Highlights
- Total Tie Keep is a button-on accessory that keeps both the front and rear of a tie secure, offering a neater appearance.
- Dwight sought $50,000 for 15% equity but left Shark Tank without a deal as the Sharks were concerned about his part-time commitment to the business.
- Despite the setback, Total Tie Keep is still in business as of 2022, with annual revenue reaching $1 million.
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Total Tie Keep |
| Founder | Dwight Littlejohn |
| Industry | Fashion Accessories |
| Product | Necktie Accessory for Keeping Ties in Place |
| Funding Sought | $50,000 |
| Investment Ask | $50,000 |
| Equity Offered | 15% |
| Valuation | $333,333 (pre-deal) |
Dwight Littlejohn pitches the Total Tie Keep, “the ultimate neck tie accessory,” to the Sharks in Shark Tank episode 713. Total Tie Keep is a cotton fabric, button-on accessory that prevents both the front and rear of a neck tie from moving around, giving the wearer a neater appearance. Unlike tie pins, the rear end of the tie is also held in place without binding or stretching.
The Total Tie Keep attaches to a dress shirt with three button holes and has several loops to place the rear of the tie through. The rear tie then attaches through the tie loop, keeping the entire tie in place.
Littlejohn has a patent on the Total Tie Keep which he first filed in 2007. The patent became published in 2010. He’s been selling the product on his 1stMpression, LLC website for a number of years and just began selling under a branded Wix website. A single Total Tie Keep will set you back $3.99, or $14.99 for a four pack in each of four colors: white, blue, grey, and black.
Littlejohn likely needs a Shark to help ramp up production and to help with distribution.
Total Tie Keep Shark Tank Recap
Dwight enters seeking $50k for 15% of his business. He explains that he needs to look sharp and professional while protecting important people, though he’s not at liberty to say which government agency he works for. He demonstrates the product and the Sharks like it. He tells them looking totally sharp gives him a strong “command presence,” which is important in law enforcement.
A four pack of Total Tie Keep costs just $3 to make and sells for $24. His biggest problem is he doesn’t have time to sell the product because he still works. He’s given many away to people in law enforcement and sold 200 units in Men’s Wearhouse; Daymond says going to a big retailer first was a mistake. Dwight says his product needs to be explained, which is why Men’s Wearhouse didn’t continue carrying the product.
If a Shark invests, Dwight would buy more product, but he also needs help selling. Lori says he wants someone to take over the product. Mark doesn’t wear ties and says “swag isn’t what I wear, it’s what I tell everyone around me to wear.” He’s out and so is Lori.
Robert tells Dwight starting a business is a full-time job; he’s out. Daymond doesn’t want his investment to be “tuition;” he’s out too. Kevin says he’d need 116% of the company for $50K and he’s afraid Dwight would arrest him when he came looking for his investment back. He likes the product, but says “it costs more than Cuban’s suit!” Kevin is out too.
RESULT: No Deal
Total Tie Keep Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank Blog constantly provides updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs who have appeared on the Shark Tank TV show. In 2018, he celebrated 20 years of government service and he partnered with Kevin Harrington and produced this infomercial:
As of May, 2022, the company is still in business and he now sells neckties and socks. Annual revenue is $1 million.
Posts About Total Tie Keep on Shark Tank Blog
The Total Tie Keep: Totally Unprepared
Total Tie Keep Company Information
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