3 'Shark Tank' Hits That Made Millions

Have you ever watched the popular reality TV series “Shark Tank” and thought to yourself, “I have a brilliant idea the Sharks would love”? If so, you’ll appreciate these stories about three of the most successful products ever to come out of “Shark Tank.”

The “Shark Tank” reality TV show features aspiring entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to a panel of successful businessmen and businesswomen (called “Sharks”). If a Shark likes your pitch, he or she might choose to invest their own money in your idea, in exchange for a stake in the business - providing much-needed revenue for small start-ups.

1. Bombas^®

Season 6, Episode 1

In September 2014, founders Randy Goldberg and David Heath pitched their idea for an online-only model of selling comfy athletic socks to the Sharks. The duo told the panel they had been inspired to create Bombas after learning homeless shelters needed socks more than any other item - and as part of their business model, they would donate one pair of Bombas socks to charity for every pair sold.

“Shark Tank” investor Daymond John, who made his fortune in retail, agreed to invest $200,000 for a 17.5% stake in the company - a wise decision, as it turned out.

Today, Bombas has generated more than $225 million in lifetime sales and donated more than 100 million essential clothing items. Their product line has expanded to include T-shirts and bras, thoughtfully designed to extend wearability, show minimal wear, and fit a wide range of body types.

2. The Bouqs^®

Season 5, Episode 14

Inventor John Tabis presented his farm-to-table online flower delivery service idea to the panel of Sharks in February 2014. Tabis promised he could save customers about 80% off flowers. On top of that, he said he could guarantee his bouquets would last longer and stay fresher than competitors’ arrangements because his company only partners with eco-friendly farms.

Tabis asked the Sharks for $258,000 for a 3% share in his company but none bit, and he left the show empty-handed.

However, three years later “Shark Tank” investor Robert Herjavec needed to buy flowers for his own wedding and was shocked at the steep price tags. He ended up hiring The Bouqs and loved the company so much that he decided to invest.

The Bouqs went on to win the Weddingwire Couple’s Choice Awards in 2016 and 2017, and even raked in $6 million in revenue in just one day. Since then, the company has gone on to become one of the most successful “Shark Tank” ventures of all time.

3. Scrub Daddy^®

Season 4, Episode 7

In 2012, entrepreneur Aaron Krause appeared on “Shark Tank” to pitch the Scrub Daddy, a smiley-faced sponge that changes textures based on water temperature. An inventor for most of his life, Krause invented the product when he discovered it worked exceptionally well on lawn furniture.

Krause asked the Sharks for $100,000 for a 10% share in the company. Investor Lori Greiner countered by offering $200,000 for a 20 percent stake - and Krause walked away with a deal.

The very next day after the episode aired, Scrub Daddy appeared on QVC - and 42,000 sponges flew off the shelves in only seven minutes.

Today, Scrub Daddy boasts a net worth of more than $300 million. Krause expanded the product line - it now includes various cleaning tools - and you can likely find Scrub Daddy products in a retail store near you.

So, if you’re sitting on a great business idea, what are you waiting for? If you crunch the numbers and make a compelling case, the Sharks might just love your pitch and passion - and from there, the sky’s the limit!

References: The Biggest Shark Tank Successes and Failures in the History of the Show | 8 Most Successful Products From “Shark Tank” | ‘Shark Tank’s’ richest sharks & most successful products after 15 years on air | Scrub Daddy Story: From Shark Tank to Household Staple | Scrub Daddy: The story behind Shark Tank US’s biggest success