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Kelley Higney's avatarPerson

Kelley Higney

Founder & CEOBug Bite Thing

Port St. Lucie, FL

Member Since March 2021

Skills

Ecommerce
Product Launch
Product Strategy

About

I am the founder and CEO of Bug Bite Thing. In 2013, my family relocated from San Diego, California to South Florida. There was one thing we were not prepared for—the mosquitos. My six-month-old daughter was constantly suffering from severe reactions to the bites. I set out to find an effective, natural solution and began conducting research. I ordered an unfamiliar product that uses suction to remove the irritant that not only worked, it transformed the quality of life for my family. We could finally spend time outdoors! I was determined to share it with others. In 2017, I secured exclusive distribution rights to the product and branded it Bug Bite Thing. My company gained national recognition in October 2019 when my mother, Ellen McAlister, and I appeared on ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank.’ All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in our business, but it was Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ offer that secured our partnership. In April 2021, my mother and I returned to ‘Shark Tank.’ This time, we shared details on our company's transformation into a multi-million dollar enterprise following our first appearance on the show. Bug Bite Thing is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief with more than 90,000 reviews. In the summer of 2023, my company expanded beyond the insect bite relief industry to the pet and flea and tick products industries with the introduction of Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover for people and pets. I remain a “Mom on a Mission” to provide consumers with effective, chemical-free first aid products. I am a member of the Fast Company Executive Board and Forbes Business Council. I am also the recipient of numerous awards, including two Gold Stevie Awards in the Consumer Products category, ‘Woman of the Year’ and ‘Best Entrepreneur’ by the 2023 American Business Awards and named a “Top Mamaprenistas” by the 2022 Entreprenista 100. I am active within the South Florida business community. I reside in South Florida with my husband, Richard, and our daughters, Leah and Lilly.

Published content

15 business habits that may hinder competitive marketplace growth

expert panel

In today's workplace, practicing the importance of self-awareness starts from the top down. The strength of a successful business relies upon the people who are responsible for its daily operations. But building a power team starts from the top down. Therefore, leaders must set higher standards for themselves first if they expect others to follow in their footsteps to meet the expectations and mission of their business.  Self-awareness will also play a key factor in every leader's journey because if they are unaware of the negative energy they are spreading across their workforce, it may drive top talent away. Here, 15 Fast Company Executive Board members each discuss one seemingly harmless habit an executive may have that could be harming their business, and why it can make such a difference in the team's perspective of who they truly represent.

17 key strategies for building a strong personal brand online

expert panel

Through consistency, authenticity, and valuable content, executives can effectively differentiate themselves and strengthen their influence in the digital space. Showcasing a strong personal brand online can set you apart from other executives and foster valuable connections across industries. But how can you best convey your unique perspective and expertise in a way that resonates with your audience? To help you do this, the members of Fast Company Executive Board share their tried-and-true strategies for building a strong, relatable, and memorable personal brand. From sharing your authentic experiences to engaging in thoughtful conversations, here's how you can stand out from the crowd and strengthen your online influence.

18 expert tips for mastering your next media interview

expert panel

Here's what it takes to ace your next press interview, according to experts. When preparing for an interview on a live or on-demand platform, it's important to focus on both content and delivery. Whether you’re an introvert who prefers careful planning or an extrovert who feeds off energy, preparing yourself for an upcoming interview can ensure that you're represented accurately and positively.  From refining your key messages to honing your body language, there are a few things you can do to get yourself interview-ready. To that end, Fast Company Executive Board members share tried-and-true tips to ensure you’re ready to make the most of your time in the spotlight.

15 business strategies to expand your audience

expert panel

Here's how to have a greater community impact in diverse markets—nationally and globally. If you're ready to expand your business into a new or unfamiliar market, proactive research is essential to assess what is currently missing and how your brand can offer the best solutions. In addition, collaborating with local partners or hiring staff from the targeted region enables you to keep your ear to the ground from day one and learn to speak the language.  Leading experts from Fast Company Executive Board have been there, and realize, it's not about simply setting up shop in a new location, it's about build meaningful relationships that will be beneficial for community and company growth. Consider the following 15 tips to grow your business successfully in diverse markets. 

13 ways small businesses can work smarter to build brand loyalty

expert panel

Smaller brands have more leverage than they realize. It's time to tap into it. It may seem like an uphill battle when you are just starting out in business, underfunded and/or understaffed. But the good news is that, as a small business, your company doesn't have to feel pressured to keep up with the big guys in the market. Instead, reflect on the benefits of your company's flexibility to cultivate a more meaningful niche that will meet the needs of consumers who are being overlooked in the industry you intend to serve. Here, experts from Fast Company Executive Board weigh in on the various ways that smaller businesses can still compete against big ones without having a mega-corporate budget.

15 ways to stand up and out on the issues your brand is backing

expert panel

Transparency paired with a consistent message on your company vision and values goes a long way in building brand awareness and trust. When it comes to building community and laying the foundation for creating long-term customer and stakeholder relationships that you can count on, it's important to let people know where you stand on current issues to maintain genuine transparency and real authenticity. Below, 15 experts of Fast Company Executive Board each share one factor for leaders to consider if they want their brand to become known for its community activism—beyond the products and services it provides.

Company details

Bug Bite Thing

Company bio

As Seen on Shark Tank, Bug Bite Thing is a chemical-free solution that instantly alleviates the stinging, itching and swelling caused by insect bites and stings. The reusable tool solely uses suction to remove insect saliva or venom from underneath the skin, making it safe for all ages. Bug Bite Thing is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief, with over 90,000 reviews. In June 2023, it introduced Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover for people and pets, as prompt tick removal reduces the chances of transmitting tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease. Featuring a patented double-side design that meets Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for proper tick removal, the tweezer tool is chemical-free and reusable. The company gained national recognition in October 2019 when Kelley Higney and her mother, Ellen McAlister, appeared on ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank.’ All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in the business, but it was Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ offer that secured the partnership. In 2022, the company established its Medical Advisory Board and partnership with Board Certified Pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin. Bug Bite Thing is the recipient of 38 prestigious awards, including the 2023 Inc. 5000 List, Inc.’s 2022 Best in Business List in Consumer Products, the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and many more. Based in Port St. Lucie, Florida, the company is a Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certified enterprise. Bug Bite Thing’s community partners include the St. Lucie County Economic Development Council, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County and weVENTURE Women’s Business Center. Bug Bite Thing’s Suction Tool and Tick Remover are available on Amazon and BugBiteThing.com. Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool can also be purchased at over 30,000 retail locations nationwide and in 34 countries.

Industry

Corporate social responsibility

Area of focus

Consumer Goods
First Aid
Retail

Company size

11 - 50