Scranton entrepreneur makes deal on ‘Shark Tank,’ Click & Carry available now at Gerrity’s
Kim Meckwood holds the record for the most attempts to get on “Shark Tank.” On Friday, she proved that “persistence pays off.”
In the latest episode of the ABC reality series that features entrepreneurs hoping to strike business deals, the West Scranton native pitched her hands-free Click & Carry gadget for carrying shopping bags to the sharks and secured Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran as investors, who offered her $225,000 for 40 percent of her company.
“I want to thank you all so much for all of your lovely words of congratulations and encouragement – I am beyond flattered! … I have been slammed fulfilling orders,” Meckwood said on social media after the episode aired on Dec. 11.
“I ❤️❤️❤️ Mark and Barbara! I may have a bit of a crush on Mark! I seriously hugged him for about a minute! I’m surprised security didn’t come to get me on stage! I’m sending you all a sincere thank you. I am humbled.”
ABC released an edited down version of her television appearance on YouTube:
The product website describes the origin of this handy little handle:
The story of Click & Carry began when its creator Kim Meckwood dealt with the struggles of carrying shopping bags. It made her avoid shopping altogether. Kim knew she wasn’t alone… nobody enjoys lugging shopping bags around. Shopping bags often hurt our hands. It’s difficult to carry them all in from the car, and no matter how many times we rearrange them, they are a pain. Plus, we all know how frustrating it can be to keep them organized and uncluttered.
One night, Kim dreamed of a solution to her shopping bag dilemma and Click & Carry was born.
Click & Carry solves these problems for shopping bags. It is also a savior for seniors who face dexterity challenges; it’s useful for construction and DIY enthusiasts carrying paint cans and construction pails, and it’s ideal for sports enthusiasts toting their gear. Since we started, we have learned that the uses of Click & Carry are practically limitless!
Meckwood lives in Los Angeles now, but she still has many supporters back in her hometown area. The plastic clips are sold for around $11.99 each online and $7.99 each in special local displays at Gerrity’s Supermarkets, which have nine locations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“So it turns out that I hold the record for ‘most attempts ever’ to get on ‘Shark Tank!’ Hhmmn… I’m not sure if I should be proud? I guess persistence pays off!” she said.
“This was such an exciting day! I was so nervous that I actually ran out of saliva! I had to stop filming for a drink of water! Thank you for all of your sweet comments and support!”