Barbara Kent and Joanna Serra on Shark Tank and Saying Yes
About this episode
Barbara Kent and Joanna Serra discuss their journey from a family idea to appearing on Shark Tank and the growth of their company Fundraiser Blankets.
What does it take to go from a family idea to Shark Tank — and keep growing after the cameras stop rolling? In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry is joined by co-host Freddie Kim of Milspec to speak with Barbara Kent and Joanna Serra , the sister founders of Fundraiser Blankets . Barbara, a West Point graduate, Army Veteran, and military spouse, and Joanna, a former teacher, share how their immigrant upbringing, commitment to education, and willingness to say yes to opportunity helped them build a fast-growing company serving schools and sports teams nationwide. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, fundraising innovation, and the mindset required to keep moving forward. Barbara and Joanna explain how Fundraiser Blankets disrupted a stale fundraising model by giving schools more flexibility, more value, and more profit potential. They also share the long road to Shark Tank, the power of manifestation, and why action matters more than waiting for the perfect plan. This episode is a practical reminder for Veterans and entrepreneurs alike: try everything, make the decision, and keep going. Learn more about Fundraiser Blankets…
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