How I Made Over $220M In Sales Creating Scrub Daddy | The Ground Up

On store shelves, customers might only see a bright yellow smile waiting to add some shine to the kitchen. But, behind the iconic ridges and gleaming eye holes are years of sweat and machine grime for Aaron Krause, 54, Scrub Daddy’s Founder and CEO.
Aaron's entrepreneurial journey started when he was just a kid living in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. At 10 years old, he created his first invention: A rope and pulley system to turn his bedroom light on and off from his bed so he didn't have to get up and do it.
From there, Aaron kept his innovative side going by washing cars in the neighborhood. After graduating from Syracuse University in 1992 with a psychology degree, he told his family that he was going to open his own car washing business. His family was shocked and upset with his career path, to say the least.
But Aaron knew he could make it work. Not only by washing cars, but to start inventing new products. In 1994, he invented his first big product, which was a buffing pad for polishing cars.
In 1995, Aaron sold his car washing business and turned his focus to a new venture: Dedication To Detail, a buffing pad manufacturer. A few years after creating his business, he received polyester urethane foam from German manufacturer FoamPartner, which became a key part of Scrub Daddy's material now known as FlexTexture. However, the buffing pads he was selling with this foam at this time did not sell well and he was forced to stop selling it due to low sales in the market.
On September 3, 2008, Dedication To Detail was bought out by multi-national manufacturer 3M. Aaron's sponges ended up sitting at the back of the Detail factory for five years until March 2011 when they found a new life. That foam became the material of the sponge for the Scrub Daddy, which he pitched on Shark Tank in October 2012. As soon as the episode aired, Aaron's life changed forever.
Since then, the company moved their headquarters to Pennsauken, New Jersey in 2021. Their newest facility features a television studio, a warehouse, a koi pond, and a store for customers to buy their products.
Today, Scrub Daddy has made over $220 million in sales for 2023. But, Aaron said his sponge empire is just getting started.
00:00 - This Is Scrub Daddy
00:30 - Meet The Scrub Daddy
01:24 - The Sponge Dynasty
02:22 - Aaron’s First Invention
03:07 - An Early Entrepreneur
04:05 - Creating The Buffing Pad
04:42 - Finding The Right Material & Securing A Patent
05:57 - Starting Dedication to Detail
07:07 - The New Life Of A Sponge
09:02 - Building A Company
10:12 - Spotting A Knock Off
10:22 - Pitching To His First Customers
10:39 - Leveraging The Press
10:57 - Scrub Daddy’s QVC Debut
12:07 - Feeling Inspired By Shark Tank
12:49 - The Road To Shark Tank
13:07 - Perfecting The Pitch
13:54 - Preparing To Swim With Sharks
14:25 - An Unexpected Change
14:49 - Robert Herjavec’s Herald For Retail
15:16 - Mark Cuban’s Cut And Run
15:26 - Withdrawing Mr. Wonderful
16:13 - Lori Greiner See’s A Gain
17:11 - Aaron’s Vindication
17:53 - A Deal for Scrub Daddy
18:07 - Reaching New Heights
18:46 - Aaron's Partnership With Lori
19:51 - Scrub Daddy Moves To Pennsauken
20:11 - Aaron's Business Vision
20:59 - Keeping Sustainability In Their Sights
22:12 - One Thing Aaron Would Change
22:42 - Scrub Daddy's Future
23:13 - The Krause's Family Lesson
24:19 - What Aaron's Learned
24:39 - Outro
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#ScrubDaddy #Scrubdynasty #Fortune

[@ScrubDaddyOfficial]

Thank you, Fortune, for sharing our story! We're just getting started ;)

[@fortune]

We loved telling your story! Thanks for sharing it with us! 🧽

[@user-tq5vq6id6b]

Great story, hope this company evolves

[@jond181]

Huge fan of scrub daddy !

[@user-nw6mz7nc5k]

I love you Scrub Daddy!!! Best sponge ever!

