Gardening is full of small frustrations that many of us barely notice, until they suddenly stand in our way. One of the most common issues is digging holes for plants. We often end up making holes that are too deep, too shallow, or too close to each other. This can slow us down, cause wasted soil, and even harm our plants. Every gardener, at some point, wishes they had a simple tool to make measuring easier.
That is where the Measuring Shovel comes in. Invented by 13-year-old Maddox Prichard, this shovel includes an engraved yardstick right on the handle and blade. It solves the everyday problem of accurately digging planting holes. This clever twist on a common garden tool made waves when Maddox introduced it on Shark Tank during Season 11. The founder asked for $40,000 in exchange for 15% equity.
His goal was to bring this idea to market and make gardening more exact and less frustrating for everyone. It was a simple but powerful solution, one that the Sharks had to notice.
The Measuring Shovel Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Maddox was looking for an investment of $40k in exchange for 15% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, he valued his company at around $267k. Maddox successfully secured a deal with Lori and Kevin for an investment of $40k for 30% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $133k. After the show was aired, The Measuring Shovel experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of The Measuring Shovel is around $0.
Shark(s) name
Offer & Demand
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Daniel Lubetzky
$40,000 for 25% equity
N/A
No
Lori Greiner
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin O’Leary and Lori
$40,000 for 30% equity (15% each)
$40,000 for 25% equity $50,000 for 30% equity
Yes
Robert Herjavec
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Maddox Prichard Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Maddox Prichard invented the Measuring Shovel as part of a school project, then refined it into a functioning prototype made with duct tape and a ruler. He tested it in his family garden and saw the value immediately. His teachers encouraged him, and his parents helped him file for a patent. By the time he went on Shark Tank, he already held provisional patent protections.
On camera, Maddox carried the shovel confidently. He explained how the product could replace guesswork with accuracy. He showed the engraving on the handle and blade and described the benefits of planting seeds exactly where they should be. Maddox admitted they hadn’t manufactured the shovel yet, but emphasized that licenses would let them partner with big tool makers. His proposal was clear: use the investment for licensing and develop a mass-market version of the shovel.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
During the pitch, Mark Cuban asked how far Maddox had taken the idea beyond school fairs. Maddox responded that he had patents and had won contests. He emphasized the shovel hadn’t been produced yet but was ready for licensing.
Robert Herjavec and Mark Cuban stepped back early. They said they were not strong in gardening and didn’t feel a personal connection to the tool. Their exit left the field to Lori and Kevin, who clearly saw the potential.
Both Lori and Kevin liked the simplicity of Maddox’s shovel. They felt it could be licensed to a major gardening company. They offered $40,000 total for a 30 percent ownership, a combined stake. They explained the plan: they would get the product built and onto store shelves through licensing deals.
Later, Daniel Lubetzky, the guest Shark, suggested he would invest $40,000 as well, but wanted only 25 percent equity. He proposed focusing on manufacturing and brand-building. It created a tough decision: take a bigger share of ownership and work with Lori and Kevin, or give up less equity under Lubetzky.
Maddox tried to negotiate, asking Lori and Kevin if they could take 25 percent instead or give more money. Lori and Kevin stood firm at 30% for $40,000. Maddox considered both offers and ultimately chose the combined deal from Lori and Kevin, believing they had stronger connections in product licensing and retail. He agreed to their terms and shook hands.
Product Availability
As of today, the Measuring Shovel is still not available for purchase. The website states that the shovel will be released soon, but no images or purchase links are active. The product remains described as a shovel with built-in measurement markings, but no retail listings or licensing agreements have been finalized. Maddox’s official site contains a contact page and photos, but no “Buy Now” button.
Gardeners cannot yet find this shovel in stores or online. That means the innovation is still waiting to reach consumers.
What Happened To The The Measuring Shovel After Shark Tank?
Following the Shark Tank appearance, Mitch and Amanda Prichard created a website and a Facebook page. But updates have been sparse. As of April 2024, there were no clear indications of sales, production, or deals with manufacturers.
The measuring shovel remains a promising idea, but its business side stalled. The combined equity deal with Lori and Kevin never funded actual production, and the Lubetzky offer was declined. Without manufacturing partners, the shovel remained an invention without execution. Maddox’s personal loss added emotional complexity to the situation. Still, he maintained a mindset of persistence and kept messaging that the shovel might launch soon.
So as of today, the Measuring Shovel is still in limbo, not abandoned, but quietly waiting for next steps.
Conclusion
The Measuring Shovel hit Shark Tank with a clear mission: to solve the everyday frustrations of planting with one simple tool. Maddox, at just thirteen, showed creativity and composure that impressed both the Sharks and audiences. He accepted a deal with Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary, although another offer from Daniel Lubetzky offered good terms, Maddox chose experience in licensing.
However, despite the handshake, the deal never closed, and no shovel reached gardeners’ hands. Several issues, legal delays, licensing hurdles, inventory concerns, and Maddox’s personal loss halted the product’s progress. As of now, the shovel remains unreleased, with a promise but no sales.
This story reminds us that invention is only the first step. Bringing a product to market requires business partnerships, emotional resilience, and timing. Maddox’s idea remains clever and needed, but only time will tell if it ever digs into the gardening world.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.
