Shark Tank season 1 episode 12 (often referred to as S01E12) which aired on January 22, 2010, featured four entrepreneurs pitching consumer products and startup concepts to the Sharks. Businesses included PODillow, a face-down tanning pillow with hidden storage pockets, Grease Monkey Wipes, heavy-duty degreasing wipes for mechanics and cyclists, The Factionist, an eco-friendly apparel brand, and We Can Shop, a retail concept designed to allow children to shop for gifts for their families.
In this episode, founders present a mix of innovative consumer products and creative business concepts as they attempt to convince the Sharks that their companies have the potential to grow into successful ventures. Each entrepreneur must defend their valuation, demonstrate market demand, and prove that their product or service can scale into a profitable business.
As negotiations unfold, the Sharks challenge the founders with tough questions about manufacturing costs, competition, margins, and long-term strategy. Some entrepreneurs manage to spark interest from the investors, while others leave the Tank without securing a deal.
If you’re looking for a complete recap of Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12, including the entrepreneurs, deals made in the Tank, and a breakdown of each product featured in the episode, you’ll find everything you need below in this detailed guide.
Looking for more from this season? Browse the complete Shark Tank Season 1 episode guide for a full breakdown of every pitch and investment. For a ranked look at the biggest deals and most successful companies, explore the Best of Shark Tank Season 1 – Top Deals, Biggest Investments & Most Successful Companies.
About Shark Tank Season 1
Executive producer Mark Burnett and Sony Pictures Television return with another exciting season of Shark Tank, the hit business reality show where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of wealthy investors known as the “Sharks.” Contestants must convince the Sharks that their businesses are worth investing in, often leading to intense negotiations and high-stakes deals.
The show is based on the international format Dragons’ Den, which originally launched in Japan and later became a global franchise. Over the years, Shark Tank has helped launch hundreds of companies while giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how real investment decisions are made.
Browse All Shark Tank Season 1 Episodes
Each recap includes the entrepreneurs, deals made in the Tank, and 2026 business updates.
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode Guide
Explore every pitch, deal, and business update from the first season of Shark Tank.
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Sharks in Shark Tank Season 1
The main Sharks appearing during Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 included:
Season 1 Episode 12 in depth
In this first season as sharks in every episode appear Kevin Harrington, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, and Robert Herjavec
In this season 1 episode 12, there is no guest judge.
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We listed below every entrepreneur and business who has appeared on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12. Many scammers claim they’ve received big investments from the Sharks or they have been on the show. If you don’t see a business on this list, they were not actually on Shark Tank. Some of the top places you can use to check are on Wikipedia and also ABC’s episode guide.
What Happened in Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12?
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 featured four entrepreneurs pitching innovative consumer products and service-based ideas to the Sharks.
The businesses ranged from a face-down tanning and massage pillow designed for beach and spa relaxation to heavy-duty cleaning wipes created for mechanics and industrial workers. Other pitches included an eco-friendly apparel startup focused on ethically produced T-shirts and a retail concept that allowed children to shop independently for gifts for their families.
Unlike some episodes where several founders secure investments, Episode 12 resulted in limited deal activity as the Sharks raised concerns about scalability, valuation, and long-term market potential during negotiations.
Businesses Featured on Shark Tank S01E12
Here is the complete list of companies that appeared on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12.
List with all the appearances in Season 1 Episode 12 (S01E12):
- PODillow – A face-down tanning and massage pillow with hidden storage pockets designed to provide comfort while relaxing at the beach, pool, spa, or during massages.
- Grease Monkey Wipes – Heavy-duty degreasing wipes designed to remove grease, oil, and grime from hands and tools.
- The Factionist – An eco-friendly apparel brand selling ethically produced T-shirts.
- We Can Shop – A retail concept that allowed children to shop independently for gifts for family and friends.
