5 Shocking Secrets Behind Thrill Builders' Multi-Million Dollar Shark Tank Deal (2025 Update)

The world of immersive entertainment is booming, and Thrill Builders is at the epicenter of the scare industry. This company, which specializes in designing and building high-end haunted attractions and escape rooms, burst onto the national stage during the special "Shark-O-Ween" episode of *Shark Tank* Season 15. The pitch, led by founder Guy Kitchell, was terrifyingly successful, securing a coveted triple-Shark deal that instantly validated the multi-million dollar business and set the stage for massive expansion in the rapidly growing experiential economy. This article provides the most current and up-to-date information as of late 2025, detailing the company's impressive financials at the time of the pitch, the dramatic negotiations that led to a deal with Lori Greiner, Kevin O'Leary, and guest Shark Jason Blum, and the thriving status of Thrill Builders in the years following their television appearance. Their story is a masterclass in turning a niche passion for "chills and thrills" into a highly profitable, scalable enterprise.

Guy Kitchell: The Mastermind Behind Thrill Builders

Guy Kitchell, the founder and CEO of Thrill Builders, brought a unique blend of passion, craftsmanship, and business acumen to the Tank. His journey from enthusiast to industry leader is a testament to the profitability of experiential design.

• Full Name: Guy Kitchell
• Company: Thrill Builders
• Industry: Entertainment, Design, Construction (Specializing in Haunted Attractions, Escape Rooms, and Family Entertainment Centers)
• Pitch Air Date: October 27, 2023 (Season 15, Episode 5 - "Shark-O-Ween")
• Initial Ask: $250,000 for 20% equity
• Secured Deal: $300,000 for 30% equity
• Sharks Involved: Lori Greiner, Kevin O'Leary, and Jason Blum
• Company Focus: Providing bespoke, turnkey solutions for businesses looking to enter the immersive entertainment market, from initial concept to final construction and installation of props, animatronics, and themeing.

Kitchell’s pitch highlighted his deep understanding of the entertainment sector and his ability to deliver a compelling, high-quality product that generates significant revenue for his clients. The Sharks were particularly impressed by the company's proven track record and impressive sales figures, which elevated the business far beyond a simple seasonal attraction.

The "Scary-Strong" Pitch: Financials That Terrified the Sharks (In a Good Way)

What truly set Thrill Builders apart was not just the creativity of their haunted attractions, but the undeniable strength of their business model and financials. The numbers presented by Guy Kitchell immediately silenced any skepticism from the Sharks, including the notoriously critical Kevin O'Leary. The company's performance was spectacular, demonstrating a highly profitable operation in a niche market.

1. Multi-Million Dollar Sales History

Kitchell revealed that over the six years leading up to his appearance, Thrill Builders had already achieved an astounding $12.2 million in total sales. This figure immediately established the company as a major player, not a startup. It showed a consistent, long-term ability to execute large-scale, complex projects for clients across the country.

2. $4.2 Million Projected Annual Revenue

For the year of the pitch, the company was on track to hit an impressive $4.2 million in sales. This massive revenue projection underscored the escalating demand for high-quality, professional immersive experiences. It proved that the "experiential economy," focused on providing memorable activities rather than just products, was a major growth sector.

3. Nearly $1 Million in Profit

Perhaps the most compelling number was the previous year's profit, which stood at a robust $900,000. This healthy profit margin indicated excellent cost management and a premium service pricing structure. The Sharks, especially Lori Greiner and Kevin O'Leary, look for businesses that are not only high-revenue but also highly profitable, making Thrill Builders an extremely attractive investment opportunity.

The Triple-Shark Deal: Why Three Sharks Joined Forces

Guy Kitchell’s initial ask was $250,000 for 20% equity, valuing his company at $1.25 million. This valuation was immediately challenged by the Sharks, who recognized the company's true potential and the high demand for its services. The ensuing negotiation became a fascinating tug-of-war over valuation and the strategic advantage of having multiple partners. The final deal was a collaborative effort, a rare occurrence in the Tank, especially involving three Sharks.

4. The Horror IP Connection (Jason Blum)

The presence of guest Shark Jason Blum, the legendary producer behind Blumhouse Productions (known for horror franchises like *Paranormal Activity* and *The Purge*), was a game-changer. Blum saw the potential for a powerful synergy: Thrill Builders could be the construction arm for future Blumhouse-themed attractions, leveraging valuable intellectual property (IP) to create must-see experiences. His involvement provided a direct link to Hollywood's horror elite.

5. The Strategic Partnership (Lori Greiner & Kevin O'Leary)

Lori Greiner, the "Queen of QVC," recognized the massive retail and scalability potential, particularly in the family entertainment center (FEC) space. Kevin O'Leary, "Mr. Wonderful," saw a clear, predictable, and highly profitable business model—a "royalty business" in the making, where the Sharks could potentially earn a percentage on every attraction built. The three Sharks ultimately teamed up to offer $300,000 for 30% equity, a higher investment for a larger stake. Kitchell accepted, recognizing the immense value of having three strategic partners—a retail mogul, a financial powerhouse, and a horror legend—all invested in his company's future. This deal instantly propelled Thrill Builders into a new league, giving them the capital and the expert guidance to dominate the immersive entertainment market.

Thrill Builders' Thriving Future: A 2025 Update

Since the *Shark Tank* episode aired, Thrill Builders has continued to thrive, validating the Sharks' investment. The company has successfully leveraged the "Shark Tank Effect," experiencing a massive surge in brand awareness and client inquiries. The company remains in business and is actively expanding its capabilities. The $300,000 investment is being used to scale operations, hire more specialized designers and builders, and potentially develop more standardized, high-volume attraction packages that can be sold to a wider array of clients, securing a more consistent recurring revenue stream. The collaboration with Jason Blum is particularly exciting, opening doors to projects that could incorporate major horror movie IP, taking their attractions from local hits to global phenomena. With the combined mentorship of Greiner, O'Leary, and Blum, Thrill Builders is poised to become the premier design and build firm for experiential attractions worldwide. Their success story is a clear signal that the future of entertainment lies in immersive, high-quality, and fear-inducing experiences.