Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky was featured on Shark Tank. Ken Howell created the product. He used his family’s old recipe for beef jerky. The jerky was special because it did not contain added preservatives. Ken thought people would love the jerky because it tasted fresh. He asked for $25,000 in exchange for a 20% stake in his business.

During the pitch, Ken talked about how the jerky was different from other brands. The jerky had a shorter shelf life but had a great flavor. Will the entrepreneur get a deal on Shark Tank? Check out the Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky update to find out!

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025

Chip Zipline went on Shark Tank asking for $25,000 for 20% of his company. This meant he thought his business was worth $125,000. He did not make a deal with any Shark. The episode was aired on February 18, 2011. The founder has since passed away, but the brand continues on a small scale under new ownership. Using the default 10% yearly growth method, the current net worth of Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is estimated to be around $600,000 in 2025.

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky continued to do business after appearing on Shark Tank. The company did not get a deal but still managed to grow. The business made between $500,000 and $1 million in annual revenue by 2023. Though Ken passed away in 2014 the company kept going. A close friend of Ken took over the business. Today Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky still sells its products. They offer a Jerky Club that delivers jerky monthly to customers. The business is still alive and well despite the challenges.

Ken Howell appeared on Shark Tank asking for $25,000 for a 20% stake in his business. He presented his beef jerky to the sharks. The jerky was fresh without preservatives and had a great taste. But unfortunately, no shark offered Ken a deal. Robert Herjavec said the business was not investable. Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, and Jeff Foxworthy also decided not to make an offer.

Barbara Corcoran said that Ken could succeed without outside help since he had done well before. With no offers from the share, Ken left the show without a deal.

Shark(s) Name	Offer & Demand	Counter Offer	Accepted?
Daymond John	Out	N/A	N/A
Robert Herjavec	Out	N/A	N/A
Kevin O’Leary	Out	N/A	N/A
Barbara Corcoran	Out	N/A	N/A
Jeff Foxworthy	Out	N/A	N/A

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Shark Tank pitch

Ken Howell launched Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky using his family’s unique recipe. His father commonly referred to as Uncle Zip developed the recipe long ago. Ken found motivation in his father’s passion for the jerky. When Ken’s dad died he wished to continue the family’s legacy. He had faith in the jerky and was aware it could become a major success. Initially, Ken encountered numerous obstacles.

Launching a business was challenging. He needed to source the correct ingredients and ensure the jerky had the perfect flavor. The procedure was gradual and difficult. However, Ken persisted. He continued to refine the jerky. Initially, the company was modest. However, as time passed it expanded. He continued to put in effort to promote Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky. Despite numerous obstacles, Ken had faith in the product and in preserving his father’s legacy.

Ken Howell’s presentation on Shark Tank was straightforward and clear. He began by offering samples of his beef jerky to the sharks. He desired for them to sample the jerky and experience firsthand how excellent it was. Ken clarified that the jerky contained no added preservatives. He thought the fresh taste of the jerky would set it apart. Ken also revealed the tale behind the jerky’s name.

He stated that his father’s name was Uncle Zip. That is the reason he named the jerky in his honor. He additionally mentioned his aim to uphold his father’s dream by expanding the business. When the sharks inquired about the product Ken clarified that the jerky could last for approximately two months. He also stated that his sales had decreased. He had been facing personal struggles following his father’s passing.

Ken acknowledged that he had generated approximately $100,000 in total sales. Last year he made sales ranging from $40,000 to $50,000. He clarified that he was attempting to restore his business. Ken likewise revealed his aspirations for what lies ahead. He aimed to utilize the investment to enhance the firm’s processing plant and grow the business. 

During the pitch, the sharks had many questions about the product. Kevin O’Leary wanted to know about the jerky’s shelf life. Ken told him that the jerky could last for about two months. This made Kevin curious. He asked how this could compete with other jerky brands that lasted much longer. Ken replied that the jerky’s taste and fresh ingredients made it different. He believed customers would love the flavor even though the shelf life was shorter.

Robert Herjavec asked Ken how he planned to make the jerky stand out. He wanted to know what made it unique compared to other jerky brands. Ken explained that the flavor and lack of preservatives made his product special. He emphasized that the jerky was all-natural and fresh. Daymond John asked about the company’s sales. Ken admitted that sales had not been great. He said this was due to personal issues after his father passed away.

Ken shared that he was in the process of rebuilding his business. He mentioned that over the years the company had made $100,000 in total sales. Last year the company made between $40,000 and $50,000 in sales. The sharks were concerned about the low sales numbers. Jeff Foxworthy a guest shark was also interested in the jerky. He said that he liked the product but that he had his own jerky business.

He asked Ken what he planned to do with the investment. Ken explained that he wanted to improve the company’s processing facility and expand the business. The sharks continued to ask questions about the company’s future and sales. They were unsure about investing in a business with low sales and a product that had a short shelf life.

Ken tried to convince the sharks that the product was worth it despite these challenges. However, the sharks were not convinced that the business was a good investment.            

The sharks showed no interest in investing in Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky. Robert Herjavec was the initial one to withdraw. He stated that the business was not worthy of investment. He was doubtful that the company would thrive in the long term. Daymond John chose not to extend an offer either. He mentioned that the company did not appear to be a suitable match for him. Kevin O’Leary was the next to withdraw.

He stated that he believed the business lacked the potential to yield a significant return on investment. Despite enjoying the jerky Jeff Foxworthy also chose not to invest. He mentioned that he owned a jerky brand and preferred not to rival Ken’s product. Barbara Corcoran chose to decline as well. She was convinced that Ken could achieve success independently.

She believed that Ken had already succeeded independently and did not require a shark’s funding. Ultimately all the sharks chose not to make an offer. Ken departed from Shark Tank without securing a deal. Even though this was discouraging Ken persisted. He persisted in developing his business and achieved success independently of the sharks’ assistance.  

What Went Wrong With Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky On Shark Tank?

There were several reasons why Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky did not secure a deal on Shark Tank. The sharks were concerned about the product’s short shelf life. They were also worried about the low sales numbers. Ken admitted that his sales were down due to personal issues and that he was in a rebuilding stage. The sharks were unsure about investing in a business that had such low sales.

Another reason the sharks passed on the deal was the business’s limited growth potential. They felt that the jerky’s short shelf life and the competition in the market would make it difficult for the business to grow. The sharks also questioned whether Ken was just holding onto the business in memory of his father. Robert Herjavec raised this concern and asked Ken if he was truly passionate about the business or if he was just keeping it going as a tribute to his dad. Despite Ken’s passion for the product, the sharks did not think it was a good investment.

Product Availability

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is still available for purchase today. You can buy it directly from the company’s website. The jerky is available in different flavors and sizes. You can also join the Jerky Club to receive monthly deliveries of the jerky. The company’s website provides more information about the products and pricing. You can find the jerky in both online and offline stores. The company has made its way into more retail spaces as it continues to grow.

Conclusion

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky may not have gotten a deal on Shark Tank, but the company still found success. Ken Howell’s passion for the product and his father’s legacy helped the business grow. After Ken’s passing the company continued to thrive under new leadership. The jerky is still available for purchase today.