The Tree T-Pee, a simple yet profoundly impactful agricultural invention, has quietly become one of the biggest—and most profitable—“misses” in Shark Tank history, with its current valuation soaring into the nine figures. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the company is not just surviving; it is thriving, achieving a staggering valuation that proves the Sharks who passed up the deal made a monumental error, a sentiment even Mark Cuban has publicly admitted. This update dives into the incredible journey of inventor Johnny Georges, the emotional pitch that won over a billionaire, and the massive global impact of this small, conical device.
Launched in 2013 on Season 5 of Shark Tank, the Tree T-Pee was presented as a solution for water conservation and frost protection in the vital citrus industry. The most current and shocking figures reveal a business that has grown exponentially, expanding its market presence across the globe and solidifying its place as a powerful force in sustainable farming technology. This is the definitive, fresh update on the Tree T-Pee, including its phenomenal sales growth and the billionaire who believed in its mission.
The Heartfelt Inventor: Johnny Georges Biography & Pitch Profile
- Name: Johnny Georges
- Hometown: Arcadia, Florida
- Background: Spent his entire life working in the Florida citrus industry, primarily as a tree salesman. His father, Rick Georges, was a pioneer in the citrus and irrigation industries and originally developed the concept for frost protection.
- Company: Tree T-Pee (operates under GSI Supply Inc.)
- Product: A conical, reusable plastic cover placed around the base of young trees to conserve water and protect against frost damage.
- Shark Tank Season: Season 5, Episode 9 (Aired December 6, 2013)
- Initial Ask: $150,000 for 20% equity
- Final Deal: $150,000 for 20% equity with guest Shark John Paul DeJoria
- Pitch Style: Highly emotional and genuine, focusing on helping struggling farmers rather than maximizing profit.
The appearance of Johnny Georges on Shark Tank is often cited as one of the most memorable and emotional pitches ever. His down-to-earth demeanor and refusal to raise the price of his product, despite the urging of Sharks like Kevin O’Leary, resonated deeply with viewers. Georges’ entire focus was on the plight of the American farmer, positioning the Tree T-Pee not as a luxury item, but as a crucial tool for water conservation and agricultural irrigation efficiency.
The Post-Shark Tank Explosion: Sales, Revenue, and Global Reach
The Tree T-Pee’s success story is a powerful testament to the impact of a mission-driven business model. While Johnny Georges was initially seeking $150,000 for 20% equity, the true value of the company has skyrocketed in the years following its 2013 broadcast.
A Staggering $100 Million Valuation
In one of the most eye-opening updates from the agricultural sector, the Tree T-Pee company has been valued at over $100 million as of 2024. This astronomical figure is a direct result of the product's proven efficacy in saving water and protecting crops, making it an essential tool for sustainable farming practices worldwide. The initial pitch valued the company at just $750,000—meaning its valuation has increased by over 133 times since its Shark Tank appearance.
Phenomenal Revenue Growth
The company’s revenue figures have consistently climbed, proving the Tree T-Pee is a profitable enterprise. By December 2021, the company had reached an impressive $5 million in annual revenue. This figure continues to grow as the product is adopted by more farmers dealing with the increasing challenges of water scarcity and unpredictable weather patterns, including severe frost. The product’s core benefit—conserving up to 90% of the water used by young trees—is a major selling point for large-scale agricultural operations.
Worldwide Availability and Expansion (2024/2025)
The latest update for April 2024 confirms that the Tree T-Pee is now available worldwide. The company, operating under GSI Supply Inc., has successfully expanded its market presence globally, with operations now reaching Europe, Australia, and other regions facing similar agricultural challenges. This global reach is a crucial factor in its nine-figure valuation, positioning it as a key player in the international water conservation and crop protection market. The product is also available in major US retail outlets, including Home Depot locations in Florida.
The Billionaire Backer: John Paul DeJoria's Impact
While many of the main Sharks—Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and Daymond John—passed on the deal, it was guest Shark John Paul DeJoria who ultimately made the investment. DeJoria, the co-founder of Patrón Tequila and John Paul Mitchell Systems, was deeply moved by Johnny Georges’ integrity and mission.
DeJoria’s investment of $150,000 for 20% equity was more than just a financial transaction; it was a partnership based on shared values. His involvement provided the Tree T-Pee with the necessary capital and, more importantly, the strategic guidance and logistical expertise to scale the business. DeJoria’s vast experience in global distribution and brand building was instrumental in transforming the Tree T-Pee from a regional Florida citrus tool into an international agricultural staple.
Mark Cuban's Major Regret
The success of the Tree T-Pee led to a significant moment of reflection for the other Sharks. Billionaire Mark Cuban, known for his shrewd investments, publicly admitted that passing on the Tree T-Pee was a "major missed opportunity" and that he and the other investors had "blew it". Cuban’s regret highlights how the Sharks sometimes overlook simple, high-impact products with genuine purpose in favor of flashier consumer goods. The Tree T-Pee's enduring success serves as a powerful lesson in business integrity and the value of products that solve real-world problems for essential industries.
The Future of Tree T-Pee and Sustainable Farming
Looking ahead into 2025, the Tree T-Pee is positioned for continued growth. The company is actively working on expanding its product line, offering new innovations that build on the core principles of water conservation and crop protection. The original product, a simple, durable plastic cone, has proven to be a game-changer for citrus growers and other agricultural sectors, protecting young trees during critical early years of growth.
The company’s focus on the agricultural sector—which is increasingly under pressure to adopt sustainable practices—ensures a massive and continuous market demand. As climate change continues to make water management and frost events more critical issues for farmers globally, the Tree T-Pee provides a low-cost, high-impact solution. Johnny Georges' commitment to keeping the product affordable for the average farmer, combined with John Paul DeJoria’s business acumen, has created a rare Shark Tank success story: a company that is both extremely profitable and profoundly beneficial to the planet and its essential food growers.
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