Grease Monkey Wipes, a novel product designed to efficiently remove heavy-duty grime from hands and surfaces, made its debut on the widely popular television show, Shark Tank. The inventors, Erin Whalen and Tim Stansbury, pitched their unique cleaning solution, impressing both the audience and the investors with their innovative concept.
But what happened after the show? This article delves into the journey of Grease Monkey Wipes post-Shark Tank, examining their growth, challenges, and current status. We’ll explore whether the company managed to leverage the exposure and investment from Shark Tank to propel its business to new heights.
What Is Grease Monkey Wipes?
The effectiveness of Grease Monkey Wipes has been confirmed by numerous reviews and tests. One writer from The Kitchn even tested the citrus oil-based cleaner around her home and was impressed by its performance. It’s clear that this product, first introduced on Shark Tank, has found a solid place in the market.
But what makes Grease Monkey Wipes a true standout is their versatility. They’ve been formulated to address grease and dirt on a variety of surfaces, making them an excellent cleaning secret weapon for any home or workshop. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn stain on your kitchen counter or a greasy mess in your garage, these wipes are up to the task.
Pros:
- Efficiency: These wipes have been reported to be highly effective at removing grease, oil, lubricants, grime, and dirt from various surfaces. They are known for their almost-instant impact;
- Versatility: They can be used in a variety of settings, including the kitchen, garage, or even for outdoor equipment like bikes, cars, and boats, making them a multi-purpose cleaning solution;
- Citrus Formula: The citrus formula not only adds a pleasant scent but also enhances the cleaning power of the wipes;
- User-friendly: Despite being powerful cleaners, these wipes are reportedly safe for use on skin;
Cons:
- Price: Depending on the package size, Grease Monkey Wipes can range from $ 2.99 to $ 19.99, which may be considered expensive for some consumers;
- Disposable: As disposable wipes, they contribute to waste, which might not appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers;
- Limited Availability: While they can be purchased online, accessibility may be an issue for those who prefer to buy in physical stores [2];
Who Should Use Grease Monkey Wipes:
- Automobile Enthusiasts: Those who frequently work on cars, bikes, or other vehicles will appreciate the ability of these wipes to efficiently remove grease, oil, and dirt;
- DIYers/Home Improvement Buffs: People who enjoy DIY projects or home improvements often encounter stubborn grime and dirt. Grease Monkey Wipes can help clean up quickly and effectively;
- Outdoor Adventurers: Outdoor enthusiasts who engage in activities like camping, hiking, or biking can use these wipes for quick clean-ups of equipment or even their hands;
- Professional Mechanics: In professional settings where dealing with heavy machinery, engines, or other greasy equipment is common, these wipes can be an essential part of the toolkit;
- Household Use: For general household cleaning tasks, these wipes can be useful. They can help clean kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, and other surfaces that accumulate grime over time;
- Artists: Artists working with oil-based paints or other messy materials can use Grease Monkey Wipes for quick, effective cleanup;
Remember, while Grease Monkey Wipes are safe for use on the skin, they should not be used as a substitute for regular hand washing or sanitizing. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
About Founders Of Grease Monkey Wipes
Tim Stansbury obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Oklahoma State University back in 1995, and subsequently, he pursued a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the same prestigious institution.
His professional journey commenced as a Product Manager, where he lent his expertise to several Texan companies. However, his true passion lay in the world of bicycles, leading him to make a career shift into the bicycle industry.
Erin Whalen, on the other hand, graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the esteemed University of Texas at Austin. Her thirst for knowledge and advancement in her field drove her to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing and Consulting, which she successfully completed in 2013.
Her professional journey kicked off in the realm of marketing communications, but her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her maiden venture, Running Banana. This eCommerce platform specializes in offering top-notch running apparel, showcasing her knack for innovation.
Tim Stansbury and Erin Whalen, the masterminds behind Grease Monkey Wipes, stumbled upon a rather peculiar predicament during a grueling 100-mile bike ride. It became painfully evident that whenever maintenance was required mid-ride, the stubborn grease clinging to their hands and attire refused to budge, no matter how arduously they endeavored to scrub it away.
This conundrum plagued countless fellow cyclists, making it abundantly clear that a solution was sorely needed. As the miles rolled on during their ride, Stansbury and Whalen forged a verbal pact to embark on research and development, aimed at devising a remedy for this enduring issue.
Through a process riddled with experimentation and learning from their mistakes, the ingenious duo, Tim and Erin, successfully birthed a product that surpassed their initial intentions. It dawned on them that their creation possessed the potential to transcend its origins in the cycling world.
