Crooked Jaw Clothing entered the spotlight during Season 1 of Shark Tank when entrepreneur Craig French pitched his up-and-coming clothing line to the Sharks. While his story was compelling and his personality resonated with the panel, the business metrics told a different story—one that ultimately led to a missed investment opportunity.
Crooked Jaw Net Worth (2025 Update)
As of 2025, Crooked Jaw’s estimated net worth is $0, as the business has been inactive since around 2015. Despite a brief surge in traffic after its Shark Tank appearance, the brand was unable to convert exposure into long-term success.
Shark Tank Valuation vs. Reality
When Craig French pitched Crooked Jaw on Shark Tank, he valued the company at $1 million, seeking a $200,000 investment for 20% equity. However, with only $5,000 in total sales, the Sharks passed on the deal—citing a lack of sales traction and no proven market demand.
Business Closure
Though Craig claimed to land a retail deal and received 50,000 website visitors after the episode aired, no follow-up sales data or active business operations were reported. As of now, the official website is down, and the brand is considered defunct.
Key Takeaways from Crooked Jaw’s Shark Tank Journey
- Shark Tank exposure isn’t enough without real sales and execution.
- $5,000 in sales couldn’t convince the Sharks to invest.
- Trade show failure was a major red flag in the fashion industry.
- No strong online presence led to the brand fading post-show.
- A great story helps, but results matter more to investors.
Crooked Jaw on Shark Tank: The Pitch
Craig French walked into the Shark Tank with passion and ambition, presenting Crooked Jaw, a clothing brand inspired by his personal story—he broke his jaw during a lacrosse game, which sparked the brand’s name and identity. At the time of his pitch, the brand had generated only $5,000 in sales, a number that raised eyebrows among the Sharks.
Despite his low revenue, Craig had a solid backstory and demonstrated genuine enthusiasm. He had attended a trade show but failed to secure any wholesale orders, something Daymond John, a fashion mogul and co-founder of FUBU, considered the “kiss of death” for any apparel startup.
Shark Reactions: Personality vs Profit
The Sharks liked Craig French as a person, but as seasoned investors, they needed more than just a good personality. Daymond John delivered a brutal but honest line:
“You’re nobody to everybody, and for that reason, I’m out.”
Barbara Corcoran initially seemed intrigued, thinking Daymond might back him due to his clothing expertise—but ultimately, none of the Sharks bit.
While Craig left the Tank without a deal, the exposure led to some short-term buzz.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
After the episode aired, Crooked Jaw reportedly received over 50,000 website visits, a huge spike in traffic thanks to the Shark Tank effect. Craig even claimed to have secured a deal with a major retail chain, but details around that agreement remained vague.
Unfortunately, the brand’s momentum didn’t last. As of recent checks, Crooked Jaw’s website is no longer active, redirecting visitors to an outdated Facebook fan page with minimal activity. The brand has not maintained any significant online presence or e-commerce strategy—an essential in today’s digital-first retail world.
Why Crooked Jaw Failed to Take Off
Several key factors contributed to the brand’s stagnation:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Lack of Sales Traction | $5,000 in revenue wasn’t enough to prove product-market fit. |
| Weak Trade Show Performance | Zero wholesale orders after a trade show was a major red flag. |
| No Clear Differentiator | The brand lacked a strong USP in a saturated market. |
| Inadequate Online Strategy | Post-show digital marketing and social media engagement were weak. |
| Missed Retail Execution | The alleged retail deal was never substantiated with real outcomes. |
Lessons for Entrepreneurs from Crooked Jaw’s Journey
If you’re thinking of pitching on Shark Tank or launching a fashion startup, here’s what you can learn from Craig French’s Crooked Jaw experience:
- Charisma isn’t enough – Investors want numbers, not just likability.
- Early traction is key – Have real sales, testimonials, or wholesale interest.
- Be prepared to explain your valuation – Even if the Sharks like you, they’ll challenge inflated numbers.
- Trade shows are make-or-break in fashion – Not getting orders signals low demand.
- Digital presence matters – Without a strong online footprint, even national exposure can fall flat.
Final Verdict: Is Crooked Jaw Still in Business?
As of now, Crooked Jaw appears to be inactive. The website is non-functional, and the Facebook page hasn’t seen updates in years. Despite the initial Shark Tank spotlight, the brand faded due to lack of strategic follow-through and weak business fundamentals.
Conclusion
Craig French’s story is a cautionary tale about the harsh reality of the fashion industry and the demands of investor-backed growth. Shark Tank gave Crooked Jaw a platform, but without sustainable strategy and execution, the brand couldn’t stay afloat. Future entrepreneurs should remember: TV exposure helps—but without sales, strategy, and scalability, it’s not enough.
