In the world of home improvement, where efficiency and convenience are king, the Touch Up Cup has emerged as a game-changer. Founded by father-son duo Jason and Carson Kropf, this innovative product simplifies the way people store and use leftover paint, solving a problem that many homeowners didn’t even realize they had. Since its debut on Shark Tank in 2020, the Touch Up Cup has grown into a multimillion-dollar business with an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2025. In this article, we delve into the story behind the Touch Up Cup, its rise to success, and the business strategies that turned a simple idea into a thriving enterprise.
The Birth of Touch Up Cup: A Simple but Brilliant Idea
The idea for the Touch Up Cup was born out of a common household frustration. Jason Kropf, a veteran of the restaurant industry, frequently found himself dealing with leftover paint that dried out or became unusable after being stored in conventional paint cans. His son, Carson, who was just 13 years old at the time, recognized the opportunity to solve this problem with a more practical storage solution.
Together, they developed the Touch Up Cup—a BPA-free, airtight plastic container specifically designed to store small amounts of paint for up to 10 years without drying out. The container features a stainless-steel blending ball that makes it easy to mix the paint before use, ensuring consistent color and texture. The simplicity and practicality of the product quickly resonated with homeowners and professional painters alike.
The Shark Tank Effect: A Turning Point for the Business
The Kropfs took their product to Shark Tank in 2020, seeking an investment to scale their business. Their pitch impressed the sharks, especially Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS Shoes, who saw the potential in the product’s straightforward appeal and broad market. Mycoskie offered $200,000 for a 25% stake, which the Kropfs eagerly accepted.
The Shark Tank appearance proved to be a turning point. Not only did the investment provide the capital needed to ramp up production and marketing, but the exposure led to a surge in demand. Within weeks of the episode airing, sales skyrocketed, and Touch Up Cup had secured distribution deals with major retailers, including Walmart, Home Depot, and Amazon.
Key Achievements and Growth
- Retail Expansion: By 2022, the Touch Up Cup was available in over 3,000 retail locations across the United States, including prominent chains like Lowe’s and Ace Hardware.
- Sales Milestones: The company reported $2 million in sales in 2023 alone, a significant leap from the $400,000 in annual sales they had before appearing on Shark Tank.
- Product Line Expansion: Building on their initial success, the Kropfs expanded their product line to include storage solutions for spackle, coffee grounds, and other household items.
The company’s ability to scale quickly and diversify its product offerings has been instrumental in building its net worth, which is estimated to be around $2 million as of 2025.
Business Strategy: What Sets Touch Up Cup Apart?
The success of Touch Up Cup can be attributed to a combination of clever branding, effective pricing, and strategic partnerships. Priced at an affordable $12.99 for a 3-pack, the product appeals to both DIY enthusiasts and professional painters. The Kropfs also leveraged their Shark Tank appearance to build a strong social media presence, using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase the product’s simplicity and effectiveness.
Another key strategy was their focus on retail partnerships. Securing shelf space in major home improvement stores not only boosted sales but also enhanced the brand’s credibility. The company’s direct-to-consumer sales through its website and Amazon accounted for about 40% of total revenue, providing a balanced mix of sales channels.
Net Worth and Financials
As of 2025, the estimated net worth of Touch Up Cup is $2 million. The company’s revenue has grown steadily year-over-year, driven by a combination of retail sales, direct-to-consumer sales, and an expanding product line. The investment from Blake Mycoskie, coupled with the operational efficiencies gained through larger production runs, has allowed the Kropfs to maintain healthy profit margins.
- Annual Revenue (2025): $2.5 million
- Net Worth: $2 million
- Key Contributors: Retail partnerships, product line expansion, and strategic marketing.
The company’s lean business model, focused on high-margin, low-overhead products, has been crucial in building its net worth quickly.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
While the Touch Up Cup’s journey has been largely successful, it has not been without challenges. Supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant risks to inventory and production schedules. The Kropfs responded by diversifying their manufacturing partners and increasing their on-hand inventory of raw materials.
Another challenge was maintaining quality control as production scaled up. To address this, the company invested in third-party testing and quality assurance, ensuring that each product met the high standards that customers had come to expect.
These challenges underscored the importance of adaptability and proactive risk management—lessons that have been integral to the company’s sustained growth.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Touch Up Cup?
Looking ahead, the Kropfs plan to expand their product line further, exploring opportunities in the broader home improvement and organization categories. Potential new products include storage solutions for garden tools, adhesives, and even small-scale power tools. Additionally, the company is exploring international markets, with potential distribution deals in Canada and the United Kingdom.
With a focus on innovation and customer-centric product development, the Kropfs are confident that Touch Up Cup can double its revenue by 2027. The company’s strong financial footing and growing brand recognition make this an achievable goal.
Conclusion: A Simple Solution with Lasting Impact
The story of Touch Up Cup is a testament to the power of a simple yet effective idea. What started as a father-son project has grown into a multimillion-dollar business, solving a common household problem with an elegant solution. The Kropfs’ ability to leverage strategic partnerships, smart pricing, and effective marketing has transformed Touch Up Cup into a brand with a promising future.
As the company continues to innovate and expand, its net worth is poised to grow, solidifying the Touch Up Cup’s place in the home improvement market. For aspiring entrepreneurs, the success of Touch Up Cup serves as a powerful reminder that even the simplest ideas, when executed well, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
