Funtime Express: From Mall Train Ride To Shark Tank Success Story

Ever wondered if a simple childhood joy could be the engine for a thriving business? Stan Krozel and Kevin Ullery proved it could be done when they turned the idea of trackless train rides into a serious venture, captivating families and eventually landing them in the famed Shark Tank. Their story is one of vision, resilience, and the pursuit of fun, demonstrating that even the most playful concepts can lead to significant success.

The journey of Funtime Express, a company providing trackless train rides primarily in shopping malls and for special events, began in 2011. Stan Krozel and Kevin Ullery, former real estate agents in Chicago, were looking for a new path after the housing market downturn. They envisioned bringing joy to families through a unique, mobile entertainment experience. Their initial foray into the business proved surprisingly successful. In their first year, Funtime Express generated $106,000 in gross revenue, translating to a net profit of $47,000. The following year, these numbers doubled, showcasing the rapid growth and potential of their concept. The bustling malls of Chicago served as the ideal testing ground, where families quickly embraced the novelty of the trackless train, and word spread like wildfire. On weekends, a single train at the mall could bring in as much as $800, a testament to its popularity.

The success in Chicago fueled Stan and Kevin's ambition to expand nationwide. They recognized that to achieve their national aspirations, they needed more than just a good idea; they needed capital and strategic guidance. Thats what led them to consider Shark Tank, the reality television show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors, known as "sharks." By the time they were preparing for their Shark Tank appearance, Funtime Express was projecting a net profit of $150,000 for that year. This financial momentum bolstered their confidence and highlighted the scalability of their business model.

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Funtime Express distinguished itself in the entertainment industry with its innovative trackless design. Unlike traditional trains confined to fixed tracks, Funtime Express trains could roam freely throughout the mall, offering a more engaging and dynamic experience. The train rides were designed to appeal to all ages, providing entertainment for children while also offering parents a moment to relax. As Stan Krozel and Kevin Ullery rolled into the Shark Tank on their colorful train, complete with flashing lights and a distinctive air horn, they were ready to make their pitch.

Their presentation highlighted the joy and excitement Funtime Express brought to shopping malls and other venues. They emphasized the unique appeal of their trackless train rides and the positive response they had received from families. They articulated their vision for expanding Funtime Express across the country and outlined the potential for growth and profitability. The sharks, known for their sharp business acumen, listened intently, peppering Stan and Kevin with questions about their financials, operations, and competitive landscape.

The pitch wasnt without its challenges. Mark Cuban, one of the sharks, voiced concerns about the potential difficulties of managing and scaling a business that relied heavily on mall traffic and seasonal events. However, Lori Greiner and Kevin OLeary saw the potential in Funtime Express and were impressed by the entrepreneurs passion and the proven success of their business model. Ultimately, Stan and Kevin secured a deal with Lori Greiner and Kevin OLeary, receiving $125,000 in exchange for 20% equity in the company, valuing Funtime Express at $625,000. The investment from Greiner and OLeary proved to be a game-changer for Funtime Express, enabling them to expand their operations from five to eight locations. This infusion of capital and expertise allowed them to reach new markets and solidify their position as a leading provider of trackless train rides.

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The Shark Tank appearance significantly boosted the visibility of Funtime Express. The episode, Season 5 Episode 24 (s5e24), showcased their innovative shopping mall train ride concept to a national audience, generating buzz and attracting new customers. The deal with Greiner and OLeary not only provided financial resources but also opened doors to valuable partnerships and networking opportunities.

Funtime Express is a company that provides family fun experiences through trains in malls and outdoor venues across the country, providing entertainment for children and families. The company, now known as Funtime Productions, offers a wide array of items and services for company picnics, corporate events, community gatherings and so much more. They emphasize their ability to facilitate every aspect of an event, ensuring a fun and memorable experience. Their trackless trains can also be rented for special events and operated in large venues such as shopping malls and ball parks. From providing entertainment at community events to trackless train for parties, Funtime Express is all about spreading smiles.

Since their Shark Tank appearance, Funtime Express has continued to innovate and expand its offerings. They have focused on enhancing the customer experience and adapting to changing market dynamics. While specific details about their current financial performance are not readily available, the companys continued presence and positive reputation suggest that they have maintained a successful trajectory. Funtime Expresss journey from a small startup in Chicago to a nationally recognized brand is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and strategic partnerships. Stan Krozel and Kevin Ullerys story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that even a seemingly simple idea, like a trackless train ride, can be transformed into a thriving business with the right vision and execution.

Discover a world of fun at all smiles aboards newest location at ohio valley mall! Their original location in hastings, minnesota was so successful that we opened an indoor test site in rosedale mall, which included mini excavators and construction simulators. The company also went national with a second site in the dallas, texas area in 2016 after appearing on the hit tv show, shark tank. The address of all smiles aboards newest location is 67800 mall rd st clairsville, oh 43950. Fun time express is a trackless train that can be rented for special events and operated in large venues like shopping malls and ball parks. The fun time express distinguishes itself with a trackless design, offering a departure from the conventional trains tethered to fixed paths. These guys have pretty good train business, Let's see if they get an offer of their choice.shark tank is an american reality television series that premiered. There is a core group of 6 sharks (mark cuban, robert herjavec, barbara corcoran, lori greiner, daymond john, and kevin oleary), 5 of which appear on any given episode of shark tank. From time to time the shark tank cast includes special guest investors. Watch the official shark tank online at abc.com. Get exclusive videos, blogs, photos, cast bios, free episodes.

