What happened to the Sullivan generator from shark tank?
The Sullivan generator was an innovative new generator pitched on shark tank in 2018. While it didn‘t get a deal, this article explores what happened before, during, and after founder Gary Sullivan‘s appearance.
When I first saw the Sullivan generator demo on Shark Tank, I was impressed by the technology. As someone interested in home energy solutions, I wanted to learn more about this unique product. Let‘s take a closer look at the Sullivan generator‘s full story.
How the Sullivan Generator Works
The Sullivan generator is a portable, multifuel generator designed by expert inventor Gary Sullivan. It runs on natural gas, propane, diesel and can switch between fuels seamlessly.
But what makes it really unique is the proprietary "Sullivan Cycle" technology. This is where the magic happens.
It uses a 2-stroke internal combustion engine with a specialized air compressor. The compressed air is then injected into the combustion chamber. This improves efficiency and reduces noise.
According to Gary, the Sullivan Cycle enables:
- Up to 30% better fuel efficiency than regular generators
- 50% quieter operation – huge when running in your backyard
- Lower emissions due to improved combustion
This revolutionary generator combines flexibility, efficiency, and noise reduction in one package.
Meet Inventor Gary Sullivan
Gary Sullivan is a serial inventor and entrepreneur based in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds over 25 patents and has years of experience developing new products.
After getting his engineering degree, Gary worked for several large manufacturing companies. But his passion was always inventing new consumer products.
In the early 2010s, Gary decided to shift his efforts toward more sustainable energy devices. He saw portable generators as an area that was stagnant and ripe for innovation.
According to Gary:
"I noticed most generators had seen little improvement in decades. They were inefficient, noisy, and polluting. I knew I could make something better and change the industry."
Gary spent years perfecting the Sullivan generator concept. He secured patents around the proprietary Sullivan Cycle technology before launching his startup.
With deep expertise in engineering and a passion for inventing green energy products, Gary was well positioned to develop an innovative new generator.
Appearing on Shark Tank in 2018
In 2018, Gary Sullivan pitched his generator invention on Shark Tank in the hopes of landing an investment deal.
He asked for $125k for 9.5% equity in his startup company Sullivan Generator LLC.
Gary highlighted the key differentiators:
- Multifuel capability
- Quiet operation
- Improved efficiency
He also noted the $3.4 billion total addressable market in North America for generators.
The Sharks raised concerns about:
- High production costs
- Competing products
- Whether Gary could successfully bring it to market
Kevin O‘Leary made an offer for $125k and 50% equity. But Gary declined, saying he was unwilling to give up control of his startup.
Robert Herjavec also made an offer that was ultimately declined. Gary left without a deal, but gained huge exposure for his novel generator.
How the Generator Performed After Shark Tank
Even without landing an investment on Shark Tank, the publicity provided a major boost for Sullivan‘s startup.
Soon after his episode aired, Gary was able to raise $750k in venture capital funding to build out his production capabilities.
In 2019, the company released its Gen 1 residential Sullivan generator priced at $1899. This first version focused on refining the technology and getting reviews.
Gary also developed a larger industrial version for worksites and disaster relief scenarios.
In 2022, the Gen 2 generator was released with upgrades making it even quieter and easier to use. It retailed for $2499.
To date, Sullivan Generator LLC has sold over 5000 units and counting. The company continues to grow its market share in the US and Canada.
| Specs | Sullivan Generator | Comparable Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Level | 59 db | 65 db |
| Fuel Options | 3+ | Gasoline Only |
| Run Time | Up to 12 hrs | Up to 14 hrs |
| Weight | 150 lb | 200 lb |
According to Gary:
"Shark Tank gave us huge visibility. Even though we didn‘t get a deal, it let us validate the demand and get investor funding. I‘m proud of the progress we‘ve made bringing our product to market."
Customer Reviews of the Sullivan Generator
Now that the Sullivan generator has been out for a few years, we can look at customer reviews to see how it has performed.
The majority of reviews for the residential models are positive overall. Many users comment on how impressively quiet the generator operates compared to traditional gas models.
The ability to run it on propane or natural gas in addition to gasoline makes it much more convenient and flexible. Some users switched completely from noisy gasoline models.
Most reviewers say the generator delivers on the 3 key promises Gary made on Shark Tank:
Flexibility – easily switches between fuel sources like natural gas and propane based on what‘s available. This is a game changer.
Noise level – operates at noise levels 10+ decibels lower than comparables. You can have a conversation near it.
Efficiency – consumes 20-30% less fuel in most cases, saving money over time.
There are some common complaints:
- The price point is higher than average generators
- Runtime can be shorter than comparables, often 10 hours or less per tank
- Early Gen 1 units had some carburetor issues which have since improved
Considering the premium features, most feel the price is justified. The runtime drawback is a tradeoff for the improved efficiency and multi-fuel capabilities.
Recent Progress and Future Outlook
On a recent Shark Tank update, Gary shared some exciting progress:
- Sullivan Generator LLC has now brought in over $5 million in total sales
- They expanded into offering industrial generators for worksites
- A next-gen prosumer model is in development targeting RV owners
Gary continues to refine the technology and find new applications for the Sullivan generator. Expanding internationally is also on the horizon.
It‘s impressive to see how much the company has accomplished without Shark funding. The future looks bright for Gary‘s startup.
Final Takeaways
In the end, Gary Sullivan managed to take his generator from concept to consumer product after his Shark Tank appearance.
He validated the market demand, secured investor funding, and iterated on his prototypes. With determination, he brought his energy efficiency vision to life.
The Sullivan generator shows that "failed" Shark Tank pitches can still provide huge value. The publicity alone let Gary get his innovative product off the ground.
Now customers can reap the benefits of a multifuel, efficient, quiet generator – a real game changer in the energy space.
Gary‘s journey offers inspiration to inventors, founders, and anyone with a passion project. With grit and perseverance, your ideas can become reality even without Shark money!