Meet LavaBox: Ammo Box Campfire, Born in the Real Outdoors
Picture this: wildfires blazing across the West, campfire bans choking off classic outdoor hangs. Along comes LavaBox, a portable propane fire pit packed inside what looks like a military ammo box. That’s not just a gimmick—it’s a survival hack for everyone who still wants campfire vibes without breaking the law or torching a forest.
The outdoor crowd wasn’t just intrigued. They were texting links, tagging their buddies, and asking, Does this thing actually work? LavaBox hit the Shark Tank stage in Season 14, Episode 18 (March 31, 2023). But this wasn’t some TikTok drop-shipped plastic junk. This was real, steel-built gear for people who knew the river, the woods, and camp cookouts.
The Man Behind LavaBox: Josh Thurmond, No-Frills Hustler
Some founders come off like they’ve read two entrepreneurship books and memorized Steve Jobs quotes. Josh Thurmond isn’t one of them. The guy’s a Colorado river guide, outdoor program director, and weekend warrior who saw fire bans crush the fun—and did something about it.
He brought that scrappy energy straight into the Tank. Hardcore outdoor folks respected his story. This guy builds adventures for people with disabilities by day and side-hustles hard gear by night. If you’re an entrepreneur, you get it—it’s not polished charisma, it’s stubborn persistence.
What Makes LavaBox Stand Out?
Read the reviews, watch the demo, and you’ll see it: LavaBox nails a real problem with a smart solution. So what’s the secret sauce, beyond a cool ammo box shell?
- Fire Ban Workaround: Is this legal? Yes—propane pits like LavaBox are allowed almost everywhere, even during strict bans. No wood, no embers, no fines.
- Portable and Tough: Forget breakable plastic or garden store junk. This is rolled steel and stainless, built to get thrown in your rig or raft.
- Add-Ons That Matter: Their Hekla over-under grill is classic upsell—now your fire pit is a camp stove.
- Customers Who Actually Camp: LavaBox didn’t chase shows or go viral on TikTok. They hit their audience where it matters: at gear shops, river camps, and through guides who test everything.
I’ve seen a thousand revolutionary outdoor gadgets. Most end up at garage sales. This one’s different. The problem’s real, the solution’s smart, and the buyers care about performance, not just looks.
The LavaBox Shark Tank Pitch—Play-by-Play
You can almost smell the sweat on that set when founder Josh stepped into the Tank. His ask was clear: $200,000 for 10%. That’s a $2 million valuation—confident, but not wild.
He didn’t monologue. He demoed. He showed fire, flipped the grill, and explained the bans. When Kevin O’Leary lit up with questions about safety, Josh had the rules, the compliance sheets, and the field experience to back up every answer.
Every Shark listened, which doesn’t always happen. They saw a real problem, a patentable twist, and a guy who lived his brand.
Which Shark Bit? The Offers—And Why Only One Won
You know the moment: backs start straightening, calculators out. Here’s the breakdown:
- Kevin O’Leary went straight at it—$200,000 for 10%. Standard Mr. Wonderful, but he likes royalties.
- Daymond John offered $200,000 for 20%, aiming to license out.
- Lori Greiner played her usual game: $200,000 for 12.5%, plus a $0.75 per unit royalty until she got her investment back.
Now, I’ve seen founders botch this moment, choking on counteroffers or fighting over 2% like it’s the last slice of pizza. Not Josh. He flexed, but didn’t fumble.
Josh took Lori’s deal—a smart move. Her royalty’s minor for a scaling brand and her QVC/retail muscle dwarfs what he could do solo. He gave up a bit more equity than he wanted, but that’s called paying for a seat at the right table.
What Was LavaBox Worth on Show Day—And Does It Matter?
Let’s break the TV math. Josh came in asking $2 million pre-money. Lori closed at 12.5% for $200K—making it about $1.6 million post-money.
Does a $1.6 million valuation mean you’ve made it? Nope. It means you got real sales, market validation, and a path to scale. But ask anyone with friends who’ve been on Shark Tank: closing is one thing—the real grind’s after the show.
