During Shark Tank Season 15, artists and pumpkin carvers Marc Evan and Chris Soria presented their business, Maniac Pumpkin Carvers.
Known for their custom pumpkin art showcased in museums, events, and installations nationwide, they’re now aiming to launch an online school to teach others their craft.
They’ve asked for $150,000 for 8% equity. Will they secure a deal with one of the sharks? Stay tuned for updates on Maniac Pumpkin Carvers!
Maniac Pumpkin Carvers Net Worth
Marc and Chris asked $150k investment in exchange for 8% equity in the company. Unfortunately, they couldn’t secure the deal. The company was making good sales with good margins. As per the details, the net worth of the company at the time of the episode was around $1.8 million. What about their current net worth? As per rough data, if they continued their business with the 10% growth (typical business growth), their current net worth is estimated at around $2.47 million.
Maniac Pumpkin Carvers Shark Tank Update
Marc Evan and Chris Soria, who showcased their Maniac Pumpkin Carvers business on Shark Tank Season 15, didn’t secure a deal. However, they’re still going strong. The company has kept growing post-show, with a sales bump after their appearance. They’re poised to stay in people’s minds for the next Halloween season.
What Happened To Maniac Pumpkin Carvers After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank without securing a deal, Maniac Pumpkin Carvers continued to operate and grow their business. Despite not securing investment from the sharks, the company continued to thrive and maintain its reputation for stunning pumpkin carvings and engaging events.
Did Maniac Pumpkin Carvers Get A Deal On Shark Tank?
No, Maniac Pumpkin Carvers did not secure a deal on Shark Tank. They left the show without offers and agreement with any of the sharks.
| Shark(s) Involved | Offer made | Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
| Barbara Corcoran | Out | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jason Blum | Out | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Founder BackStory
The founders of Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, Marc Evan and Chris Soria, have been close friends since childhood, as Evan shared in a 2022 piece for Business Insider.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, they met in middle school in 1992 and bonded over their shared passion for horror artwork. Both attended Parsons School of Design after high school, where they collaborated on elaborate Halloween haunted houses and pumpkin carving projects.
When it’s not pumpkin season, Marc and Chris work as visual artists and muralists, as stated on their website.
They’ve adorned their Brooklyn headquarters with a massive Jack-o-lantern mural. Today, their pumpkin carving business has expanded to art galleries, and Broadway theaters, and they’re frequently hired by big companies, including movie studios and soda brands.
They’ve assembled a team of fellow artists who share their passion for pumpkin carving and keep busy with projects throughout the Halloween season.
Initial Pitch
Marc and Chris step into the Shark Tank, boasting years of experience and prestigious recognition for their pumpkin carving skills. They’ve showcased their intricate designs in top museums, events, and installations nationwide.
Now, they’re introducing their “School of Pumpkin,” an online platform offering carving classes to unlock everyone’s carving potential. They’ll provide tools and resources needed for perfect pumpkin creations, seeking $150,000 for 8% equity.
Mark asks how they’ll tap into his carving potential. Chris explains their extensive background in teaching art, spanning over a decade. Their courses promise to guide students to carve impressive designs, encouraging creativity beyond basic jack-o-lanterns.
The past three years saw a major shift due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing them to pivot from live to online classes.
Queries about the Product
Guest shark Jason Blum, CEO of Blumhouse Productions, is curious about Maniac Pumpkin Carvers’ sales figures.
Marc reveals that in the past three years, they’ve made over $170,000 from virtual class experiences for corporate clients and sold $90,000 worth of tool kits.
Lori notices they didn’t bring the tool kits to the Tank, and Marc explains they’re comprised of various tools they prefer to use. They plan to create their own set of specialized tools to sell eventually.
In the previous year, their total sales amounted to $294,000, including custom pumpkin orders. While Marc and Chris handle much of the carving themselves, they also hire additional carvers during the busiest weeks in October.
Kevin asks how they’d carve his face onto a pumpkin, suggesting the use of lasers. Marc clarifies that they do all carving by hand as lifelong artists.
Mark Cuban humorously asks about the cost of carving Kevin’s face for a Halloween pumpkin smashing, leading to laughter. Marc quotes $600-$800, which Mark deems worth it.
Jason inquires about their seasonal business model and how they manage such a short timeframe. Marc explains that they stay busy from August to September, fulfilling custom orders for promotional pieces.
Shark Responses and Final Deal
Barbara suggests expanding their carving skills beyond pumpkins to sand castles, feeling they’re limiting themselves. She opts out.
Kevin doubts the scalability of the business and decides to pass.
Mark isn’t keen on investing in a pumpkin carving business and follows suit.
Lori believes it’s impractical to compete with existing pumpkin carving tools and stencils, so she declines to invest.
Jason, the last remaining shark, isn’t interested either. He feels they’d need to sell a lot more to succeed but also worries about the artists’ happiness in that scenario, so he passes as well.
Without receiving any offers, Marc and Chris have no choice but to leave Shark Tank Season 15 without a deal for Maniac Pumpkin Carvers.
What Went Wrong With Maniac Pumpkin Carvers On Shark Tank?
Maniac Pumpkin Carvers didn’t secure a deal on Shark Tank due to concerns about scalability in a seasonal market, competition saturation, and lack of diversification beyond pumpkin carving.
Product Availability
Maniac Pumpkin Carvers offers a range of pricing for their carved pumpkins, starting at $150 for simpler designs and going up to $800 or more for intricate sculptures. They also provide overnight shipping across the United States, making it possible for customers nationwide to receive their customized pumpkins.
Fans who discovered them on ‘Shark Tank’ can find more information on their website, maniacpumpkincarvers.com. By signing up with their email, individuals can stay updated on classes and even have a chance to win stickers, t-shirts, and personalized pumpkin carvings.
Those interested in purchasing a carved pumpkin can reach out to the company with their design ideas for a pricing quote.
Conclusion
The Maniac Pumpkin Carvers go beyond just creating stunning pumpkin carvings. Their work showcases their artistic talent and dedication to pushing the limits of pumpkin carving.
They’re perfect for fall events, providing crowd-pleasing demonstrations of their renowned carving skills. Their ability to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds makes them a popular choice for various occasions.
Hi there, I’m Ayesha Pasha, a content creator who loves crafting engaging stories and captivating visuals. When I’m not busy working on content projects, you can catch me indulging in my favorite pastime: watching Shark Tank episodes. I’m fascinated by the innovative business ideas and the unpredictable reactions of the Sharks. It’s my go-to for entertainment and inspiration. Outside of that, I enjoy exploring new cafes, capturing moments through my lens, and experimenting with new recipes. Read more About me.