The Hot Dog Truck

Max Nelson from Hood Hat Answers "The Question"

2024-05-06T15:46:00.001-04:00

I recently spoke with Max Nelson. He appeared on Shark Tank pitching his business Hood Hat. It's a company that sells premium baseball hats with neighborhood names on them. He unfortunately didn't get a deal, but I had to ask him "the question."

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

"No ketchup! Mustard and raw onions or mustard and kraut."

Since Max is originally from New York City, I was not surprised at his answer.

Mark Melni of Melni Connectors Answers THE QUESTION

2018-02-09T11:29:00.002-05:00

I recently spoke to Mark Melni of Melni Connectors. He was on Shark Tank in season six and he did a deal with Mark Cuban for his quick way to make electrical connections. Cuban invested over $1.5 million to date.

We spoke about the show and what he's done since. Pretty soon, Melni Connectors will be in a lot of electrician's trucks and in a lot of homes and commercial properties!

I also asked him THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

His answer:

"I'm a mustard guy, sometimes a few onions too if they aren't too strong. But they have to be Falls Brand hot dogs!"

I admire Mark for both his good taste and brand loyalty.

Fish Call Inventors answer THE QUESTION

2016-09-28T13:17:00.002-04:00

I recently spoke with Jeff and Jack Danos, inventors of the Fish Call, for The Shark Tank Blog. They're appearing on Shark Tank on Friday, September 30. Their invention is a float the emits sound waves that attract fish! 17 year old Jack - Jeff's son - created the first prototype when he was 15 years old.

We talked a lot about fishing and how they got started, their successful Kickstarter campaign, plans for the future, and how they became Shark Tank contestants.

I also asked them THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

Their answers:

Jack: "Nope. I don't like ketchup."

Jeff: "Yes I do."

It looks like home-schooled Jack can school the old man on the proper use of condiments!

Alanna York from Controlled Chaos answers THE QUESTION

2016-09-01T10:23:00.002-04:00

I recently spoke with Alanna York, the hair stylist turned entrepreneur who pitched Controlled Chaos Curl Creme on Shark Tank back in January. When I first talked to her, the Portland, Maine based business woman was in an uproar. She had ten days until her air date and her website wasn't done!

We re-connected a week ago for a Controlled Chaos update, and things were looking up. We talked about how her deal with Lori didn't close, new opportunities Shark Tank opened up for her, her expansion plans for her salon, and the boating she's been doing on the coast of Maine with her boyfriend.

I also asked her THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

Her answer:

"Ketchup, mustard and relish and only on Maine Red Snappers!"

While I admire her loyalty to the regional hot dog, I can't condone her condiment choices. Maybe she should try some Controlled Chaos on her next dog!

Matthew Harris from Extreme Vehicle Protection answers THE QUESTION

2016-05-11T10:13:00.000-04:00

I recently spoke with Matthew Harris (left) from Extreme Vehicle Protection. They make a car/cover that encapsulates vehicles to prevent damage from rising floodwaters or tides due to heavy storms. Harris, along with business partner kenney Lerner, appear on Shark Tank this Friday.

We talked about how they got on the show, how the product works, the benefits of owning a Hyundai, and what inspires Mr. Harris.

I also asked him THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

His answer:

"HELL YEAH!"

When I told him a native New Yorker ought to be ashamed of such an answer, he said, "I guess I am a large child, but I'll take it."

Maybe that's why he moved to North Carolina, to escape scrutiny!

Jason Neubauer from The CoolBox answers THE QUESTION

2016-04-06T12:02:00.001-04:00

I recently spoke with Jason Neubauer from The CoolBox. He, along with business partner Chris Stoikos, pitches his smart toolbox in Shark Tank episode 728.

We talked about his first child (due any day now), the pitfalls of overseas manufacturing, the Shark Tank experience, and the power of crowdfunding for a start-up business.

I also asked him THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

His answer:

"I'm allergic to hot dogs."

The poor guy!

Bobbie Rhoads from Fun Bites answers "THE QUESTION"

2016-03-31T10:23:00.002-04:00

I recently spoke with Bobbie Rhoads from Fun Bites. She did a deal with Lori Grenier back in Shark Tank season six. Her product is a food-cutter that instantly cuts food into small, fun, bite-sized shapes. It's a must have product for parents of picky eaters.