Shark Tank S01E12 Highlights
- A face-down tanning and massage pillow with hidden storage pockets enters the Tank
- Heavy-duty degreasing wipes designed for mechanics and outdoor workers attract Shark interest
- An eco-friendly apparel brand promotes sustainable and ethically produced T-shirts
- A retail concept designed for children to shop independently for gifts is pitched to the Sharks
- Entrepreneurs face tough questions about scalability, competition, and long-term profitability
Shark Tank S01E12 Episode Products Summary Table
The table below summarizes the key details from Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12, including each company’s funding request, the final deal negotiated in the Tank, which Shark invested, and the current business status as of 2026.
| Company | Industry | Ask | Deal | Shark(s) | 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PODillow | Relaxation / tanning accessory | $150K for 20% | No Deal | — | Limited visibility |
| Grease Monkey Wipes | Industrial cleaning product | $40K for 25% | $40K for 40% | Barbara Corcoran and Robert Herjavec | Active product brand |
| The Factionist | Eco apparel brand | $30K for 20% | No Deal | — | Concept discontinued |
| We Can Shop | Children’s retail concept | $200K for 30% | No Deal | — | Limited visibility |
Only one entrepreneur appearing on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 secured deals after negotiations with the Sharks, while the remaining founders left the Tank without investment.
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 Snapshot
Season: 1
Episode: 12
Air Date: January 22, 2010
Sharks: Kevin Harrington, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John
Total Pitches: 4
Deals Made: 1
No-Deal Count: 3
Largest Investment: $40K (Grease Monkey Wipes)
Shark Tank S01E12 Investment Totals & Financial Breakdown
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 featured approximately $420,000 in capital requests, with $40,000 invested by the Sharks on air.
Financial Aggregation
Total Capital Requested: $420K
Total Capital Invested: $40K
Total Capital Committed: $40K
Highest Equity Given: 40% (Grease Monkey Wipes)
Highest Valuation Asked: $750K valuation (PODillow – $150K for 20%)
Lowest Valuation Asked: ~$150K valuation (The Factionist – $30K for 20%)
Average Equity Asked: ~24%
Average Equity Given (Deals Closed): ~40%
Valuation Compression Analysis
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 demonstrated how the Sharks often required entrepreneurs to give up larger ownership stakes in order to secure investment during the early seasons of the show.
• Grease Monkey Wipes increased equity from 25% to 40% to secure an investment from Robert Herjavec and Barbara Corcoran. While the product addressed a clear need for mechanics and outdoor workers, the Sharks required a larger stake to offset the risks associated with expanding distribution.
• PODillow, a face-down tanning and massage pillow with hidden storage pockets, struggled to convince the Sharks that the product offered enough differentiation in the competitive comfort and relaxation accessories market.
• The Factionist, an eco-friendly apparel brand focused on ethically produced T-shirts, raised concerns about the highly competitive clothing industry and the company’s limited sales traction.
• We Can Shop, a retail concept designed for children to shop independently for gifts, faced questions from the Sharks about scalability and the challenges of expanding a niche retail model.
Ultimately, only one company secured an investment during the episode, highlighting how the Sharks in the early seasons of Shark Tank often demanded strong proof of market demand and scalability before committing capital.
Key Observations
- Comfort and relaxation accessories attracted entrepreneurs – PODillow introduced a face-down tanning and massage pillow with hidden storage pockets designed for beach and spa relaxation.
- Industrial cleaning products showed clear market demand – Grease Monkey Wipes targeted mechanics, cyclists, and outdoor workers needing a portable solution for removing grease and grime.
- Sustainable apparel brands were beginning to emerge – The Factionist focused on ethically produced, eco-friendly T-shirts in the competitive clothing market.
- Niche retail concepts explored new customer experiences – We Can Shop introduced a store concept that allowed children to independently shop for gifts for family members and friends.
Shark Tank Air Date: 01/15/10 – Season 1 – Episode 12
PODillow
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $150,000 for 20% | NO DEAL | NO SHARK |
Entrepreneur: Anthony Calvert and Tina Calvert
Product Overview
PODillow is a massage and face-down tanning pillow designed to provide comfort while lying face down at the beach, during massages, or while resting at home. The pillow features an ergonomic design that allows users to relax comfortably without placing pressure on the face or neck.
One of the unique features of PODillow is its hidden internal storage pockets, which allow users to safely store small valuables such as keys, phones, or money while relaxing. This makes it particularly useful for environments like beaches, pools, or tanning areas where keeping belongings secure can be difficult.
