Shark Tank today exists as the perfect gateway for small businesses to make it to the other side in chase of the American dream. Many of these companies have been firm about keeping their operations on American soil. Seven such businesses are elucidated below.
Some founders have left the show with a deal in hand, and others with only the phenomenon of the Shark Tank effect fueling their company’s growth. These companies are now building their futures while dealing with a trade environment that keeps evolving, and sometimes for the worse.
Tariff changes are forcing them to reassess supply chains, pricing, and production strategies so they can stay profitable while still pushing their products forward.
American Dreamers on Shark Tank
People who tune into Shark Tank frequently have probably noticed by now how the investors suggest taking production overseas. Still, many companies from the show have chosen to keep manufacturing on home soil.
Their choice to stay domestic means they avoid the headaches tied to import fees and trade swings. Here is a look at seven products born on the show that continue to be made in the United States.
PRx Performance
PRx Performance has grown into a major name among past Shark Tank contestants. The brand specializes in home gym equipment that folds away neatly. Kevin O’Leary backed the business during their pitch, which helped raise their visibility and sell more units.
But the demand really exploded once people began building home workout spaces during the early months of COVID.
Founders Brian Brasch and Erik Hopperstad have appeared in a “Made in America” themed episode as well. Not all but still the majority of their products are built domestically.
Pooch Paper
Dog owners deal with clean-up every day, and most rely on single-use plastic bags that stick around in the environment for God knows how long. In an era of trying to reduce plastic waste, this is not the best practice.
Tracy Rosensteel didn’t love that routine and built a product to fix it.
Pooch Paper swaps plastic for a durable paper sheet that can break down naturally after use, which makes it a cleaner choice for the planet. Tracy’s Shark Tank appearance got a deal from Mr. Wonderful, but that did not survive the due diligence process. It did not prove to be much of a problem as the exposure from the show was enough.
Pooch Paper grew into more than just sheets and now includes the Pooch Pouch, a handy accessory that stores the papers while you’re out with your dog. Every item is produced in the United States, staying close to the roots Tracy set from the start.
Doc Spartan
Dale King and Renée Wallace teamed up to start a business in Portsmouth, Ohio, after noticing how the town was in decline. Both of them wanted to start a small business that could help people get back on their feet and offer something useful at the same time.
And from that, they began working on a small batch product line called Doc Spartan. It is a clean ingredient ointment made for everyday cuts and scrapes. They chose to produce everything locally so the business could create steady work for people who needed it most.
Their story later reached the Shark Tank stage, where Robert Herjavec stepped in as a partner. The company has now expanded into a full range of personal care products with clean, natural ingredients. The company continues to manufacture primarily in Portsmouth.
Essence Aromatherapy Ring
A newer Shark Tank product that’s made in the US is the Essence Aromatherapy Ring. Founders Judah Houser, Tami DeLeeuw and Michael DeLeeuw pitched the product on the show in season 16 and shook hands with Daymond John.
The Essence Aromatherapy Ring sits just inside the nose and carries natural scent blends so you can calm your mind or block unwanted smells around you. It comes with root notes like lavender, citrus, and coffee.
R. Riveter
R. Riveter was a product targeted to military families where shifting becomes routine. The shifting culture makes steady work tough to hold onto. Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse are two women who have lived that life and decided to build something that worked with it.
R. Riveter brings military spouses into the production of handcrafted bags, no matter where they live in the country. Pieces are made in many different homes and workshops, then finished and assembled into final products.
Mark Cuban joined them as a partner and has helped the company scale without losing sight of its purpose. Manufacturing remains stateside, and every purchase supports the people behind the sewing machines.
Guardian Bikes
Brian Riley and Kyle Jansen wanted bikes that helped kids stay safe, so they started Guardian Bikes. Their bikes use a braking system called SureStop that helps kids stop without going over the handlebars.
They shared the idea on Shark Tank, and Mark Cuban joined them as a partner. Over time, they found they could build better bikes if they made them here in the US. Bringing production home gave them more control, helped create jobs, and cut down on waste.
Invis A Rack
Some Shark Tank stories fade over time, but Donny McCall’s pitch is one people still talk about. He arrived with Invis a Rack, a truck rack that folds out when you need it and disappears when you don’t. The design was smart, easy to use, and something pickup owners could appreciate right away.
But that wasn’t even the best part of his pitch. The investors pushed hard for lower manufacturing costs, and Donny chose to walk away rather than leave American workers behind. He left the tank without a deal, but earned a lot of admiration from viewers who valued his stance.
He later partnered up with DeeZee, an Iowa-based company that took Invis a Rack under its wing and still makes it in the US today.
Choosing Local Labor Creates Real Change
The aforementioned companies have more than just a Shark Tank appearance in common. They share a decision to build here and stand by it even when cheaper shortcuts were available. Each of these founders chose to avoid cheap, exploitative labor.
It’s proof that innovation and local manufacturing can thrive side by side. It’s heartwarming to see entrepreneurs support local economies in the face of profit maximization. This one simple step boosts local American economies and avoids the ills of overseas manufacturing. Two birds with one stone, truly.
