Fun Time Express Net Worth 2025: Fun Time Express is a trackless train ride business known from Shark Tank, valued at $625,000 in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Fun Time Express is known for its innovative shopping mall train rides.
- Investment on Shark Tank: The business secured $125,000 for 20% equity, valuing it at $625,000.
- Founded in 2011 by Stan Krozel and Kevin Ullery, the venture expanded gradually and was later acquired.
Fun Time Express emerged as a unique venture in the events and entertainment sector. With a focus on providing trackless train rides in shopping malls, the company quickly evolved into a memorable family attraction. This article reviews the many facets of the business, including its financial performance, founders’ journey, and its notable appearance on Shark Tank.
What is Fun Time Express?
At its core, Fun Time Express offers a novel experience—a locomotive ride without tracks designed for family events and mall attractions. The concept centers on entertaining children while also driving supplemental revenue for mall-based attractions. Their trains, priced at around $37,500 each, became a central element of an engaging recreational experience.
Founding and Business Model
Founders
Stan Krozel and Kevin Ullery
They launched the business in 2011 with a modest operation featuring five operational trains.
Business Insight
Drawing on Stan’s extensive background in real estate, the duo innovated a model that combined physical entertainment with a scalable service. The idea was to create a family-friendly event that not only entertained customers but also provided steady weekend returns—one train could generate approximately $800 per weekend session.
The Shark Tank Journey
Pitch Highlights
- Year: 2014 marked their significant appearance on Shark Tank.
- Investment Deal: They secured $125,000 in exchange for 20% equity.
- Investors Involved: Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary eventually came on board after evaluating the potential.
Negotiation Details
During the pitch, the founders laid out their growth strategy and financial projections. Despite skepticism from some sharks—such as comments regarding the challenge of scaling the concept—Lori Greiner expressed confidence in the business model, backed by the founders’ commitment. In an interesting twist, after a brief re-entry into the negotiation, Kevin O’Leary joined forces with Lori to finalize the investment deal.
Financial Performance and Business Model
Revenue and Profitability
In the first year, the company reported a gross revenue of approximately $106,000 with a net profit of around $47,000.
By the time they reached Shark Tank, projections indicated a net profit near $150,000 annually.
Valuation
The Shark Tank deal pegged the company’s valuation at $625,000. Despite its niche market, the business demonstrated consistent financial performance, and its practical design for indoor mall settings made it a reliable revenue-generating model.
Evolution and Acquisition
Expansion
Following the investment, the company expanded from five to eight locations across multiple jurisdictions. This growth was marked by increased brand recognition and a broader customer base.
Transition
In 2018, the founders transitioned the company by selling the business to Event Time LLC. After the sale, both founders returned to their roots in real estate, leaving Fun Time Express to continue operations under new management.
Founder Background and Personal Insights
Professional Journey
Stan Krozel had an established career in real estate, which influenced several strategic decisions while launching and expanding the business.
The partnership between Stan and Kevin Ullery extends beyond business—they are also life partners, lending a personal commitment that underpinned their professional efforts.
Personal and Early Life Details
While the founders’ business achievements are well documented, specific details regarding their personal life—including early education, family background, and ownership of properties or vehicles—remain undisclosed. Their focus on building a sustainable business model has largely overshadowed public interest in their personal financial details.
Achievements and Career Statistics
Major Milestones
Shark Tank Recognition (2014): Brought national attention and validated the business model.
Revenue Growth: A steady increase in revenue and profitability from inception through the post-investment phase.
Strategic Acquisition (2018): The sale to Event Time LLC marked an important transition, allowing further expansion of the brand.
Career Stats
The company’s net worth stands at $625,000 as of 2025, with a lean operation of fewer than 25 employees.
Their business model showcased impressive returns considering the modest upfront capital and infrastructural investment.
Also Read: Funkoff Net Worth
Industry Impact and Latest News
Business Perspective
Fun Time Express exemplifies how a creative entertainment idea can achieve commercial success through strategic investment and targeted market placement. The approach taken by the founders demonstrates that combining innovative experiences with a solid business model can attract major investors in a competitive marketplace.
Recent Developments
Latest reports indicate that under new ownership, the brand continues to operate successfully. While the founders have returned to the real estate domain, Fun Time Express remains a staple at several shopping malls, contributing to the local entertainment industry and sustaining its legacy.
Conclusion
Fun Time Express has carved out its niche in the family entertainment sector. With the strategic investment from Shark Tank, the business not only solidified its market value but also showcased the promise of a unique service model.
The journey—from a small startup to a growing enterprise with a $625,000 valuation—reflects a blend of innovative thinking and practical execution. Although details about the founders’ personal lives remain scarce, their professional accomplishments remain an inspiring example of how creative business ideas can thrive in competitive industries.
