Can a cooler really keep you cool while housing your drinks?
Summer outings often mean dealing with the heat. But what if you had a cooler that did more? IcyBreeze, from Shark Tank’s seventh season, is a game-changer. It’s a cooler and a portable air conditioner all in one, thanks to Jason Shakleford, Dave Yonce, and Andrew Jenkins.
Even without a deal from the sharks, IcyBreeze has made a big splash. It’s changed how we enjoy summer. Let’s dive into how it’s made a difference.
Key Takeaways
- IcyBreeze combines cooler and air conditioner functionalities.
- The cooler debuted on Season 7, Episode 15 of Shark Tank.
- Originally priced at $349 per unit, now available at a lower cost.
- Received funding for growth and job creation in Sweetwater, Texas.
- Annual sales have increased by 174% each year since 2018.
- Acquired by Solo Brands in 2023.
Introduction to IcyBreeze
The IcyBreeze portable AC cooler was created by Dave Yonce. It aims to make outdoor activities better by cooling air and drinks. It was born out of a need to stay cool during a camping trip.
Since its launch, the IcyBreeze has hit many milestones. Before Shark Tank, it sold 1,700 units, making $125,000. Each unit costs $349, with a manufacturing cost of $199. Even without a Shark Tank deal, its sales soared to $3.6 million by 2022.
After Shark Tank, website traffic skyrocketed from 105 to 30,000 daily views. By 2024, investors thought the company was worth about $2 million. Each year after Shark Tank saw sales jump by 174%.
The IcyBreeze now offers models like the V2 Pro and Platinum, priced at $289.99 and $339.99. Extra batteries cost between $69.99 and $99.99. These prices make the IcyBreeze a great choice, compared to other coolers.
The company’s focus on innovation and quality has paid off. From its start and the founder’s investment, the IcyBreeze has made a big impact. It’s not just for everyday use but also in professional sports, helping athletes stay cool.
How IcyBreeze Works
The IcyBreeze technology offers a portable air conditioning solution. It uses a unique heat exchanger below its lid. This system turns hot air into cool air, dropping temperatures by about 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
Technology Behind the Cooler
The IcyBreeze’s core is its efficient cooling system and flexi-hose design. It has a three-speed fan that blows air up to 25 MPH. This is as powerful as a car’s air conditioner.
The cooler has 38 quarts of space for drinks and ice. It can hold up to 30 lbs of ice. This keeps the air cool for a long time, perfect for outdoor activities.
Battery and Power Efficiency
The IcyBreeze uses a rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery. On a full charge, it cools for up to 6 hours on low, 4 hours on medium, and 2.5 hours on high. The battery takes 5 hours to fully recharge.
This design shows its thoughtful nature. It has interior dimensions of L-18.5 W-11.25 H-11 and exterior dimensions of L-23.5 W-16.25 H-18.5. It weighs 16 lbs, making it easy to carry. It uses 1.0a on low, 1.3a on medium, and 2.3a on high, saving energy.
IcyBreeze on Shark Tank
The IcyBreeze’s appearance on Shark Tank was eagerly awaited. It combines a cooler with a portable air conditioner. David Yonce, Jason Shakleford, and Andrew Jenkins pitched it, asking for $50,000 for 5% equity.
The Pitch
The founders showcased the IcyBreeze v2 Pro’s cool features. It cools air up to 35 degrees below outside temperature. Its fan can blow air up to 25 mph.
The cooler holds 38 quarts, enough for 49 cans or 30 pounds of ice. This makes it a top choice among Shark Tank outdoor coolers.
The IcyBreeze uses a 12-volt rechargeable battery for up to 6 hours of cooling. It’s made of durable polyethylene and weighs 16 lbs when empty. It costs $349, with a production cost of $199, showing a good profit margin.
The Sharks’ Response
The Sharks had mixed reactions to the IcyBreeze pitch. They praised its design but worried about its price and market appeal. Despite selling 1,700 units and making $125,000 last year, they were hesitant.
No deal was made due to concerns about the high price and market uncertainty. However, the show’s exposure greatly helped the brand’s visibility.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature Reduction | Up to 35 degrees below outside temperature |
| Fan Speed | Up to 25 mph |
| Battery Life | 6 hours on low speed |
| Cooler Capacity | 38 quarts (49 cans or 30 pounds of ice) |
| Weight | 16 lbs |
| Dimensions | 23.5″ L x 16.25″ W x 18.5″ H |
Post-Shark Tank Journey
After appearing on Shark Tank, IcyBreeze’s founders made changes based on feedback. They lowered the price of their product from $349 to $249. This move made their cooler more affordable for more people.
This change helped IcyBreeze grow in the portable cooler market. They saw a big jump in sales, reaching $3.6 million by 2018. They sold 1700 units and made a lot of profit.