[@BS-my2ky]

can't believe I watched the entire thing. you're awesome aaron

[@SharlemNina]

He seems like such a great guy on top of everything.

[@ScrubDaddyOfficial]

Aarons the man

[@ThePeacePlant]

Right, he seems like a very cool dude

[@ngweso]

The smiley face on the sponge reminds me of him fr. Seems like a smiley dude

[@xriot1752]

the scrub daddy chain is cold af

[@ironxfist6008]

and that embroidery on his shirt collar!!

[@lizazul18]

I finally gave in and bought my first scrub daddy and I can honestly tell you I will never purchase a different sponge. He truly created an amazing product!

[@retroroller]

This man is the COOLEST human being to exist I swear 😂 there needs to be a book about him

[@ScrubDaddyOfficial]

hmmmm not a bad idea...

[@Justin-uc8sc]

That’s a bold statement. There have been 120 billion humans to have ever existed, and you rank him as #1, when you haven’t even seen 99.99% of them?

[@Commander_Shepard.]

@@Justin-uc8sc Nah he's the coolest. It's not an opinion, it's factual.

[@vinnymac7565]

This is what a company looks like when it's not the typical greedy and selfish snob.

[@victorblock3421]

So most businesses are "typical greedy and selfish snob". Tell us about it.

[@vinnymac7565]

@@victorblock3421 I did. You literally repeated it back.

[@victorblock3421]

@@vinnymac7565 no you did not. Why are u a more on?

[@ZephyrinSkies]

What a wholesome, genuine guy. It feels like something from a different timeline. I don't know him, but I feel so proud of him lol

[@MedMicroBioMe]

I love this for him. He seems like such a nice guy, and I never thought someone being excited about a sponge would make me excited about a sponge lol

[@heygoodbyee]

The part at the end with his mother made me cry. You’re doing amazing Aaron, thank you for your awesome products!

[@ScrubDaddyOfficial]

Thank you for your support!!

[@naimajones9780]

I live in europe, austria and I went to the drug store today and I was so happy to see scrub daddy on the shelves! Finally they are expanding to Europe. I have been waiting for this for so long! I bought 2

[@dmgfoto4508]

How much did you pay for 2 Scrub Dady's and in what country are you in?

[@lps2013luv]

@@dmgfoto4508im in Croatia and I bought one like an hour ago and it was i thing 4 euros and something.

[@aylovongary1862]

SAME

[@ellenponder4787]

The rise of the Scrub Daddy has been incredible so I love getting to know the background story of this innovative company, makes me appreciate their products even more!

[@colorfullyme]

Sometimes people call me naive for "following my heart" as if it is somehow in opposition to following my head. My head truly believes that following your heart is the best way to find true success. Aaron Krause's heart wanted to keep washing cars. He is intelligent and educated, and his family wanted something different for him, but he followed his heart rather than his ego. And now he is not only financially successful but also clearly deeply proud of and passionate about his work. A true inspiration. Thank you for making the great documentary.

[@kokkakurogers1520]

I hate washing dishes so much, but when I tried the scrub daddy it truely helped me clean my apt.

[@ScrubDaddyOfficial]

Thats wassup! Thank you for the support :)

[@kokkakurogers1520]

@@ScrubDaddyOfficial I love you btw 💛💛💛

[@TalesOfTrillions]

Aaron's journey from washing cars to making millions with Scrub Daddy proves that innovation can come from the most unexpected places! 💡💰

[@oscarwong5226]

This is some authentic, true entrepreneurship story, not those randomly asking strangers how they become successful reels shit

[@noelr1010]

Just by watching his Shark Tank episode it's easy to tell that he's super smart. Now that I watch this, it all makes sense. I'm very happy for him and his company.

