the Legacy Shave (Image source: YouTube/Shark Tank Global)

He then pulled out his electronic shaving brush, which solves all issues. He pitched Legacy Shave as a modern shaving brush that fits on any shaving cream can. He showed how the brush automatically dispensed the shaving foam and spread it across the cheek. As he handed out samples, the Sharks praised their presentation. Robert Herjavec complimented the product as well before asking about the cost. Gatow shared that the can and brush sell for $24.95 and cost $5.39 to make, while the brush alone is priced at $19.95.

Screenshot showing Herjavec complimenting the product
Screenshot showing Herjavec complimenting the product (Image source: YouTube/Shark Tank Global)

Lori Greiner then asked the entrepreneur about how they came up with the idea. Gatow went on to share a story about his father, which left the Sharks in tears. The co-founder shared that he and his brother developed the product with their father; however, after assembling just 200 units, the boys lost interest. Seventeen years later, their father passed away from cancer, and when the two brothers were cleaning out his house, they discovered a message from beyond. 

Screenshot showing a picture of Gatow's father
Screenshot showing a picture of Gatow's father (Image source: YouTube/Shark Tank Global)

Gatow shared that 28 years after they came up with the idea, he discovered that their father had assembled all 3000 units of their product at home while going through chemotherapy to keep himself busy. He also left a note for the brothers, which said, "Don't wait. Life's short. Take the shot." The story struck an emotional chord with the Sharks as Kevin O'Leary was left in tears. He later told the entrepreneur that his story was one of the most moving that he had ever heard on the show.

Screenshot showing Kevin O'Leary tearing up
Screenshot showing Kevin O'Leary tearing up (Image source: YouTube/Shark Tank Global)

While the story left the judges emotional, the money-minded Sharks couldn't rely on sentiments alone. Barbara Corcoran said that the deal wasn’t for her, and so she dropped out. Mark Cuban praised the innovation but wasn't impressed with the numbers, thus, he dropped out as well.

Screenshot showing Corcoran trying the product
Screenshot showing Corcoran trying the product (Image source: YouTube/Shark Tank Global)

O'Leary, who was moved by the presentation, also expressed concerns about the declining sales and the highly competitive nature of the market before dropping out. Herjavec followed suit and dropped out as well, leaving Gatow with just one shark. Greiner chose to focus on the product's strengths and offered the brother a mind-boggling deal of $1 million with a 3% lifetime royalty for 100% of their company.



 

However, Gatow wanted to retain some equity, which Greiner referred to as "Shmuck insurance." She revised her offer to $700,000 for 95% of the company, and Gatow accepted the deal.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The co-founders of Y'all Sweet Tea blew away the Sharks with their incredible numbers.
12 hours ago
From his lips to his bald head, Harvey has to defends all sort of jabs.
17 hours ago
The woman who gifted the painting to the owners had earlier sold it to another dealer as she couldnt sleep at night.
2 days ago
When it came to naming something of Harvey they would want to touch, the players didn't hold back
2 days ago
Rick Harrison's go to expert warned him not to touch it with a "10 foot pole."
2 days ago
The massive manufacturer has been operational for more than a hundred years now.
3 days ago
While the player was overwhelmed with emotion, host, Drew Carey was left hanging for a handshake.
5 days ago
Turns out, the guest's father was the renowned artist, Demetrios Jameson.
5 days ago
While the player, Rodney Flippen took the loss on the chin, fans were left heartbroken.
6 days ago
Harvey was stunned to see that Lisa would risk her marriage to get the top answer.
6 days ago
The outbreak has been linked to four deaths, and 19 hospitalizations, according to the CDC.
6 days ago
The President and CEO of Walmart, Doug McMillion expressed that AI will "literally change every job."
7 days ago
While the seller was confident that the instrument was ever so valuable, Harrison begged to differ.
7 days ago
The 54th season of the show has begun with a brand-new game, but fans fear it could be rigged.
Sep 30, 2025
The guest had absolutely no idea that the Ching Dynasty snuff bottle could be worth so much.
Sep 30, 2025
While Corey Harrison tried his best, the seller had other plans and stuck to it.
Sep 28, 2025
Harvey warned the contestant that she may be in a situation she can't handle.
Sep 27, 2025
In the end, the expert adviced the guest to put the item on a pedestal for the future.
Sep 27, 2025
Fans debated if the player got the correct answer in time, or if the judges the right call
Sep 26, 2025
While the comedian/host's answers were barely intelligible, Harvey didn't miss a beat to roast him.
Sep 26, 2025