Ryan Shell started The Home T, a T-shirt business that displays the silhouettes of states. The shirts allow the wearer to quietly display hometown pride. In his first year of business, with the help of a couple of celebrity fans, Shell reached $1 million in sales. Looking to grow the business, Shell pitched The Home T on Shark Tank. He turned down offers from Robert Herjavec, Lori Greiner, and Daymond John.
Shell says turning down John was the most difficult since he’s a fashion guru and his offer ($250k for 20 percent) was the closest to Shell’s valuation. John’s offer valued The Home T at $1.25 million. But as investor Mark Cuban commented on the show, “He would be the moron of the century if he sold a million dollars in sales at a million-dollar valuation.” Homesick fashionistas can still buy The Home T shirts for $30 at the website, and/or purchase The Home T shower curtain, pillow, hat or tote bag.
[Related: 27 Favorite ‘Shark Tank’ Products — New 2017 List]
