Shark Tank Showcase and Reception at the JMI Small Business Conference

Ever wondered what it takes to be a participant on Shark Tank? Hear directly from past participants on the hit ABC reality show, Michael Benarde, Kelley Higney and Daniel Rensing, as they share how they got there, the lessons they took and their entrepreneurial journeys since appearing. Wine and Cheese Reception to follow panel discussion and Q&A.

Michael Benarde, Co-Founder and President, NightCap (Season 11)

Michael is the Co-Founder & President of NightCap, a company that provides innovative tools for personal protection and the home of the original Drink Spiking Prevention Scrunchie. Michael received his undergraduate degree in Political Science and an MBA from Florida State University.

Since launching, Michael and NightCap have won multiple awards including Florida State University’s InNOLEvation Challenge, Tallahassee Startup Week’s Annual Pitch Competition, FSU’s Turkey Tank, and FSU’s Jim Moran Micro Grant. NightCap also has been featured on the Fox Business Network, and in USA Today, among many other media outlets. NightCap has become known around the world gaining over 175,000,000 views on Tik Tok and shipping 250,000+ units to over 30 countries. Michael appeared alongside his 17 year-old sister Shirah on ABC’s Shark Tank in February 2021.

Kelley Higney, Founder and CEO, Bug Bite Thing (Season 11)

Kelley Higney is the founder and CEO of Bug Bite Thing. In 2013, Kelley’s family relocated from San Diego, California to South Florida. There was one thing they were not prepared for—the mosquitos. Her six-month-old daughter was constantly suffering from severe reactions to the bites. Determined to find a natural alternative to the available remedies on the market, Kelley began conducting research. She ordered an unfamiliar product that uses suction to remove the irritant—and it worked! It transformed the quality of life for her family—they could finally spend time outdoors! Kelley was determined to share it with others. In 2017, she secured exclusive distribution rights to the product and branded it Bug Bite Thing. Kelley has since been a “Mom on a Mission” to educate the world on the most effective, chemical-free solution for insect bite relief.

The company gained national recognition in October 2019 when Kelley and her mother, Ellen McAlister, appeared on ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank.’ All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in the business, but it was Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ offer that secured the partnership. In April 2021, Kelley and her mother returned to ‘Shark Tank.’ This time, they shared details on the company's transformation into a multi-million dollar enterprise following their first appearance on the show. Bug Bite Thing is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief with more than 45,000 reviews

Daniel Rensing, Founder and CEO, The Smart Baker (Season 3)

Growing up in NY, Daniel has always been surrounded by business. His grandfather started the now Rockledge, Florida-based Renco Electronics, Inc. in 1955. Growing up with his family-owned and -operated business instilled in him the desire to follow his grandfather’s entrepreneurial lead. After moving to Rockledge, Daniel - along with his wife Stephanie - launched The Smart Baker. Born out of their kitchen, the company has grown from a few product lines sold out of their garage to a national television appearance on ABC's “Shark Tank”.

This panel is held in conjunction with the Jim Moran Institute's June 1-3 at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. To register for the entire conference, please visit sblconference.com.

Host or Publisher Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship