Key highlights
- Johnny Georges asked for $150,000 in exchange for 20% equity, at a $750,000 valuation.
- Johnny accepted a deal with guest shark John Paul DeJoria for exactly what he asked for.
- Tree T-Pee has grown to over $5 million in annual sales, with an estimated valuation of $100 million.
Sometimes, the simplest ideas make the biggest difference, and Tree T Pee is one of them.
Tree T-Pee is made with recycled plastic, and it is placed around young trees to help conserve water, retain heat, and reduce the troubles that farmers go through due to drought, frost, and insufficient water.
When Johnny pitched Tree T-Pee on Shark Tank Season 5 in 2013, he wasn’t chasing ultra-fast growth like most entrepreneurs do. He wanted to help farmers conserve water and do so sustainably and ethically.
While some Sharks wanted higher margins for the product, Johnny wanted to earn a small margin instead of the $5 or $7 that Sharks suggested, which would have meant increasing the price for local farmers.
Let’s look at how Tree T-Pee performed on Shark Tank, what happened after the show, its current net worth, and whether it is still in business.
Tree T-Pee Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Company name | Tree T-Pee (product), parent company GSI Supply, Inc |
| Founder name | Johnny Georges |
| Industry | Agricultural / Water Conservation |
| Product name | Tree T-Pee |
| Asking | $150,000 for 20% equity |
| Valuation (implied during pitch) | ~$750,000 ($150,000 @ 20%) |
| Result | $150,000 for 20% equityDeal accepted with John Paul DeJoria (guest Shark) |
| Shark with deal | John Paul DeJoria |
Net Worth: How much is Tree T Pee worth today?
Tree T-Pee has a net worth of approximately $100 million as of 2025, and has reported annual revenues of about $5 million. The company gained prominence after the founder’s appearance on Shark Tank, which led to a surge in demand and customer interest.
The company secured distribution through big retailers like Home Depot and has expanded its reach to overseas markets like Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.
Tree T Pee Shark Tank Pitch
Johnny walked into Shark Tank seeking $150,000 for 20% of his business, Tree T-Pee.
- His presentation was honest and emotional, insisting that he wanted the product to be affordable for farmers.
- He explained that the product came about through his father’s work as a pioneer in the citrus industry.
- Together with his father, they developed the first Tree T-Pee to protect young trees from frost damage.
- Asked about the cost of production, Johnny revealed that he was making each piece at $2.95 and selling it for $4.50, bringing about slightly over a $1 in revenue because he wanted it to be affordable to farmers.
- Some sharks, like Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban, suggested increasing the price to $7, $9, or $12 to make a profit for both the founder and the would-be investors.
However, Johnny resisted the idea of increasing the price, saying he wouldn’t want to overcharge his core customers. Kevin bowed out of the deal, saying the margins were too small to make him “get out of bed”.
Johnny’s honesty and potential water savings of 25,000 gallons per tree (down from 800) helped convince John Paul DeJoria to invest in Tree T-Pee. John Paul offered exactly what Johnny asked for- $150,000 for 20% equity.
Did Tree T Pee Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Johnny Georges struck a deal with John Paul DeJoria, a guest shark on Shark Tank. DeJoria offered Johnny $150,000 for 20% of the company, exactly what the latter had asked during the pitch.
DeJoria was moved by Johnny’s presentation and care for local farmers, so he matched his offer without making a counteroffer. The two hugged, and Johnny walked away with a deal.
So, did the deal close, and how is Tree T-Pee doing more than a decade later?
What Happened to Tree T Pee After Shark Tank?
After the show aired, several things happened to Tree T-Pee.
- Surge of interest: In an interview with ABC, Johnny revealed that he received 56,000 emails and thousands of orders immediately after the show aired, thanks to the Shark Tank effect.
- Expanded distribution: Tree T-Pee expanded beyond Florida, and it began to be sold by large retailers like Home Depot, allowing farmers across the country to buy Tree T-Pee.
- International Market: Tree T Pee moved beyond the United States, and it expanded to international markets like Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.
- Stable Pricing: Johnny has maintained a strong ethic around pricing to make the product affordable to his core customers, the local farmers. Over the last decade, the retail price has increased from $4.50 to $9.95 to meet the rising distribution costs, while still making the price affordable for farmers.
Is Tree T Pee Still in Business Today?
Tree T-Pee is still in business as of 2025, and continues to operate under GSI Supply Inc., which Johnny founded in 2005. The company’s official website is still active, and customers can call to order the products.
The product still sells through Home Depot and other major retailers, and through direct sales on the company’s website. It is also active on social media, and the founder seems to be holding the company’s honesty and authenticity to farmers.
You can follow Tree T-Pee on Facebook and Instagram for the latest product updates and offers.
Where to buy Tree T Pee
If you want to order a Tree T-Pee for your young trees, here are the options you have:
- Tree T-Pee website– You can order the Tree T Pee from the company’s official website when stock is available.
- Retail stores: Tree T-Pee is available in Home Depot stores across the country and other large retailers.
- Call-to-order– If the product is out of stock, you can call the number provided on the official website to place an order. You can also request custom colors and logos for bulk orders.
Conclusion
When Johnny stepped into Shark Tank, he asked $150,000 for 20% of his company, a deal he struck with John Paul DeJoria. He rejected Kevin O’Leary’s suggestion to increase the price to boost the margins, saying that doing so would lock out his core customers- the farmers.
Over the years, Johnny has kept his honesty and authenticity, and Tree T-Pee costs under $10 over a decade later. Tree T-Pee has grown significantly, scaled its distribution, and increased its net worth to over $100M.
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