The world of holiday decorations saw an innovative twist when Brad Boyink introduced his product, GeekMyTree, to the Shark Tank stage in Season 7, Episode 12. His Animated Glow Ball Christmas Tree Lights promised to revolutionize indoor holiday lighting by bringing a professionally synchronized, app-controlled lighting experience into people’s homes. With its unique 360-degree illumination, customizable color patterns, and premium LED technology, GeekMyTree stood out as a high-tech solution to an age-old holiday hassle.
Despite securing a $225,000 investment from Kevin O’Leary, the company ultimately shut down in 2018 due to competition from cheaper knock-offs, tariffs on imported components, and costly patent disputes. This article explores GeekMyTree’s rise, Shark Tank journey, early success, challenges, and eventual closure—while extracting key business lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Net Worth GeekMyTree Shark Tank
The estimated net worth of GeekMyTree is currently not available, as the company ceased operations in 2018. While the business experienced initial success after Shark Tank, factors such as high production costs, market competition, and patent issues led to its downfall. With no active revenue streams, the company’s financial valuation remains defunct.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Product: GeekMyTree introduced a smart, animated Christmas tree lighting system, offering 360-degree illumination and app-controlled customization.
- Shark Tank Deal: Brad Boyink secured $225,000 from Kevin O’Leary for 50% equity, despite concerns over high pricing.
- Challenges & Downfall: The company faced stiff competition from cheaper knock-offs, struggled with tariffs and high production costs, and encountered legal patent issues.
- Company Shutdown: Despite early success, GeekMyTree ceased operations in 2018, citing market saturation and financial struggles.
- Business Lessons: Entrepreneurs should focus on scalability, competitive pricing, securing patents effectively, and ensuring sustainable growth strategies.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | GeekMyTree |
| Founder | Brad Boyink |
| Industry | Holiday Decorations, Technology |
| Product | Animated Glow Ball Christmas Tree Lights |
| Investment Ask | $225,000 for 25% equity |
| Final Deal | $225,000 for 50% equity from Kevin O’Leary |
| Valuation at Pitch | $900,000 |
| Major Challenges | High price point, competition from knock-offs, tariffs, patent issues |
| Company Status | Shut down in 2018 |
| Estimated Net Worth | N/A (Company closed in 2018) |
The Shark Tank Pitch
Brad Boyink’s Entry into the Tank
Brad Boyink entered Shark Tank with a festive and eye-catching demonstration. His pitch focused on how GeekMyTree could modernize Christmas lighting, eliminating tangled wires and lackluster displays while offering an immersive, animated lighting experience powered by LED glow balls.
Product Features and Selling Points
- Innovative Design: Unlike traditional Christmas lights that wrap around a tree, GeekMyTree used a ring system placed at the top of the tree, allowing strands to fall in perfectly spaced vertical lines.
- High-Quality LEDs: Each glow ball contained two full-spectrum LED lights, providing vibrant colors and an extended lifespan of up to 50,000 hours.
- Smart App Control: The lights could be customized via a smartphone app, offering hundreds of animated patterns and music synchronization.
- Professional Synchronization: The lights were not just random blinkers but followed professionally choreographed sequences, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Investment Ask and Valuation
Brad sought $225,000 in exchange for 25% equity, valuing his company at $900,000. He believed the Shark Tank exposure and investment would help scale up production, reduce costs, and expand retail distribution.
Sharks’ Reactions
| Shark | Reaction |
| Barbara Corcoran | Found the product too expensive and opted out. |
| Robert Herjavec | Thought consumers wouldn’t buy such high-priced holiday lights. |
| Mark Cuban | Agreed with Robert, believing there wasn’t a mass market appeal. |
| Lori Greiner | Concerned about pricing, she declined to invest. |
| Kevin O’Leary | Despite price concerns, he saw potential and offered $225,000 for 50% equity. |
Boyink countered with 40% equity, but O’Leary refused to budge. Ultimately, Boyink accepted the 50% equity offer, bringing Mr. Wonderful on board as an investor.
Post-Shark Tank Success
Immediate Sales Boost
After the Shark Tank episode aired, GeekMyTree saw a significant surge in sales, benefiting from national exposure and Kevin O’Leary’s marketing push. Consumers were drawn to the idea of hassle-free, professional-quality Christmas lighting, and early adopters appreciated the product’s durability and customization options.
Expansion Plans
Following its initial success, Boyink planned to expand GeekMyTree’s offerings to include:
- Musical light sequences with synchronized holiday music.
- Decorative window displays using the same LED glow ball technology.
- New products for other holidays (e.g., Halloween and Fourth of July).
- Lower-priced models to attract a broader customer base.
Conclusion
GeekMyTree was an innovative idea that initially gained traction through Shark Tank and Kevin O’Leary’s investment. However, despite its high-quality product and technological advancements, the company ultimately succumbed to market pressures, pricing challenges, and stiff competition. The story of GeekMyTree serves as a lesson for entrepreneurs—having a great product is not enough; a scalable business model, competitive pricing, and strong intellectual property protection are crucial for long-term success.
While GeekMyTree may no longer be in business, its impact on the smart holiday lighting industry remains, paving the way for future innovations in smart home decorations.
