Working from home has become the new normal for many people. But with this shift comes a common problem—constant interruptions. Family members, roommates, or even pets often disturb work focus, making it hard to stay productive. A simple “Do Not Disturb” sign doesn’t always work, especially when people forget to check it.
Steve Skillings and Conor Smith faced this exact issue. While working remotely, they struggled with frequent disruptions. They needed a better way to signal when they were busy. That’s when they came up with BusyBox, a smart, Wi-Fi-enabled status sign that displays availability in real time. The device can be controlled remotely via an app, making it perfect for home offices, recording studios, or even office spaces.
In Shark Tank Season 13, Steve and Conor pitched BusyBox, asking for $200,000 in exchange for 15% equity. They demonstrated how the device worked, showing its customizable messages and sleek design.
BusyBox Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Steve and Conor were looking for an investment of $200k in exchange for 15% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $1.3 million. Unfortunately, they did not secure a deal with any of the sharks. After the show aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of BusyBox is around $10 million.
Shark(s) name
Offer & Demand
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Daymond John
Out
N/A
N/A
Lori Greiner
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin O’Leary
Out
N/A
N/A
Robert Herjavec
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Steve Skillings and Conor Smith Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Steve Skillings and Conor Smith came up with the idea for BusyBox out of personal frustration. Steve, who worked from home, was constantly interrupted by his family. A simple paper sign wasn’t enough—people either ignored it or forgot to check. He needed something more noticeable and interactive.
That’s when he teamed up with Conor, a tech expert, to create BusyBox. The device is a smart LED sign that connects to Wi-Fi and can be controlled via a smartphone app. Users can customize messages like “In a Meeting,” “Do Not Disturb,” or “Available.” The sign lights up brightly, ensuring no one misses the notification.
When Steve and Conor entered the Shark Tank, they brought a working prototype. They explained how BusyBox solved a real problem for remote workers, podcasters, and even teachers. The sharks seemed impressed by the concept but had concerns about the business model and pricing.
The founders revealed that BusyBox had already made $429,000 in sales. However, they admitted that production costs were high, which affected profit margins. Their ask was $200,000 for 15% equity, valuing the company at roughly $1.3 million.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
Mark Cuban was the first to express doubts. He liked the idea but was turned off when Steve mentioned plans to expand into the “wellness space.” Mark felt this was too vague and unrelated to the core product. He quickly bowed out, saying he didn’t see a clear path for growth.
Lori Greiner thought the product was too expensive. At $229, she believed most consumers wouldn’t pay that much for a status light. She suggested a lower price point but didn’t make an offer.
Robert Herjavec agreed with Lori. He called BusyBox a “trend product” rather than a must-have item. He also didn’t like the idea of expanding into wellness, calling it a “huge stretch.” Without a strong, unique selling point, he decided to pass.
Kevin O’Leary didn’t say much but followed the other sharks. He likely agreed that the price was too high for mass appeal.
Daymond John was the last to speak. He simply said, “The price is the problem,” and joined the others in declining an offer.
Despite the rejection, Steve and Conor remained confident. They believed in their product and were determined to grow without a shark’s help.
What Went Wrong With BusyBox On Shark Tank?
BusyBox faced some important challenges that made sharks hesitant to support it. The product was considered too expensive for most people to buy just for a light that shows their status. While BusyBox was helpful, it wasn’t something everyone would find necessary, making its appeal more niche.
The investors didn’t fully understand the company’s plans for expanding into the “wellness space,” which made them uncertain about its potential.
There were already cheaper, similar products on the market, like basic LED signs, which made it harder for BusyBox to stand out. The sharks believed that for BusyBox to be successful, it needed to lower its price and clearly highlight what made it different from other products.
Product Availability
Despite the Shark Tank rejection, BusyBox is still selling strong. The company now offers four different models:
1. BusyBox Standard – The original Wi-Fi-enabled smart sign.
2. BusyBox R – A more affordable version for podcasters and streamers.
3. BusyBox Pro – For offices with multiple users.
4. BusyBox Mini – A compact, budget-friendly option.
All models can be purchased on the official BusyBox website and Amazon. Prices range from $99 to $299, depending on features. The company also sells accessories like mounts and custom message plates.
What Happened To The BusyBox After Shark Tank?
BusyBox is growing, even though they haven’t finalized a big deal yet. The company’s sales have been increasing every year, and even though they faced some challenges with supplies, people still want their products.
Major corporations are looking at BusyBox as a solution for their teams that work from home. They are starting to attract new types of customers, including podcasters, online streamers, and voice-over artists.
The team is creating a new tool that uses artificial intelligence to help users be more productive. Steve also mentioned that today looks like their best year so far, and they are thinking about making smart office products in addition to their current offerings.
Conclusion
BusyBox’s journey on Shark Tank Season 13 didn’t end with a deal, but the company didn’t give up. Despite the sharks’ concerns about pricing and market appeal, Steve and Conor pushed forward. Today, BusyBox is still in business, expanding its product line, and exploring new tech like AI.
For remote workers, content creators, or anyone who needs uninterrupted focus, BusyBox remains a useful (if slightly pricey) solution. While it didn’t win over the sharks, its growing sales prove there’s still demand.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.
