Sweater blankets from The Original Comfy are warm and soft and come in various hues. You can buy this cozy hoodie plus comforter online and in stores nationwide. This sweater blanket is still a best-seller and a fantastic option for anybody, with excellent online reviews. Michael and Brian Speciale, brothers, struck a deal with Barbara Corcoran to launch it.
The Original Comfy has an estimated net worth of $50 million as of 2023. Keep reading to find out more about The Original Comfy.
Comfy Founders
Phoenix, Arizona, is home to single fathers Michael and Brian Speciale. Brian graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in broadcast management. He began his career in television in 1993 as a video editor at KSAZ before moving on to KPHO as an executive sports producer.
Brian decided to work as a freelance showrunner in 1997 and was employed by NBC, CBS, and ESPN. He then started working as a host and anchor for Tier One Media, KION, and KTAR FM. He founded Blowtorch Media, his own production company, in 2008. Michael and Brian Speciale, the company’s founders, were natives of Phoenix, Arizona, who had never created or sold a product.
Brian used to be a television producer. The Original Comfy has grown, so they are now employed there full-time. The Comfy brothers give their families credit for providing encouragement and inspiration. Michael moved in with his brother Brian following his divorce. Michael noticed his nephew wearing his father’s bulky sweater one day while he was curled up on the couch watching television at Brian’s house.
To keep warm, he tucked his arms and knees into the sweater. After noticing how attractive and comfortable it appeared, they discussed creating one for adults. After seeing a Sherpa blanket nearby, the Original Comfy was made when they considered utilizing it to create a large sweatshirt/blanket combination.
The Birth of The Original Comfy (from divorce to invention)
Michael was allowed to stay in his brother’s home while he went through a divorce. He observed Saxon, Brian’s son, growing quite at ease wearing an oversized sweater. The idea for the product came to Michael when he saw a fleece blanket nearby. He mentioned it to Brian, and the two set to create an adult reversible oversized sweatshirt that doubles as a blanket. Launched in 2017, the Original Comfy was an improved Snuggie. The Comfy, according to its creators, has a far superior design. The Comfy is an oversized hooded sweatshirt, whereas the Snuggie is a blanket with arms.
Comfy on Shark Tank
Brian and Michael appeared on season nine of the show less than six months after they launched their company, requesting $50,000 in exchange for 20% equity. The company needed a website, finished goods, or sales. Singing their rendition of a holiday song, the brothers put on a very animated show. It truly caught the sharks’ attention and kept them entertained.
The pitch was excellent, and they responded sincerely, even though there were no sales. It needed to be more unique, in Lori Greiner’s opinion. On the other hand, Robert Herjavec and Barbara Corcoran were willing to try out the entrepreneurs. Barbara won 30% with a bid of $50,000, while Robert’s 50% demand was deemed excessively avaricious. When Barbara does invest, it’s seldom on her own, and she handles marketing and sourcing directly.
The Rise and Fall of Comfy After Shark Tank
The day after their Shark Tank episode aired, The Original Comfy ran out of stock. Because of the product’s virality, they could focus on production to meet demand and produce enormous sales. After the show aired, the founders disclosed they had made $5 million in sales. Following the Sharks’ advice, they launched their product online, which can be found on Amazon and TheComfy.com. Also, Costco, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, The Paper Store, and Zappos sell it.
Based on sales, the Original Comfy is among the top ten most successful products to be pitched on Shark Tank. However, the company does not disclose its annual revenue. As of October 2023, its lifetime sales had reached $550 million. Barbara claimed in an interview that the Comfy, estimated to be worth $50 million, was her best investment. Despite their incredible sales in the summer of 2021, the company experienced difficulties. Their supply chain issues and bad financial decisions nearly caused them to quit business.
In an open interview with Forbes, Michael Speciale disclosed that his brother Brian and Barbara are no longer connected. He paid an undisclosed amount to buy them both out. Michael claimed she turned her down when they truly needed Barbara’s assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who founded The Original Comfy?
A. Michael and Brian Speciale founded the Original Comfy.
Q. How much is The Original Comfy?
A. The Original Comfy is worth $50 million.
Q. Did The Original Comfy get a deal on Shark Tank?
A. They got a deal with Barbara with an offer of $50,000 for 30%.
