Pomona, N.Y. — November 2025 — Rockland County entrepreneurs Lloyd and Sue Ecker have secured a $100,000 investment on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank for their innovative anti-snoring pillow, the Snorinator.

The couple, who live in Pomona, New York, appeared on a recent episode of the show to pitch their product, which is designed to help users sleep comfortably while sitting upright — reducing snoring and improving airflow during rest.

After a tense round of negotiations, several sharks initially passed on the idea. But investors Lori Greiner and Michael Strahan saw potential in the concept after testing the Snorinator themselves. The pair teamed up to offer $100,000 for a 25% stake in the Eckers’ company.

The Snorinator, which the couple developed to address common sleep and snoring problems, has already gained attention from frequent travelers and people who struggle to get restful sleep due to snoring or sleep apnea.

The Eckers, longtime inventors and entrepreneurs, said they were thrilled to find partners who believed in their mission to improve sleep health.

“Lori and Michael understood right away what we were trying to do,” said co-founder Lloyd Ecker after the episode aired. “They tested the Snorinator themselves and got it — this is about helping people rest better and breathe easier.”

The investment marks another success story for the Hudson Valley’s growing community of small business innovators who have appeared on Shark Tank in recent years.

Bringing a Taste of Italy to Rockland County: 

When Jaclyn Ryan-Henry relocated from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn to Rockland County, she brought with her more than just personal belongings. She carried the treasured recipes, memories, and traditions passed down from her Italian grandmother — her Nonna — who was born and raised in the town of Cantalupo, Italy.

By day, Ryan-Henry serves as a dedicated Director and clinician in a local healthcare facility. But outside of her professional life, she has channeled her lifelong passion for baking into her growing small business, The Home Kitchen of La Casa Di Dolce.

After struggling to find authentic Italian cookies and pastries in her new hometown, Ryan-Henry recognized a void in the local market. Drawing from years of experience in the kitchen — and the heartfelt influence of her Nonna — she began recreating traditional Italian baked goods, bringing comfort and cultural richness to the Rockland County community.

Reviving Tradition Through Baking

At La Casa Di Dolce, Ryan-Henry bakes an extensive variety of Italian classics, including:

• Cuccidati (Italian fig cookies)

• Biscotti di casa (traditional Italian dunking cookies)

• Crostata (Italian baked tart)

• Struffoli (Italian honey ball cookies)

• Bow ties (Chiacchiere)

• Seven-layer cookies and cakes

• Seven-layer donuts

Her offerings also extend to American and Irish favorites, including crumb cake, cupcakes, sugar cookies, cake pops, cake jars, and fully customized layer cakes and dessert trays for special occasions.

Each item is made fresh in her home kitchen, with recipes that have been passed down through generations. “Baking with my Nonna was just an ordinary day in our household,” Ryan-Henry says. “She always had something in the oven, and always made enough to feed whoever walked through the door. That sense of warmth and generosity inspires everything I do.”

From Family Tradition to Community Impact

What began as a personal and family-centered tradition has blossomed into a local business rooted in cultural pride and culinary authenticity. Ryan-Henry has long shared her baked goods with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors — often gifting her creations during holidays and community events. The enthusiastic response encouraged her to formalize her passion into a licensed home processor business.

Her mission is simple: to bring a piece of Italy into every home, one cookie at a time.

A Local Business with Heart

The Home Kitchen of La Casa Di Dolce is more than just a bakery. It’s a tribute to family, heritage, and the enduring power of tradition. Ryan-Henry encourages customers to reach out with custom requests. “If there’s something you’re looking for and don’t see it listed, just ask,” she says. “Everything I bake is inspired by love, tradition, and the joy of sharing.”

As her Nonna always said: “Mangiare” — Eat.

The holidays are around the corner be sure to place an order early or to inquire about available baked goods, contact:

Jaclyn Ryan-Henry
Home Processor
Phone: 718-207-9180
Email: lacasadidolce19@gmail.com