KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) — A truly unique company based in West Michigan will be featured on “Shark Tank” Friday night.
murder mystery company Kentwood hosts immersive theater shows across the country.
Founder and CEO Scott Cramton is looking to expand the business, which already has dozens of locations across the United States.
It will be interesting to see if the Sharks solve the case or make a deal, but just being on the show is a win for Cramton.
“March is going to be a record month for us even before it airs. Just the idea that it's going to air,” Cramton said.
A graduate of Grand Valley State University, he started Murder Mystery Company from scratch right after college and now operates out of an office building in Kentwood.
This idea came from a friend in need.
“He came up to me and said, 'Hey, Scott, aren't you into acting?'” And I'm like, “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” And he asked, “Do you know the company that runs the bar where I like murder mysteries?” And I'm like, 'No, I'm not being careless,'” Cramton said. “And he asked, 'Would you like to be a murder mystery company?'” And I'm like, 'Yes, yes, I will.' ”
From a call center that was closed all morning in preparation for this weekend's increased call volume, to maintaining an elaborate costume collection and actors to entertain guests, it takes a lot of time to keep everything working.
“We've continued to grow and now have 23 locations. Last year we played over 7,500 shows,” Cramton said.
Aiming for further business expansion.
“To get the public back in a big way, to have a show in New York, to have a show in Las Vegas, that's one of the main reasons we went to 'Shark Tank' was so we could really focus on the public and the show. 'Open the right door for us,''' Cramton said.
You can watch this episode tonight at 8pm on ABC 4 West Michigan.