The upside? The math signals the big opportunity. Outdoor gear margins are tight, but if you can become the default in fire ban zones, you’ve got repeat buyers: campers, river guides, parks, and maybe even event organizers who need safe open flames.
LavaBox After Shark Tank: Hype Bump or Real Growth?
Here’s what matters: LavaBox didn’t go pure DTC and disappear. They used the attention smartly—upped their operations, expanded wholesale partnerships, and leaned into the exposure.
Early 2025 check-in? LavaBox is still in business, shipping, and growing. Their partnership with Lori Greiner (yeah, the deal is moving forward—no fake handshake drama) got them not just cash, but credibility in retail and fire safety circles.
No wild product pivots, no chasing shiny objects. If you look for giant new SKUs, you’ll be disappointed. But if you look for steady brand-building—the stuff side hustlers and full-time founders know is the real game—you’ll see they’re at work.
The Next Chapter: Where Could LavaBox Go?
Alright, you’re probably thinking: Nice run so far, but what’s the ceiling? I’m glad you asked—the answer is opportunity, with land mines on every side.
- Opportunities: They can line up more outdoor retail partnerships. If state parks or campground networks adopt LavaBox as their go-to, orders jump.
- Corporate and B2B: Outfitters, events, and maybe even military training bodies (ammo box heritage, anyone?) could want safer fire solutions.
- Challenges: Knock-offs are a concern. Margins are tight, shipping steel is expensive, and staying on the right side of local fire ordinances is work, not press release fluff.
- Brand Moves: Their vibe is for hardcore outdoors people—but I’d double down on safety, community, and the story behind why this solves modern fire bans.
- Founder Homework: Don’t let Shark Tank define you. Use the platform, but keep talking to the customers who camp, fish, and need these every season.
Here’s what I see: LavaBox isn’t trying to be the next YETI overnight. They’re building a purposeful niche—slow, steady, no shortcuts.
Conclusion: Grit Over Glamour—Lessons For Real Entrepreneurs
Here’s the lesson from LavaBox and Josh Thurmond: show up with a real problem, not a gimmick. Pitch with facts, not just vision. Take the right deal, not the flashiest check. Then, get to work after the cameras go off.
Every side hustler, founder, or Shark Tank junkie should pay attention—not to the hype, but to the real grind. LavaBox is still shipping, still growing, and still solving a real need. No viral TikTok required.
Want numbers, pitch breakdowns, and all the Shark Tank business guts? Check SharkWorth for the facts without the spin.
FAQs About LavaBox After Shark Tank
1. Is LavaBox from Shark Tank still in business?
Yes, as of early 2025, LavaBox is alive and kicking. Orders are open, and they’re growing with Lori Greiner’s support.
2. Did Lori Greiner’s deal with LavaBox actually close?
No fake-outs—this deal actually closed. Lori put cash in, and her network brought LavaBox new retail options and authority.
3. Where can I buy a LavaBox today?
Head to their official website or search LavaBox on outdoor gear stores and major online retailers. Stock comes and goes, so jump in when you see it.
4. What did the other Sharks think about the LavaBox business?
Kevin O’Leary liked the numbers but wanted royalties. Daymond pushed licensing, but his ask was too high. Lori saw the scale and took the win.
5. Has the design or product lineup changed since the Shark Tank pitch?
Not in huge ways. The core LavaBox design remains the anchor product. Add-ons like grills are still available. No mass-market pivots.
6. How does LavaBox handle fire bans and safety concerns?
Propane pits like LavaBox are legal in most fire ban areas because they’re contained and don’t shoot sparks. Always check local rules, but this is their top-selling point.
7. What makes LavaBox different from basic propane fire pits?
Durability, portability, and the ammo box toughness set it apart. They aren’t chasing mass-market, cheap plastic. They build for people who use gear hard.
8. How can I follow LavaBox’s progress after Shark Tank?
Stay updated at SharkWorth or follow LavaBox on social—watch their new launches, retail drops, and, hopefully, more smart moves.
LavaBox didn’t gamble on hype. They played the long game—real product, real hustle, real customers. That’s the kind of Shark Tank story that matters.
