Shark Tank update: What happened to Scrub Daddy after the show?

Many products have emerged from Shark Tank with varying levels of success, but few have achieved lasting impact and growth. Founded by Aaron Krause, Scrub Daddy, a cleaning product company known for its distinctive smiley face sponge, has experienced significant growth since its appearance on Shark Tank in 2012.

The sponge, changing texture with water temperature, captured the attention of millions of viewers and became an iconic household item. As soon as Lori Greiner finalized an investment deal for the company, its revenue rocketed, making Scrub Daddy one of the most successful businesses to have emerged from the show.

As of 2024, Scrub Daddy had grown its product range, expanded globally, and earned over $926 million in lifetime sales, marking its place among the top three highest-grossing companies in Shark Tank's history.

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The journey of Scrub Daddy before and after Shark Tank

Scrub Daddy was invented by Aaron Krause, a detailer who initially developed a line of buffing and polishing pads. After 3M acquired the company in 2008, Krause was left with an unsold batch of sponges, which he later repurposed for cleaning dishes.

It was during this period that Krause recognized the potential of the sponge’s unique texture-changing properties. In 2012, Krause officially founded Scrub Daddy Inc., relying on grassroots marketing to build brand awareness.

On Shark Tank in October 2012, Krause presented his sponge, demonstrating how its texture changed based on water temperature. The product impressed the Sharks, and Lori Greiner ultimately offered Krause $200,000 for a 20% stake in the company.

Following the appearance, Scrub Daddy's sales skyrocketed. On QVC, 42,000 units were sold within seven minutes, and the sponge was soon available in retail chains like Bed Bath & Beyond. By January 2017, Scrub Daddy had surpassed $100 million in revenue, making it the highest-grossing product in Shark Tank history at the time.

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Post-Shark Tank success and growth

After the deal with Greiner, Scrub Daddy’s growth continued at a rapid pace. The company expanded its product line to include variants like Scrub Mommy, Eraser Daddy, and other cleaning tools. In an interview with Fortune in February 2024, Krause mentioned,

"The vision was never one product. If you sit still in business, someone's coming to eat your lunch."

By 2023, Scrub Daddy had generated $220 million in sales for the year alone. The brand now has more than 80 products in stores and online, contributing to its reputation as a cleaning empire.

In addition to expanding its product range, Scrub Daddy also invested in manufacturing. Krause fulfilled his initial goal of opening a manufacturing facility in Pennsauken, New Jersey.

The facility, which includes a koi pond, a TV studio, and a Scrub Daddy store, serves as the headquarters for the company. Krause has also focused on sustainability, introducing the Eco Daddy product to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

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Scrub Daddy's market reach and impact

As of 2024, Scrub Daddy has become a dominant player in the cleaning products market. The sponge is sold in over 257,000 retail locations worldwide, and has earned a reputation for its versatility and innovative design. The brand’s ability to expand and introduce new products has helped it stay relevant in a competitive market.

The company’s revenue growth is a result of its innovative approach to product development and its ability to adapt to consumer needs.

In an interview on Season 14, Episode 13 of Shark Tank, it was reported that Scrub Daddy employed 273 people, with over 160 products in circulation. The company’s ability to consistently generate high revenue and expand its product offerings has made it one of the most successful ventures in the show's history.

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New episodes of Shark Tank air on Fridays at 8 pm ET, and are available to stream on Hulu.