We chatted for about an hour. We talked about her road to the Shark Tank, how the "Shark Tank Effect" impacted her business, sales growth, and her plans for the future.

I also asked her THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

Her answer: "YES!"

Apparently Bobbie spent too much time cutting up food for her kids and she forgot to cut the mustard!

Dee and Angie Cowger Answer THE QUESTION

2016-02-19T14:43:00.000-05:00

Dee and Angie Cowger have been in the hot dog business for 25 years. They own and operate The Custard Stand, a six unit mini-chain of hot dog joints in West Virginia. They also make thousands of pounds of hot dog chili per week in their production facility behind one of their shops and sell it in Wal Mart, Sam's, IGA and many other stores. Dee and Angie are appearing on Shark Tank and I spoke with them about their business.

I recently interviewed the "Hotdogtrepreneurs" for the Shark Tank Blog. We talked hot dogs, business, a little hunting and what it was like for them "in the Tank."

I also asked them THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

Their answer: "Only when we don't put chili on our hot dogs!"

My guess is that NEVER happens!

The Rent Like a Champion Guys Answer THE QUESTION

2015-10-27T09:16:00.000-04:00

I recently spoke with Drew Mitchell and Mike Doyle, two of the guys behind Rent Like a Champion. They're pitching their business in Shark Tank episode 704. Rent Like a Champion is a Chicago-based business that facilitates rentals between property owners in big-time college football towns and people who want to rent a house for the weekend of "the big game."

We talked about the business, the road to Shark Tank, college football and a whole host of other topics.

I also asked them THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

Since they were both from Chicago, I was expecting their answers:

Drew (in a THICK Chicago accent): "No way! Not a chance in the world."

Mike: "No sir!"

These two guys are true to their city. They eat like champions too!

Lydia from SWAG Essentials answers THE QUESTION

2015-10-21T14:08:00.000-04:00

I recently spoke with Lydia Evans from SWAG Essentials. She made an unsuccessful pitch in Shark Tank season six. Luckily for Lydia, the Shark Tank Effect was in full swing when her episode aired and she went on to do BIG BUSINESS in the aftermath of her appearance. She did so well, she's featured in an update segment in episode 704.

We talked about her Shark Tank experience, how the product came to be, and what happened in the aftermath of her show.

I also asked her THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

Her answer:

"I'm a mustard girl. I'll only use ketchup in an emergency."

Stay safe, Lydia. Stay safe.

Wurkin Stiffs owner Jonathan Boos answers THE QUESTION

2015-10-20T10:47:00.002-04:00

I recently interviewed Jonathan Boos from Wurkin Stiffs. Jonathan appeared way back in Shark Tank season two with his magnetic collar stays business. We talked about the appearance, what he's been doing since, living in Florida, and his new product.

I also asked him THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

His answer:

"Yes. And Mustard."

At least he got it half right - Jonathan got "boos" for this answer!

Bryan and Matt from Foot Cardigan Answer THE QUESTION

2015-10-08T11:52:00.001-04:00

I spoke with Bryan DeLuca and Matt McClard today. They're appearing on Shark Tank to pitch Foot Cardigan, their subscription sock service.

We talked about socks, how they got the idea for their business, customer acquisition costs, and their Shark Tank experience.

I also asked them THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your Hot Dogs?"

Their answers:

Bryan: "NO!"

Matt: "NO!"

They are men of few words and EXCELLENT TASTE!

Kate and Sharon from Frill Clothing answer THE QUESTION!

2015-07-06T14:07:00.000-04:00

I recently spoke with Kate Steadman and Sharon Bui from Frill Clothing. The young women scored a deal with Barbara Corcoran and Kevin O'Leary for their business in the show's sixth season.

We talked about the origins of their business, what it's like working with the Sharks, their Shark Tank "experience," what's happening now, their upcoming appearance on Beyond the Tank, and even about their love lives!

I also asked them THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

Their answers:

Kate: "Yeah!"

Sharon: "Absolutely, you can't eat them plain, man!"

Someone should tell these two that PLAIN isn't always a bad thing! I don't think they could pledge a sorority at Hot Dog University!

