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The Measuring Shovel is an innovative gardening tool introduced on Season 11 of Shark Tank by a young entrepreneur, Maddox Prichard. This invention is an upgrade to a standard shovel, integrates yardstick measurements on its handle.
The Measuring Shovel has been crafted to assist in maintaining the appropriate distance between planted flora, promoting healthy growth by preventing congestion that can occur when roots suffocate each other.
The Measuring Shovel features measurement lines that run upward and downward on both sides of the handle, effectively as a substitute for a meter stick or tape measure.
These markings start at the base of the shovel blade and proceed toward the handle, with additional indicators for one, two, and three feet. This functionality is particularly advantageous when planting saplings, ensuring consistency in spacing and depth.
The tool makes gardening more straightforward by allowing users to dig holes and gauge their depth without requiring additional equipment, like a tape measure.
This 2-in-1 tool has been well received, particularly by individuals involved in gardening and similar tasks. It’s more suitable for general digging activities rather than precise measuring but saves considerable time and effort in the digging process.
| Company Name | The Measuring Shovel |
| Entrepreneur | Maddox Prichard |
| Product | Measuring Shovel Tool |
| Investment Asking For | $40,000 for 15% equity in The Measuring Shovel |
| Final Deal | $40,000 for 25% equity in The Measuring Shovel |
| Shark | Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary |
| Episode | Season 11, Episode 6 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Website | The Measuring Shovel Website |
| Net Worth | $250,000 |
What Is The Measuring Shovel?
The Measuring Shovel is an innovative gardening tool designed by Maddox, who invented it as an entry for the Middle Tennessee State University Invention Convention in 2016. This unique shovel caught the judges’ attention, leading Maddox to win the competition.
The Measuring Shovel features an engraved yardstick along the handle and the blade, making measuring depth and distance while digging effortlessly.
With its clear markings, the Measuring Shovel allows gardeners to determine the size of holes they need without using a separate measuring tool.
The Measuring Shovel is a patented and practical solution that offers convenience and accuracy to anyone involved in planting trees or performing similar tasks.
The Measuring Shovel has gained recognition for its simplicity and effectiveness, so much so that it attracted the interest of investors on the popular television show Shark Tank.
The Measuring Shovel’s blade features a clear and precise measurement of one inch, one of its standout features. These measurements start at the base of the shovel blade and continue toward the handle.
Who Is The Founder Of The Measuring Shovel?
The Measuring Shovel is the brainchild of Maddox Prichard, a young inventor from Nashville, Tennessee. At 13, Maddox showcased his inventive spirit and entrepreneurial acumen on the Shark Tank television show, pitching his unique garden shovel with a built-in yardstick.
Maddox, whose mother Amanda serves as a CFO at Sumner County School District, grew up in an environment that valued education and creativity. His journey to invent the Measuring Shovel started when he was only in the fourth grade.
It was for a school project where he was tasked with creating something that could make life easier. His mother’s need for help in the garden presented an opportunity for Maddox.
The frequent inconvenience of using a measuring tape each time a hole was dug planted the seed of an idea in young Maddox’s mind – to create a shovel that already had a measuring scale built into it.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Maddox proactively showcased his invention on several platforms, winning multiple awards at events such as the National Invention Convention in Washington, DC, and the Tennessee Invention Convention.
This simple yet revolutionary product also led him to become a speaker and judge at several events. A significant stepping stone was when Maddox’s school principal advised him to file a patent for his unique invention.
With the help of a local lawyer who generously offered his services for free, Maddox was able to secure the patent, further solidifying the potential of his budding enterprise.
The Measuring Shovel was still in its pre-launch stage when Maddox and his family decided to participate in Shark Tank in 2019, demonstrating unwavering optimism in the potential of their product.
The family sought $40,000 in exchange for a 15% stake in the company. Despite production not starting then, Maddox’s entrepreneurial spirit and the practicality of the Measuring Shovel made an impression on the Sharks.
Although the company has faced some challenges and delays, likely due to the unfortunate passing of Maddox’s father, the Measuring Shovel remains a noteworthy invention.
Currently estimated to be worth $250,000 due to its patented status, it promises to revolutionize gardening tasks by making them simpler and more efficient.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of The Measuring Shovel?
The Shark Tank pitch of The Measuring Shovel, an innovative gardening tool designed by the young inventor Maddox Prichard, demonstrated a clear blend of entrepreneurship and ingenuity.
