Tod Wilson, the owner of Mr. Tod’s Pies, appeared on the very first episode of Shark Tank in 2009. He made a deal with investors Barbara Corcoran (who “doesn’t even like sweet potatoes”) and Daymond John who said Tod reminded Daymond of himself. On camera, they agreed to invest $460,000 for 50 percent of the business. (Tod walked into the Tank willing to give 10 percent.)
After the episode, Tod Wilson withdrew from the agreement, saying he wasn’t willing to give away that much equity after all. Even though the deal fell through the show continued to film updates with Tod. Wilson told NJBiz: “‘Shark Tank’ continued to film updates with me, though, so I had to act like the deal was ongoing.” Wilson continues to run Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory in Englewood, New Jersey. A ten-inch Sweet Potato Mr. Tod Pie sells for $25.