Shark Wheel Inventor David Patrick answers THE QUESTION

2015-05-11T10:50:00.000-04:00

I recently spoke with inventor David Patrick; he's the guy who created the Shark Wheel. David is pitching his business in the Shark Tank season six finale on May 15, 2015.

We had a nice chat about the physics behind his invention and how he discovered the Shark Wheel. We also talked about kids, long boarding, his other business called 4Sphere and how he came to be on Shark Tank.

I also asked him THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

His reply:

"Yes," he said while chuckling.

Oh those Californians and their ketchup! Too bad for David his wheels aren't the only thing that's "square!"

Julie Thompson of PullyPalz answers THE QUESTION

2015-03-30T15:09:00.000-04:00

I recently spoke with entrepreneur and inventor Julie Thompson. Julie's pitching her product, PullyPalz, on Shark Tank next week.

She told me all about the trials and tribulations of bringing a product to market, from concept to patents to manufacturing and sales. We spoke about her appearance and how she prepared as well.

I also asked her THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

Her reply:

"Yuck! No, I'm a mustard gal all the way!"

If Julie's taste in hot dog toppings is any indication of success, she'll DEFINITELY land a Shark!

Rick Hinnant of Grace and Lace answers THE QUESTION

2015-02-12T13:12:00.001-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Rick Hinnant of Grace and Lace. He and his wife, Melissa, did a deal with Barbara Corcoran in Shark Tank season five and they went on to BIG success in their show's aftermath. I was interviewing him for an update on the Shark Tank Blog.

We spoke about Rick's football days at the University of Texas, the Grace and Lace "backstory," the company's philanthropic endeavors, Rick's spirituality and how it's at the forefront of Grace and Lace's business model, and a lot more.

I also asked him THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

His answer:

"Yes. And mustard and relish, cheese and chili."

I can only hope God forgives Rick for this particular digression!

Sticky Ties Founders answer THE QUESTION

2015-01-12T15:44:00.002-05:00

I interviewed Becca Nelson and Ellie Brown recently. They're the founders of evREwares and the creators of Sticky Ties (that's Becca on the far left and Ellie in the middle). The two sisters appear in Shark Tank episode 607 on Tuesday, January 13, 2015.

While interviewing them for Shark Tank Blog, we talked about everything from their childhoods, licensing products, Robert Herjavec's eyes, and how their business got started.

I also asked both of them THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

Their answers:

Becca: "I prefer mustard and chili with onions."

Ellie: "I don't even like hot dogs. I never even liked them as a child."

It appears these two sisters pass the test. Becca has it DOWN. Ellie's saving grace is you can't put ketchup on a hot dog unless you actually eat one!

Neal Hoffman answers THE QUESTION

2014-12-10T14:41:00.001-05:00

I spoke with Neal Hoffman prior to his appearance on the Shark Tank Holiday Special. He's the guy behind Mensch on a Bench, the Jewish answer to Elf on a Shelf. He's a former Hasbro marketing guy who created a product to put more "Funukkah" into Hanukkah.

We talked about life in Cincinnati, life at Hasbro, how he got on Shark Tank, and how he developed Mensch on a Bench.

I also asked him THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

His reply:

"Yes, but only on Kosher hot dogs."

OY VEY! I think Neal's a bit meshuggener on this one: EVERYONE knows ketchup on a hot dog ISN'T Kosher!!!

Stephen Hersh from Biaggi Answers THE QUESTION

2014-12-03T16:31:00.000-05:00

I spoke with Stephen Hersh prior to his Shark Tank appearance. He's the owner of Biaggi, the folding luggage company that appears in Shark Tank episode 613.

He reached out to do a pre-show interview for the Shark Tank Blog. We talked about real estate, his family's business background, the idea for Biaggi, and his Shark Tank experience.

I also asked him THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

His answer:

"Yes! Ketchup, mustard, relish and onions!"

He may have his Brooklyn citizenship revoked - just saying.......

Storm Stoppers John Smith answers THE QUESTION

2014-11-12T12:07:00.000-05:00

I recently spoke with John Smith, owner and inventor of Storm Stoppers, for a Shark Tank Blog interview. John's been trying to get on the show for three seasons and he made it onto the 100th show, episode 610.

