Hollywood Reporter, James Hibberd’s The Live Feed

‘Shark Tank’ contestants making millions
“Survivor” touts a $1 million grand prize and the winner of a season of “American Idol” winner can potential rake in millions, yet it’s ABC’s underdog reality show “Shark Tank” that arguably offers the most lucrative prizes for a typical contestant.
Below is list of entrepreneurs’ products pitched during the first eight televised episodes of the Mark Burnett series and how they are faring with (and in some cases, without) the sharks’ help. Here’s the report:

Life Belt (The Lifebelt Safety System)
Outcome: The entrepreneur, who refused a million dollar offer from the Sharks, just signed a 1.7 Million dollar deal with one large automotive dealership. With orders from national retailers (e.g. AutoZone and Hendrick Automotive) Rob is projected to make 30 million dollars by March 2010.

Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory (Sweet Potato and Chocolate Pecan Pies)
Outcome: Mr. Tod’s sales have tripled and he is currently opening a new retail location. Mr. Tod appeared on QVC and sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of his signature pies.

A Perfect Pear (A Jar of Tapenade)
Outcome: Susan’s retail sales have increased by 1,000% and she has been asked to sell her product on QVC.

Stress Free Kids (A Bestselling Children’s Book)
Outcome: Lori’s book, “The Angry Octopus” became one of Amazon’s top selling books and is now available in Borders bookstores nationwide.

Coverplay (Play Yard Liner)
Outcome: Amy and Allison are in final negotiations with the Marriott hotel chain, who is interested in carrying their Coverplay product in all their hotels worldwide.

Pork Barrel BBQ (Award Winning BBQ Sauce and Dry Rub)
Outcome: Before appearing on “Shark Tank,” Brett and Heath had their BBQ products in only three specialty stores, now they’re are in 300 supermarkets on east coast and will soon be available on the shelves of Costco. In addition to their retail success, Brett and Heath have also broken ground on their first Pork Barrel BBQ restaurant.

Treasure Chest Pets (Stuffed Animal with Hidden Compartments)
Outcome: Lisa recently closed a deal to sell her products online at “Bed, Bath and Beyond”, and in “Buy Buy Baby” retail stores.

Voyage Air Guitars (A Guitar That Folds in Half)
Outcome: After turning down a half million dollar offer from the Sharks, Jeff Cohen set out to make his unique folding guitar a household name. Now Jeff’s sales have doubled and he will have his guitar featured in 18 million catalogs e.g. Hammacher Schlemmer. Voyage Air Guitars are also in the hands of celebrity musicians like Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson.