Rachel Zietz was a 13-year-old entrepreneur on shark tank, pitching Gladiator Lacrosse. Rachel found a problem with lacrosse equipment, specifically rebounders, which could not withstand rough weather conditions. Rachel developed the “All Ball Pro” which is a rebounder that can be used in any condition, due to better materials being used in manufacturing. The All Ball Pro retails for $899.99, coming with a warranty. Rachel has also expanded into other products, such as lacrosse balls that do not wear down, and stick tape. Gladiator Lacrosse has become revolutionary in the development of sturdy lacrosse equipment, as there is a high demand for long-lasting lacrosse products.
Rachel saw an opportunity for growth in that the sport of lacrosse is growing, and in many of the areas where lacrosse is played, weather conditions are harsh leading to the wear of equipment. Rachel created value in her product by manufacturing innovation.
Though I do not know much about Lacrosse, Zietz was able to take her knowledge about a sport that she enjoyed and fix a problem that she had experienced herself. Without reinventing the equipment, Zietz was able to add onto the rebounders that others had already created but changed the material used to make it more durable. For a 13-year-old to create a working product and expand it to other areas of her field of passion proves that she is thinking years in advance as far as what her company could become.