Crispy Cones makes a deal on Shark Tank

Jeremy Carlson, a student at Utah State University’s Huntsman School of Business, appeared on Shark Tank on March 17 with his wife and business partner, Kait Carlson, in hopes of growing their business — Crispy Cones.  

According to Jeremy, standing before the Sharks was extremely emotional and intense. He felt as though his “whole life had come down to this moment.”  

Even though they originally sought $200,000 for 10% equity, when Barbara Corcoran offered them $200,000 for 20% equity, they accepted. 

“The reason we accepted her offer at $200,000 for 20% was that something about it felt super right. And I can’t quite pinpoint what it was, but it was in my heart and I just felt like she was worth it,” Jeremy said. 

Jeremy applied for Shark Tank in January 2022. He and Kait were flown to Los Angeles in September 2022 where they pitched and filmed for Shark Tank. The episode was released on March 17.  

According to Carlson, they were not allowed to discuss the show or their deal with Corcoran for six months. However, they have been working closely with her in the meantime.  

“She’s kind of like our grandma. You know, she takes care of us. She is super genuine. We can call her, we can text her. And she works really closely with us, her and her team,” Jeremy said. 

They couldn’t be happier with their decision. 

“Overall I guess it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for the company is to partner with her, and have her expertise and her knowledge of the company and how to grow it,” Jeremy said. 

One of the major benefits of being on the show, according to Jeremy, was their move from a state audience to a national audience.  

“We now feel like we’re on a national stage where we can really grow our company now and be trusted and taken seriously,” Jeremy said. 

Crispy Cones has sold 11 franchises since filming Shark Tank in September, and the stores will open in phases. The first two will be located in Utah and Arizona.  Carlson plans on having 46 operating stores by the end of 2024. 

Crispy Cones Logan store has been much busier since the episode aired, according to Allie Berry, a supervisor, and Hannah Gunnell, a team member. 

“We’ve had a few people tell us that they’ve driven hours to come to try us out because they felt like they were close enough to drive that few hours,” Gunnell said.  

“It’s been crazy to see how Crispy Cones started and now watching it grow since Shark Tank,” Berry said.  

Jeremy said his relationship with his professors at USU has helped him navigate being a business owner and a student.  

For example, Chelsea Dexter was Jeremy’s accounting professor and for the last three years has been Crispy Cone’s company accountant. 

“My professors were teaching me how to be a good entrepreneur in life. And that is what was valuable and that is why we pay for school,” he said.  

You can learn more about Crispy Cones’ products at https://thecrispycones.com/ or try out their product at their location in Logan at 532 S Main St.  

-Andie.Allen@usu.edu

Submitted photo