The pillow is designed to be durable and easy to maintain, with machine-washable materials that can withstand sand, sunscreen, salt, and outdoor conditions. Its versatile design allows users to enjoy massages, sun tanning, or relaxation while keeping their valuables close by.
The product is also U.S. patented and was presented to investors on Shark Tank as a comfort accessory for beachgoers and outdoor relaxation.
PODillow – 2026 Update
As of 2026, PODillow does not appear to be widely available through major retailers or ecommerce platforms. Although the product gained exposure after appearing on Shark Tank, it did not grow into a large consumer brand and appears to have remained a niche or inactive product.
Where to Buy PODillow
Grease Monkey Wipes
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $40,000 for 25% | $40,000 for 40% | Barbara Corcoran and Robert Herjavec |
Entrepreneur: Tim Stansbury and Erin Whalen
Product Overview
Grease Monkey Wipes are individually packaged degreasing cleaning wipes designed to help users quickly remove grease, grime, and oil while working on bicycles and other outdoor equipment. The wipes are formulated with a powerful citrus-based cleaning solution that can safely dissolve substances such as lubricants, adhesives, ink, and heavy grime.
Originally marketed toward cyclists, the wipes are also useful for a wide range of outdoor and mechanical activities, including boating, fishing, driving, hunting, and camping. Their portable packaging makes them convenient to carry in a toolbox, glove compartment, emergency kit, or bicycle saddlebag.
Because the wipes can clean both tools and skin without harsh chemicals, they provide a practical cleaning solution for people who frequently work with grease, oil, and outdoor equipment.
The product gained national exposure after appearing on Shark Tank, where the founders pitched the business to the Sharks.
Grease Monkey Wipes – 2026 Update
As of 2026, Grease Monkey Wipes continues to be known as a heavy-duty cleaning wipe product designed to remove grease, oil, and grime from hands, tools, and equipment. The brand gained national exposure after appearing on Shark Tank, where the founders secured an investment from Robert Herjavec.
Following the show, the product expanded beyond its original cycling audience and became popular among mechanics, outdoor enthusiasts, and DIY users. Grease Monkey Wipes remain available through online retailers and specialty automotive or hardware stores, serving as a portable cleaning solution for tough messes.
Where to Buy Grease Monkey Wipes
The Factionist
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $30,000 for 20% | NO DEAL | NO SHARK |
Entrepreneur: Nate Berkopec
Product Overview
The Factionist is an ethical and eco-friendly apparel brand founded by Nate Berkopec. The company focused on selling environmentally conscious T-shirts produced using sustainable materials and responsible manufacturing practices.
During his appearance on Shark Tank, Nate pitched the business to the Sharks seeking $30,000 for 20% equity in the company. At the time of the pitch, the startup had generated approximately $3,000 in sales from T-shirt purchases during the previous year.
Despite the brand’s sustainability message, the Sharks raised concerns about the highly competitive apparel market and the company’s limited sales traction. As a result, all of the Sharks declined to invest, and Nate left the Tank without securing a deal.
The Factionist – 2026 Update
As of 2026, The Factionist does not appear to be operating as an active apparel brand. Although the company gained exposure after appearing on Shark Tank, it did not grow into a large clothing label and appears to have discontinued operations.
Status: OUT OF BUSINESS
We Can Shop
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $200,000 for 30% | NO DEAL | NO SHARK |
Entrepreneur: Kimberly Foley and Matthew Foley
Product Overview
We Can Shop was founded by brother and sister entrepreneurs Kimberly Foley and Matthew Foley. The concept was a specialty retail store designed specifically for children, allowing kids to shop independently for gifts for their parents, relatives, and friends.
The store offered a variety of affordable gift items organized by recipient, helping children easily choose presents for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Staff members were also available to assist young shoppers with selecting items and wrapping gifts, creating a fun and educational shopping experience.
The founders hoped to grow the business by expanding locations and eventually franchising the concept nationwide.
During their appearance on Shark Tank, the Sharks raised concerns about scalability and long-term profitability in the retail sector. As a result, Kimberly and Matthew Foley ultimately left the Tank without securing an investment.
We Can Shop – 2026 Update
As of 2026, We Can Shop, the children-focused retail concept founded by Kimberly and Matthew Foley, does not appear to be operating as an active retail brand. The business gained national exposure after appearing on Shark Tank, where the founders pitched their idea of a store designed for kids to shop for gifts for family and friends.
