Shark Tank update: What happened to ButterCloth after the show?

Shark Tank season 16 episode 5
Danh Tran and Robert Herjavec on Shark Tank (Image via YouTube/ABC)

Danh Tran and his business partner Gary Falkenburg first appeared on Shark Tank in season 10 episode 4 to pitch their clothing company, ButterCloth. Their clothing range was dubbed as "the world's most comfortable shirts." They tried to combine the comfort of casual wear with the professional look of a dress shirt.

Danh Tran and Gary Falkenburg's Shark Tank appearance helped boost their already growing business, ButterCloth. Danh returned in season 16, episode 5, which aired on November 16, to announce that their company is still thriving, with lifetime sales exceeding $58 million since their initial appearance on the show.

Shark Robert Herjavec secured a deal with the founders for $250,000 in exchange for a 25% equity stake. The decision worked in both parties' favor, and the company saw a rise after the show.


Shark Tank: ButterCloth went from $500,000 to $58 million in sales

Danh Tran returned to Shark Tank season 16 episode 5 to update viewers on the company's rise since their first appearance on the reality show.

The founder shared that when he first pitched his company to the sharks, the venture had less than $500,000 in sales. Six years later, they are currently making over $58 million in sales. Buttercloth is now available in brick-and-mortar stores around the country.

"Just to be ahead of the competition I knew that I had to come up with innovation rather than just a comfortable shirt. So, I invented a brand-new patented fabric called Icy Cotton. It's infused with mint into the cotton. Feel the cold to the touch," the Shark Tank alum added.

Among multiple inclusions, ButterCloth has introduced its first women's collection. They have over 35 full-time employees and ship inventory from a 7,000-square-foot warehouse in California.


Danh Tran and Robert Herjavec shoot a commercial with Jay Leno

In Shark Tank season 16 episode 5, the show featured a commercial shoot for ButterCloth, overseen by founder Danh Tran and shark Robert Herjavec. They were joined by legendary comedian and former host of NBC's The Tonight Show, Jay Leno, who acted as a model.

To film the shoot, Robert mentioned that they were at "arguably the most famous garage in the world." He revealed that he had gifted Jay some ButterCloth shirts a while ago, and the comedian quickly became a devoted user.

Talking about the shirt he was wearing during the shoot, Jay said:

"It is my official driving shirt. You know me. I'm not a guy with an iron. I just put it on a shirt. And this was wrinkled up in a ball ten minutes ago and I put it on, it looks great."

Danh Tran and Robert Herjavec reflect on the business

Robert Herjavec reflected on the deal he made with the Shark Tank contestant and how it worked in everyone's favor.

The shark shared that Danh was all in on Buttercloth. The founder sold his house and cashed in his 401k for the company. A few years later, with success, Danh was able to buy a house overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Robert described the growth as an "incredible story."

The shark then shared his biggest takeaway from the investment:

"My biggest takeaway from this whole investment is you have to have somebody who is fully committed. Danh is the classic immigrant entrepreneur all in to pursue his dream. Danh is the guy who is constantly coming up with new products new ways to market it, and new technologies. Danh is a grinder. Thrilled to be along for the ride."

Danh Tran is very proud of what he achieved with his company. In his confessional, he shared that sometimes when he goes to his office, he can't believe the fact that "a little boy from Vietnam" owns such a big company.

"My advice for an entrepreneur if you have a gift and a big dream just don't let anything hold you back and go for it," the Shark Tank alum concluded.

Shark Tank season 16 episodes air every Friday on ABC.

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Edited by Shubham Soni
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