If you’re the type of person who cares about ice-cold drinks or follows “Shark Tank,” you’ve probably heard of Coldest. You might even have seen their big, bold insulated bottles online. But the story isn’t just about keeping drinks cold for 36 hours. It’s also about how two brothers bet on themselves, almost cut a deal with a Shark, and still managed to keep their business growing fast. Let’s break down how they did it.
Coldest: Started in a Florida Garage
The company started back in 2015, right in sunny Florida. The founders, twin brothers David and Joe Ahmad, were just starting out but wanted to solve an everyday problem. They wanted a water bottle that actually kept water cold for marathon gaming sessions, workouts, or just going to the beach. Out of their garage, they began designing insulated bottles with a different build—using vacuum insulation, double-walled steel, and a focus on leakproof design.
Their first products caught on with folks who wanted something better than a regular water bottle. As sales grew, they moved out of the garage and into something much bigger—a 72,000-square-foot warehouse. It was a big leap, but demand was strong enough to back it up.
Going Beyond Just Bottles
Soon, Coldest wasn’t only about water bottles anymore. They listened to customers and realized people wanted more ways to stay cool. So, they developed a range of new products, adding tumblers, cooling bedding, ice packs, and even dog beds designed to beat the Florida heat.
Their pricing stayed premium. The standard water bottle on their site? $55. But customers seemed to trust that the brand delivered on its “cold for hours” promise. Instead of aiming for mass volume, Coldest focused on smaller, exclusive online “drops”—limited editions where demand usually exceeded supply. You could buy through the Coldest website or Amazon, or even walk into their own store in Naples, Florida. This mix of online, Amazon, and brick-and-mortar made the business flexible, even when retail trends got weird.
Marketing was hands-on. The Ahmad brothers used influencers and relied a lot on word-of-mouth and community reviews instead of splashy national ads. The “drops” strategy drove an air of exclusivity and excitement, kind of like sneaker launches, but for coolers and drinkware.
Stepping Into the Tank
Fast forward to season 15, episode 15 of “Shark Tank.” Coldest made its pitch directly to the Sharks, looking to raise money to speed up their expansion. David and Joe walked in energetic and prepared. They talked about their journey, then handed out bottles to the Sharks. The bottles were put to the test, with some Sharks even dropping them for fun to check the durability.
Then came the big sales numbers. Coldest’s revenue started at $900,000 in 2017, but by 2022, they had hit $15.1 million. When you break it down, that’s the kind of growth curve that gets TV attention—and makes investors do a double-take.
The founders highlighted what made their signature bottles unique: they last, don’t leak, and keep drinks cold for 36 hours. They put a lot of detail into engineering, even building bottles strong enough for hardcore gym users and outdoor fans.
The Sharks React—and an Offer Comes in
But this was “Shark Tank,” so the questions came fast. Most Sharks had concerns about market share. The insulated water bottle space is crowded with brands like Hydro Flask and Yeti, so there was skepticism about how Coldest would keep growing, especially with their high price tag.
Still, the numbers were hard to ignore. After some back-and-forth, Kevin O’Leary stepped up with an offer. But, this was classic “Mr. Wonderful”—he wanted a royalty-heavy deal. The royalty structure meant Coldest would hand over a cut of every sale, forever. For a business growing this fast, that kind of commitment eats into profits quickly.
The brothers weighed it out on camera. In the end, they turned it down, politely but directly. They wanted a partner for growth, not a royalty arrangement they saw as a long-term drag.
Why They Passed—and What Came Next
It wasn’t a bitter moment. If anything, the Ahmad brothers came across as calm and confident, happy to keep running things their way. Sometimes the right move is walking away from a deal that doesn’t match your plan—even with millions of viewers watching.
Some people might’ve thought turning down a Shark would slow momentum, but for Coldest, things stayed on track. The boost from being on TV, sharing their story, and actually showing how the product worked seemed to push even more customers to check them out.
Life After Shark Tank: More Than Just Bottles
Since filming, Coldest kept rolling out new items. Their lineup now includes everything from cooling pillowcases and mattress toppers to pet products and giant ice packs. You’ll find their latest products on their website or Amazon storefront, and their retail presence spreads a little wider each year.
They’ve been open about their ambitions, too. The company still sits in that 72,000-square-foot home, but the Ahmad brothers have thrown out a wild new idea: building an entire amusement park called “Coldest World,” planned to open by 2030. The park is just a concept for now, but it shows how these founders like thinking big and aren’t afraid to talk about out-there ideas.
When you visit Coldest’s site, there’s a real sense of community—from customer reviews to frequent product launches. The company is still run like a direct-to-consumer startup, even though it’s way past the garage days. Their social media is active, with new “drops” announced and feedback shared by fans almost daily.
The business continues to rely on those limited product releases and community engagement, rather than huge retail partners. That lets them respond quickly to what people want, keep control, and protect their margins—something not every “Shark Tank” business manages long-term.
Steady Growth and a Clear Path Ahead
If you’re looking for a business that didn’t “need” a Shark Tank deal to succeed, Coldest is a pretty good example. The brand is still premium and still expects you to pay $55 for a bottle, but their revenue keeps growing. Their move to include bedding, pet products, and even cooling mattresses means they aren’t stuck in a narrow product lane.
Their online community seems to be a big deal for them. Customer stories get featured, and product suggestions sometimes show up in future launches. If you care about business trends, Coldest is also a reminder that you can scale by serving a focused audience really well—without spending millions on national ads.
If you’re interested in following businesses like Coldest or learning how unique brands keep scaling after “Shark Tank,” check out resources on Aureo Business for more nuanced case studies and breakdowns.
Quick Recap: Coldest’s Shark Tank Experience
A lot happened in a short amount of time on the show, so here’s a quick table to sum it up:
| **Aspect** | **Details** |
|————————|————————————————————|
| Founders | David and Joe Ahmad |
| Started | 2015, in Florida |
| Signature Product | 36-hour cold insulated water bottles |
| Revenue Growth | $900,000 (2017) to $15.1 million (2022) |
| Deal Outcome | Declined Kevin O’Leary’s offer (royalty-heavy) |
| Product Range | Bottles, tumblers, bedding, ice packs, pet accessories |
| Retail Presence | Website, Amazon, Naples FL retail store |
| Big Future Goal | “Coldest World” amusement park (aiming for 2030) |
The Bottom Line
In the end, Coldest walked away from “Shark Tank” without a deal, but their momentum didn’t slow down. The company remains a steady, growing name in the world of insulated bottles and cooling gear. They kept their creative control, stuck to what their community wanted, and kept expanding when it made sense.
Whether “Coldest World” ever happens or just stays a creative idea, Coldest’s founders seem content building a brand that’s both practical and a little bit playful. And no matter what else changes, they still promise your water will stay cold—even when things heat up.
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