[@MrPotatoes97]

I thought the scrub daddy was a scam, just another sponge, but it really is amazing and doesn't smell. Lasts almost a year, costs next to nothing and makes my life easier. It literally is an amazing product and he really deserves to be a millionaire

[@warwagon]

Mine will eventually start to smell, at which point I call it "Stinky Daddy". Then I bleached it, and it smells better again. Towards the end of the sponge's life it the face starts to sag,a at which point I name it "Creepy Daddy"

[@blazinpyromaniac]

They sell it for close to $5 at my local Walgreens. That much for just one sponge is way too much

[@MrPotatoes97]

@@blazinpyromaniac Oh no $5 a year on sponges 💀

[@blazinpyromaniac]

@@MrPotatoes97 LOL these sponges last 1-2 months at most

[@Visethelegend]

@@blazinpyromaniacyeah and in a family of 4-5 it lasts like 3-4 weeks, if it lasted 2 months it would make sense for me to buy but a whole year? Yeah that’s bs

[@omar-eduardocoronado]

This whole business is a textbook example of inventions and entrepreneurship. I teach Spanish and at some point O teach a business module, and Scrub Daddy is a perfect case study to analyze and review. Its a teachers wet dream when it comes to lesson planning

[@trainerlsw]

It must be an insane feeling owning the biggest sponge company in the world. Aaron has really made an impact with his product. Godspeed, for the journy of Scrub Daddy continues forward!

[@christophervanoster]

Listening to this while doing my dishes with a scrub daddy is such an experience. I’m so glad you make an orange Daddy as it’s my favorite color and makes me look forward to doing dishes as weird as that sounds😂. Aaron to you and the whole company I love your products I wish I could buy more!

[@ScrubDaddyOfficial]

Can't thank you enough for your support!!

[@annberlin5811]

Did u see the halloween frankenstein scrub daddy?

[@andy2641]

Yess i love orange, there’s not enough people like us 😔

[@Retronize84]

This guy is an absolute inspiration. I live in Japan and I was finally able to buy scrub daddy (it was an 8 pack at costco) and I LOVE the sponge. It feels so good in the hand and cleans so well. I am also using one outside to clean and it got my daughter to clean because she loves the smiley face. My only little problem is that it doesn't produce enough suds compared to a soft sponge and I use more detergent but I am guessing they have a product in the line for that.

[@cegirl25]

I love this!! I didn’t realize how much work and dedication was put into the scrub daddy! I remember seeing it on shark tank too!!

[@ScrubDaddyOfficial]

Yup! Lot of work put into this company, but all worth it to make people smile :)

[@daiishi_kinyoubi]

The guy is a visionary

[@IP-zk2fo]

Thank you for bringing Scrubb Daddy, best product i ever bought for kitchen !!!!

[@ai-connexa]

That’s such a great example of determination & belief in your system. I would want to work at a company like that!

[@stevenfragoza46]

ok but that new guy who dose the shorts is a pure comedic genius

[@Marshall1q.]

marketing genius

[@tesla-spectre]

Sponge Bob wished, Aaron would have been his dad.

[@sajid1979]

Some people have it, some don’t. This guy is a genius! very creative and love the energy! GO DADDY!!

[@omelette1480]

I’m a simple gal, if I see any video about Mr.Aaron Krause talking about his unwavering passion for Scrub Daddy, I click 🙂‍↕️

[@mim0so]

Nicely edited! The Ceo also put his heart into telling his story. You deserve more subscribers!

[@craziiloz4532]

This story has left such a smile on my face, well done Aaron. I’m a big fan from Australia 🇦🇺 use many of your products!! They are truly the best!!

[@Amazing.World.2024]

This was very motivating thank you so much for filming it and making this video. I loved watching The Journey of Scrub Daddy become a success

[@aylovongary1862]

15:00 I AM DYING HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA "you are not the brightest are you? but I said: I understand" HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAAH I love this guy

[@thesolodaughter]

The video is well put together! Makes me love my Scrub Daddy sponge more and more after learning the hardships and journey that Aaron went through. They deserve all the success!

[@EcomCarl]

Such a powerful reminder that what initially appears as setbacks can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Embracing change and staying adaptable is key to turning challenges into stepping stones for growth. 🌱

[@mumarsq]

All the problems you go through become a huge part of the success you achieve.