While some might see a trackless train ride as a mere novelty, Stan and Kevin saw an opportunity to create a business that brought joy and excitement to families. Their success story underscores the importance of identifying unmet needs in the market and developing innovative solutions that resonate with customers. The Funtime Express journey also highlights the value of seeking external funding and guidance to accelerate growth and achieve long-term sustainability.

The entrepreneurs pitched their business on shark tank in april 2016. Stan krozel and kevin ullery brought their fun time express to shark tank in 2014. They hoped to impress the investors with their mall train ride business. The pitch led to a deal that would change their companys future. Founded in 2011 by stan krozel and kevin ullery, the venture expanded gradually and was later acquired. Finding themselves at a crossroads, they decided to pursue a new venture that would bring them joy and excitement. $125,000 for 20% equity stake. Taylor robinson music an online platform for finding music instructors (no); Powerpot a cooking pot that generates electricity as you heat up water (yes); Fun time express a trackless train ride for malls (yes); Quickstop fire sprinkler tools a simple tool to immediately stop water from a fire sprinkler (no); Earlier this month, entrepreneurs kevin ullery and stan krozel went on \u201cshark tank\u201d to seek funding for their company fun time express, a trackless train ride people pay to experience at Read more fun time express train ride update | shark tank season 5.

The narrative of Funtime Express extends beyond a simple Shark Tank success story. It exemplifies the transformative potential of entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with the desire to create positive experiences for others. The company's adaptability, from recognizing a gap in the market to leveraging a reality television platform for growth, showcases the multifaceted approach needed to thrive in today's competitive business landscape. The story of Funtime Express reminds us that success can be found in unexpected places, and that passion, combined with a strong business acumen, can lead to remarkable achievements. It speaks to the idea that business ventures don't necessarily have to be complex or high-tech to be successful. Sometimes, the simplest ideas, executed with dedication and a focus on customer satisfaction, can have the most profound impact. Their approach was very clear in its motive and vision that help the company to secure its place in market.

In the broader context of entrepreneurship, Funtime Express embodies the spirit of innovation and the willingness to take calculated risks. Stan Krozel and Kevin Ullery's decision to pivot from real estate to the entertainment industry demonstrates the importance of adaptability and the ability to identify new opportunities in the face of adversity. Their journey also highlights the significance of perseverance. Building a successful business from the ground up requires unwavering commitment and the ability to overcome challenges. The Shark Tank appearance provided them with not only financial resources but also a platform to showcase their brand and connect with potential partners and customers. This strategic move ultimately paved the way for their continued growth and success.

Funtime Express serves as a valuable case study for aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating the importance of thorough market research, a well-defined business plan, and a clear understanding of the target audience. The company's success in creating a fun and engaging experience for families highlights the enduring appeal of simple pleasures and the power of creating positive memories. The story reminds us that the best business ideas often stem from a genuine desire to make a difference in people's lives and that the pursuit of happiness can be a powerful motivator for entrepreneurial success. The most important thing that contributed to their success was their ability to adapt their business according to market change.

The legacy of Funtime Express extends beyond its financial achievements and market presence. It represents a story of human connection, community engagement, and the enduring power of play. Stan Krozel and Kevin Ullery's vision to bring joy to families through trackless train rides has had a ripple effect, creating countless memories and experiences for children and adults alike. Their success serves as a reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about making money; it's about creating value, making a positive impact on the world, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

Funtime Express, known for its innovative shopping mall train rides, started with an idea to bring family entertainment to shopping centers. This concept evolved into a business providing trackless train rides for all ages. At independence mall close if not the one seen on shark tank. In the business world, there is a need for new ideas, but more importantly is the execution and implementation of those ideas. In order to create a thriving business one needs a strong team that has similar values and have a clear vision of what is expected of each one. Also, it is important for team members to have a positive attitude and be ready for work as work ethic is vital for the growth of business.

From Chicago to shark tank, Stan and kevin rolled into the tank on their colorful train. They decided they wanted to do something []. Stan krozel and kevin ullery founded fun time express to bring joy with trackless train rides in shopping malls. Fun time express mall train ride: Fun time express is a trackless train ride for all ages, and the train will actually travel throughout the entire mall; This also gives dads a chance to relax and take a break, and moms a. Funtime express first hit the tracks in chicago. The citys busy malls were the perfect testing ground. Families flocked to the trains, and word spread fast. Success in chicago gave stan and kevin big dreams. They wanted to go national. But they needed help to grow. Thats when they thought of shark tank. Stan and kevin were successful real estate agents in chicago when the market tanked. What happen to fun time express at the shark tank pitch? How has fun time express expanded since shark tank?

The acquisition of Funtime Express marks a new chapter in its evolution, and it will be interesting to see how the company continues to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing entertainment landscape. The company's story serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that success is not always linear and that setbacks can often lead to new opportunities. The legacy of Funtime Express will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs to pursue their passions, embrace innovation, and make a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, Funtime Express's journey from a simple idea to a successful business is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and strategic partnerships. The story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that even the most playful concepts can lead to significant success. The ability of Stan and Kevin to see opportunity, take action, seek help from investors, and create an impact to world, makes them trully best entrepreneurs. Their is a lot one can learn from their story which include, finding business parters who have similar values, seek business investors and learn from their advice, taking every business opportunity and most importantly keeping a positive attitude.