Here’s a breakdown of IcyBreeze’s key performance metrics post-Shark Tank:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial Retail Price | $349 |
| New Retail Price | $249 |
| Annual Revenue (2018) | $3.6 million |
| Total Units Sold | 1700 |
| Total Profit | $125,000 |
| Founder Investment | $5.5 million |
Founder Dave Yonce invested $5.5 million in IcyBreeze. He believed in the product’s success. Today, IcyBreeze leads in innovation and customer focus in the portable cooler market.
Founder Backgrounds
The journey of the IcyBreeze founders is a testament to entrepreneurial inspiration and resilience. David Yonce’s motivation for creating IcyBreeze came from a tough camping trip with his kids. His background and teamwork with Jason Shakleford and Andrew Jenkins were key in launching IcyBreeze and facing early challenges.
David Yonce’s Inspiration
David Yonce, co-founder of IcyBreeze, was inspired by his career and personal life. He had co-founded SolarWinds, a company worth over $4.0 billion. He also developed 16 patented products sold in big stores like Sam’s Club and Walmart.
But the idea for IcyBreeze came from a camping trip with his kids. The heat made him think of a portable air conditioner.
Team Dynamics
The team’s success was not just Yonce’s doing. The teamwork among the IcyBreeze founders was vital. Jason Shakleford, who became CEO after Jenkins left, was crucial in making the vision real. Andrew Jenkins, the former COO, helped a lot in getting ready for “Shark Tank.”
Together, they showed how teamwork and inspired leadership can lead to new products. Their story inspires many who dream of starting their own business.
IcyBreeze Product Line
Since 2013, IcyBreeze has grown its product line with new outdoor cooling solutions. The first cooler, made by Dave Yonce, had a fan and a cooling duct. Now, they offer models like the Platinum and V2 Pro for different needs and budgets.
IcyBreeze products are sold on big sites like Walmart and Amazon. They cost between $250 and $425, but Amazon often has them cheaper. A test in 50 Sam’s Clubs showed they could be more profitable if priced between $100 and $150.
The original IcyBreeze cooler can hold 49 cans and 30 pounds of ice. It has a three-speed fan that blows air up to 25 mph. You can also use a 12-Volt rechargeable battery for up to six hours. It’s big, at L-23.5, W-16.25, H-18.5 inches, and weighs 16 lbs when dry.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cooling Capacity | 38 quarts (49 cans, 30 lbs of ice) |
| Fan Speed | Up to 25 mph |
| Battery Life (12-Volt) | Up to 6 hours on low |
| Exterior Dimensions | L-23.5, W-16.25, H-18.5 inches |
| Dry Weight | 16 lbs |
| Amp Draw | Low: 1.0a, Medium: 1.3a, High: 2.3a |
| Battery Charge Time | Up to 5 hours |
The V2 Pro and Platinum models are better thanks to customer feedback. They have longer battery life and better cooling. IcyBreeze keeps working on outdoor cooling solutions for camping, tailgating, or beach days.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
IcyBreeze has received mostly positive feedback from its users. People love how well it cools and how easy it is to carry. It’s perfect for outdoor fun and gatherings.
The cooler has a big 38-quart space. It can hold up to 30 lbs of ice and 49 cans. It also has a strong three-speed fan that blows air up to 25 mph.
The optional 12-Volt rechargeable battery lasts up to 6 hours on low settings. This makes it reliable and convenient for users.
On websites like their own and Amazon, IcyBreeze gets good ratings. Here’s what customers say:
| Feature | Performance |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Lasts up to 6 hours on low settings, 4 hours on medium, and 2.5 hours on high with a 10AH battery |
| Fan Speed | Three speeds (low, medium, high) with up to 25 mph airflow |
| Storage Capacity | 38 quarts, holds 30 lbs of ice and up to 49 cans |
| Weight | 16 lbs when dry |
Customers like the cooler’s size, L-23.5, W-16.25, H-18.5 inches. It’s not too heavy, making it easy to carry.
People also appreciate IcyBreeze’s commitment to improving the product. They listen to feedback and work hard to make it better. This shows they care about quality and customer service.
Use Cases and Applications
IcyBreeze is not just for cooling. It’s great for many places and situations. It’s a top choice for keeping things cool on the go.
Practical Uses
IcyBreeze is perfect for camping, boating, and tailgating. It’s also great for backyard parties. It keeps drinks cold and provides cooling when air conditioning isn’t available.
Families and adventurers love it. They say it’s a game-changer for summer fun.
Athletic Endorsements
Top athletes use IcyBreeze for sports. It’s been praised at the U.S. Open and Tokyo Olympics. They say it’s reliable and keeps drinks cold, even in tough conditions.
This shows IcyBreeze is a must-have for outdoor and sports fans. It’s trusted by many for its performance.