IcyBreeze: Here's What Happened After Shark Tank

When Dave Yonce's camping trip with his son was cut short due to an uncomfortable heatwave, he joked that he wished they could crawl into their beverage cooler to stay cool. Although that trip was a bust, Yonce, a self-proclaimed "serial entrepreneur," (via Hulu) felt inspired to solve their dilemma.

In 2013, Yonce founded IcyBreeze in Bixby, Oklahoma. This battery-powered, wireless, portable beverage cooler features a heat exchanger located under the lid, which converts hot, humid air into cool, dry air using the ice stored in the chest. The cool air — approximately 35 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the outdoor temperature —  flows through the flexi-hose, cooling users while also keeping food and beverages chilled. Manufacturing of IcyBreeze began in 2014, and by 2015, units were available online directly from its website and in select Sam's Club locations nationwide.

Marketed as a cooling solution for outdoor activities such as camping, tailgating, and boating, Yonce, along with Jason Shackleford, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Andrew Jenkins, the CEO, introduced IcyBreeze to Sharks Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, and Kevin O'Leary in Season 7, Episode 15 of "Shark Tank."

First airing on January 29, 2016, Dave Yonce, Jason Shackleford, and Andrew Jenkins — dressed in matching blue golf shirts — asked the Sharks for an initial investment of $50,000 in exchange for 5% of their company, IcyBreeze. Shackleford took the lead but quickly shared the spotlight with Yonce as they tried to justify their low margins throughout their pitch.

Retailing for $349, each unit cost $191 to manufacture, a fact that Daymond John didn't find "cool" (via Hulu). When questioned about the high production cost, Shackleford explained that the battery was the expensive component. However, he noted that the company had already sold 1,700 units, bringing in $125,000 in sales the previous year. Jenkins added that the business projected $2.5 million in revenue for the current year. Despite these figures, the Sharks remained skeptical, especially considering the sales from the previous year. The situation worsened when Kevin O'Leary asked how much the men had invested in the company. Yonce's revelation that he had self-funded the product to the tune of $5.5 million left the Sharks in disbelief.

Though Yonce stated he was looking for a strategic partnership to capitalize on the Sharks' experience and connections, each Shark passed on the deal. They explained that there wasn't a large enough market for people who could afford such expensive coolers. Yonce, Shackleford, and Jenkins left the tank disappointed, but not discouraged.

The day before its "Shark Tank" episode aired, IcyBreeze's website received roughly 105 daily views. However, despite failing to secure a deal with a Shark, the company's daily online traffic surged to 30,000 after the episode aired. By 2017, IcyBreeze had outgrown its original warehouse in Oklahoma and relocated to Sweetwater, Texas, where it opened two additional warehouses.

Before passing on the deal, Kevin O'Leary offered some advice, suggesting that Dave Yonce, Jason Shackleford, and Andrew Jenkins lower the unit's price point. They apparently took this advice to heart: According to the company's website, the IcyBreeze V2 Pro retails for $289.99, a $50 reduction from its original launch price. The company also introduced an upgraded version, the IcyBreeze Platinum, priced at $339.99.

Neither unit is sold with a battery pack or charger. However, a 6AH battery is available for an additional $69.99, and a 10AH battery is priced at $99.99. Both are available for purchase. Both units can hold 30 pounds of ice and accommodate up to 49 beverage cans. The IcyBreeze Platinum includes a USB charging port for small devices like mobile phones and offers two additional features not available on the original model. This Platinum version allows users to run the air conditioner in either standard or extreme cool mode, enabling consumers to maximize both battery life and ice usage.

According to its website, IcyBreeze is still operational, although its products are not widely available outside the company's own platform. Currently, none of its units are listed on Amazon, and the website mentions shortages in various colors and models.

In addition to portable coolers, IcyBreeze has expanded its product line to include accessories that cater to various outdoor lifestyles. For instance, a powder-coated golf cart cooler rack is available for $349.99 for Yamaha two-seater golf carts that otherwise lack space for a cooler. Charging bundles are available online at various price points: $34.99 without a battery, $99.99 with a 6AH battery, and $129.99 with a 10AH battery. The company also offers supplementary accessories for each cooler model, such as extension hoses and reusable IcyBlocks priced at $15 each, which extend the lifespan of the ice in the cooler.

IcyBreeze Portable Air Conditioner units come with a lifetime warranty. If a unit malfunctions, the company will either supply replacement parts, charging the consumer only for shipping, or provide a pre-paid shipping label for the consumer to return the product for repair, billing for the return shipping and handling costs.

Although IcyBreeze is a unique product, it still faces competition. For example, alternatives like evaporative air coolers, which are marketed as "swamp coolers" — a term IcyBreeze avoids — don't chill beverages but can cool you down wirelessly outdoors. These units are available at retailers like Lowe's, Home Depot, and Amazon, with prices ranging from $299 to $1607. They operate by using water or ice to reduce temperature and humidity.

Social media posts and photos on the company's website depict IcyBreeze units being utilized in a wide array of outdoor activities. This includes uses by hunters, fishermen, small plane pilots, golfers, and pet owners.

The IcyBreeze website also indicates that athletes have employed its coolers at events such as the U.S. Open, the Australian Open, and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Notably, tennis legends like Hailey Baptiste and Serena Williams have been photographed cooling off with IcyBreeze units. Additionally, a post on Instagram in September 2023 announced a collaboration between IcyBreeze and former NFL Cowboy Deion Sanders, also known as "Coach Prime," at the University of Colorado.