Entrepreneurs Matt Walsh and Dax Holt were looking for a partner to grow TrophySmack, their online trophy business created to make fantasy sports leagues more exciting.
Walsh comes from a background in business development with a focus on logistics and supply chains. Holt built his career in media as a producer, reporter, and on-camera personality. He was also one of the original members behind TMZ.
Their big moment came when TrophySmack landed a deal with investor Mark Cuban in Shark Tank Season 12 Episode 9. He invested $600,000 for a 17% share in the Southern California company, marking a huge milestone for the founders.
The Story Behind TrophySmack
Matt Walsh and Dax Holt both came from startup backgrounds and shared a genuine love for fantasy football. That combination helped them stand out quickly and keep up with customer demand. TrophySmack runs on a simple idea.
When asked how TrophySmack began, Matt shared a story many fantasy players can relate to. He was tired of the same boring, cookie-cutter trophies that didn’t match the fun and energy of the game. That frustration sparked the idea to create awards that actually stood out and brought some excitement back to winning.
Fantasy sports fans enjoy a good laugh and a big win, so the company makes the celebration even better. They create bold, custom trophies for league champs, flashy WWE-style belts, joke trophies for last-place finishers, and personalized rings that add some style to the victory.
TrophySmack caters to every kind of player. Whether it’s fantasy football, baseball, basketball, or soccer, they’ve got it covered. They also create awards for youth sports teams. Every piece is customized in-house and sent out fast, keeping their turnaround time short and their customers happy.
How a Game Turned Into a Startup
Walsh described the experience in an interview, saying, “In 2018, my now business partner, Dax Holt, asked me to join his fantasy football team. The entrepreneur in me saw this as a business opportunity, and I wanted to win. I would do research, listen to podcasts, watch every game, and put all of my energy into it.”
He went on to add, “Needless to say, I made it into the finals and, as someone who has never played before, I wanted to do something over the top for the winner. The bigger the better. Searching for a standing 6-foot trophy, credit card in hand, I couldn’t find what I was looking for. All of the items on the market were the same thing, a very traditional, standard-size trophy.”
All of this flicked a switch in him, which he described as, “My entrepreneur spirit came out, and as I started researching the fantasy sports industry, I saw this as a game-changing opportunity. I didn’t end up winning the league or trophy (Dax did), but I think we both ended up winning. The rest is history.”
TrophySmack Shark Tank Pitch
TrophySmack got off to a strong financial start. A $60,000 investment led to $850,000 in first-year sales, and the following year, they reached $1.9 million. Their items sold for about $100 on average, with an impressive 80% profit margin.
Even during the pandemic, the company stayed strong and began exploring opportunities beyond fantasy sports. This included avenues like corporate awards and employee recognition.
What really set them apart was their production method. While traditional trophies were costly and time-consuming to assemble, TrophySmack developed a streamlined system that cut assembly costs, giving it a clear advantage over competitors.
Offers were coming in from all sides. Mark Cuban offered $600,000 for 17% equity and wanted an answer right away. They didn’t hesitate and accepted. Lori Greiner had also made an offer, but Cuban’s bid took the win.
The Shark Tank Filming Experience for The Founders
Matt described being on the show as always something on his dream bucket list. He elucidated on his love for the show by adding, “I’ve watched the show since Season 1 and was nervous to be on camera. I know my company and the ins and outs of how to run a business. I know how to act and pitch in a boardroom full of executives and investors.”
He went on to elucidate how he practiced to beat the stage fright by saying, “But pitching in front of the sharks was something special, something I had never done previously. My business partner had more experience with the camera. We were quarantined for eight days straight in our hotel rooms, and we would practice, practice, practice. We thought of every question they would potentially ask.”
The Mark Cuban Deal That Changed Everything for TrophySmack
The deal with Mark Cuban went through. By July 2021, TrophySmack was bringing in $1 million in annual revenue.
The Shark Tank effect catapulted them to $1.2 million in sales in a single month. The company expanded beyond fantasy sports, making awards for multiple occasions.
Mark Cuban said he invested in the company because the founders were selling machines, and he liked the products.
TrophySmack upgraded to an 800,000-square-foot facility with advanced printing and engraving technology. They also created a proprietary engraving method.
The team now has 20 employees, lifetime sales have hit $10 million, and as of October 2025, the company is valued at around $5 million.
The founder, Matt, also commented on his experience of working with Mark Cuban. He said, “The partnership with Mark Cuban has exceeded all of my expectations. He is so active and engaged in our business; he takes time to introduce me to potential partners, he replies to all emails in a timely manner, and he is a true businessman.”
The TrophySmack Formula and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
TrophySmack’s story is about turning passion into a product people genuinely enjoy. Matt and Dax saw a gap in the market and filled it with creativity, humor, and bold ideas. From fantasy leagues to corporate awards, they built a brand that connects with people in a fun and memorable way.
Matt and Dax’s energy, combined with smart business moves and a little help from Mark Cuban, has pushed the company to new heights. Beyond trophies, their journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The founder, Matt, encourages others with similar aspirations by commenting on how “You have to love the process. The setbacks and challenges come with being an entrepreneur. You have to truly enjoy getting to the next step and understand that there’s no finish line or guarantee. Hard work pays off, and if you have a passion or talent, pursue it.”
