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Company: Bug Bite Thing
Company Description: Bug Bite Thing is dedicated to offering people a chemical-free and eco-friendly solution that alleviates the discomfort, stinging, itching, and swelling caused by bug bites and stings. The suction tool removes insect saliva/venom from under the skin and is reusable, chemical-free and safe to use on children of all ages, as well as adults. It is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Consumer Products - Non-Durables - Small
 Nomination Title: Bug Bite Thing
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2020, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 182 words used.
After many failed attempts to alleviate her six-month-old daughter’s constant suffering from mosquito bites, Kelley Higney researched how other countries combat insect bites. She discovered a little-known tool that uses suction to remove insect saliva/venom from under the skin and eliminates the itching, stinging and swelling by removing the irritant. Higney was amazed to find that the product not only worked, it also offered instant relief. Higney secured the international distribution rights for the product in the U.S. and sold her home to fund the business. In 2018, Higney was selling Bug Bite Thing at local farmers' markets, bake sales and online on Amazon and BugBiteThing.com. The company’s revenue was hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Then, in October 2019, Higney and her mother, Ellen McAlister, appeared on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank. All the Sharks wanted to invest in the business, but self-proclaimed "mosquito-magnet" Lori Greiner's Golden Ticket offer secured the investment. At that time, the product was carried by CVS Pharmacy and in three countries, Canada, South Korea and the United States. From 2019-2020, the company’s revenue increased 170%.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2020 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
- From 2020-2021, it’s revenue is anticipated to increase by 55%.
- Summer 2020 - Bug Bite Thing went viral on TikTok. Bug Bite Thing’s hashtag on TikTok has 61.8 million views.
- December 2020 - Bug Bite Thing released its first new color on Black Friday.
- January 2021- Bug Bite Thing donated $10,000 to Treasure Coast Food Bank and held a company-wide volunteer day.
- In 2021, Bug Bite Thing began making in-kind donations to hospitals and nonprofit organizations that support pediatric cancer patients and their families, including Nicklaus Children's Hospital and Children’s Cancer Center.
- April 23, 2021, Bug Bite Thing Founder & CEO Kelley Higney and her mother Ellen McAlister shared an update on the company's success. Higney was also interviewed by several local news outlets, including WPBT, WPTV, WPEC and TC Palm.
- Summer 2021 - Bug Bite Thing became an official partner to Girl Scouts Chapter of Southeast Florida and made a monetary contribution of $10,000. Higney led the Girls Scout and taught Bug Bite Science with Bug Bite Thing
- 2021- Bug Bite Thing became available in 25,000 retail locations in the U.S., including Lowe's, The Home Depot, Walmart, and 25 different countries.
- 2021 - The product has over 40,000 Amazon reviews and has maintained its ranking of the #1 selling product in the insect bite relief category for the past three years.
- 2021- Bug Bite Thing updated the product by adding a keychain detail.
- November 2021- Bug Bite Thing introduced a new pink color.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
Bug Bite Thing expanded to 25 countries in less than four years and available in 25,000 retail locations, including The Home Depot, Walmart and more. Bug Bite Thing has over 40,000 Amazon reviews and is the #1 selling product in the insect bite relief category (maintaining its ranking for the past three years). The suction tool is chemical-free, reusable, and safe to use on children of all ages and adults. It is made with pharmaceutical-grade plastic and is FDA-registered and results from one of the clinical trials is available on the website. The majority of products sold on the market contain harsh chemicals and product warning labels and packaged in aerosol cans, which are hazardous to the environment.
Germany-based company, BiteAway, began selling in the U.S. in 2020, and contains several warnings, including self-application only by those age 12 and up and warns against use by anyone with poor blood supply, malignant changes of the skin and other medical conditions. In business for 48 years, AfterBite is currently available in 45 countries. However, AfterBite has been cited for violating manufacturing practices and misrepresenting testing results. The product also contains harmful ingredients, such as ammonia. In 2015, Bite Helper began selling its product in the U.S. The list of countries where it’s sold is not available. It should only be used on children age 4 and up. It also contains warnings against usage by anyone with diabetes, pregnant, has poor blood circulation, or other medical conditions.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 184 words used.
Amazon’s #1 Selling Product for Insect Bite Relief: https://www.amazon.com/Bug-Bite-Thing-Suction-Remover/dp/B01576DWQU/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bug%2BBite%2BThing&
Founder & CEO Kelley Higney’s Local Broadcast Interviews:
https://www.wptv.com/rebound/bug-bite-thing-not-stinging-during-pandemic
https://www.wpbf.com/article/local-woman-reappears-on-shark-tank/36214857
https://cbs12.com/news/local/treasure-coast-moms-invention-now-sold-worldwide
TC Palm (USA Today Network) Interview: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/2021/05/20/shark-tank-partnership-boosts-bug-bite-thing/5167180001/
Shopify Podcast Interview: https://www.shopify.com/blog/bug-bite-thing-affiliate-marketing
Press Release:
Bug Bite Thing Donates $10,000 to Treasure Coast Food Bank https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bug-bite-thing-donates-10-000-to-treasure-coast-food-bank-301208673.html
Bug Bite Thing Announces $10,000 Contribution and Annual Partnership with Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bug-bite-thing-announces-10-000-contribution-and-annual-partnership-with-girl-scouts-of-southeast-florida-301337652.html
After Having All the Sharks Biting with Offers, Bug Bite Thing's Dynamic Mother-Daughter Duo Return to ABC's 'Shark Tank' https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/after-having-all-the-sharks-biting-with-offers-bug-bite-things-dynamic-mother-daughter-duo-return-to-abcs-shark-tank-301276014.html
Bug Bite Thing Continues Massive Retail Expansion, Announces New Retail Partners, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Ace Hardware, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Casey's, JOANN's and Lowe's https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bug-bite-thing-continues-massive-retail-expansion-announces-new-retail-partners-academy-sports--outdoors-ace-hardware-big-5-sporting-goods-caseys-joanns-and-lowes-301381699.html
Fast Company Interview: https://board.fastcompany.com/blog/helpful-platform-kelley-higney-fast-company-executive-board
Press Features:
CNN Underscored: https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/20/cnn-underscored/bug-bite-thing-review/index.html
People: https://people.com/lifestyle/bug-bite-thing-shark-tank-amazon/
Today: https://www.today.com/shop/bug-bite-thing-review-t187091
Outside Magazine: https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/camping/bug-bite-thing-review-really-works/
Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/11-tiktok-approved-products-parents-that-cool-moms-swear-1638223
Customer reviews: https://www.bugbitething.com/a/real-stories
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