Shark Tank Recap
In Season 2 Episode 4 , Ken Howell appeared on Shark Tank seeking $25,000 for 20% – a $100,000 valuation for his homemade beef jerky, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky.
Here’s a quick recap before we dive into the Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Shark Tank update.
The Negotiations
- : “This isn’t an investable business.”
Out - : Thinks the business is too small
Out - : Loves the story but it’s a small regional, microbrand. It tastes great, but it’s not selling enough
Out - : It tastes great, tastes fresh, but it’s comeptitive with his own beef jerky business.
Out - : Thinks Ken doesn’t need any help to get it back on the road.
Out
| Season 2 Episode 4 | |
|---|---|
| Episode Number | |
| Network | |
| Air Date | April 8, 2011 |
| Business Pitch | Authentic homemade preservative-free and chemical-free beef jerky |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur/Founder | Ken Howell |
| Asked For | $25,000 for 20% |
| Deal | No Offers |
| Shark | No Shark |
| Business Status | In Busiess |
|---|---|
| Estimated Valuation | — |
| Website | www.unclezipsjerky.com |
After Shark Tank Update
Uncle Zip may have left the Tank without a deal but that wasn’t enough to stop the Jerky enthusiast.
He continued to push on with his authentic beef jerky business until his cancer diagnosis was too much for him to bear.
Unfortunately, Kenneth sadly passed away from cancer in May of 2014. Kenneth’s school friend Jeffrey Harris is managing the company now, who worked for the company on the marketing side prior and updated their website from time to time.1
Despite some early setbacks, the company is back on track, and Jeffrey remains the president.
Where Are They Now?
2022 Update:Headquartered in Hope Mills, North Carolina, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is still in business. However, it would appear hungry patrons and fans of the product can only order directly from their website for shipping across the USA.
- https://www.fayobserver.com/news/20180312/myron-b-pitts-uncle-zips-beef-jerky-story-of-two-fast-friends-and-continuing-legacy[↩]
Don’t attempt a purchase form Uncle Zip. They take the money but don’t ship product and don’t respond to emails.
Exactly the same thing. I ordered a 2 pack of beef jerky for my husband’s and it’s anniversary because he loves beef jerky’s I ordered it on October 24th and within a week I hadn’t heard anything so I called and he claimed he had just changed distributors but he would send it immediately and send out something extra for the issue. I get an email on 11/4/2020 stating it had been shipped. So I waited a few more days and followed up online with the shipping number and it had never been shipped the label had only been created. So I called yet again on a Monday and I was promised it would bE here by Saturday and yet again it doesn’t show up. Here were are a month later and I call and speak to them and they said they are behind because of COVID and the holidays. So I requested a refund and said I would not get off the line until I got a confirmation number but he then stated he could not find my information and it was running slow due to he was on a hotspot. Every time I spoke to him he had an excuse, different distributor, moved to a new location, couldn’t find my card information. He is shady and is stealing Money from people!!!! BEWARE DO NOT ORDER FROM HIM!!!! I HAVE MY OWN BUSINESS AND IF I DID WHAT HE DID I WOULD BE BANKRUPT! PLEASE TAKE IT FROM ME HE WILL JUST STEAL YOUR MONEY!!!
https://www.fayobserver.com/article/20140531/news/305319773
Might want to do your research…