Yardsale ski poles revolutionize skiing with magnetized, customizable designs. Discover their Shark Tank journey, latest updates, and net worth in 2024 & 2025!
Skiing is an exciting and adventurous sport, but traditional ski poles often pose challenges for enthusiasts. They can be bulky, difficult to transport, and lack aesthetic appeal. Recognizing these pain points, Kelly McGee and Cristina Ashbaugh founded Yardsale, a ski accessories brand that introduces magnetized, customizable ski poles—an innovation that enhances both style and functionality.
The duo brought their revolutionary ski poles to Shark Tank Season 16, hoping to secure a deal that would fuel their brand’s growth. But did they manage to convince the sharks? And more importantly, how has Yardsale performed after its Shark Tank appearance?
Key Takeaways
Yardsale’s Innovation: Magnetized, customizable ski poles that enhance convenience and style.
Shark Tank Deal: Secured $250,000 for 10% equity from Kendra Scott, with a $5 royalty per unit until $300,000 is repaid.
Revenue Growth: Pre-Shark Tank sales reached $220,000, with projected revenue of $2.1 million in 2025.
Estimated Net Worth—Yardsale’s valuation was $1.5 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $3.2 million in 2025.
Retail Expansion – Partnering with REI, Backcountry, and Decathlon to reach more skiers.
New Product Launches—We introduced P2 Poles, Mini P1 Poles, and an apparel line, and more innovations are coming.
Media Recognition – Featured in Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, and Ski Magazine and won the Core77 Design Award.
Future Plans – Expanding internationally, boosting online sales, and launching more high-performance ski accessories.
Yardsale’s Net Worth in 2024 and 2025
Estimated Net Worth 2024: $1.5 million
- Projected Revenue (End of 2024): $300,000
- Growth Rate: 30% YoY (Year-over-Year)
- Profit Margins: 75%
Estimated Net Worth 2025: $3.2 million
- Projected Revenue (End of 2025): $2.1 million
- Expanded Retail Presence in major stores
- Increase in DTC Sales & Online Revenue
- Potential International Expansion
What is Yardsale? The Innovation Behind the Brand
The Problem with Traditional Ski Poles
Skiing is a sport that demands high-quality gear. However, traditional ski poles often come with limitations:
- They’re clunky and difficult to carry
- They lack personalization and style
- Most models are made from cheap materials
- They don’t cater to skiers looking for high-performance and aesthetic appeal
Kelly McGee and Cristina Ashbaugh set out to reinvent the ski pole industry by introducing a product that is both functional and stylish.
What Makes Yardsale Ski Poles Unique?
- Magnetized Handles & Baskets – The poles snap together effortlessly, making them easy to transport.
- Customizable Designs – Skiers can mix and match colours to create a personalized look.
- Multiple Size Options – Available in five sizes, including adjustable models for kids and soon for adults.
- Premium Quality Materials – Unlike budget ski poles, Yardsale products are made with high-quality, durable materials.
- Retail & DTC Sales Model – Initially sold direct-to-consumer (DTC), the brand is now expanding into major retail stores.
- Lifestyle Branding – They are positioning itself as more than just a ski gear company; it is also positioning itself as a lifestyle brand.
Competitive Analysis: How Does Yardsale Compare?
Yardsale competes with established ski pole manufacturers such as Black Diamond, LEKI, and Rossignol. Here’s how they differentiate:
- Traditional Ski Poles: Heavy, standardized designs with little customization.
- High-End Poles: Expensive but lacking a modern aesthetic appeal.
- Yardsale’s Approach: Affordable, high-quality, and fully customizable poles that merge fashion and function.
Yardsale’s Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Kelly and Cristina appeared on Shark Tank Season 16, seeking $200,000 for 10% equity in Yardsale.
Their pitch emphasized:
- The flaws in traditional ski poles and how they solves them.
- Their strong initial sales performance proves market demand.
- They plan to scale the business with investment and strategic partnerships.
Financial Breakdown at the Time of Pitch:
- Cost to Manufacture: $30 per unit
- Landed Cost: $42 per unit
- Retail Price: $139 per unit
- Gross Profit Margin: 75%
How Did the Sharks Respond?
Despite their compelling pitch, not all sharks were interested in investing:
- Lori Greiner – Disliked the brand name and lacked passion for the product.
- Daymond John – He had no personal interest in skiing, so he passed.
- Mark Cuban stated he had no plans to ski and declined to invest.
However, Kevin O’Leary and Kendra Scott saw potential in Yardsale.
- Kevin O’Leary’s Offer: $200,000 for 20% equity (No royalty).
- Kendra Scott’s Offer: $200,000 for 20% equity + a $3 royalty per unit until she recouped her investment.
The Final Deal:
After negotiations, Yardsale accepted Kendra Scott’s revised offer:
- $250,000 for 10% equity
- A royalty of $5 per unit sold, applicable until the total repayment reaches $300,000
This deal provided both funding and mentorship, positioning it for growth.
Customer Testimonials & Industry Feedback
Many early adopters of Yardsale ski poles have praised:
- Ease of Use: The magnetized poles make it incredibly simple to carry and store.
- Durability: Customers report that the quality exceeds expectations for a mid-range price.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Customization options are a game-changer for skiers who value style.
Industry experts also acknowledge Yardsale as an innovative addition to the ski gear market.
Future Growth & Expansion Plans
It is focusing on key expansion strategies:
- Retail Partnerships: Collaborating with REI, Backcountry, and Decathlon.
- New Product Innovations: Adjustable adult ski poles, gloves, and ski accessories.
- International Expansion: Exploring European and Canadian markets.
- Scaling Online Sales: Optimizing eCommerce strategies and direct-to-consumer growth.
Kendra Scott’s Role in Yardsale’s Growth
As a mentor and investor, Kendra Scott brings:
- Retail Experience: Her success in scaling brands will help Yardsale expand into major stores.
- Marketing Strategies: Expertise in leveraging influencer collaborations to drive awareness.
- Operational Efficiency: Guidance in streamlining production and distribution.
Final Thoughts: Is Yardsale a Success?
- Successful Shark Tank deal with Kendra Scott.
- Strong post-show growth in sales & brand awareness.
- Retail partnerships & product line expansion.
- Projected net worth of $3.2 million by 2025.
- Expanding into new product categories and global markets.
With its strong branding, premium product quality, and growing market demand, Yardsale is on the path to becoming a dominant player in the ski accessories industry.
For the latest updates from Shark Tank Season 16, Episode 3, explore the links below:
Before you go, make sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 16 products.
