Ride FRSH, a modern air freshener company founded by brothers Donovan and Trey Brown, has been making waves in the stale air freshener market since its inception in 2017. After a memorable and contentious appearance on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank” in 2022, Ride FRSH secured a deal with investor Barbara Corcoran and has continued to experience impressive growth.
As of 2024, industry analysts estimate the company’s net worth to be around $2 million, a significant increase from its pre- “Shark Tank” valuation. In this in-depth blog post, we’ll explore Ride FRSH’s journey, its founders, the impact of its “Shark Tank” appearance, and the factors contributing to the company’s current net worth and prospects.
Who is Ride Frsh?
Ride FRSH is a modern, subscription-based air freshener company founded in 2017 by brothers Donovan and Trey Brown. Frustrated by the uninspired designs and scents of traditional air fresheners, the brothers set out to create a brand that would bring a fresh, stylish, and personalized touch to the often-overlooked car accessory market.
Who Is The Founder Of Ride Frsh?
Donovan and Trey Brown, the co-founders of Ride FRSH, hail from Los Angeles, California. Trey holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on marketing from Howard University and has also studied innovation and tech commercialization at the USC Marshall School of Business.
Donovan, on the other hand, has experience working in the social media departments of companies like Muse Communications, Resolution Media, and Blavity Inc. Before launching Ride FRSH, the brothers co-founded the Wemojis Mobile App, the first emoji keyboard designed for people of color.
| Founded | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founders | Donovan and Trey Brown |
| Business Model | Direct-to-consumer subscription service for car air fresheners. |
| Initial Sales | $1.1 million in three years (as of 2020) |
| Shark Tank Deal | $200,000 for 20% equity from Barbara Corcoran (pending purchase order fulfillment) |
| Valuation | $2 million (as of 2024) |
| Revenue | Projected $700,000 for 2022 |
| Active Subscribers | More than 10,000 |
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Ride Frsh?
In 2022, Donovan and Trey Brown appeared on season 14 of the hit ABC reality show “Shark Tank,” seeking a $200,000 investment in exchange for a 5% equity stake in Ride FRSH. During their lively presentation, the brothers showcased their unique air freshener designs, including one featuring the logo of the Golden State Warriors basketball team.
This move, however, backfired when it provoked a strong reaction from Shark Mark Cuban, whose Dallas Mavericks had recently lost to the Warriors in the NBA playoffs. Cuban abruptly dropped out, calling it the “dumbest marketing move ever.”
Despite this setback, the other Sharks were impressed by Ride FRSH’s impressive sales figures, with the company having generated over $1.1 million in revenue over its first three years. Ultimately, Barbara Corcoran stepped in with an offer of $200,000 for a 20% stake in the business, which the brothers accepted.
Ride Frsh Shark Tank Update:
The Ride FRSH episode aired in November 2022, and the company has experienced a significant boost in orders and exposure since its “Shark Tank” appearance. While Mark Cuban’s initial reaction was negative, the brothers’ strategic move to provoke a reaction ultimately paid off, as it generated widespread media coverage and increased awareness of the Ride FRSH brand.
The company has since secured additional licensing deals, including a partnership with Nickelodeon. It is awaiting the closure of a distribution agreement with AutoZone, which could see Ride FRSH products sold in 2,000 of the retailer’s locations.
What Happened To Ride Frsh After Shark Tank?
After sealing the deal with Barbara Corcoran on “Shark Tank,” Ride FRSH has continued to experience steady growth. The company’s subscription-based model, which offers a range of stylish and unique air freshener scents, has resonated with consumers, and Ride FRSH now boasts over 10,000 active subscribers.
The company’s products are also available on its website, RideFRSH.com, and through select retail partners like Target. Ride FRSH has expanded its licensing partnerships, adding NBA team-themed air fresheners and a line of “SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired products.
| Name | Background |
|---|---|
| Donovan Brown | Worked in social media departments at Muse Communications, Resolution Media, and Blavity Inc. Co-founder of Wemojis Mobile App. |
| Trey Brown | Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Marketing focus) from Howard University. Studied Innovation and Tech Commercialization at USC Marshall School of Business. |
Ride Frsh Net Worth:
As of 2024, industry analysts estimate Ride FRSH’s net worth to be approximately $2 million. This represents a significant increase from the company’s pre- “Shark Tank” valuation, around $4 million for a 5% equity stake.
