Ticks may be small, but the danger they bring is no joke. These tiny pests can carry diseases like Lyme disease, which can seriously harm both humans and pets. If you enjoy hiking, camping, or just playing in your backyard, the fear of a tick bite can ruin the fun. Most tick prevention methods involve chemicals or regular tick checks, which aren’t always effective or easy to use.
This is where the idea for TiCK MiTT was born. Created by a father-daughter duo, Steve and Olivia Abrams, this glove-like product offers a chemical-free, reusable, and easy-to-use way to prevent ticks from biting. Let’s explore their journey, Shark Tank pitch, and what happened after the show.
What is TiCK MiTT?
TiCK MiTT is a reusable glove made from a special microfiber material that helps pull ticks off of skin, clothing, and pet fur. It works like Velcro—when you swipe it over the surface, the tiny hooks on the tick’s legs get caught in the fibers. After using it, you can place it in a dryer-safe bag, heat it, and reuse it again.
The idea came from Olivia’s personal experience. She got Lyme disease when she was just seven years old. That life-changing moment inspired her to work with her dad, a seasoned entrepreneur, to find a safer way to stop tick bites before they happen.
TiCK MiTT on Shark Tank: What Happened?
Steve and Olivia appeared on Shark Tank Season 15, asking for $250,000 in exchange for 10% equity, valuing their company at $2.5 million.
Here’s a summary of what each Shark offered:
Shark | Offer & Terms | Counteroffer | Deal Made? |
---|---|---|---|
Daymond John | Out – concerned about consumer use | N/A | No |
Lori Greiner | Out – conflict with another tick product | N/A | No |
Kevin O’Leary | $250k for 20% + $1 royalty per unit until $2M is paid back | Declined | No |
Barbara Corcoran | $250k for 30% | Countered 20%, then 25% – No Deal | No |
Mark Cuban | Out – not interested in tick-related products | N/A | No |
Even though no deal was made, their pitch impressed viewers and brought huge attention to their brand.
Sales and Business Growth
At the time of their Shark Tank pitch, Steve and Olivia had sold:
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$432,000 in total sales
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$252,000 in sales from that year alone
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Won Innovation Product of the Year at a major outdoor trade show
The product was already gaining traction before Shark Tank, and the show gave it a massive boost in visibility.
Product Details: Why People Love TiCK MiTT
Here’s a quick breakdown of the product:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Product Name | TiCK MiTT |
Founders | Steve Abrams and Olivia Abrams |
Main Function | Removes ticks from skin, clothes, and pet fur |
Material | Special microfiber that mimics Velcro |
Reusability | Yes – can be dried to kill ticks and used again |
Chemical-Free | Yes – safe for kids, adults, and pets |
Availability | tickmitt.com, Chewy, Orvis, Duluth, Dunham’s, Fleet Farm |
Starting Price | Varies by retailer and pack size |
Why Didn’t the Sharks Invest?
While the Sharks liked the idea, they had concerns:
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Valuation Too High
The Sharks felt that $2.5 million was too high based on the sales numbers and stage of the business. -
Scalability Concerns
Sharks like Daymond and Mark were unsure if people would consistently remember to use the glove after outdoor activities. -
Patent and Market Risks
Lori liked the idea but had a conflict of interest with another tick prevention company. Also, international patents were expensive and not yet fully protected. -
Royalty Issues
Kevin O’Leary offered a royalty deal that would take a $1 per unit until $2 million was recouped. This royalty was too high for the founders and would cut into profit margins.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
Even without a Shark’s investment, TiCK MiTT didn’t slow down. In fact, it grew faster than ever.
Achievements After the Show:
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Won Outdoor Retailer Innovation Award in 2024
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Olivia featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 – Social Impact
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Introduced a kid-friendly version: TiCK MiTT KiDS
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Expanded to international markets including Canada, Norway, Sweden, and South Korea
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Built partnerships with retailers like Chewy, Orvis, Duluth Trading Co., Dunham’s Sports, and Fleet Farm
Today, the estimated net worth of TiCK MiTT is around $3.33 million, assuming a standard 10% yearly business growth rate.
Why TiCK MiTT Is A Hit
TiCK MiTT stands out because:
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It’s simple and safe – No chemicals, no pills
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It’s reusable – Saves money and the environment
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It’s family-friendly – Great for adults, kids, and pets
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It’s born from a personal, passionate story – Olivia’s battle with Lyme disease made it real and relatable
For families that love the outdoors but hate the risk of tick bites, this is a practical solution that fits into any routine.
Final Thoughts: Is TiCK MiTT Worth It?
Hello friends, we’ve seen many businesses go on Shark Tank and struggle after leaving without a deal—but TiCK MiTT is different. Steve and Olivia turned a scary experience into a life-saving invention, and even though the Sharks didn’t invest, they won the hearts of customers and the support of major retailers.
Their story teaches us that even if you don’t get a “yes,” you can still win big with passion, resilience, and innovation. TiCK MiTT continues to grow, offering people a better, safer way to protect themselves and their pets from ticks.