Mathilde Lacombe

When Trevor Hiltbrand walked onto the Shark Tank stage in 2014 (Season 5, Episode 26), he had one mission—to convince the Sharks that his brain-boosting supplement, Cerebral Success, could transform focus, memory, and cognitive performance.

The pitch was bold. The product was intriguing. And in a market where students and professionals alike constantly look for ways to stay sharp, it seemed like a golden opportunity. But what actually happened after the cameras stopped rolling? Did Cerebral Success truly live up to its promise? And where is the company—and its founder—today?

Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of Cerebral Success after Shark Tank.

The Shark Tank Pitch: A Bold Promise

Trevor Hiltbrand came into the Tank seeking $75,000 in exchange for 20% equity in his startup. His product, Cerebral Success, was marketed as a nootropic supplement—a pill designed to enhance brain function, memory, and focus.

Targeting college students, entrepreneurs, and busy professionals, Trevor positioned Cerebral Success as the “smart pill” for anyone looking to get ahead. The product contained a mix of ingredients commonly found in the growing nootropic industry—such as Bacopa Monnieri, Vinpocetine, and other natural compounds believed to aid mental clarity.

However, the pitch wasn’t without skepticism. Several Sharks questioned the scientific validity of the product. They worried about liability, FDA regulations, and whether Trevor had enough evidence to prove his supplement really worked.

Despite this, Barbara Corcoran saw potential. She liked Trevor’s drive, branding, and target market. She made an offer: $75,000 for 40% equity. Trevor accepted, securing a deal on national television.

Post-Show Momentum: The Power of the “Shark Tank Effect”

Appearing on Shark Tank is often a game-changer for startups. Even if deals don’t close, the exposure alone can skyrocket sales overnight. For Cerebral Success, the effect was immediate.

With Barbara Corcoran’s support, the product was rebranded as “Smart X by Cerebral Success.” Soon after, it found shelf space in GNC stores across the United States, giving it mainstream visibility.

For a time, it looked like Cerebral Success might become the next big name in the supplement industry. The company rode the wave of publicity, enjoying:

• Increased sales from Shark Tank exposure

• Retail distribution via GNC

• Buzz from college students and young professionals

• Online presence fueled by the nootropic trend

But as is often the case, initial momentum didn’t guarantee long-term success.

Why Did Cerebral Success Go Out of Business? Shark Tank Update

Despite the early promise, Cerebral Success ultimately shut down in October 2019. Several key factors explain why the company couldn’t sustain long-term growth:

1. Lack of Scientific Backing

The biggest issue was credibility. While Trevor marketed Cerebral Success as a brain-boosting pill, there wasn’t enough clinical research to validate the claims. Consumers became skeptical, and without strong scientific studies, it was difficult to build long-term trust.

2. Regulatory Pressure

The supplement industry operates in a gray zone, but the FDA monitors companies making health claims. To stay compliant, Cerebral Success had to tone down its marketing, which weakened its appeal. Stricter oversight meant added costs and risks.

3. Intense Competition

By the mid-2010s, the nootropics market exploded. Competitors with larger budgets, celebrity endorsements, and stronger marketing campaigns dominated the space. Cerebral Success simply couldn’t compete at scale.

4. Short-Term Hype vs. Long-Term Loyalty

The Shark Tank effect provided an initial sales spike, but customers didn’t stick around. Many tried the product once, but without noticeable results, repeat purchases lagged.

5. Scaling Challenges

Manufacturing supplements, maintaining inventory, managing distribution, and marketing at a national level requires heavy capital. Cerebral Success struggled to keep up financially.

The combination of these hurdles led to the company’s closure.

The Decline: Shutting Down Operations

After a brief period of success and nationwide distribution through GNC, Cerebral Success could not sustain profitability. By October 2019, operations officially ceased. The website went offline, Smart X was pulled from shelves, and the brand faded into memory.

For many fans of Shark Tank, this was another reminder that a deal on TV doesn’t always guarantee long-term survival.

The Founder’s Next Chapter: Trevor Hiltbrand’s New Ventures

While Cerebral Success closed, its founder didn’t give up on entrepreneurship. Trevor Hiltbrand pivoted into other industries, proving his resilience and business acumen.

Today, Trevor is the CEO of Project Solar, a direct-to-consumer solar company focused on making renewable energy more affordable. His experience from Cerebral Success—handling marketing, distribution, and scaling—likely helped him in his new venture.

Additionally, Trevor has been involved in e-commerce and consulting projects, continuing his path as a serial entrepreneur.

Lessons from Cerebral Success

The story of Cerebral Success offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:

1. The Shark Tank Effect is Real but Temporary

Television exposure can create a short-term spike in sales, but building long-term success requires sustained value, proof, and strategic scaling.

2. Credibility is Everything in Supplements

In health-related industries, trust is crucial. Without strong scientific backing, consumer retention becomes nearly impossible.

3. Competition is Fierce

Nootropics went from niche to mainstream almost overnight, making it difficult for smaller brands to survive against better-funded competitors.

4. Failure Isn’t the End

Trevor’s pivot to Project Solar proves that even when one venture fails, the entrepreneurial journey continues. Each experience builds skills for the next big idea.

Summary Table of Cerebral Success Journey

Final Thoughts: Where Cerebral Success Stands Today

Cerebral Success may no longer exist, but its story remains an important case study in the world of startups. It highlights the excitement of Shark Tank exposure, the harsh realities of the supplement industry, and the resilience needed to keep moving forward after setbacks.

For Trevor Hiltbrand, Cerebral Success was just the beginning. His journey shows that while one venture may fail, the lessons learned can lead to even greater success in the future.