Combat Flip Flops sells designer sandals and other fashion accessories made by locals in dangerous and war-struck places including Afghanistan. The two founders of Combat Flip Flops, veteran Army Rangers Matthew Griffin and Donald Lee, who have both served in Afghanistan and Iraq, make sure that part of the company’s revenue goes to charities that promote literacy among Afghan girls and support Afghan war widows. In May 2016, Griffin and Lee pitched their business on Shark Tank. They went into the Tank seeking an investment of $150,000 in exchange for 10 percent equity. Instead, they accepted an investment of $300,000 in exchange for 30% by 3 Sharks: Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner and Daymond John.
Since Shark Tank, Combat Flip Flops continues to expand its product line — check out a wide range of Combat Flip Flop product here. And not without controversy. When they launched t-shirts that read: The Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted,” some customers wanted an explanation as to the message’s meaning.
A representative on Facebook answered that it is a reference to the 1971 song by Gil Scott-Heron “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” With the current President of the United States favoring Twitter as the medium for his messages, some felt Combat Flip Flop’s t-shirt was “off message.” One customer warned: “Don’t get political. You can only hurt yourself.” [Related: 27 Favorite ‘Shark Tank’ Products — New List]
