Philadelphia, PA In a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of veteran entrepreneurship, our CEO Ty rolled into the beautiful Cira Centre's CYTOPHIL building with more than just a pitch deck. He brought the whole show, literally! A complete Backyard Banger outdoor kitchen on wheels, topped with a towering 15-foot umbrella, proving that when it comes to portability, we don't just talk about it, we live it!
The result? Ty walked away as the winner of Veteran Shark Tank 2025, claiming the $50,000 grand prize on Dec 8, 2025, in front of a sold-out audience of over 200 people.
The Stage That Champions Veteran Innovation
Since 2012, Veteran Shark Tank has been more than a competition: it's been a launchpad. Founded by Navy Veteran Alex Archawski, a former rescue swimmer, and co-founder John New, the event was born from a simple but powerful vision: veterans deserve the resources, connections, and support to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
What started as a small regional event has evolved into the premier national pitch competition for veteran entrepreneurs. Held annually in Philadelphia during Army/Navy Football week, it's become a proving ground where military problem-solving skills meet business innovation.
The impact speaks for itself:
Real cash prizes that fuel growth ($50,000 win)
Access to vital resources including legal and accounting support
A network of potential customers, investors, and mentors
Success stories like NeuroFlow, founded by winner Christopher Molaro
It's a platform that showcases what traditional business settings often overlook, that veterans bring unmatched drive, adaptability, and leadership to entrepreneurship.
A Kitchen That Goes Anywhere (Even to a Pitch Competition)
The Backyard Banger isn't just another outdoor cooking solution. It's a complete portable outdoor kitchen that runs on nothing more than a garden hose and an extension cord. No complex installations. No permanent fixtures. Just plug in, turn on, and transform any space into an entertainment hub.
Ty's decision to physically bring the unit to the competition wasn't just for show, it was the ultimate demonstration of what makes the Backyard Banger special. Demonstrating the true portability is a big advantage as Ty rolled in the real deal, umbrella towering overhead, ready to cook!
The Journey Behind the Win
This victory didn't come easy. Ty has been working diligently to bring the Backyard Banger to backyards everywhere, facing the challenges that every startup founder knows too well: manufacturing hurdles, design iterations, and the constant push to improve and deliver quality.
The road to this win has been building all year. Earlier in March 2025, Backyard Banger took home 3rd place at the Rice University Veteran Business Battle in Houston. Then in November 2025, the company earned another 3rd place finish at Warrior Rising in Salt Lake City. Each competition taught Ty something new, pushed him further, and brought him closer to this moment in Philadelphia.
Honoring Our Fellow Competitors
One of the best parts of the evening was meeting our fellow veteran entrepreneurs who brought their own passion and innovation to the stage. We want to give a huge thank you to:
Hennellyn Perez of Speech Buddy
Navy Veteran Kyle Aquino of Vala Claims
John Gilmore of Panama Rum
Navy Veteran Jorge M of Ascender
Each of these entrepreneurs is bringing something special to the market, and the camaraderie and mutual respect among all the competitors made it a truly wonderful evening. This is what the veteran entrepreneurial community is all about, supporting each other, celebrating innovation, and pushing forward together.
What's Next: Building the Road Team
The $50,000 prize isn't just validation, it's fuel for what comes next. He is investing it directly in building the road team and purchasing a new van to carry the Banger and everything needed for upcoming events across the country.
With a new van and dedicated road team, he will be able to showcase the Backyard Banger at even more events and meet more of you face-to-face. He is taking this show on the road, literally.
As he heads into 2026, this win strengthens his commitment to continue improving, learning, and delivering the outdoor kitchen experience that backyards across America deserve.
Moving Forward Together
To everyone who has supported us on this journey, a big “thank you.” Your belief in what we're building means everything.
To Alex Archawski, John New, and everyone involved with Veteran Shark Tank “thank you for creating a platform that truly champions veteran entrepreneurs.”
To our fellow competitors: “it was an honor standing alongside you.”
And to those just discovering the Backyard Banger, welcome! We're just getting started!
Ready to bring the Backyard Banger to your space? Visit our website to learn more about how you can transform any outdoor area into the ultimate entertainment destination