By harnessing the cleansing power of citrus oil to dismantle the most stubborn stains, they birthed Grease Monkey Wipes. They soon came to realize that this versatile product had applications that extended well beyond the realm of bicycles, rendering it exceedingly marketable across a multitude of categories.
The Pitch Of Grease Monkey Wipes At Shark Tank
Tim Stansbury and Erin Whalen stride confidently toward the Sharks, taking their place before the esteemed panel.
With an air of professionalism, Tim Stansbury initiates the presentation by cordially introducing themselves as the creators behind the innovative company, Grease Monkey Wipes. He then proceeds to outline their request: they are seeking a $ 40,000 investment in exchange for a 40% equity stake in Grease Monkey Wipes [4].
Erin Whalen seamlessly assumes the reins of the presentation, captivating the Sharks by posing a relatable question: Have you ever found yourself coated in stubborn grease or grime with no quick solution at hand? She shares her own experiences, particularly during grueling 100-mile bike rides, where changing a tire could leave hands saturated in grease.
Erin Whalen recounts her frustration in trying to remove the grease using conventional methods, such as rubbing on grass or attempting to clean her shorts, all to no avail. At that juncture, the lightbulb moment arrived, and together with Tim Stansbury, they conceived the idea of a portable cleaning product that could effortlessly vanquish grease, grime, and dirt. Thus, Grease Monkey Wipes was born.
In a dynamic display, Erin Whalen distributes individual samples of Grease Monkey Wipes to the intrigued Sharks.
Tim Stansbury, taking the floor once more, expounds on the uniqueness of Grease Monkey Wipes. He highlights their individual packaging, which facilitates convenient use and storage, while emphasizing that these wipes utilize a natural, non-toxic citrus-based cleaner to tackle even the most stubborn of messes, setting them apart from ordinary antibacterial wipes.
To underscore the efficacy of Grease Monkey Wipes, Erin Whalen approaches a greasy car engine part, demonstrating how conventional wet wipes prove futile in cleaning it.
She then attempts to clean her hands with a regular wet wipe, further emphasizing their limited capabilities.
Tim Stansbury chimes in, confidently asserting that a Grease Monkey Wipe would have effortlessly cleaned her hands in this scenario.
Kevin O’Leary, ever the inquisitive Shark, inquires about the ingredient responsible for breaking down the oil.
Tim Stansbury promptly identifies citrus oils as the key ingredient, revealing that these oils are a byproduct of juice companies’ orange-squeezing process.
Robert Herjavec inquires about how they discovered this unique formula.
Tim Stansbury details their extensive product testing efforts prior to launching Grease Monkey Wipes, highlighting their quest for a natural, environmentally safe, and chemical-free solution.
Tim Stansbury then reveals a board adorned with permanent marker stains, crayon marks, and paint stains, illustrating the versatility of Grease Monkey Wipes [5], which are adept at cleaning not only grease but also these common household stains.
Putting theory into practice, Tim Stansbury demonstrates the effectiveness of Grease Monkey Wipes by wiping away the stains.
Erin Whalen interjects, emphasizing how these wipes are a boon for mothers dealing with perpetually messy children.
Robert Herjavec engages Erin Whalen by asking her to display her hand, which she proudly exhibits, showcasing its pristine cleanliness after using a Grease Monkey Wipe.
Kevin O’Leary, with a keen sense of smell, detects the distinct aroma of orange oil, an indicator of its concentrated citrus cleaning power.
Kevin O’Leary poses a challenging question, inquiring whether Tim Stansbury could potentially face competition from imitators who might replicate their idea, given the commonality of citrus-based oils.
Tim Stansbury, however, defends the uniqueness of Grease Monkey Wipes, emphasizing their portable nature and the absence of comparable, individually packaged, powerful wet wipes in the market.
A discussion about patents ensues, with Tim Stansbury revealing that they’ve opted not to patent their products to safeguard their formulas and ideas in the early stages of their venture.
Kevin Harrington recognizes that wet wipes exist in various categories but observes that Grease Monkey Wipes sets itself apart by avoiding heavy industrial chemicals.
Tim Stansbury underscores the absence of harsh chemicals and the inclusion of a citrus formula, reiterating the convenience of being able to purchase Grease Monkey Wipes individually for on-the-go use.
Kevin Harrington commends the appealing color combination of the Grease Monkey Logo on cycling shirts and inquires about their trademarks.
