From Nashville, Tennessee, Barrett Jacques and Crom Carmichael appeared on Shark Tank in Season 11, Episode 1, with a mission to help America tackle weight loss. Their product claimed to prevent the absorption of fat in the human body using natural ingredients.
They asked for $500,000 in exchange for 20% equity, but the question remained: could they convince the Sharks that their product could actually help people lose weight? Did they secure a deal on Shark Tank? Keep reading for the latest update on Minus Cal.
Key Takeaways
- Minus Cal’s Pitch: Barrett Jacques and Crom Carmichael presented a product that claimed to help with weight loss by blocking fat absorption using a natural ingredient called Choleve.
- Investment Request: The entrepreneurs sought $500,000 for 20% equity in their business.
- Sharks’ Response: Despite their enthusiasm, the Sharks were unconvinced by the product’s claims, leading all of them to back out of the deal.
- Product Outcome: Minus Cal is no longer in business, and its products are no longer available for purchase due to negative reviews and credibility issues.
- Reasons for Failure: Inconsistent statements, misleading claims, lack of solid evidence, and poor branding led to the Sharks’ frustration and their decision not to invest.
Minus Cal Shark Tank Net Worth 2025
As of now Minus Cal’s net worth now is $0, Minus Cal is no longer in business. The company has ceased operations, and the product is no longer available for purchase. Before shutting down, Minus Cal was valued at an estimated $28,000.
Minus Cal Shark Tank Update
After their appearance on Shark Tank, Minus Cal’s product was listed on Amazon, but customer feedback was overwhelmingly negative. Many reviewers criticized the taste of the product and questioned its effectiveness, with some even calling it a scam. These issues, along with declining sales, led to the company’s closure.
No deal was made during the pitch, and tensions escalated during the episode. Mark Cuban, in particular, had a heated exchange with Crom, leading to a rapid-fire round of questions. Ultimately, all the Sharks backed out, and no investment was secured. Despite their passion, the entrepreneurs failed to convince the Sharks.
Shark(s) Name | Offer | Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted?
| Shark(s) Name | Offer | Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Lubetzky | Out | N/A | N/A | No |
| Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A | No |
| Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A | No |
| Robert Herjavec | Out | N/A | N/A | No |
| Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A | No |
Minus Cal Shark Tank Pitch
Barrett and Crom began their pitch by introducing themselves and explaining their $500,000 demand for 20% equity. They discussed the growing obesity problem in the U.S., with 45 million people trying to lose weight each year but struggling to succeed. They presented their product, which they claimed could block the absorption of fat using Choleve, a natural ingredient from fermented tea leaves. The fat would then be flushed out of the body rather than absorbed.
They provided samples for the Sharks to try, but Robert immediately criticized the taste, and Daniel raised concerns about the Choleve ingredient. Crom explained that Choleve is extracted using molecular technology, claiming it boosts the ingredient’s potency by 20 times. Mark asked for clinical data, and the entrepreneurs shared results that indicated the ingredient reduced cholesterol by 17 to 20%. However, the Sharks weren’t convinced, and questions about the product’s claims and branding led to an increasingly tense exchange.
The product’s branding suggested it could help users lose calories, but when pressed for details, the entrepreneurs’ answers didn’t align with their initial claims. Mark Cuban criticized the lack of clarity, while Robert expressed doubt about the product’s scientific basis. As the conversation became more heated, Daniel, Kevin, Lori, and Robert all bowed out, citing various concerns. Mark’s remarks were especially sharp, leading to an emotional exit for the entrepreneurs.
What Went Wrong with the Minus Cal Pitch?
There were several key factors that led to the rejection of Minus Cal by the Sharks:
- Inconsistent Claims: The entrepreneurs’ explanations about how their product worked, particularly around the fat-blocking and calorie-flushing claims, were inconsistent. This made it difficult for the Sharks to trust the product’s efficacy.
- Lack of Strong Evidence: While the entrepreneurs referred to clinical studies and data, they were unable to provide sufficient proof or independent verification that their product delivered the promised results.
- Flawed Branding: The branding of Minus Cal led to confusion about the product’s benefits. The company’s marketing suggested it could help with weight loss and calorie reduction, but the lack of clarity about the product’s exact function raised doubts about its validity.
- Taste and Experience: Even though the product was marketed as a weight-loss supplement, feedback on taste was extremely negative, which hurt the product’s chances of success with potential consumers.
- Doubts About the Technology: The molecular technology used to extract Choleve was a focal point of the debate. While Crom tried to explain the process, the Sharks were unconvinced by the scientific basis of the product, with many expressing doubts about its potential to live up to the claims.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
Post-Shark Tank, Minus Cal faced mounting challenges. The product was launched on platforms like Amazon, but consumer feedback was largely negative. Customers criticized the product for poor taste and questioned its effectiveness, with many labeling it a scam. Negative reviews highlighted a lack of real, measurable results from using the product.
These issues, combined with a lack of sales momentum and mounting customer dissatisfaction, ultimately led to the company’s closure. Today, Minus Cal is no longer operational, and the product is no longer available for purchase.
Final Thought
Barrett and Crom came onto Shark Tank with a great idea and a compelling pitch. However, the debate quickly spiraled into an argument, and the Sharks became frustrated with the inconsistencies in the entrepreneurs’ claims. They demanded $500,000 for 20% equity but failed to convince the Sharks, and no deal was made. All five Sharks walked away, and Minus Cal closed its doors shortly thereafter.