We talked about his Shark Tank experience, his business, and his hopes for the future.

I had one very special question for him:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

His answer:

"I don't even know what ketchup is! As a Chicagoan, a true dog should be dragged through garden."

John and I will be collaborating on a NEW product: KETCHUP STOPPERS!

Ashley Drake from Natural Grips answers THE QUESTION

2014-11-03T14:28:00.000-05:00

I just interviewed Ashley Drake (that's her on the right) for the Shark Tank Blog. She's the co-owner and wife of the inventor of The Natural Grip, an athletic hand wrap that protects hands from getting ripped and shredded while working out.

She's also a Captain in the Army Corps of Engineers with 15 months of service in Iraq. She's appearing in Shark Tank episode 608 along with other military entrepreneurs.

We talked about her deployment, how she got into Crossfit training, how the Natural Grip got invented, and her Shark Tank appearance.

I also asked her THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

Her answer:

"Yes. Yes I do."

Service record aside, Ashley really needs to GET A GRIP!

Barbara Corcoran answers THE QUESTION

2014-10-24T15:54:00.001-04:00

I recently interview Barbara Corcoran on the Shark Tank Blog!

Of course I had to ask her "THE QUESTION."

Check out the video!

Kimberly Aya from FunCakes Rental answers THE QUESTION

2014-10-07T13:36:00.000-04:00

Shark Tank Blog Contest winner and entrepreneur Kimberly Aya is set to appear in Shark Tank Episode 606 where she'll pitch her cake rental business, Fun Cakes. I spoke with Kimberly prior to the show for a Shark Tank Blog interview.

We talked about her background, the AMAZING way she got picked for the show, what else she has planned for the future, and her experiences in the Shark Tank.

As always, I asked Kimberly THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

Her answer:

"I'm a vegetarian, so no. Before I was a vegetarian, I did. BUT I lived in Europe; over there they have regular ketchup and spicy ketchup - I used the spicy stuff."

Hmmmm. Maybe Kimberly should try fondant on a veggie dog!

Eric Kusin from Reviver answers THE QUESTION

2014-10-03T19:19:00.001-04:00

I recently spoke with Eric Kusin for a Shark Tank Blog Interview. Eric (pictured on the right) and his brother, Ben, pitch their dry fragrance swipe called Reviver in Shark Tank episode 606.

We talked about the Genesis of the product, the road to Shark Tank, entrepreneurship, and the trials and tribulations of bringing a product to market.

I also asked him THE QUESTION:

"Do you put ketchup on your hot dogs?"

His Answer:

"No. I think that's Un-American! Mustard only! I take my hot dogs very seriously and ketchup is a horrible, horrible thing."

Looks like Shark Tank season 6 is off on the right foot!

The Great American Mid-West Hot Dog Tour

2014-08-06T13:45:00.000-04:00

Many people were a bit disappointed that I didn't do my National Hot Dog Month Tour this year. For the past three years, I ate a hot dog a day at a different place every day in July. This year, I took a break.

To make a long story short, I ran out of places to visit close to home! Sure, I didn't hit every hot dog joint in a 50 mile radius, but I hit most of them. I also wanted to spend more time with my family during the summer. My wife usually spends a LOT of time coaching in July (including weekends), but this year, like me, she took a break.

So where does that leave the Hotdogman? Well, I still have a few surprises up my sleeve! This year, the family and I are going on a road trip to Chicago, Niagara Falls, and Montreal. On the way to Chicago, we'll stop at an iconic Hot Dog Joint.

While in Chicago, I will be guests of the good people at Vienna Beef - the makers of THE Chicago Hot Dog! I will tour their factory, attend Hot Dog University, and serve patrons at their factory hot dog shop. I also plan to hit several Chicago Hot Dog spots, ask Chicagoans "The Question," and a few other hot dog related surprises. On our way to Niagara, we're stopping for some Coney Dogs at another iconic joint in Michigan. Once we get "north of the border," Mrs. HDM will use her skills as the world's most renowned Poutine expert.

We'll be shooting video throughout the entire trip and our escapades will be featured over at Hot Dog Stories.

Stay tuned and KEEP ON DOGGIN!