By Spencer Sterritt

Nanaimo inventors enter the Dragons’ Den

Feb 19, 2017 | 6:42 AM

NANAIMO — For many inventors and creative-types from the Nanaimo area, the success of their ideas and inventions rested on one critical meeting.

Two producers from CBC’s Dragons’ Den met with them on Friday at the Best Western Dorchester Hotel to hear pitches and decide who would make it on to the show.

It was the first time Ladysmith designer Mary Desprez put her idea on the line. She pitched Highroad Clothing, which is designed for women who are sick of constantly having to update their wardrobe and need something that fits their lifestyle while also being professional.

“I’m trying not to get over-hyped,” she said. “I’m afraid I talk too fast when I get nervous so I just want to be really clear and hopefully they’ll like the idea.”

Desprez was one of several creators at the audition. Not all were first-timers like her.

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It was the second time auditioning for Christopher Tio and his product Aircoal, a naturally-derived and scent-free charcoal air freshener.

“Based on our sales right now, we’ve been told by our distributors all we need is the exposure,” he said of why he tried again to be on the show. “Unless we get into more channels, then we won’t have the sales but then we need to support that so we’ll use the money from the Dragons to increase our infrastructure.”

Tio stressed being prepared for tough financial questions when auditioning.

It was a lesson producer Jane Chupick emphasized as well. “You’d be surprised how many people can’t just carry on a conversation about their product,” she said, noting many have to refer to notes about their product.

For her and Kerry Cuthbert, the other producer, making a yes or no decision and being the end of the line for hopeful inventors can be a stressful position to be in.

“Your heart ends up going our to people if you know you can’t help someone necessarily or they’re not right for the show,” Cuthbert said.

For anyone hoping to get get on Dragons’ Den, they both said the best tactic is to be knowledgeable and passionate about what they’ve created since the show has to be gripping, compelling and overall a watchable show.

“We’re TV experts and we know what makes good entertainment: a compelling story and what the audience wants to hear” Chupick said. “It’s those kinds of things we’re looking for, as well as being a strong presenter.”

Many inventors have made it through the audition process and been on the show.

“There’s always unique businesses here, thing I would have never even thought of before,” Chupick said.

Spencer.sterritt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit