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Reality TV series Shark Tank marked its 15th year in 2024, continuing its format of entrepreneurs seeking investments from business leaders. Looking back at season 12, a significant moment occurred when an eighth-grader entered the Tank with a product named Touch Up Cup, which is an air-tight paint storage container with a steel mixing ball that preserves paint for 10 years.
Carson Grill’s company had showed $220,000 in sales across 4,000 retail locations when he asked for $150,000 in exchange for 10% equity. During discussions, Kevin O'Leary told,
"My dilemma is this -- I want Carson to drop out of school and become a CEO."
However, Carson made it clear that it’s not possible for him which led Kevin quitting the deal without making any offer.
Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary asked 15-year-old to quit school for his paint business
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Carson's presentation broke standard Shark Tank protocol. While most father-son teams featured parents leading the pitch, Carson commanded the floor with detailed business knowledge. He explained their manufacturing setup, where individual cups cost $0.90 to produce and were sold wholesale at $1.89.
Their popular 3-pack version had a $1.99 production cost and $4.25 wholesale price. The company's strategic licensing partnership with Frog Tape demonstrated market validation, as Carson outlined their 2020 sales projection of $400,000.
The young CEO shared insights about their retail strategy, including successful partnerships with major chains. His mastery of inventory management, cash flow, and growth projections drew attention from multiple Sharks. The business showed consistent monthly sales increases, backed by strong customer retention data and expanding retail presence.
Kevin O’Leary questioned the unique nature of their pitch, mentioning how Carson's leadership role differed from typical family presentations where children often demonstrate products and leave the difficult negotiations to parents. In response, Carson’s father said he has full faith in what his son is doing.
Upon learning Carson had just completed eighth grade, O'Leary pressed for a dramatic change in direction. The suggestion to leave school met with immediate resistance from young Shark Tank entrepreneur, who stated,
"I just finished eighth grade. I don't think that's an option right now", O'Leary said.
He withdrew from investment consideration immediately. Blake Mycoskie expressed amazement at Carson's four patents at age 15. Daymond John also praised Carson's business knowledge, stating
"I love this kid."
Competing offers and negotiations
Shark Tank investor Daymond John stepped forward with an offer of $200,000 for 17.5% equity. He raised concerns about business management, noting Carson's school commitments and Jason's full-time medical sales position. This led Daymond to revise his offer to $150,000 for 20% equity.
Blake Mycoskie presented a competing offer of $200,000 for 25% equity. His proposal included a commitment to fund purchase orders, which he viewed as essential for the company's growth.
Blake connected with Carson's early start in business, sharing his own experience of starting a company at age 19. Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and Kevin O'Leary stepped back from making offers.
Post-show developments
As per Shark Tank Blog, Touch Up Cup experienced immediate results after the episode aired, generating $50,000 in sales on show night alone. The partnership with Blake Mycoskie proved fruitful as the company expanded its retail presence significantly. They secured major distribution deals, including placement in 3,000 Walmart stores and 1,700 Lowe's locations.
The product line grew beyond the original paint storage container. New additions included paint brushes, rollers, roller cleaners, and touch-up tarps. These expansions contributed to substantial revenue growth. By July 2021, the company tracked toward $2 million in annual revenue.
The growth continued upward. As of August 2024, Touch Up Cup reached $5 million in annual revenue. Their total lifetime sales approached $10 million. Carson, who graduated high school in May 2024, added an auto detailing business to his entrepreneurial portfolio while maintaining his focus on Touch Up Cup's expansion.
Fans can watch new Shark Tank pitches on ABC network.
