Every big brand’s success story has to start somewhere, and for one New Jersey couple, it started at the beach. Leslie Hsu and Greg Besner are a Short Hills couple whose company, SUNFLOW, was inspired by the desire to make better beach-going equipment. The two will have a chance to show their company off for a possible big investment by some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, on the hit ABC show, Shark Tank. Shark Tank allows participants to pitch products to the Sharks, who are the potential investors, and this local pair will be sharing SUNFLOW. Read on to learn more about this pair, their brand, and how to watch them on Shark Tank.
(Photo credit: @getsunflow)
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The Couple + The Company
Leslie Hsu and Greg Besner are from Short Hills in Millburn Township. Their company SUNFLOW – in true Jersey fashion – is a line of beach products. These beach essentials are described by the company as “products that transform the beach experience.” Leslie said she was inspired by her favorite place, the beach. “I was inspired to marry fashion and function when I began imagining the best seat on the beach. I aspire to make this journey to a happy place effortless, and a perfect match to a truly blissful day ahead.”
SUNFLOW’s main product is the SUNFLOW Chair, while other products include accessories that attach to the chair like a drink holder, sunshade, sunglasses case, and dry bag. SUNFLOW also sells apparel, towels, drinkware, and more. The products can be purchased online, or at one of the brand’s seasonal pop-ups, frequently near beach destinations. Last summer, SUNFLOW had a pop-up at the Short Hills Mall.
(Photo credit: @getsunflow)
Leslie and Greg have true beachy roots. – Leslie is originally from coastal Maryland, while Greg comes from the town of Margate down the shore. The two have lived in Short Hills for over 20 years with their three children. Leslie and Greg have patented much of each products’ designs, making these not your average beach chairs.
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About The Show
Shark Tank first aired in August 2009, and has continued with over 280 shows since. The show features the Sharks, who self-made millionaires and billionaires who have many of products they created, helped create, or invested in, under their belts. The main Sharks include Edgewater native and New York real estate guru Barbara Corcoran, Brooklyn native Daymond John, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’ Leary, and Robert Herjavec, along with occasional guest Sharks like Alex Rodriguez, Ashton Kutcher, and Kevin Hart. The show is currently on its 13th season. Hopeful inventors, business owners, and entrepreneurs get their chance in the Shark Tank to pitch their products and ideas. In addition to getting the financial backing of one or more of the Sharks, the entrepreneurs can get mentorship, distribution, and manufacturing support, and, even if the pitch is unsuccessful, a big publicity boost from appearing on the show.
Watch Leslie and Greg put their best foot forward to the Sharks Friday, March 18th at 8PM on ABC, and keep up with SUNFLOW here and on Instagram.
