There is a new dragon within the den — and it is Brian Scudamore, the founder and CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?.
Scudamore will likely be an investor within the upcoming season of Dragons’ Den, the Canadian model of what People know as Shark Tank. And he has some recommendation for anybody stepping as much as pitch traders:
“You completely have to know your numbers, however do not forget to inform a narrative,” he says. “Anybody can pitch a enterprise concept, however articulating why you do it builds connection to the Dragons and the viewers.”
Scudamore’s private story has a made-for-TV high quality to it: He dropped out of highschool and, at age 18, spent $700 on a pickup truck to begin his junk-removal service in Vancouver. Then he grew it right into a globally recognizable model, with these huge, blue vehicles.
The corporate’s progress got here by a profitable franchise mannequin: 1-800-GOT-JUNK? at present helps 174 franchises throughout the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and spawned two extra franchise manufacturers — WOW 1 DAY PAINTING and Shack Shine — underneath the umbrella firm O2E Manufacturers.
That is helped make Scudamore one of the vital celebrated entrepreneurs in Canada, and his firm has gained quite a few awards for its office tradition (together with being named Newsweek’s “Most Cherished Office”).
Now, as an investor on the upcoming nineteenth season of Dragons’ Den, says he is wanting ahead to inspiring the subsequent era of Canadian entrepreneurs. “Numerous leaders have shared their time and information with me as I grew my companies, so I am an enormous believer in giving again by mentorship,” he says.
Plus, he is wanting ahead to studying a brand new ability himself — and it is a shocking one, given his on-air position.
“I’ve by no means invested money in one other enterprise,” he admits. “That is the subsequent logical step in my very own entrepreneurial journey!”
In America, Dragons’ Den is commonly generally known as the Canadian Shark Tank. However in reality, each reveals are spinoffs of a special present.
The present format — the place entrepreneurs pitch a panel of traders — originated in Japan in 2001, underneath the title The Tigers of Cash. The format then moved to the U.Ok., the place it was known as Dragons’ Den. An Israeli model launched just a few years later, known as The Sharks. Then, in 2009, an American model expanded upon the Israeli title — and Shark Tank was born.
Now there are greater than 40 variations of the present around the globe, utilizing quite a lot of names. Many nations name their present both Shark Tank or Dragons’ Den.
American viewers are acquainted with at the very least two traders from the Canadian present: Shark Tank regulars Robert Herjavec and Kevin O’Leary each appeared in Dragons’ Den‘s early seasons. Herjavec just lately returned to the Canadian present for 2 seasons, and is now departing once more — which, together with one different departure from the present, opened a seat for Scudamore.
Scudamore will be part of Arlene Dickinson, Wes Corridor, Manjit Minhas and Michelle Romanow as traders on the present. Dragons’ Den airs in Canada on the CBC. The subsequent season movies in Toronto this spring and can air later within the fall.