[@fudomyoo9762]

Great story and a great product. Scrub Daddy is the only sponge product I buy now. Completely replaced all other scrubbing devices and sponges and turned it into one.

[@folarinosibodu]

What a good guy. Deserves his success.

[@joshualacoste5081]

very informative video, i loved the graphics thank u fortune

[@leejace]

This is a great product. I’m surprised they don’t market how this sponge doesn’t hold bacterial. Normal dish washing pads get smelly and chlorine is needed to get rid of smell. This sponge never smells.

[@notshynotme3561]

The material that its made of "polyurethane foam" is actually mold-resistant ☺️ keeps moisture away and bacteria from growing

[@Nickgowans]

Shark didnt do too badly. She basically spent 200k for tens of millions

[@patsgarage8593]

Its a great story. I use his products and love them. I didn't realize how much behind the scenes work there was before shark tank. He worked his ass off and killed it. I love the story and i love that its made in the usa.

[@LauraLouise008]

What a great story, and I love that you can recycle the sponges back awesome!!

[@PHPLITHIUM]

I've been using scrub daddy since its shark tank feature. I love this product and all the variants you've added through the years. Great job!!

[@venerad6985]

This is amazing! And I love Scrub Daddy products, I’m a huge fan ❤thank you!

[@X-Prime123]

Such a cool story. Well done for them both.

[@Mary-el3pi]

I use my Scrub Daddy every day. One of my twin granddaughters loves to watch Aurikatariina cleaning videos and she uses so many of the Scrub Daddy products! They work so well.

[@karth33k]

I ❤ this guy. Hard work, perseverance and smiling face anytime. Be brought that smile to Sponge as well. Positive people and happy people always win things.

[@etiennemarais7096]

Absolutely The Best I Have Ever Seen. U So Down To Earth Guy. For U There is A Highway to Heaven. Big Things always happen With a Smile U Got It All. See U....

[@erikfowler5892]

This was a really great video, deserves more attention

[@ScrubDaddyOfficial]

I'd have to give an unbiased agreement to that statement

[@christinawarhola1223]

What a well made video!

[@jrh86]

Fabulous video Fabulous Business and a Fabulous guy thank you for this insight into a marvellous business 👍👍👍

[@ZAGIDI]

Great production and presentation 👍🏿

[@kehreyannedean6315]

What a great story. Such a down to earth guy!

[@khrishatinio9072]

It's really inspirational, For the people who lost their momentum to continue what they want to be ,because of doubt and criticism they experienced, Please be strong and don't give up, Revenge them with your success. Because at the end of the day You are the only one who can change it.

[@robert84_]

24:07 rockin the Bling Daddy chain. Dope af!

[@shaelynnjohnson]

Love it!!!

[@Behind_the_Scenes_bytes1]

Happy for him and his hustle

[@AppySpaces]

this is such a wonderful story

[@michellemorris3500]

What a great story! Congratulations! I absolutely love these products!

[@ScrubDaddyOfficial]

Thank you for the support!

[@Bhalchandra-on6on]

I wish I could go back in time in 2001 and relive all this years again having my present consciousness

[@fibra-ox1tj]

what an inspiration honestly

[@JSVintage]

This is my favorite pitch in Shark Tank history. Aaron and @scrubdaddyofficial are legends (and from my neighboring town!) and I'd never heard any of this backstory about the episode. So good.

[@nataliesanchez7496]

Amazing story!

[@ScrubDaddyOfficial]

I'll say

[@DuskLegend]

I know everything about this is designed to get me to like the guy but he seems genuinely cool

[@user-jt8nv7xz8m]

Great story!

[@vhincentsj]

I want that Scrub Daddy Claw Machine 🤣

[@wickandde]

I bought my first scrub daddy last week, saw them in chemist warehouse. I love on Australia,was so excited!

