StepNpull, a Springfield, Missouri-based innovator and manufacturer, struck a “wonderful” deal on network television. Investor Kevin O’Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful, agreed to inject $300,000 into the business on a recent episode of the hit TV show “Shark Tank.”
“We’ve been blessed to have an opportunity that does help businesses open back up,” said StepNpull President Mike Sewel. “It helps keep their employees and customers safe. For us to be in this position is very humbling. We’re so grateful.”
The StepNpull is a foot-operated door opener that mounts to the bottom of interior doors and aims to reduce the spread of germs and increase accessibility in the wake of the global Coronavirus pandemic. Sales have exploded since the pandemic began as facilities around the world are taking steps to stop it and prevent future ones.
The Missouri-based company was launched in Springfield’s efactory, an initiative of Missouri State University in their IDEA Commons district. Since then, the organization has grown and moved to new facilities in Springfield, and the StepNpull product is distributed across the U.S., the United Kingdom, Slovenia, Australia, Hong Kong and South Africa. Previous customers have included NASA, Boeing, Coca-Cola and Facebook.
StepNpull door openers were also recently installed in the Missouri Capitol building in Jefferson City, Missouri.
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