Maddox and his mother Amanda sought an investment of $40,000 in exchange for 15% equity in their business, valuing The Measuring Shovel at $266,666.
The Measuring Shovel was a tool created with a built-in yardstick on its handle and blade, a simple yet effective innovation aimed at aiding gardeners by offering precise measurements while digging holes or spacing out plants.
Despite his young age, Maddox displayed admirable composure before the Sharks. He shared that his idea was born from a fourth-grade invention project and won him several awards at invention fairs.
His inventive spirit and the practicality of The Measuring Shovel impressed the Sharks, who agreed that if they were buying a shovel, they would rather have The Measuring Shovel than a standard one.
Not all Sharks showed interest in the product, though. Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec admitted they weren’t gardening enthusiasts and were quick to bow out of the negotiations.
However, Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary saw the product’s potential and marketability. They suggested a focus on licensing the product and made a combined offer of $40,000 for a 30% equity stake in the business.
Guest shark Daniel Lubetzky also made a counteroffer, primarily motivated by his admiration for Maddox and his family. His proposed deal comprised $40,000 for 25% equity, focusing on the business’s manufacturing and operational aspects.
Faced with a tough decision, Maddox sought to negotiate better terms with Lori and Kevin, asking them to either decrease their equity request or increase their investment.
However, they remained firm with their original offer. After weighing his options, Maddox accepted Lori and Kevin’s offer of $40,000 for a 30% stake in his business.
However, The Measuring Shovel hasn’t reached the commercial market for over two years since the episode aired. The product is unavailable through the company’s website, which promises it will be available soon.
What Happened To The Measuring Shovel After Shark Tank?
After the promising presentation on Shark Tank and securing a deal with Sharks Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary, the situation regarding The Measuring Shovel appears quite complex.
Despite the interest garnered and the deal made on the show, the product is yet to hit the market as of the last update. There could be multiple factors affecting this delay.
One of the main considerations pointed out in the information provided was the unfortunate passing of Maddox’s father, which might have impacted the progress of the business and production process.
According to reports, the deal agreed upon during the Shark Tank presentation with Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary for $40,000 in exchange for 30% equity in the business never closed.
The reasons behind this remain undisclosed. It’s also unclear whether the business pursued the licensing route suggested by the Sharks during the pitch.
The company’s website is still operational and promises that The Measuring Shovel will be available soon. However, over two years have passed since the Shark Tank episode aired, and the product’s unavailability on the market means it isn’t generating any revenue yet.
Despite these challenges, the company’s value is estimated to be around $250,000, largely due to its patent on The Measuring Shovel.
The company hopes to secure a licensing deal with a larger corporation, bringing The Measuring Shovel to market and generating revenue through royalties.
The Measuring Shovel Shark Tank Update
The Measuring Shovel is a gardening tool invented by Maddox Pritchard, a young entrepreneur, to solve the problem of measuring plant distances and provide a convenient all-in-one tool for gardening tasks. Maddox appeared on Shark Tank seeking a $40,000 investment for 15% equity.
During his appearance on the show, Maddox received an offer from Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner, who proposed investing $40,000 in exchange for a 30% equity share in the business.
Maddox accepted the offer, and the investment was intended to further develop the product from its prototype stage into a final market-ready version.
The current business status of The Measuring Shovel is unclear. The product is still unavailable for sale and remains in the pre-launch phase.
However, the company’s website and social media accounts are active, indicating ongoing efforts to bring the product to market. Despite being unavailable for purchase, The Measuring Shovel has garnered attention for its innovative design and potential in the gardening industry.
The tool’s features, such as length and depth measurements, make it a unique and convenient solution for gardeners, simplifying tasks such as spacing and planting.
While The Measuring Shovel has not yet been released for sale, Maddox Pritchard, the inventor and entrepreneur behind the product, continues to work on developing the business.
The investment received from Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner on Shark Tank has likely contributed to the product’s development, and further updates on the business are being tracked.
According to our research, The Measuring Shovel is still in business. You can purchase The Measuring Shovel from their website and Amazon.
What Is the Net Worth Of The Measuring Shovel?
According to our research, the net worth of The Measuring Shovel is estimated to be $250,000. The valuation of The Measuring Shovel was $160,000 when it secured a deal from Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary on Shark Tank.
