Many companies mass-produce beef jerky, but most do not focus on freshness and quality. As an alternative, Ken Howell’s father started the beef jerky business Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky to provide fresh and tasty jerky.
After his father’s death, Ken took over the family business and appeared on Shark Tank Season 2 Episode 4 to get funding from the Sharks and expand the business. Did the Sharks invest in his business, and how is the business doing now? Let’s find out.
| Company Name | Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky | |
| Founder/Co-Founder | Ken Howell | |
| Founded | 1999 | |
| Product | Beef Jerky | |
| Asked For | $25k for 20% equity | |
| Final Deal | No Deals | |
| Shark | No Sharks | |
| Episode | S2 E4 | |
| Air Date | April 8th, 2011 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | Hope Mills, North Carolina, United States | |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $10M *estimated | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Business Pitch Episode Recap
Ken told the Sharks about his beef jerky business and explained how it got the name Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky. His goal is to make his product available nationwide. Jeff Foxworthy tasted the jerky and really liked it.
Ken has faced a tough time in the last 7 years, losing his father and seeing his business decline. During his father’s time, annual sales were around $100,000, but after his father’s death, sales have dropped significantly to approximately $40,000-$50,000 per year, which is much lower.
By upgrading the jerky processing facility and needing a $25,000 investment for the processing plant, Ken aims to make the product available in the market. However, Robert Herjavec doesn’t believe opening a processing plant in every region is a good idea and feels the business isn’t profitable after 10 years, so he declines to invest.
Daymond John said it’s a small business and not worthy of investment, so he’s out. Kevin O’Leary also declined to invest because the business’s sales were too low.
Jeff Foxworthy mentioned that while the product is fresh and tasty, he’s already involved in a similar business, so he’s out as well.
Barbara Corcoran praised Ken’s capability to run his business and said he doesn’t need investment from the Sharks, so she’s out.
Unfortunately, Ken did not secure a deal on Shark Tank.
Sharks Offers list!
| Sharks | Offers |
|---|---|
| Jeff Foxworthy | No Offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Robert Herjavec | No Offer |
| Barbara Corcoran | No Offer |
| Daymond John | No Offer |
| Founder’s (Countered) | No Counter |
| Final Deals | No Deals |
Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Shark Tank Update (Season 2)
After not receiving investment for his business, Ken was quite upset and said he would never give up, continuing to strive. After the episode aired, his jerky sales reached an all-time high, and he was very happy.
His happiness did not last long, as in 2014, it was discovered that he was in Stage 4 of cancer, and he passed away in May 2014 at the age of 45.
Jeff Harris took over Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky business from Ken and focused on online sales, utilizing his digital marketing expertise.
As of 2024, the business operates successfully, receiving orders through unclezipsjerky.com and achieving annual sales exceeding $1 million.
Check out Shark Tank Season 2 Business Update.
If you want more updates on the businesses that appeared in Season 2, visit here.
