196: How a Shark Tank Contestant Battles thru Rejection, Lawsuits, & ❤️… Lori Cheek of Cheekd

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Background on Lori Cheek of Cheekd:

Lori Cheek is an architect turned entrepreneur, Founder, and CEO of Cheekd, a mobile dating app that makes missed connections obsolete. Cheekd uses a cross-platform low energy Bluetooth technology, which fosters hyper local engagement. The app connects people in real time, versus virtual time. After working in architecture, Lori came up with an idea that led her into the NYC World of Tech and solving missed connections.

Before starting her stint in the online dating platform, she has been working in the Architecture and Design industry for 15 years. In 2010, she decided to leave her job and started her own business based in New York. In 2014, she was given the opportunity to appear in Shark Tank and pitch her business idea. However, she failed to convince the investors to fund her project.

Recently, someone accused her of stealing the dating platform idea and filed a lawsuit. There is also another lawsuit from the same person claiming that she was destroying this person’s reputation. Lori has denied these allegations and says that all these claims are untrue.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

  • [1:46] Lori Cheek is the owner of Cheekd, which is a Bluetooth dating app for singles. She’s 47 years old and currently based in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • [3:36] In 2013, Lori made her pitch on Shark Tank.
  • [6:35] After graduating from the University of Kentucky, she moved to New York to become an architect.
  • [8:04] Before creating her own business, Lori had extensive experience in architecture and design. She even worked for Christian Dior as an architect but she was never really happy with her job.
  • [14:30] With a savings of about $120,000, she began to start her entrepreneurial career.
  • [16:02] She committed so many mistakes when it comes to finding the right web developers.
  • [18:07] Aside from committing mistakes in hiring the wrong tech developers, she also regretted giving equity to two guys who became her business partner.
  • [22:09] A mistake made by one of Lori’s tech developers, turned out to be her biggest business fiasco.
  • [25:26] Getting a patent has gotten Lori into more trouble.
  • [26:24] Lori shares her Shark Tank story.
  • [34:28] After the Shark Tank episode, Lori and her business partner decided to introduce the online dating concept.
  • [39:56] Since Cheekd has not been working out yet, Lori has been doing several side hustles to earn money.
  • [41:55] Someone claimed that Lori stole the dating card idea and filed a lawsuit.
  • [46:52] Even though there have been so many obstacles through the years, Lori still has not completely given up on Cheekd yet.
  • [52:51] Lori emphasizes the importance of the people surrounding your business.

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Fabulous 4 Questions:

  1. 📖📚 Favorite Books? City Mouse, Country Mouse by Maggie Rudy.
  2. 🙌😎 Favorite Amazon.com purchase? Anker Bluetooth Waterproof Speakers.
  3. 🌱💸 Favorite Tool that's GROWN your Business? Networking.
  4. 💭💡 BIGGEST Challenge keeping your Business from GROWING? A 3+ Year Lawsuit.

Key Point from the Interview:

  • “I made every mistake you could possibly make. I mean, if there was a spreadsheet with all the mistakes you could make as an entrepreneur, I made them all. Like I had no business starting a business but ten years later I feel like I’ve gotten a master’s degree in business.”

Resources Mentioned:

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