Teen entrepreneur prepares for a pitch competition on ‘America’s Big Deal’

SALISBURY, Md. – A Salisbury teen and entrepreneur is working his way to the top.

19-year-old RJ Batts, inventor of Tip Tough will make his debut on ‘America’s Big Deal’ on Thursday. In a network pitch competition, RJ Batts will go up against four other entrepreneurs and pitch his product for a chance to win a six-figure deal with a major retailer.

Tip tough is a cover for your fingers made out of stainless steel that’s used while cutting food, so you don’t cut your fingers. Batts created it when he was 13-years-old and he says after some bumps in the road, he’s finally been allowed to truly market his product and grow his business. He says his product is something everyone needs, similar to a potato peeler, he believes his product should be in every kitchen drawer in America.

“I also was able to keep level-headed you know, this is an opportunity that even if I’m just on the show, it’s going to be able to get my brand and my name out to America,” says Batts. He adds, “I believe that through the help of the community, help, and support of Salisbury and Delmarva, that we’ll be able to win this show together.”

Batts also tell us, no matter the outcome of the show, he hopes to expand his product and implement a plastic version small enough for kid chefs.

If you want to check out RJ’s products you can check them out here.