"Changed his entire life" — Shark Tank's Lori Greiner talks about Scrub Daddy's success and their partnership

Lori Greiner's investment decisions on Shark Tank have led to the success of numerous companies, and one of her most notable partnerships has been with Scrub Daddy founder Aaron Krause. In an interview with PEOPLE on October 18, 2024, Greiner discussed the lasting impact of her involvement with Scrub Daddy, saying,

"It has changed his entire life, his family's life."

Greiner made her initial investment in Scrub Daddy in 2012 while Krause was presenting on Shark Tank. At the time, the company had only $140,000 in sales and was in need of assistance with packaging and distribution. Under Greiner's mentorship and guidance, Scrub Daddy expanded from a small business to a multi-billion-dollar global brand.

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Shark Tank's Lori Greiner discusses the impact Scrub Daddy had on Krause’s life and the success of their collaboration

The beginning of a successful teamwork

In 2012, Aaron Krause presented his product, the Scrub Daddy sponge, on Shark Tank with $140,000 in sales. Investors, including Lori Greiner, Kevin O'Leary, and Daymond John, showed interest, leading to a bidding war. Greiner eventually struck a deal with Krause, offering $200,000 for a 20% stake in the company. In an interview with PEOPLE, Greiner reflected on the early days of their partnership.

“Scrub Daddy came in, he had one little sponge, he needed help with his packaging, he had $140,000 in sales, that was it, and we have taken it now to a multi-billion dollar company and an international global company," she said.

Greiner highlighted that this helped refine the product, improve its packaging, and expand its market, eventually leading to Scrub Daddy becoming one of the most successful products to emerge from the Shark Tank platform.

In a Shark Tank behind-the-scenes video shared in 2023, she explained that from the moment Krause began his QVC-style demonstration, she recognized the potential of the product. Greiner said,

“It was highly demonstrable. It hits everything I'm looking for. I thought, 'What a great pitch person.' He knew his stuff, so I was in on him.”

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The impact of the partnership

Greiner discussed how the growth of Scrub Daddy has had a significant impact on both Krause’s life and the communities involved in the company’s operations.

“we give back. We have factories we've built all over the world that are giving back to now other cultures as well. And it's all really about helping people," she stated.

The expansion of Scrub Daddy highlighted Greiner's focus on the company's contribution to job creation. The business expanded both within the U.S. and internationally, contributing to global employment. Greiner explained,

“We sell a product that makes people happy... We do good business together, and then we help other people, and we have a humanitarian bent usually, a give-back, and we make money. We make money because we do all those other things.”

Over time, the company expanded internationally, creating jobs and contributing to various communities through its global operations. Greiner also mentioned that she and Krause developed a close relationship over the years. She stated,

“Not only am I super close to him and his family, I've gone on vacations with them, I have had holidays with them, they've enriched my life by who they are and that friendship.”

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