Erin Whalen proudly affirms that their logo is indeed trademarked, with Robert Herjavec chiming in to express his admiration for its design.
Kevin O’Leary queries Tim Stansbury on their sales figures to date.
Tim Stansbury reports that Grease Monkey Wipes have only been on the market for a few months, during which they’ve sold 7,600 units, resulting in a gross revenue of $ 7,400.
Kevin O’Leary expresses surprise at the $ 1 per package price point, questioning its sustainability.
Tim Stansbury remains steadfast in their pricing strategy, underlining the massive market potential with 285 million registered cars, 13 million boats, and over 6 million motorcycles in the United States alone, which promises substantial growth.
Erin Whalen adds that they’ve achieved a 75% success rate when pitching Grease Monkey Wipes to smaller markets like cycling stores.
Barbara Corcoran inquires about reorders from these stores.
Tim Stansbury clarifies that approximately 40% of the shops they’ve sold to have reordered Grease Monkey Wipes, while the remainder are new customers who’ve just received their initial orders.
Daymond John appreciates the presentation but declares it’s not aligned with his interests and opts out.
Barbara Corcoran, in her characteristic candid style, voices her hesitation, admitting that she’s a bit perplexed by Tim Stansbury’s appearance.
She questions Tim Stansbury’s business background, to which he responds by highlighting his MBA in marketing and his prior experience in product management and marketing.
Kevin O’Leary raises concerns about the lack of proprietary content and the potential for competitors to copy the concept. Although he admires the company, he decides to pass on investing.
Kevin Harrington also praises the presentation but believes Grease Monkey Wipes doesn’t possess sufficient uniqueness and opts out.
Barbara Corcoran lauds Tim Stansbury and Erin Whalen’s efforts, expressing her admiration for their branding, logo, and products. However, as someone who doesn’t typically get her hands dirty, she can’t personally connect with the product and decides to pass.
Robert Herjavec, the last Shark standing, commends the duo for their presentation and their impressive answers. He appreciates Tim Stansbury’s credentials and Erin Whalen’s passion. In a moment of suspense, he expresses his interest and offers to invest.
As Robert Herjavec rises to shake hands with Erin Whalen, Barbara Corcoran interjects, revealing her intention to make an offer as well due to her affection for Erin Whalen.
Barbara Corcoran proposes a joint venture with Robert Herjavec, suggesting they go fifty-fifty on the deal.
Tim Stansbury and Erin Whalen graciously accept the joint offer from Barbara Corcoran and Robert Herjavec [6].
In the post-presentation interview, Erin Whalen declares their ambition to transform Grease Monkey Wipes into a nationally and internationally recognized brand. She envisions their product gracing store shelves worldwide.
Grease Monkey Wipes After The Shark Tank
The story of Grease Monkey Wipes’ success doesn’t end with the Shark Tank. After their appearance on the show, Erin and Tim managed to sell their product to Beaumont Products, a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly products. This acquisition, which took place a few years after its Shark Tank appearance, allowed the brand to expand its reach and continue its mission of providing effective, easy-to-use cleaning solutions.
To this very day, Grease Monkey Wipes continues to grace the virtual shelves of countless online retailers and an array of brick-and-mortar stores across the globe. You can readily locate these products on the official Grease Monkey Wipes website, where a wealth of information about the diverse range of Grease Monkey Wipes offerings awaits your perusal. If you desire to make a purchase, the website offers a convenient ordering process.
It’s worth noting that the majority of customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Many customers express their admiration for the versatility of Grease Monkey Wipes, highlighting their effectiveness not only in tackling grease and grime but also in combating stubborn dirt, permanent marker stains, and even crayon stains.
The convenience of individually packaged wipes that can be effortlessly stowed away in cars or backpacks further endears these wipes to their users.
During the period when Grease Monkey Wipes was taking its initial strides, Stansbury concurrently served as a customer service representative for Jack & Adam’s Bicycles, nestled in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Today, he’s found himself immersed in the realm of Product Management & Strategy, contributing his skills at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
After dedicating a fruitful five years to the development of Grease Monkey Wipes, a journey that commenced in 2008, Erin transitioned into a role as a business consultant, offering her invaluable insights to a diverse range of enterprises.
Today, Erin holds the prestigious position of Business Management Director at the illustrious Boston Consulting Group, where her expertise continues to flourish.
The Net Worth Of Grease Monkey Wipes
Whalen observes that Grease Monkey Wipes’ sales have surged by a staggering 700% following her appearance on Shark Tank.
