Outdoor lovers often face a common issue: using their smartphones while wearing gloves. Whether skiing or riding a motorcycle, taking off gloves to answer calls or change music can be both bothersome and risky. Mike Cherkezian and Justin Barad faced this challenge and decided to create a solution: Chubby Buttons. This is a sturdy Bluetooth remote control with large buttons that can be easily used while wearing gloves.
Chubby Buttons is waterproof and can attach to any surface, allowing it to connect to Android and iOS phones. This means users can play music, take pictures, and manage calls without having to take off their gloves, keeping their hands warm and safe in cold weather.
The device costs $79.99, and the creators have a good profit margin of 80%. They went on Shark Tank in its 14th season, looking for $250,000 in exchange for 8% of their company to help with marketing. Although Kevin O’Leary offered them a deal based on royalties, the founders decided not to accept any offer and left without making a deal.
Chubby Bottons Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Mike and Justin were looking for an investment of $250k in exchange for 8% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $3.125 million. Mike and Justin did not get a deal with any of the Sharks. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Chubby Buttons in 2025 is around $3.5 million.
Shark(s) name
Offer & Demand
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Barbara Corcoran
Out
N/A
N/A
Lori Greiner
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin O’Leary
$250K for 10% + $10/unit royalty until $1M is paid
$250K for 10% + $2/unit royalty until $1M is paid250K for 10% + $3/unit royalty until $1M is paid250K for 15% + $1/unit royalty until $250k is paid
No
Robert Herjavec
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Mike and Justin Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Mike and Justin, two friends who love outdoor sports and technology, faced a common problem while skiing: they found it hard to use their smartphones with gloves on. They tried different solutions, but nothing worked well. After years of experimenting, they created a product called Chubby Buttons, a sturdy remote control that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It has five big buttons that are easy to press, even with gloves.
They started their business from scratch and did really well, making over $1 million in sales between 2020 and 2022 by selling 500,000 units at $79.99 each. Their production costs were low, only $13 for each remote, so they made a lot of profit. Initially, skiers loved the device, but it also appealed to other groups, like motorcyclists and construction workers.
When they appeared on Shark Tank, they showed how easy it was to use Chubby Buttons by attaching it to different gear. The sharks recognized that the product was useful but were unsure if it would be popular outside of specific outdoor activities.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
Mark Cuban: He thought the product was functional but didn’t think it would appeal to a large audience; he considered it more of a specialized item and chose not to invest.
Lori Greiner: She liked the product’s clever design; however, she was concerned that big smartphone companies might create similar features, which could overshadow this product. Because of this concern, she decided not to invest.
Robert Herjavec: He appreciated the product but felt it needed to reach a wider audience beyond just outdoor sports enthusiasts. Since he couldn’t see a broader marketing strategy, he opted out.
Barbara Corcoran: She raised concerns about the product’s price of $79.99, suggesting it might be too high for casual users. She recommended having a less expensive version to attract more customers before she exited.
Kevin O’Leary: Known for being tough in negotiations, he saw potential in the product but offered a deal that required significant equity and royalties. The founders rejected his terms because they didn’t want to compromise their profits.
What Went Wrong With Chubby Bottons On Shark Tank?
The Sharks viewed the product as something only a small group of people would want, not something that everyone would buy regularly. They thought the price of $79.99 was too expensive for everyday users who might just want the product for casual use. The investors worried that big tech companies could easily copy the idea and make similar products, which could hurt the original company’s sales.
The founders of the product were not willing to give up any royalties to the sharks, as they wanted to keep most of their earnings (80% margins) for themselves. These concerns led to the investors deciding not to go forward with the deal.
Product Availability
Chubby Buttons 2.0 is a handy device that you can use to control music or other audio without needing to touch your phone. You can buy Chubby Buttons 2.0 from Their official website, Amazon, and Specialty outdoor stores. It’s a great gadget for anyone who loves music and being active!
What Happened To The Chubby Bottons After Shark Tank?
Chubby Buttons, a company that creates fun and functional products, has managed to succeed and grow despite not securing a deal or partnership that many might have expected would help them. They’ve started selling their products to new groups of people, specifically targeting bikers, hikers, and those who enjoy water sports. This means they’re reaching out to different outdoor enthusiasts who might benefit from their offerings.
Chubby Buttons has gained attention from magazines like Entrepreneur and Ski Magazine. Being featured in these publications helps to increase their visibility and credibility, potentially attracting more customers. The company has managed to keep its annual revenue at a steady $750,000. This shows that they have a solid customer base and are effectively managing their business, even without a big deal.
It’s estimated that Chubby Buttons could be worth around $3.5 million by 2024. This is a good indicator of the company’s growth potential and market value. They are still developing new and innovative products. This commitment to creativity and improvement helps them stay competitive and meet the changing needs of customers.
Overall, Chubby Buttons demonstrates that a business can thrive through smart expansion, effective marketing, consistent revenue, strong valuation, and ongoing innovation, even in challenging circumstances.
Conclusion
Chubby Buttons is a company that makes a specialized product for people who enjoy outdoor activities. Even though they didn’t get an investment deal on Shark Tank, they showcased that their product has potential. The founders, Mike and Justin, focused on their original goals and kept their profits healthy, which allowed them to create a strong and lasting business.
Their experience shows that sometimes it’s better to decline a bad investment offer than to take it just for immediate money, as this can ultimately lead to greater success in the future.
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.
