Fridge Fronts

Fridge Fronts are adhesive decal skins that cover the doors and panels of a refrigerator, letting people change the look of an old or plain appliance without replacing it. Founder Jan Augenstein, based in the Dayton, Ohio area, built the product for renters and budget-minded homeowners who wanted a fresh kitchen look, from a faux stainless finish to bold patterns, for a fraction of the cost of a new fridge.

Augenstein went into the Season 2 tank asking for 100,000 dollars in exchange for 30 percent of the company. Two sharks teamed up to fund the full amount, but the combined offer required handing over a larger share of the business than she had planned, splitting half the company between them. She accepted the heavier equity terms to bring two sharks on board.

The pitch landed because it solved a relatable problem cheaply. A dated or scratched refrigerator is a common eyesore, and the idea of skinning it like a phone or laptop felt both novel and practical. The wide range of designs meant the same product could appeal to renters, decorators, and anyone wanting a low-commitment kitchen refresh.

After the episode, Fridge Fronts saw a sales boost, added new designs, and branched into skins for other appliances. The brand also landed placement in a major in-flight catalog, which generated strong returns on the advertising spend and put the decals in front of a national travel audience for a time.

The company did not stay independent for long. Within a few years Augenstein sold the Fridge Fronts business to another appliance-skin company for an undisclosed sum, and she moved on to work in real estate and home staging. As of 2026 there is no active Fridge Fronts brand operating under the original ownership.