Although the concept generated interest during the episode, the company did not secure an investment from the Sharks and does not appear to have expanded into the franchised retail model originally proposed.
Status: OUT OF BUSINESS
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Industry Breakdown – Shark Tank S01E12
Relaxation / Tanning Accessories: 1
Industrial Cleaning Products: 1
Eco-Friendly Apparel: 1
Children’s Retail Concepts: 1
Compared to many other Shark Tank Season 1 episodes, Episode 12 leaned toward:
• Practical consumer products designed to solve everyday problems
• Industrial cleaning solutions targeting mechanics and outdoor workers
• Sustainable and eco-friendly apparel startups
• Niche retail concepts focused on unique shopping experiences
• Early-stage founder-driven businesses attempting to scale simple ideas
Did the Deals Close After Filming?
As with all Shark Tank deals, agreements made on television are subject to due diligence after filming.
As of 2026:
• Grease Monkey Wipes continues to be known as a heavy-duty cleaning wipe product designed for mechanics, construction workers, and industrial environments. The company secured an investment from Robert Herjavec and Barbara Corcoran during the episode.
• PODillow, a face-down tanning and massage pillow with hidden storage pockets designed for beach and spa relaxation, did not become a widely adopted consumer product and appears to have remained a niche or inactive product.
• The Factionist, an eco-friendly apparel brand selling ethically produced T-shirts, did not gain significant traction after the show and appears to have discontinued operations.
• We Can Shop, a children’s retail store concept designed to allow kids to shop independently for gifts for family members, did not expand into a large retail chain after appearing on Shark Tank.
There is no widely reported public evidence suggesting that the on-air deal for Grease Monkey Wipes fell through after filming.
Best Deal of Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 (S01E12)
Grease Monkey Wipes stands out as the strongest deal from this episode due to several factors:
• A simple and practical product solving a clear problem for mechanics and outdoor workers
• Strong recurring demand for industrial cleaning products
• Easy product demonstration with immediate real-world value
• Potential distribution through automotive retailers and hardware stores
• Investment support from Robert Herjavec and Barbara Corcoran
🦈 Shark Strategy Patterns in This S01E12 Episode
Robert Herjavec and Barbara Corcoran invested in Grease Monkey Wipes after seeing strong demand for a practical cleaning product used by mechanics and outdoor workers.
Kevin O’Leary remained cautious, focusing heavily on scalability, margins, and long-term profitability.
Daymond John evaluated the consumer products but chose not to close a deal during this episode.
Kevin Harrington focused primarily on distribution strategy and retail scalability when assessing the pitches.
This episode demonstrates how the Sharks often favored simple consumer products with clear real-world use cases over experimental service concepts.
Why Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 Stands Out
This episode is notable because it featured:
• A heavy-duty cleaning wipe designed specifically for mechanics and industrial workers
• A face-down tanning and massage pillow with hidden storage pockets designed for beach and spa relaxation
• An eco-friendly apparel startup focused on ethically produced T-shirts
• A retail concept that allowed children to shop independently for gifts for family and friends
Season 1 episodes frequently showcased experimental startup ideas, reflecting the early stage of the show and the wide range of entrepreneurs pitching new concepts.
Companies From Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 – Where Are They Now?
Entrepreneurs appearing on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 introduced a variety of consumer products and online business concepts, ranging from automotive cleaning products to travel accessories and ecommerce platforms.
While one company secured a deal in the Tank, several of the businesses struggled to scale after their television appearance.
Below is a quick 2026 update on the companies featured in this episode and what happened to them after Shark Tank.
Grease Monkey Wipes – Where Are They Now?
Grease Monkey Wipes, a heavy-duty cleaning wipe designed for mechanics and industrial workers, secured an investment from Robert Herjavec during the episode.
The product was designed to remove grease, oil, paint, and grime from hands and tools without requiring water. After appearing on Shark Tank, the brand gained additional exposure and expanded distribution through automotive retailers and online marketplaces.
As of 2026, Grease Monkey Wipes remains known as a durable cleaning product targeted toward mechanics, construction workers, and industrial professionals.
