My Dragon’s Den Journey – Bringing a “Real Dragon” to Season 9
My Cornel’s World Dragon’s Den journey was one of the most surreal, stressful, and defining moments in my business — starting long before filming day.
Watch the Cornel’s World Pitch
You can still watch my pitch today on the official CBC page or on YouTube (ideal for U.S. viewers):
- CBC Official Pitch Page: Cornel’s World Terrariums – Dragon’s Den
- YouTube Version (U.S.-friendly): Cornel’s World Pitch on YouTube
Two Auditions at Mount Royal — And a Little Girl Who Stole the Show
My Dragon’s Den journey began years before the episode aired. I auditioned at Mount Royal University two years in a row.
Attempt #1 (2013):
Emma was 6 years old, and we pitched together for the very first time.
We didn’t get a callback that year.
Attempt #2 (2014):
I came back alone… well, with a bearded dragon.
I left thinking it went poorly again — until a reporter suddenly said:
“Oh! You brought your very own dragon to the Den!”
That moment changed everything. The producers perked up, asked more questions, and eventually asked:
“What’s your availability?”
Selected for Dragon’s Den Season 9
Shortly after the audition, I was officially selected to film for Dragon’s Den Season 9, and our shoot date was set for March 24, 2014.
Emma was 7 years old, turning 8 the next month — and she still knew the pitch better than me.
The Season 9 Dragons were:
- Arlene Dickinson
- David Chilton
- Jim Treliving
- Michael Wekerle
- Vikram Vij
As a longtime fan, my biggest fear was being shredded by Kevin O’Leary for my valuation — but he had just left the show for Shark Tank. Huge relief.
The Night Before — And the Real Coach Was Seven Years Old
The night before filming, I stayed up until the early hours practicing my pitch and messing up nearly every time. Emma sat beside me patiently correcting me.
She was 7, but she knew every word better than I did.
Behind the Scenes — Animals, Filming, and a Halloween Promo
On filming day, we brought a tarantula and a bearded dragon. Because of that, the crew filmed extra cutaway shots of Emma for a potential Halloween promo.
Walking Into the Den — And Landing Two Offers
When our turn finally came, the nerves were intense. Walking through those steel doors into the Den is an unforgettable feeling.
The pitch itself went smoother than expected. A few verbal stumbles, but the Dragons respected my numbers.
I received two offers. One didn’t make sense and was cut from the episode. The meaningful offer came from Michael Wekerle:
He offered more money than I asked for at the same valuation — because he believed in my passion.
After the Deal — Why It Didn’t Move Forward
Wekerle’s team contacted me about due diligence. As a one-man operation at the time, gathering full financials and documents would have required time and cost.
I explained I would move forward only if Michael planned to be hands-on. If it was just a financial investment, I could get a bank loan.
They understood — and that was the end of it.
The Pitch Almost Never Aired
The pitch almost didn’t appear online because it wasn’t dramatic enough:
- No Dragon arguments
- No harsh takedowns
- No failed math
- Just a decent pitch with clean numbers
Thankfully, Season 9 included web-exclusive episodes, and mine was released as the 13th web pitch on Thursday, February 5, 2015.
How Dragon’s Den Changed My Life and Cornel’s World
I didn’t go on the show only for a deal. I wanted exposure and maybe a mentor. Shortly after filming, things shifted at my full-time job, and Dragon’s Den gave me the push and confidence to take Cornel’s World full-time.
It wasn’t always easy. It still isn’t. But the good far outweighs the challenges.
Looking back, I’m grateful for:
- The opportunity
- The exposure
- The support
- The memories
- And especially the journey I shared with Emma
Dragon’s Den wasn’t just a TV pitch — it was the turning point that helped build Cornel’s World into what it is today.