Johnny Georges, a humble farmer with a big heart, walked into the Shark Tank with more than just a product. He carried the hopes and dreams of countless farmers who, like his father, worked tirelessly to make a living from the land.
His invention, the Tree T Pee, symbolized his dedication to helping those who nurture life from the soil. But securing a deal wasn’t easy, and Johnny’s unwavering commitment to his principles faced a true test.
Tree T Pee: A Humble Innovation Born Out of Necessity
Tree T Pee was born out of necessity, designed to help farmers conserve water and protect crops from frost. The device reduces water usage from 25,000 to just 800 gallons per tree annually, a 96.8% reduction.
It also enhances tree growth by 30% by containing water directly around each tree, providing optimal hydration and faster returns on investment. This method reduces water waste and improves nutrient absorption, leading to healthier, faster growth.
Johnny had seen firsthand the farmers’ struggles, and he wanted to offer them a solution that wouldn’t break the bank.
“I make about a dollar off each one,” Johnny told the sharks, a statement that immediately raised eyebrows.
The product was priced at just $4.50, leaving little room for profit. For Johnny, the mission was clear, help farmers, not exploit them.
Facing The Sharks: Profit vs. Helping Farmers
When Kevin O’Leary, known for his relentless focus on profit, questioned the viability of Tree T Pee’s business model, the tension in the room became palpable.
“You make it for two dollars and fifty cents, and you sell it for five,” Kevin pointed out. “I can’t get involved with you because there’s not enough margin for me as a distributor.”
Kevin’s words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of business.
But Johnny wasn’t swayed. He knew that raising the price would go against everything he stood for.
“I’m selling directly to farmers,” Johnny explained, his voice steady. “They’re not buying one, they’re buying 20.”
Johnny Georges Honors His Father’s Legacy
Johnny’s resolve was unwavering, but it was also deeply personal. His father, Rick Georges, had been a farmer too, and Johnny had spent his life watching his dad work tirelessly to help others.
“He taught me everything I know,” Johnny shared with the sharks, his voice thick with emotion. “He was hard on us, but nobody owes you anything. Life is what you make of it.”
The room grew quiet as Johnny’s words sank in.
This was more than just a business pitch, it was a tribute to his father’s legacy, to the values that had been instilled in him from a young age. And it was those values that would ultimately resonate with one shark in particular.
John Paul DeJoria Steps In to Help Tree T Pee
As the sharks deliberated, guest shark John Paul DeJoria, a man known for his commitment to philanthropy, saw something in Johnny that reminded him of his journey.
“Farmers are the cornerstone of America,” DeJoria said, his voice full of conviction. “There may be a lot of farmers out there that can’t afford twelve dollars per tree, but maybe they could afford six or seven dollars.”
DeJoria’s words were like a lifeline thrown to Johnny, offering not just financial support, but a partnership based on shared values.
“What you’re doing is right, and you deserve that chance to make it big and do a lot of good,” DeJoria continued. “I like to be your partner.”
Securing the Right Partner
For Johnny, this was more than just a business deal, it was a validation of everything he believed in.
“When good people come together with a noble cause, great things happen,” Johnny had said earlier in his pitch, and now those words were coming to life.
With DeJoria by his side, Johnny knew that Tree T Pee could grow, reach more farmers, and make a real difference without compromising its mission.
But the emotional weight of the moment didn’t stop there. After Johnny accepted the deal, Kevin O’Leary, who had initially been skeptical, turned to Johnny and said, “Tell your dad he’s a great man.”
Johnny’s response was poignant. “He died 12 years ago,” he said softly, “but he made me who I am. I think God blessed me with a father who was an innovator. He taught me everything I know.”
Tree T Pee’s Journey to Success Begins
The partnership with John Paul DeJoria was just the beginning. With new resources and support, Tree T Pee expanded its reach.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development even praised the product for its water conservation benefits, particularly in arid regions like Israel.
Major retailers like Home Depot started selling the product, and collaborations with companies like Tropica Manga helped promote Tree T Pee to farmers around the world.
Today, Tree T Pee’s net worth is estimated at $100 million, a testament to the power of staying true to one’s values.
Johnny Georges’s story is a reminder that in a world often driven by profit, there is still room for compassion, integrity, and making a difference.
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Featured image: Tree T Pee