Locals proud of Sparks remembering his roots

Sparks successfully pitched his soy-based molding dough product and got a deal in the ABC television network show "Shark Tank" that aired Tuesday night.

During the show, Sparks clung to his roots and was adamant about bringing jobs to his hometown.

Part of his pitch was to open a manufacturing facility in Greene County for his soy-based dough product.

Eric Harrah, owner of Bloomfield Manufacturing, shared his thoughts on Sparks' "Shark Tank" appearance.

"It makes me proud as can be that someone thinks as much of Bloomfield as what I feel I do," Harrah explained. "I think he handled himself tremendously. ... How sincere he was about his hometown was a good thing to see. You just don't see that enough."

He also wished Sawyer the best.

"I wish him the best of luck and hopefully it all works out for the best," he added. "I'm really happy for him. He's worked really hard."

Soy-Yer-Dough -- Sawyer's soy-based product -- is a great concept, Harrah added.

Bloomfield Elementary School Principal Mary Jane Vandeventer also shared some kind words.

"Well, obviously Sawyer is a success story for the Bloomfield School District. He was a K-12 student here and all the teachers had a part in that," Vandeventer said.

Several of those teachers were sharing Sawyer Sparks stories during school on Wednesday, she noted.

"It's been a pat on the back to teachers," Vandeventer added.

The real Sawyer Sparks was captured on "Shark Tank," she noted.

"His roots to his family and roots to Bloomfield are genuine and solid. What you saw on TV is who he is," she added. "Sometimes in the world the good guys don't always win. In this situation, he is just a fine, outstanding, genuine, young man who fared well."

Greene County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Joan Bethell believes that Sparks did wonders for the county's economic development efforts on the television show.

The show was great national exposure for the county and vividly told the story of a small town college student who developed a marketable idea, she noted.

"This is exactly what are hoping to nurture here in Greene County," Bethell said. "What he is doing is actually what we are trying to get to so more businesses like Sawyer's would be able to launched and created here in Greene County. We're just grateful that Sawyer is local and he loves his community."

Bethell continued, "Think about it. He's created this product, but he's got more waiting in the wings. I sat with him and he outlined some different ideas that he has. He is the creative entrepreneur that we want to nurture and keep here in Greene County."

The economic development director said the Sparks is poised to serve as a mentor in the local schools for budding young entrepreneurs.

"He's full of ideas. This isn't just one product. I believe that Sawyer is going to be one of those serial entrepreneurs. As such, I am grateful that he is loyal to Greene County and wants to create jobs here. I don't expect this to be the only business he ever launches here. I believe this is the first of many," Bethell stated. "He's a gem."

Bethell also believes that Sparks has proven himself from a business standpoint and she feels he will be able to get some local investors with his next business venture.

"Surely someone in Greene County would have those kinds of resources and would see this young man's potential and would want to buy in to that potential," she said. "Hopefully, he's made the point that he's got winning ideas."

Sue Sparks, Sawyer's mom, also shared her thoughts on his TV appearance.

"I'm proud. I thought it was a good program. We enjoyed it and from all of the calls and e-mails that I received this morning, there's been a lot of people from Bloomfield that enjoyed it," she said.

Assistant Editor Nick Schneider contributed to this report.