The deal with Barbara Corcoran, which saw her invest $200,000 for a 20% stake, has undoubtedly played a crucial role in Ride FRSH’s growth and increased valuation. Additionally, the company’s strong sales performance, growing subscriber base, and thriving retail partnerships have all contributed to its current net worth.
Ride Frsh Growth and Operations:
Since its inception in 2017, Ride FRSH has experienced impressive growth, generating over $1.1 million in sales during its first three years. The brand’s focus on delivering a unique, subscription-based air freshener experience has resonated with consumers, and the company is now exploring opportunities to expand its distribution through partnerships with major retailers like AutoZone and Target.
Ride Frsh Marketing and Sales:
Ride FRSH’s marketing strategy has been multifaceted. It leverages its memorable “Shark Tank” appearance to generate significant media attention and brand awareness. The company has also strategically partnered with popular brands and franchises, such as NBA teams and Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants,” to create unique, co-branded air freshener products that appeal to a broader consumer base. Ride FRSH’s subscription model and direct-to-consumer sales approach have also allowed the company to control its pricing and profit margins.
Ride Frsh Social Media Presence:
Ride FRSH has built a solid social media presence, particularly on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where the company showcases its stylish air freshener designs and engages with its growing community of loyal customers. The brothers’ charismatic personalities and ability to connect with their audience have also helped amplify the Ride FRSH brand and its unique value proposition.
Ride Frsh Interesting Facts:
- Provoked Mark Cuban’s Reaction: One of the most intriguing aspects of Ride FRSH’s “Shark Tank” journey was the brothers’ strategic decision to use a Golden State Warriors-themed air freshener, knowing it would provoke a strong reaction from Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. This calculated move ultimately paid off, generating widespread media coverage and increasing brand awareness for Ride FRSH.
- First Emoji Keyboard for People of Color: Before founding Ride FRSH, Donovan and Trey Brown co-created the Wemojis Mobile App, the first emoji keyboard explicitly designed for people of color. This innovative project showcased the brothers’ entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating products catering to underserved markets.
- Licensing Deals with NBA Teams and Nickelodeon: Besides their primary air freshener business, Ride FRSH has secured several high-profile licensing deals, including partnerships with various NBA teams and Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants” franchise. These collaborations have allowed the company to expand its product offerings and appeal to a broader consumer base.
- Rapid Growth After “Shark Tank”: Since appearing on “Shark Tank” and securing a deal with Barbara Corcoran, Ride FRSH has experienced a significant boost in orders and exposure. The company’s subscription-based model and focus on unique, stylish air freshener designs have resonated with consumers, helping to drive its rapid growth.
- Pending AutoZone Distribution Deal: Ride FRSH is awaiting the closure of a distribution agreement with AutoZone, which could see the company’s products sold in 2,000 of the retailer’s locations. If successful, this partnership has the potential to significantly expand Ride FRSH’s reach and contribute to its future growth and profitability.
What’s Next For Ride Frsh?
As Ride FRSH looks to the future, the company’s founders are focused on continuing to expand their distribution and retail partnerships, with the goal of making their products more widely available to consumers. Additionally, the brothers are exploring opportunities to further diversify their product line, potentially adding new scents, designs, and licensed collaborations to keep the brand fresh and appealing to a growing customer base.
Final Words:
Ride FRSH’s journey from a scrappy startup to a rapidly growing air freshener company with an estimated net worth of $2 million is a testament to the power of innovation, strategic thinking, and the ability to capitalize on unexpected opportunities. As the brothers Donovan and Trey Brown continue to build on their success, it will be exciting to see how Ride FRSH continues to disrupt and dominate the air freshener market in the years to come.
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