The couple’s businesses have done more than $15 million in lifetime sales, and are looking to increase their retail footprint.
They had a shoe-in before their foot was in the door.
On Thursday at 8 p.m., married-couple business duo Meryl and Mick Baker will appear on Dragons’ Den to pitch their suite of foot-health products and minimalist shoes.
But before they stepped onto the studio stage, one of the Dragons was already sporting a pair of their Nunorm sneakers.
No more spoilers for now, though, as the Bakers have been sworn to secrecy over the result of their appearance on the show.
Mick says he’s always enjoyed watching Dragons’ Den.
“I love business and I love watching the show,” he says. “It took a little while convincing Meryl.”
Their entrepreneurship kicked off eight years ago, in response to Meryl’s foot and knee pain. Their company got on its feet with a pair of toe spacers.
“We found CrossFitters were really resonating with out products,” Meryl says. Soon, their Spacer Mobility brand had a whole host of products.
By the time they were ready to enter the Dragons’ lair, the Bakers had served more than 200,000 customers with over $15 million in lifetime sales.
Their company is based in Vancouver — they moved to West Van with their two kids around a year ago — and have five warehouses around the world making their products. But most of of their business is direct-to-consumer.
Minimalist shoe makers aiming to increase retail footprint
A major reason for them going on the show is to increase their retail footprint.
“We really want to increase our retail and distribution in Canada,” Meryl says. “We’ve run this business for seven years — we don’t have investors.”
Not yet, at least.
Going on Dragon’s Den was way outside of their comfort zone, Mick explains.
“When it got to audition, we had to practice our speech,” he says. “When you’re actually in front of the dragons, you have to pinch yourself…. My leg was was shaking the entire time.”
Still, Mick was comfortable enough in his own skin to address the panel of tycoons dressed as a giant foot.
“It was such an incredible experience — super hard as well, to put your whole pitch together,” he says.
Speaking to their company’s mission, Meryl says that nearly every person they’ve talked to has some kind of foot injury.
“A lot of people’s injuries start from the feet,” she says. “It’s very rarely talked about.”
After their segment airs on Thursday, thousands of Canadians will be more inclined to look after their feet before the shoe drops.
Dragons’ Den airs Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. PCT on CBC and CBC Gem. Spacer Mobility and Nunorm products can be found online, and in select stores: Health Essentials in Victoria, Little Foot Shoe Co. in Salmon Arm and Sole Freedom in Ottawa.