We Can Shop – Where Are They Now?
We Can Shop was a specialty retail store concept designed to allow children to shop independently for gifts for family members.
The founders secured an investment from Barbara Corcoran after negotiations in the Tank. The concept aimed to compete in the growing ecommerce rewards industry by providing shoppers with rebates and cashback incentives.
Although the idea generated interest during the episode, the platform faced strong competition from larger cashback websites. As of 2026, the company did not become a dominant player in the online rewards space.
PODillow – Where Are They Now?
PODillow was a face-down tanning and massage pillow designed for beach, spa, and relaxation use.
The product aimed to provide an alternative to traditional massage pillows by offering a more stable sleeping position for airline passengers.
Despite the creative design, the Sharks declined to invest in the business during the episode. After the show aired, the product did not gain widespread adoption in the competitive travel accessories market.
As of 2026, PODillow is not widely available and appears to have remained a niche or inactive product.
The Factionist – Where Are They Now?
The Factionist was an eco-friendly apparel brand selling ethically produced T-shirts.
The idea attempted to combine entertainment and digital media by giving consumers direct access to personalized messages from well-known personalities.
Although the concept attracted curiosity during the pitch, the Sharks raised concerns about scalability and long-term demand. The entrepreneurs ultimately left the Tank without securing an investment.
As of 2026, The Factionist did not develop into a major entertainment platform and appears to have faded after its appearance on Shark Tank.
Final Thoughts on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 (S01E12)
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 highlights how investors evaluate both product practicality and business scalability when deciding whether to invest.
While some concepts generated curiosity and entertainment value, the Sharks ultimately focused on businesses with clear market demand, strong distribution potential, and simple business models.
The episode also reflects the early years of Shark Tank, when entrepreneurs often had to give up larger equity stakes to secure investment and business mentorship.
Explore More Shark Tank Guides
• Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 11 Recap
• Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 13 Recap
• Shark Tank Season 1 – Full Episode Guide
• Best Deals of Shark Tank Season 1
Frequently Asked Questions About Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12
When did Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 (S01E12) air?
**Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12 originally aired on January 22, 2010, on ABC.
What companies appeared on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12?
S01E12?
• PODillow – A face-down tanning and massage pillow with hidden storage pockets designed for beach, spa, and relaxation use.
• Grease Monkey Wipes – Heavy-duty cleaning wipes designed for mechanics, technicians, and workers who need to remove grease, oil, and grime from their hands.
• The Factionist – An eco-friendly apparel brand selling ethically produced T-shirts made with sustainable materials.
• We Can Shop – A children’s retail store concept that allowed kids to shop independently for gifts for their parents, relatives, and friends.
Who got a deal in Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12?
Grease Monkey Wipes. The founders accepted a higher equity stake to secure the investment, which was common in the early seasons of Shark Tank when many companies were still at very early stages.
How much total money was invested in Shark Tank S01E12?
Approximately $40,000 was invested during Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12.
Which company received the largest investment?
The largest deal in the episode was $40,000 for 40% equity in Grease Monkey Wipes, secured from Barbara Corcoran.
Did any companies leave without a deal in Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12?
Yes. 3 Three companies left the Tank without securing a deal in Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 12:
• PODillow
• The Factionist
• We Can Shop
The Sharks raised concerns about market demand, scalability, and differentiation for both businesses.
What industries were represented in S01E12?
Episode 12 featured businesses in several consumer and digital industries:
• Travel accessories and comfort products
• Industrial cleaning products
• Eco-friendly apparel brand
• Cashback ecommerce and online shopping rewards platforms
Is Grease Monkey Wipes still in business in 2026?
Yes. Grease Monkey Wipes continues selling heavy-duty cleaning wipes designed for mechanics, industrial workers, and DIY enthusiasts.
Is We Can Shop still operating in 2026?
We Can Shop gained exposure after appearing on Shark Tank but has had limited visibility in recent years compared with larger cashback shopping platforms.
Is PODillow still available in 2026?
PODillow, the travel pillow pitched on the show, has had limited market presence and does not appear to be widely sold through major retail channels today.
What happened to The Factionist after Shark Tank?
The celebrity voicemail service The Factionist did not secure a deal on the show and did not grow into a major commercial platform following its appearance.
