Father-son duo Carson and Jason Grill regularly touched up scuff marks in their house and quickly ran into a problem. They typically only needed a little paint, but it would dry up before they needed to use it again. To solve this problem, they invented the Touch Up Cup, a sealable container. What started as a simple household frustration has blossomed into a thriving business, with Touch Up Cup’s current net worth estimated at $3 million as of 2024.
Who is Touch Up Cup?
Touch Up Cup is a company founded by Carson Grill, a teenage entrepreneur, and his father, Jason Grill. The company has produced an innovative sealable container to preserve leftover paint for years, preventing waste. Launched in 2016 under their parent company, DZ Innovations, Inc., Touch Up Cup has proliferated, catching the attention of investors on the hit TV show Shark Tank.
Who Is The Founder Of Touch Up Cup?
The co-founders of Touch Up Cup are Carson Grill and his father, Jason Grill. Carson, who was just 13 years old when he came up with the idea, is the driving force behind the company. While still a high school student, he has demonstrated impressive business understanding, leading in pitching the product to the Sharks on Shark Tank. His father, Jason, a full-time medical salesman, provides valuable support and guidance, handling the business’s patenting and public relations side.
| Founders | Carson and Jason Grill |
|---|---|
| Company | DZ Innovations, Inc. |
| Product | Touch Up Cup |
| Founding Year | 2016 |
| Other Products | Containers for bagels, muffins, donuts |
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Touch-Up Cup?
In 2020, Carson and Jason Grill appeared on season 12 of Shark Tank, seeking $150,000 in exchange for 10% equity. The young entrepreneur, Carson, took the lead during the pitch, impressing the Sharks with his poise, business knowledge, and the merits of the Touch Up Cup product. While some Sharks were concerned that neither founder worked on the business full-time, guest Shark Blake Mycoskie saw the potential and offered $200,000 for 25% equity, which the Grills accepted.
| Entrepreneur | Carson and Jason Grill |
|---|---|
| Business | Sealable Cup for leftover paint |
| Ask | $150,000 for 10% equity |
| Result | Accepted $200,000 for 25% equity from Blake Mycoskie |
| Other Offers | Daymond John initially offered $200,000 for 17.5%, then changed to $150,000 for 20% |
Touch Up Cup Shark Tank Update:
After the Shark Tank episode aired, Touch Up Cup experienced a significant surge in sales and visibility. The website received over 40,000 visitors, leading to 5,000 orders the founders had to fulfill. The company also expanded its product line, adding new items like food-saving containers for bagels, muffins, and donuts. With Blake Mycoskie’s investment and guidance, Touch Up Cup has continued to grow, reaching an estimated $2 million in annual revenue and expanding into major retail chains like Lowe’s and Walmart.
What Happened To Touch Up Cup After Shark Tank?
Following its successful Shark Tank appearance, Touch Up Cup has seen impressive sales growth, reaching an estimated $1 million in revenue in 2021 and forecasting over $3 million for 2022. They have expanded their product offerings beyond the original Touch Up Cup, adding complementary items like paint rollers and brushes. The brand has also secured partnerships with major retailers, making its products available at Lowe’s, Walmart, Home Depot, and Amazon, further driving their success.
Touch Up Cup Net Worth:
As of 2024, Touch Up Cup’s net worth is estimated at $3 million. This impressive valuation is attributed to the company’s rapid growth, expanding product line, and thriving retail partnerships. Additionally, Blake Mycoskie’s Shark Tank investment and subsequent publicity and sales boost have been instrumental in Touch Up Cup’s financial success.
| Year | Sales Figures | Revenue | Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Shark Tank | $220,000 in two years | – | – |
| 2020 | $70,000 | Expected $400,000 | Over 4,000 retail locations |
| Post-Shark Tank | $50,000 (initial) | $2 million (annual) | Expanded to Lowe’s and Walmart |
| 2021 | $1 million | – | – |
| 2022 | Forecasted over $3 million | – | – |
Touch Up Cup Growth and Operations:
Since its inception in 2016, Touch Up Cup has experienced exponential growth. From the original Touch Up Cup product, the company has expanded into various related items, including paint rollers, brushes, and food-saving containers.
The company’s operations have scaled accordingly, with the Grills working to keep up with the surge in demand. They have partnered with a manufacturing facility in Nashville, Tennessee, and have successfully navigated the challenges of rapid growth, including shipping thousands of orders themselves after the Shark Tank episode.
Touch Up Cup Marketing and Sales:
The company’s marketing efforts have been highly influential, leveraging the Shark Tank platform to generate significant visibility and drive sales. The Touch Up Cup website has seen a massive influx of traffic, and the products are now available through major retail channels like Lowe’s, Walmart, and Home Depot. The brand’s strong online presence, positive customer reviews, and strategic partnerships are attributed to its impressive sales growth.
Touch Up Cup Social Media Presence:
Touch Up Cup has a robust social media presence, with active accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The company uses these channels to showcase its products, share customer testimonials, and engage with its growing fan base. The Grills have also leveraged social media to provide updates on the business, build brand awareness, and connect with potential new customers.
Touch Up Cup Interesting Facts:
- Carson Grill, the co-founder, was just 13 years old when he came up with the idea for the Touch Up Cup.
- The Touch Up Cup is designed to preserve leftover paint for up to 10 years, helping to reduce waste.
- In addition to the core Touch Up Cup product, the company has expanded into other innovative container solutions, such as food-saving containers for bagels, muffins, and donuts.
- Touch Up Cup has been featured on national media outlets like Good Morning America, further boosting the brand’s visibility and credibility.
What’s Next For Touch Up Cup?
With their impressive growth trajectory and strong brand recognition, Touch Up Cup’s future looks bright. The Grills are likely to continue expanding their product line and exploring new and innovative container solutions for the home improvement and food storage markets.
Additionally, they may seek to scale the business further, potentially exploring international expansion opportunities or pursuing additional strategic partnerships and investments. As Carson Grill continues to balance his entrepreneurial aspirations with his high school studies, the continued success of Touch Up Cup will be an inspiring testament to the power of youthful innovation.
Final Words:
The story of Touch Up Cup is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the creativity of young minds. Through its innovative solution to a common household problem, Carson Grill has built a thriving business that has captured the attention of investors, retailers, and consumers alike. With an estimated net worth of $3 million as of 2024, Touch Up Cup is poised for continued growth and success, solidifying its place as a rising star in entrepreneurship.
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