Chicago mom makes 'Shark Tank' pitch for Pluie, a self-sanitizing changing table
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago area mom is taking a swim in the "Shark Tank" Friday night to make her pitch for Pluie, the first self-sanitizing baby changing table.
Addie Gundry said she came up with the idea for Pluie five years ago.
"I was a working mom out to lunch and my son had a blowout, which every parent dreads no matter where you are," Gundry said, "and the changing table in the restaurant was dirty and it was uncomfortable."
Now her product is in hundreds of public bathrooms across the country.
The premise is simple, Gundry says: "You open it, change your baby, close it and in 60 seconds the entire surface is sanitized with our patented UVC light system."
One recently went in at GG's Chicken Shop, a Boka Group restaurant in the Lakeview neighborhood.
"Being such a family-centric neighborhood, that family experience has to be part of our thought process," Boka Group VP Abby Kritzler said. "I think so many moms have had that experience where you're changing your kid on the floor with your coat or trying to find out what to do."
Kritzler is also a mom who knows families chose places that are comfortable for the whole family.
"My son loved it, he was a big fan," Kritzler said. "It was a great changing experience for him, he loved the little strap, he thought it was like a seat belt. It was really fun."
Over 40,000 companies apply to be on the show each year, and Pluie was one of only about 100 to make the cut.
"Our family is so integrated and part of this story, it's really a proud mom moment," Gundry said.
WATCH | Chicago area mom talks 'Shark Tank' appearance
Gundry joined ABC7 Eyewitness News live at 11 a.m. to talk about what it was like pitching her product to the sharks.
"There's a reason it's called 'Shark Tank,' I'll tell you that much," Gundry said. "It's a lot of pressure. You better know your stuff."
While the pitch was edited down for television, Gundry revealed they were in front of the sharks for about an hour.
"We don't even know what will air tonight, so it will be really fun to watch it live tonight with you!" Gundry said.
Tune in to watch her pitch for Pluie on Friday night's episode of "Shark Tank" airing at 7 p.m. CT on ABC7.
