Company: Bug Bite Thing, Port St. Lucie, FL
Company Description: As Seen on Shark Tank, Bug Bite Thing effectively alleviates the stinging, itching, and swelling caused by insect bites and stings. Amazon’s #1 best-selling product for insect bite relief with over 48,000 reviews, Bug Bite Thing is chemical-free, reusable, and safe to use on children of all ages, as well as adults.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Female Executive of the Year – Consumer Products –11 to 2,500 Employees
 Nomination Title: Kelley Higney - Founder & CEO
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2020 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (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 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 submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 200 words used.
For over 15 years, Kelley Higney worked for her family’s international export and distribution business, A.C. Kerman, run by her mother and fellow entrepreneur, Ellen McAlister.
In 2013, Kelley’s family relocated from San Diego, California to South Florida. There was one thing they were not prepared for—the mosquitos. Her six-month-old daughter was constantly suffering from severe reactions to the bites. Determined to find a natural alternative to the available remedies on the market, Kelley began conducting research. She ordered an unfamiliar product that uses suction to remove the irritant—and it worked! It transformed the quality of life for her family—they could finally spend time outdoors! Kelley was determined to share it with others.
In 2017, she secured exclusive distribution rights to the product and branded it Bug Bite Thing. Kelley has since been a “Mom on a Mission” to educate the world on the most effective, chemical-free solution for insect bite relief.
The company gained national recognition in October 2019 when Kelley and her mother, Ellen McAlister, appeared on ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank.’ All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in the business, but it was Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ offer that secured the partnership.
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2020 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 235 words used.
Below is a list of Higney’s accomplishments:
- September 2020 - Higney joined the Forbes Business Council, an invitation-only organization for successful small and mid-sized business owners.
- November 2020 - Higney was a judge of the 2020 Women-Owned Business Pitch Competition by the 2020 Women|Future Conference.
- January 2021 - Bug Bite Thing donated $10,000 to Treasure Coast Food Bank, a member of Feeding America and held a company-wide volunteer day at the food bank.
- April 2021 - Higney joined the Fast Company Executive Board, an invitation-only community of company founders, executives, and industry experts.
- [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION]
- July 2021- At the Girl Scouts Chapter of Southeast Florida summer camp, Higney taught girl scouts stem-focused activities, Save the Bees and Botany in Action: Discovering Nature's Natural Mosquito Repellents.
- February 2022 - Higney spoke at a weVenture (a program through Florida Tech's Bisk College of Business for female entrepreneurs) Strong Coffee, Strong Women Event.
- May 2022 - Higney spoke at the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County.
- May 2022 - Higney was the keynote speaker at the 9th annual Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Emerald Awards.
- June 2022 - Higney was a speaker at the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship Conference.
- Higney contributes regularly to Fast Company and Forbes and has been a guest on over fifteen podcasts.
- 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 7 words used.
Please see the links and videos attached.
- 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 nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 238 words used.
As a “Mom on a Mission,” Higney, a first time CEO, has been passionate about growing the business. In less than five years, the product has expanded its distribution to include over 30,000 retail partners in the U.S., now available in 34 countries and has sold [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION] units to date.
[REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION]
Higney has brought to the market a product unlike anything else available, that is completely chemical-free, reusable and safe to use on children of all ages and the reviews are proof of its effectiveness: Bug Bite Thing has over 48,000 reviews on Amazon.
With Higney at the helm, Bug Bite Thing has also shown its commitment to the community. In 2021, the company 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.
The company has also made financial contributions to support the work of local organizations, including a $10,000 donation to Treasure Coast Food Bank (a member of Feeding America) and $10,000 to Girl Scouts of South Florida. This year, Bug Bite Thing also teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County.
| Attachments/Videos/Links: |
|---|
|
