CordaRoy's was a hit from the start when we appeared on ABC's Shark Tank Season 4, Episode 19 in March 2013. Our one-of-a-kind bean bag company, which is known for our classic convertible bean bag chairs that can be turned into a bed, has been thriving ever since.
But what's the story behind CordaRoy's? How did one guy from Gainesville, Florida turn his small business that started in a garage into a household name? Here's everything you need to know about CordaRoy's, from how we got our start to where we're headed now. So sit back and relax—CordaRoy's never felt so good!
Who Owns CordaRoy’s?
CordaRoy’s began in 1998 when our founder, Bryon Young, started making his bean bags in a garage on 39th Avenue in Gainesville, Florida. One night, Young had some unexpected guests after watching a Gator football game and found himself in need of just one extra bed. The next best thing was the sofa, but it was not that comfortable-especially for two people.
Remembering the insides of the original CordaRoy's bean bags being square, Young told his guests the bean bags may be a better option for sleeping. They quickly made a makeshift bed, and thus began CordaRoy's Convertible Bean Bags! The next morning, Young's guests raved about how comfortably they slept on the bean bags, and Bryon quickly filed the patent for CordaRoy's iconic bean bags that could be turned into a bed.
Since then, CordaRoy's has continued to improve its products over the years, offering a wide range of sizes and styles of bean bags, as well as other items like hammocks and footstools. We've even been featured in popular publications and TV programs like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, HGTV, and Entrepreneur Magazine.
Today, our original founder still owns and operates CordaRoy’s, and we continue to strive to make products that surpass our customer's expectations. So if you’re looking for a comfy place to curl up with a good book or watch your favorite movie, be sure to check out CordaRoy’s!
Did CordaRoy’s Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Byron entered the tank in March 2013, hoping to gain a $200,000 investment for 20% equity in the CordaRoy’s business. He presented his pitch to the sharks, telling them that the CordaRoy's bean bag is 'like sitting on a cloud’ due to its super soft foam filling that supports the body evenly with no pressure points. Better yet, the convertible bean bag covers are also machine washable.
As the sharks looked on with intrigue, Byron unzipped the bean bag's cover and pulled out the inside, revealing a bed! This feature set the CordaRoy’s bean bag apart from any other on the market, and it was clear that Byron was passionate about his product.
Lori Greiner tried out the bean bag herself and confirmed that it was, in fact, very comfortable. So did CordaRoy’s actually get a deal on Shark Tank? The answer is yes! Bryon fought hard with the sharks in negotiations and eventually accepted an offer from Lori.
CordaRoy’s After Shark Tank
The show's initial impact was enormous, so much so that the original CordaRoy's website crashed during the premier of the episode. Lori reassured Bryon about the situation and helped him get a new and reliable site up for his product immediately.
Since appearing on Shark Tank, CordaRoy’s has continued to grow and expand our product line. We now offer a wide variety of bean bag chairs to fit our customer's needs, including our newest design, the NEST Convertible Bean Bag, which includes built-in support for your head and neck.
CordaRoy’s has also partnered with a number of major retailers, like Sams Club, Ace Hardware and Bed, Bath, and Beyond, making our products more widely available than ever before. And our products continue to be a favorite choice for both kids and adults alike, thanks to their unmatched comfort and style.
So what’s next for CordaRoy’s? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – we're here to stay as a leading manufacturer of convertible bean bags and other unique comfort furniture! Thanks, Shark Tank, for making it all possible!
If you're in need of some extra seating (or just want a really comfy place to relax), check out our selection of convertible bean bag chairs, cozy blankets, and more!
Sources
Pressure Relief | Sleep Foundation
Changes in head and neck posture using an office chair with and without lumbar roll support | NIH
