It’s a moment every driver knows, the sudden slip of a phone or keys into the narrow gap between the car seat and center console. It has distracted drivers for years, sometimes with serious consequences. Out of this frustration came a simple car seat gap solution, Drop Stop.
It would go on to build a business with millions of dollars in sales. That solution caught the attention of Shark Tank investor Lori Greiner in Season 4 Episode 20. She invested $300,000. Helped make it a major retail success nationwide.
Today, Drop Stop has made tens of millions in revenue. This story shows that even the simplest ideas can make a lot of money. So how did a near-accident, two struggling entrepreneurs, and a foam insert turn into a $60 million Shark Tank success story?
The Near-Accident That Inspired This Car Seat Gap Solution
The idea came to Marc Newburger in a split second. He was driving through Los Angeles when his phone fell into the gap beside his seat. He reached down to get it. That is when he lost control of his car. He went off course. Jumped a curb. He almost hit a person walking on the sidewalk.
Marc Newburger called his friend Jeffrey Simon and described what had happened. The two quickly realized this wasn’t a one-time issue. It was a universal problem they jokingly called the “Carmuda Triangle,” a black hole for phones, keys, and anything small enough to disappear when you were driving.
That moment turned frustration into urgency. Instead of brushing it off, they decided to solve it.
From Hollywood Dreams to a Shark Tank Automotive Accessory
Newburger and Simon were not engineers or people who had previously started businesses. They were people who wanted to be creative and make it big in Hollywood. They had to work for money, and at one point, they had to share a couch.
Their lack of experience did not hold them back. They started with a book called “Inventing for Dummies” and a strong desire to try things. They then built their solution from the ground up. A rough idea quickly became a project they pursued with curiosity and determination.
Their childhood was not easy. It taught them to take chances without thinking much about them.
Building the Car Gap Filler From Scratch
The first version of the Drop Stop was really rough. They made it using a car wash sponge and a dress sock. This basic version of the product could fill the gap. Move with the seat.
The big change came when they realized the design needed to be attached to the seatbelt latch. This small change made the product work well. It was stable and could be used in almost any vehicle.
Funding was a problem. They did not tell anyone about the product idea. Without revealing the idea, they convinced eight friends to invest, raising over $750,000. The investment was risky and entirely based on trust in the product.
They launched in 2009, selling at swap meets and eventually landing on QVC. But early success came with setbacks, manufacturing mistakes, mounting debt, and constant pressure to stay afloat.
Shark Tank Pitch and Lori Greiner’s $300K Investment
When the founders went on Shark Tank in Season 4 Episode 20, they had already made around $1.3 million in profit. They had also been on QVC more than 40 times. The founders asked for $300,000 in exchange for 15% of the business, Drop Stop.
The product was basic. That made some sharks raise their eyebrows. Lori Greiner, who is known as the Queen of QVC, understood the product. She knew a lot about accessories like this one.
The product cost $2 to make and was sold for almost $20. This meant the founders made a lot of money from each sale. Drop Stop, a car gap filler, also solved a problem that many drivers have.
Lori Greiner decided to invest in the product. She offered the founders $300,000 for 20% of the business. The founders accepted Lori Greiner’s offer. They got the money they needed. They also got to use her retail knowledge and distribution network.
The Shark Tank Effect on This Automotive Accessory
The impact was immediate. Within five months of being on television, the company made over $5 million in sales. Having Lori Greiner on board made many people want the product, which helped it become popular.
A big change happened when Drop Stop started selling the product at Walmart, and then it was sold at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond, too. The company also sold the product on websites such as Amazon and QVC, which helped more people discover it.
The product had officially moved from a niche solution to a nationwide must-have accessory.
Financial Growth Behind the $60M Shark Tank Success
The numbers show how fast the company grew. The company made around $10 million in sales in 18 months after being on Shark Tank. By 2017, the company was making around $24 million. They had sold millions of units.
The company continued to generate annual revenue of $5 million or more. Even though we do not know the total sales, the company’s sales over time show that it is a $60 million success story.
But the journey wasn’t purely about profit. Between investor payouts, Lori Greiner’s 20% stake, and operational expenses, the founders didn’t instantly become millionaires. Instead, they built a sustainable business with long-term value.
Challenges Facing the Car Seat Gap Solution Business
Success brought competition. When the company did well, others began making similar products even though Drop Stop held a patent on the idea.
The company had to take action to stop these copycat products, so the founders spent over $200,000 on lawyers to fight people who were copying their idea. This was costly, but the founders had to do it to stay ahead in a growing market.
These issues made the founders realize they had to protect their simple idea and watch for copycats. This strategy was a big part of being successful.
Why This Shark Tank Automotive Product Succeeded
The success of this product is due to a few important factors. First, it fixed a problem that many people can understand, something that every driver has to deal with.
Second, the product was simple, affordable, and easy to demonstrate, making it ideal for television and retail. Customers didn’t need long explanations; they understood its value.
Finally, Lori Greiner’s involvement with this product was crucial. Her expertise in retail and ability to scale consumer products helped turn a small idea into a national brand.
Current Status of This Multi-Million Dollar Automotive Brand
Drop Stop is still running with a team and making a steady income. You can buy the product at retail stores and through the official website or online shops, and it is one of the best-selling car accessories online.
The founders have also worked with insurance companies and other businesses to get the product to people.
In the end, Drop Stop shows that you do not have to make a complicated product to be successful. Sometimes solving problems in a smart way can lead to big success.