At that juncture, Stansbury and Whalen had generated $ 7,400 in revenue, implying that by 2011, their earnings would have exceeded $ 51,800 [8].
In their memorable appearance on Shark Tank, Tim Stansbury disclosed that their product was priced at a mere $ 1 per package. When questioned about the sustainability of this pricing strategy for the company, he further elaborated by highlighting the vast market potential.
He pointed out that there were a staggering two hundred and eighty-five million cars, thirty million boats, and over six million motorbikes registered in the United States of America. This extensive market, he believed, held the promise of substantial growth for their business.
Following the acquisition of the company by Beaumont Products, the product found its way onto the Amazon platform, where a box containing 25 wipes is now available for purchase at the price of $ 15.97.
The exact amount Beaumont Products shelled out to acquire Grease Monkey Wipes remains shrouded in mystery.
Nonetheless, Beaumont Products boasts an estimated annual income of $ 15.6 million across a diverse array of 10 brands.
Consequently, it’s plausible that Grease Monkey Wipes might pull in approximately $ 2 million in annual revenue.
Presently, Grease Monkey Wipes are readily available at all major home, outdoor, and automotive retailers, including e-commerce giants like Amazon and other prominent retail chains.
Alternatives To Grease Monkey Wipes :
- DUDE Wipes: These flushable wipes are unscented and extra-large, infused with vitamin E and aloe. While they are marketed primarily for personal hygiene use, they could potentially be used for light cleaning tasks;
- Four Wheel Surrey Bikes also might offer cleaning solutions suitable for bicycles or other similar vehicles;
- Cooking Oil and Baking Soda: This DIY solution can be used for removing stubborn sticker and label residue, although it might not be as convenient or effective as pre-moistened wipes for broader cleaning tasks [10];
FAQ:
- When can you use Grease Monkey wipes?
Grease Monkey Wipes are multi-purpose, pre-moistened, disposable cleaning wipes designed to easily remove grease, oil, lubricants, grime, and dirt. They can be used when soap and water are unavailable and are strong enough to remove stubborn messes. Furthermore, they can be used to clean both hands and surfaces.
- Are Grease Monkey wipes still in business?
Grease Monkey Wipes appears to still be in business as of September 2023. Their products are available for purchase online.
- What kind of oil does Grease Monkey Wipes clean?
Grease Monkey Wipes harness the cleansing potency of a gentle yet robust citrus-based formula to effortlessly eradicate a wide spectrum of contaminants. Whether it’s grease, grime, oil, lubricants, stubborn adhesives, indelible permanent ink stains, or other stubborn residues, these wipes prove remarkably effective.
What sets them apart is their commitment to being free of harsh chemicals, ensuring a safe and environmentally friendly cleaning solution.
- What are the best wipes for removing grease?
While Grease Monkey Wipes are highly praised for their effectiveness at removing grease, the best wipes for this purpose could vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Factors such as price, environmental impact, ingredients, and personal skin sensitivity can influence this choice.
- Do baby wipes remove grease?
While baby wipes can be used for light cleaning tasks, they may not be as effective as specialized grease-removing wipes like Grease Monkey Wipes for removing heavy or stubborn grease.
- Do wipes remove oil?
Yes, certain types of wipes, especially those designed for heavy-duty cleaning like Grease Monkey Wipes, can effectively remove oil. They’re formulated with powerful cleaning agents that can break down and remove oil from various surfaces.
- Can wet wipes remove oil?
Wet wipes can remove light amounts of oil, but for heavier or more stubborn oil, specialized cleaning wipes like Grease Monkey Wipes would likely be more effective.
Useful Video: Grease Monkey Wipes Shark Tank Investment
References:
- https://www.sharktankblog.com/business/grease-monkey-wipes/
- https://sharktanktales.com/grease-monkey-wipes-shark-tank-update/
- https://bizzbucket.co/grease-monkey-wipes-shark-tank-update/
- https://seoaves.com/what-happened-to-grease-monkey-wipes-after-shark-tank/
- https://www.sharktanksuccess.com/grease-monkey-wipes/
- https://gazettereview.com/2016/06/grease-monkey-wipes-shark-tank-update/
- https://2paragraphs.com/2017/09/grease-monkey-wipes-learns-to-say-no-after-shark-tank/
- https://www.thekitchn.com/shark-tank-grease-monkey-wipes-review-23273558
- https://famouspeopletoday.com/grease-monkey-wipes/
- https://quotesnhumor.com/grease-monkey-wipes-net-worth/
