Shark Tank's Scrub Daddy: How Successful Is The Company Now?

Washing the dishes has never been the most enjoyable chore. Sure, it's fun to finally try that new recipe you found online, but now your sink is full of grimy plates, pots, and pans. However, thanks to the innovative nature of Aaron Krause, households across the country now have a little cleaning buddy who is more than happy to help.

In October 2012, millions were introduced to Krause when he appeared on Season 4, Episode 7 of "Shark Tank" to pitch his company, Scrub Daddy, to the Sharks. In front of Marc Cuban (check out his best tips and tricks for managing your money) and the rest, Krause showed off his smiley face sponge, which has the ability to instantly change texture in different water temperatures.

While some businesses became super-successful after rejecting their "Shark Tank" offers, Scrub Daddy went on to enjoy massive popularity and growth once Krause secured a deal at the end of his nail-biting segment. Here's how the company is faring over a decade later.

When Aaron Krause appeared on "Shark Tank," he wasn't just starting out in the world of entrepreneurship. Always the "black sheep" of his family (his parents are both physicians), Krause previously founded a car-washing business and buffing-pad manufacturing company before pivoting to Scrub Daddy.

Upon stepping into the tank, Krause was already seeing great success. Scrub Daddy was being sold in three Philadelphia supermarkets and online, appeared on QVC three times over three months, and made just over $100,000 in sales over the span of four months. He asked for $100,000 for a 10% stake to help him set up an independent manufacturing facility with automated equipment.

Quickly, Krause impressed the Sharks with a Scrub Daddy demonstration. He showed how it becomes soft in hot water and hard in cold water, fits perfectly in your hand thanks to its round shape, can clean both sides of utensils simultaneously with the "mouth" feature, and looks good as new again after a quick rinse and squeeze. Several deals were on the table from Kevin O'Leary (what's the worst deal he ever made on "Shark Tank"?), Daymond John, and Lori Greiner, but in the end, Krause went with "QVC queen" Greiner's offer of $200,000 for 20%. She promised him, "I'll make you a millionaire within a year."

Lori Greiner saw great potential in Aaron Krause, and rightfully so. Over a decade after appearing on "Shark Tank," Scrub Daddy remains one of the most successful businesses to come out of the show.

The company, which in 2023 alone raked in $220 million in sales, has become a cleaning empire, expanding the lineup beyond the original Scrub Daddy to include Scrub Mommy, Eraser Daddy, Barbecue Daddy, microfiber towels, a toilet scrubbing system and more. In fact, there are more than 80 products currently available online and on store shelves. Krause told Fortune, "The vision was never one product. If you sit still in business, someone's coming to eat your lunch."

Additionally, Krause achieved his goal of opening a manufacturing facility, which is headquartered in Pennsauken, New Jersey, and features everything from a koi pond and TV studio to a Scrub Daddy store. Still, Krause isn't slowing down anytime soon, with the inventor taking steps to focus on sustainability (customers can now purchase the Eco Daddy), and expanding the product lineup throughout Europe.