COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A native of the Buckeye State that won “Shark Tank” returned to his roots on Thursday.
Celina native and University of Toledo alum Tom Burden stopped in Columbus to speak with high school students at the Academy for Urban Scholars, teaching lessons in perseverance and innovation with students.
Burden appeared on Shark Tank back in 2017 to show off his “Grypmat” invention. Burden came up with the idea for a non-slip tool tray during his time in Air Force. Tools would slip off his aircraft so he created a sticky tool holder to put on planes.
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He was able to close a deal with three of the Sharks worth $360,000 and has continued to see his career and brand grow. His message to students Thursday was that the key to entrepreneurship isn’t just having a good business strategy but a good mindset.
“I see a lot of people focus on what they don’t have and if they just kind of switch that around, really the opportunities are endless in a career center like this,” said Burden.
Burden hopes to inspire the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs by showing students the skills they’re learning now can give them a lifelong competitive edge.
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