Noah Cahoon: taking flight as a young entrepreneur.

• Author: Haraldsen, Tom
• Position: Around Utah

Last October, then 13-year-old Noah Cahoon and his father, Brian, wooed the sharks on popular ABC television show Shark Tank and landed a deal. The panel of five millionaire entrepreneur-investors was impressed with the company Cahoon is CEO of: Paper Box Pilots. Created in the summer of 2013, the Utah County-based company produces designer stickers children can put on boxes to create airplanes--from wing and fuselage decals to dials, gauges and buttons. Since the business' launch and subsequent appearance on national television, things have really taken flight.

How did you get on Shark Tank?

We sent in an application along with videos of our products and our business, and then just practiced our pitch until we heard they wanted us. We went to Los Angeles in June to tape the show. The sharks had no idea who was coming out the door next or who we were until that first moment on screen.

Was the process scary?

Yes, but also very friendly, and we had a good experience with them. We were asking for a $35,000 investment in return for 25 percent equity in the company.

What were the sharks' reaction to your business?

All five seemed impressed, but Mark Cuban said the toy industry wasn't his forte, and Lori Greiner didn't feel the business was scalable. The other sharks, Kevin O'Leary, Robert Herjavec and Barbara Corcoran, all made us offers.

What offers did you receive?

Kevin offered $35,000 for half the equity, adding his expertise in the toy industry. Barbara offered the same $35,000 for 35 percent equity, as long as we started making girl-friendly toys. Robert initially matched the $35,000, but then upped his offer to $50,000 for 50 percent equity. My dad told me that it was up to me to make a decision based on who I thought would be the best mentor. I chose Kevin O'Leary for $35,000 and half equity.

What's happened with your business since the show aired?

Kevin has been very...