In 2011 Stan Krozel and Kevin Ullery launched a company named Fun Time Express. They constructed miniature train rides for shopping centers. They aimed to develop an enjoyable experience for children and assist malls in drawing in families. The company expanded rapidly and made significant profits. However, they required additional assistance to grow.
They opted to appear on Shark Tank to secure funding. They requested $125,000 in return for 20% ownership of their business. Will the entrepreneur get a deal on Shark Tank? Check out the Packback update!
Funtime Express Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Travis and Jennifer Hollman went on Shark Tank asking for $125,000 for 20 % of their company. This meant they thought their business was worth $625,000. They made a deal with Mark Cuban for $125,000 for 25 %, lowering the valuation to $500,000. The episode was aired on April 4, 2014. The mini-train ride business was later sold off and is no longer operating. The current net worth of Fun Time Express is $0 in 2025.
After their appearance on Shark Tank in 2014, Fun Time Express saw some growth. They received a lot of attention from their website. The company got 10,000 visits in just one week. But the deal with the sharks did not close right away. It took another year for them to finalize the deal. Even after the deal closed, the business did not keep growing as expected.
By 2018 Stan and Kevin sold Fun Time Express. They went back to real estate. The company is no longer in business. However, their appearance on Shark Tank helped them gain exposure.
Yes Fun Time Express did get a deal. Stan and Kevin asked for $125,000 for 20% equity in the business. Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary agreed to invest. They worked out a deal where they would receive 100% of the ticket sales until the debt was paid off. After that, they would get 20% of the profits. This deal helped Fun Time Express grow and gain more attention.
| Shark(s) Name | Offer & Demand | Counter Offer | Accepted? |
| Lori Greiner | $125,000 for 20% equity (Combined Offer) | N/A | Yes |
| Robert Herjavec | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Kevin O’Leary | $125,000 for 20% equity (Combined Offer) | N/A | Yes |
| Daymond John | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
Funtime Express Shark Tank pitch
Stan Krozel and Kevin Ullery both held jobs prior to launching Fun Time Express. Stan was employed in real estate. He created a prosperous career. However, when the real estate market collapsed in 2008, his enterprise disintegrated. Stan needed to reconsider his profession. He was seeking a new activity to try. Kevin Ullery was his partner in business. Kevin possessed experience in business as well.
He and Stan chose to take a chance. They launched a new venture with a fresh concept. In 2011, they introduced Fun Time Express. They aimed to establish a children’s train ride venture for shopping centers. They aimed to provide something enjoyable and thrilling for kids. They thought that a train journey would assist in bringing families to shopping centers. The cost to build each train is $37,500.
The ride charged children $3. During weekends, the trains earned $800 each. They began with only a handful of trains. However, before long, they were running five trains. By 2014, they were projected to earn $150,000 in profit. Their concept was effective. However, they required funds for growth. That was the moment they opted to appear on Shark Tank.
When Stan and Kevin appeared on Shark Tank they pitched their business to the sharks. They explained how the train rides worked. The trains were a fun way for kids to ride around the mall. Stan and Kevin told the sharks that each train cost $37,500. The rides made $3 per kid. They also told the sharks that they were making a good profit. In their first year, they made $106,000 in revenue and $47,000 in net profit.
The next year, their numbers doubled. They were growing fast. They wanted to keep growing but needed money to do so. They asked the sharks for $125,000 in exchange for 20% equity in the company. They explained how they wanted to use the investment. They hoped to get more trains and expand their business to more malls. But the sharks had questions. Some of the sharks were not sure about the business.
They thought it might be hard to grow. Mark Cuban was one of the sharks who didn’t think the business would grow fast enough. He was out. Robert Herjavec also felt that way, and he left the deal too. Daymond John didn’t think that mall kids would like a train ride. He was worried that kids today were more interested in screens. He also decided not to invest. That left just Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner. They liked the business.
They saw the potential for growth. Kevin O’Leary was interested in the 25% return on investment. But he eventually decided he was out. Lori Greiner was the last shark. She liked the business but wanted to find a partner. She asked Kevin O’Leary to come back and join the deal. He agreed. Stan and Kevin accepted the offer. They promised to repay 100% of their ticket sales until the debt was paid off. After that, Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary would each get 20% of the profits.
The sharks had many questions about the Fun Time Express business. They wanted to know more about how the train rides worked. They asked about the costs and the profits. The entrepreneurs explained that each train cost $37,500 to build. They also told the sharks that they made $3 per ride. On weekends each train could make $800. The sharks asked how they planned to grow the business.
Stan and Kevin explained that they wanted to add more trains to more malls. They believed that malls were a great place for kids and families to have fun. They also wanted to expand outside of malls in the future. The sharks were interested in the business but had some doubts. They wondered if people would keep coming to ride the trains. Would kids still be interested in something so simple? Would people still go to malls?
The sharks asked about the competition. Stan and Kevin said that there were no competitors doing exactly what they were doing. They had a unique idea. But the sharks still had concerns.
The sharks talked about the business. They found the concept intriguing but had a few reservations. They were concerned that expanding the business would be challenging. Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec were the initial ones to depart. They believed the business lacked sufficient potential for rapid expansion. Daymond John was the next one to go. He believed that the children visiting malls wouldn’t enjoy a basic train ride.
He thought that children were more captivated by video games and technology. This left Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner. Kevin O’Leary showed interest in the business but eventually chose not to invest. He believed the venture could yield a significant return on investment. However, he didn’t believe it was a good match for him. Lori Greiner appreciated the concept and recognized its potential.
She invited Kevin O’Leary to participate in the arrangement. Collectively, they proposed $125,000 for a 20% stake in the business. Stan and Kevin agreed to the arrangement. They consented to pay the sharks back 100% of the ticket revenue until the debt was settled. Subsequently, Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary would both receive 20% of the earnings.
What Went Wrong With Funtime Express On Shark Tank?
Not all of the sharks agreed to the deal. Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec both thought that the business would be hard to grow. They felt that it would not expand quickly enough to be successful. Daymond John didn’t think that mall kids would be interested in a simple train ride. He thought that kids today were more interested in technology. The business faced challenges as it grew.
Some malls were not interested in adding the train rides. The competition was also a challenge. Even though the business was unique, it was still hard to find new customers. The train rides were not as popular as expected. They did not grow as quickly as Stan and Kevin hoped.
Product Availability
The Fun Time Express trains were available in shopping malls. They were a fun way for kids to ride around and enjoy their time at the mall. The trains cost $3 per ride. The company’s website was the main place where people could learn about the business. The website received a lot of visits after the Shark Tank appearance.
However, the business did not keep growing as expected. By 2018, Stan and Kevin sold the company. They decided to return to real estate. The Fun Time Express business is no longer in operation.
Conclusion
Fun Time Express started as a unique and fun business. Stan and Kevin worked hard to make it successful. They went on Shark Tank and got a deal with Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary. The business grew quickly at first. But it did not continue to grow as expected. By 2018, they sold the company. Stan and Kevin returned to real estate. Although Fun Time Express is no longer in business, it gave them the opportunity to gain experience and grow their careers.
Hey there, I’m Fatima Muhammad, an International Relations student, with a focus on the strategic dynamics of global relations, One of my favorite shows is Shark Tank. I love it because it showcases the creativity, determination, and strategic thinking of entrepreneurs, which I find inspiring. The show also teaches valuable lessons about innovation, business dynamics, and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Read more About me.
