Staff Report
Published Oct. 6, 2009
Leslie Haywood, president of Charleston-based Grill Charms, recently appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank where she struck a deal with one of the “sharks” for a $50,000 investment in her company in exchange for 25% equity.
Grill Charms are dime-sized solid stainless steel charms placed in meat before grilling so the cook can keep track of how each cut should be handled. Haywood has created several collections of Grill Charms that offer a solution to identifying spices, flavors and temperatures.
In the program, which aired Sept. 29 on ABC, Haywood pitched her product and received three offers. Haywood chose to accept $50,000 from Robert Herjavec, a successful Internet and technology mogul, in exchange for 25% equity in the company. Though Kevin Harrington and Daymond John teamed up to make an offer, Haywood was unwilling to give away the 50% equity they required.
Haywood's appearance on the show contained dramatic negotiating from four sharks. Herjavec noted, “I think this is one of the best ideas we’ve seen.”
“I believe in my product, and I think that got through to the Shark Tank,” Haywood said. “Grill Charms is here to ensure that every American gets what they want — how they want it — hot off the grill. With the investment I’ve received, we plan on expanding the business in many new and exciting directions.”
The company currently offers four different collections of charms: Steak Collection, Spicy Collection, Charmed Life Collection and the Pink Collection, which gives 10% of proceeds to breast cancer charities. Each collection retails for $19.95. Grill Charms are available for purchase on the company’s Web site or at specialty stores across the country as listed on the site.
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