Dan Staats and David Restiano walked into Shark Tank with SORx, their natural soap that also worked as a muscle-scraping tool. Restiano came from an athletic background, and Staats brought his training as a Doctor of Physical Therapy to the company.
They launched the business in 2019 after talking through the idea of a soap bar that could ease muscle tension right in the shower.
How SORx Landed on Shark Tank’s Radar
Physical therapists often relied on muscle scrapers to address a wide range of aches and mobility issues. These tools helped boost circulation, loosen stubborn tight spots, and bring down swelling.
The soap is made with water, glycerin, chamomile flower oil, lavender flower oil, menthol, sodium chloride, citric acid, shea butter, baking soda, vitamin E, and a palm and coconut oil base that was ethically sourced. A single bar sold for around twelve dollars.
SORx took that idea and rolled it into a solid soap bar shaped with a small built-in grip. People could scrub up and work on sore areas at the same time.
The simple design turned a regular shower into a quick recovery session. The team grabbed the interest of the Shark Tank producers through their activity on social media.
The Pain Relief Soap on Shark Tank
Dan and David stepped into the Shark Tank Season 15 Episode 20, asking for $100,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in their company. They started the company in 2019. Lifetime sales were at $125,000 at the time of the pitch.
Even with that momentum, most of the sharks decided to pass. Kevin O’Leary explained that he had already invested in a business in the soap and detergent space, so he stepped out first. He also remarked that the soap felt pricey.
Barbara Corcoran pointed out another concern. She felt the product would struggle in major retail settings since shoppers couldn’t see it demonstrated. She said the idea worked better in a direct-to-consumer environment and that this challenge was enough for her to step out.
The rest of the panel said they’d happily use the soap, but they weren’t ready to put money into the business. Lori Greiner told them she admired what they created and planned to buy it for herself, but she wasn’t prepared to come in as an investor.
Landing a Deal With Mark Cuban
It all landed on Mark Cuban, who joked that he might hand over $100,000 just to ease the tension in his neck. He put out an offer of $100,000 for 20 percent. Restiano and Staats pushed back with a counter of $100,000 for 15 percent, along with unlimited physical therapy.
Cuban, who had recently sold most of his stake in the Dallas Mavericks for around $4 billion, reminded them that he already had plenty of access to physical therapists. Restiano and Staats barely paused before accepting the offer.
Restiano commented on the deal, saying, “That was the shark I was hoping we would get. I think he’s a perfect fit for us. I would have taken a deal from Mark at any number.”
SORx’s Growth After Partnering With Mark Cuban
The deal with Mark Cuban closed after the show, and the founders later confirmed that he remained actively engaged with the company. When their episode aired in April 2024, things picked up fast. SORx saw sales double within the first two weeks.
After the first wave of attention, SORx broadened its lineup and began selling through more outlets. Their site shifted from offering a single bar to carrying a small collection of recovery items.
They introduced the SORTOOL Pro, a lightweight plastic scraping tool designed to travel easily. They added a sisal bag that helped exfoliate while keeping the soap dry and a suction cup holder that stuck to the shower wall. The shop also included a vented case called the SORxCASE, along with different bundle options.
David has commented in interviews that TikTok helped put the company on Shark Tank’s radar. He has also mentioned how Mark Cuban pushed him to focus on creating a loyal community rather than only trying to boost short-term sales.
This changed the way he approached growth.
SORx’s Vision Moving Forward
Dan and David set out to make recovery a little easier. The response since their Shark Tank appearance shows there’s a real appetite for it. The duo has continued to add new tools. They have also reached new customers. And all of this while staying connected with the people who helped them grow in the first place.
It will be interesting to see where they take the brand next, as more people look for simple ways to take better care of their bodies.
