There’s a new dragon in the den: it’s Brian Scudamore, founder and CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?.
Scudamore will be an investor in the next season of The Dragons’ Denthe Canadian version of what Americans call Shark tank. And he has some advice for anyone who wants to step forward to pitch investors:
“You definitely need to know your numbers, but don’t forget to tell a story,” he says. “Anyone can present a business idea, but articulate it Why you do it to create a connection with the Dragons and the audience.”
Scudamore’s personal story has a made-for-TV quality: He dropped out of high school and, at age 18, spent $700 on a pickup truck to start his own junk removal service in Vancouver. She then turned it into a globally recognizable brand, with those big blue trucks.
The company’s growth has occurred through a successful franchising model: 1-800-GOT-JUNK? currently supports 174 franchises in the United States, Canada and Australia and has spawned two additional franchise brands – WOW 1 DAY PAINTING and Shack Shine – under the O2E Brands umbrella company.
This has helped make Scudamore one of the most celebrated entrepreneurs in Canada, and his company has won numerous awards for its workplace culture (including being named “Most Loved Workplace” by Newsweek).
Now, as an investor in the upcoming nineteenth season of The Dragons’ Den, says he’s looking forward to inspiring the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs. “Countless leaders have shared their time and knowledge with me as I’ve grown my businesses, so I’m a big believer in giving back through mentorship,” she says.
He’s also eager to learn a new skill himself — and that’s surprising, given his on-air role.
“I’ve never invested money in another business,” he admits. “This is the next logical step in my entrepreneurial journey!”
In America, The Dragons’ Den it is often known as the Canadian Shark tank. But in truth, both shows are spin-offs of a different show.
The show’s format, in which entrepreneurs pitch a group of investors, originated in Japan in 2001, under the name The money tigers. The format then moved to the UK, where it was named The Dragons’ Den. An Israeli version launched a few years later, called The Sharks. Then, in 2009, an American version expanded the Israeli name — e Shark tank I was born.
There are now more than 40 versions of the show worldwide, using a variety of names. Many countries also call their show Shark tank OR The Dragons’ Den.
American viewers know at least two investors from the Canadian show: Shark tank regulars Robert Herjavec and Kevin O’Leary both appeared The Dragons’ Denthese are the first seasons. Herjavec recently returned to the Canadian show for two seasons, and now he’s starting again – which, along with another departure from the show, has opened up a spot for Scudamore.
Scudamore will join Arlene Dickinson, Wes Hall, Manjit Minhas and Michelle Romanow as investors on the show. Dragons’ Den airs in Canada on CBC. The next season will film in Toronto this spring and air later in the fall.