[@lavernedavis4808]

Great Story!!

[@courtneyparker696]

I love scrub daddy products, I just wish there were more on the shelves over here in the UK

[@ScrubDaddyOfficial]

Working hard to make more of our products available in the UK soon! Stay tuned :)

[@oiputthatback7361]

@@ScrubDaddyOfficialplease it would be great , I only heard of your company in the last week. I love to clean and I can’t wait.

[@Pistonhammer]

​​​​@@ScrubDaddyOfficialThank you , am from the UK also , Scrub Daddy sponge litterly saved my life from a deep depression , due to a certain case of self-abandonment , i wasnt able or motivated enough to clean much , until i discovered the easy going cleaning sponge - Scrub Daddy and the miracle PowerPaste , it helped me get back on my feet and stay more focused on my daily house chores , only issue here is that i want Scrub Daddy to be as MUCH AVALIABLE here in the UK as it is in America , Thank you Aaron !!! You saved my life !!!

[@jesus54me]

So inspiring

[@FreeWifi1984]

I love the eco side of this company. We should urge more companies to make the change quickly.

[@StephaniRoberts]

Such a great story!!! Love that they sat in boxes for 5 years? WOW. 😮

[@ravsofficial]

The scrub daddy necklace is fire

[@C_harlie_J]

it just shows that everything in life happens for a reason!

[@coolguy1648]

I love these! I hate cleaning but these sponges make it easy for me.

[@TheMightyDucksFlyTogether]

Much respect, Sir

[@huffbj]

Proud of you

[@vegasdavis5404]

Oh my gosh i freaking love these damn sponges they are awesome

[@zeldaboyy]

Im so happy for him

[@user-mr3lb1qt7h]

What a nice guy and a good boss. !

[@kymh4357]

I love this product. I've never looked back

[@driskey82]

This sponge really has made cleaning a lot more fun!

[@rebeccagilman2020]

I love this sponge! Scrub Mommy! 🥰 Thank you, I love doing the dishes now! 😂 can you make different color choices for scrub mommy! 🥰

[@kateysandon]

I have several scrub daddy sponges and scrub mommy and the power paste I love them

[@fitstoned760]

Not 😅me washing dishes with my scrub Daddy as I watch this😂

[@phosphate66]

I unironically love the scrub daddy lol. Have never bought a sponge since

[@notshynotme3561]

16:08 ICONIC

[@annalvarez3247]

Tha fact I was actually looking to buy that sponge and I finally found it but on Youre KZbin channel this sponge is amazing I kid you not 🔥🔥 one of the best sponges I’ve used ever no joke

[@ladyprepper7987]

I adore my Scrub Daddys! Best invention ever!!!!

[@Vagabonding_i_guess]

Interesting that they cut out the part where Lori tested the sponge. I would’ve liked to see that, also makes more sense why Lori said the product was a hero.

[@Aella613]

I just bought a dish daddy kit (with brush and attachable scrub daddy heads) so I can FINALLY throw out my bf's gross old dish brush! I've been using Scrub Daddy for years, thanks to Auriikaterina's videos. Scrub Daddy helps put a smile on my face, and got me out of the lowest point in my life. I will always love Scrub Daddy!!!

[@SonicRecovery]

Legendary

[@moizmahmood8278]

Barbara was out before he went on the show 😂

[@murk959]

😂😂😂

[@TheCelestialhealer]

I was so happy to buy them in my country in Europe. I immediately bought 10 of them. Love the story❤🎉

[@oscarwong5226]

He is inspiring

[@theteacher010]

15:12 "I understand that you have no idea what you're talking about" LMAO

[@salmahasnath]

I never thought he would have looked so handsome when he was young. He is still looking cute though.❤

[@SammiSweetz]

I absolutely loveeeee my scrub daddy. Once you try it, you CANT go back to the old sponges😂😂😂 just doesn’t hit the same

[@MilitaryBase-gm9qq]

I watched him on shark tank, and its so amazing to see how far he has come..