There´s a new show coming to CNBC Prime called Crowd Rules in which three small businesses that compete in front of an audience of 100 that votes to decide who wins a much-needed $50,000. Entrepreneur and jewelry designer Kendra Scott, NY1 Anchor Pat Kiernan, along with a weekly guest industry expert, lead the examination of the small businesses in order to help a studio audience choose which company wins the $50,000. While the small business owners make their case to the panel of three, the real power lies in the hands of the audience – 97 strong – whose votes will ultimately decide which business is most deserving of the investment.
Episode #1: Series Premiere: Tuesday, May 14 at 9PM ET/PT
Theme: Specialty Foods
Expert: Elizabeth Chambers, television host, correspondent for E! News and founder and co-owner of the wildly popular Bird Bakery in San Antonio, TX
· Picklelicious; Location: Teaneck, NJ
· Mr. Green Tea; Location: Keyport, NJ
· Heartbreaking Dawns; Location: Wyckoff, NJ
Episode #2: Tuesday, May 21 at 9PM ET/PT
Theme: Debt
Expert: Larry Winget, internationally-renowned motivational speaker and consultant
· Sky Fitness 24/7; Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
· Mystery Brewing Company; Location: Hillsborough, NC
· DirtyGirl Disposal; Location: Millbury, MA
Episode #3: Tuesday, May 28 at 9PM ET/PT
Theme: Pursue Your Passion
Expert: Tom Szaky, founder and chief executive of TerraCycle, one of the 500 fastest-growing businesses in the United States
· Waitressville; Location: Dallas, TX
· Summit Coffee; Davidson, NC
· New York Dog Nanny; Manhattan, NY
Episode #4: Tuesday, June 4 at 9PM ET/PT
Theme: Innovative Products
Expert: Michael Chernow, co-owner and general manager of the hit New York City restaurants collectively TMS – The Meatball Shop
· Pocket Frenz; Location: East Quogue, NY
· Quivvers; Location: Whitefish Bay, WI
· Zach’s Wax; Ventura, CA
Episode #5: Tuesday, June 11 at 9PM ET/PT
Theme: Philanthropy
Expert: Vincent Porpiglia, founder and COO of Dream Water
· Hand in Hand; Location: Philadelphia, PA
· MIIR; Location: Seattle, WA
· Hendrick Boards; Location: Anaheim, CA
Episode #6: Tuesday, June 18 at 9PM ET/PT
Theme: Multi-generational family businesses
Expert: Melinda Emerson, “The Small Biz Lady,” founder and chief executive of Quintessence Multimedia
· Woodstock Cabinets; Location: Tulsa, OK
· Dewey Weber Surfboards; Location: San Clemente, CA
· Klinger Educational; Location: College Point, NY
Episode #7: Tuesday, June 25 at 9PM ET/PT
Theme: Become Your Own Boss
Expert: Steve Kaplan, serial entrepreneur and self-made multimillionaire who has helped to make more than 100 additional people millionaires in their own right
· Call Charley; Location: Upper Marlboro, MD
· Just Audio; Location: Baltimore, MD
· The Berkley Chop Shop; Location: Berkley, MI
Episode #8: Tuesday, July 2 at 9PM ET/PT
Theme: Products with a Twist
Expert: Erica Duignan Minnihan, Executive Director of STAR Angel Network and a Partner in STAR Industries
· Ninja Standing Desk; Location: San Francisco, CA
· Acustom Apparel; Location: Manhattan, NY
· Aphrodisiac Ice Cream; Location: Miami, FL
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