The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and heartfelt messages. But sometimes, finding the perfect way to spread cheer can be tough. Many people struggle to send unique, personalized holiday greetings that stand out. Traditional cards and texts often feel generic, leaving people searching for something more special.
Tommy Holl, the founder of The Real Elf, saw this problem and came up with a fun and festive solution. His business offers personalized holiday messages, live appearances, and even “elfies” (elf selfies) to make celebrations more magical. Whether it’s a funny video message for a friend or an in-person visit from an elf at a holiday party, Tommy’s service brings extra sparkle to the season.
In Shark Tank Season 13, Tommy pitched his business, asking for $125,000 for 25% equity. While the Sharks were charmed by his personality, some questioned whether his business had long-term potential. Barbara Corcoran, however, saw something special in him and made an offer. She agreed to invest $50,000 in cash and a $75,000 loan for 35% equity, with the condition that half of the sales would go to a cancer charity.
The Real Elf Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Tommy was looking for an investment of $125k in exchange for 25% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, he valued his company at $500,000. Tommy successfully secured a deal with Barbara for an investment of $50k in cash and a $75k loan for 35% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $285k. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of The Real Elf is around $1.2 million.
Shark(s) name
Offer & Demand
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Barbara Corcoran
$50k cash + $75k as a loan for a 35% stake + half of sales donated to charity
N/A
Yes
Lori Greiner
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin O’Leary
Out
N/A
N/A
Daymond John
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Tommy Holl Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Tommy Holl is not just an entrepreneur—he’s a performer with a big heart. His idea for The Real Elf came from his love of spreading holiday joy. But there’s more to his story. Tommy is a cancer survivor, and his experience inspired him to give back. He wanted his business to not only entertain people but also support cancer charities.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Tommy had already built a small but successful holiday business. He offered custom video messages (Elf Grams), live appearances at parties, and corporate events. His services were especially popular during Christmas, bringing in around $20,000 per season. Each video message costs about $50, with more expensive options for longer or personalized content.
When Tommy stepped into the Tank, he made a grand entrance, popping out of a giant present! The Sharks were immediately entertained by his energy and enthusiasm. He explained his business model, sharing his vision of expanding beyond Christmas into other holidays. He also mentioned his dream of creating an app to make his Elf Grams even more accessible. However, despite his charm, the Sharks had concerns.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
Mark Cuban liked Tommy’s energy but questioned his commitment. Since Tommy still had a full-time job, Mark wondered if he could dedicate enough time to grow the business. He also felt that Tommy’s idea was too seasonal, making it hard to scale. Because of these doubts, Mark decided not to invest.
Mr. Wonderful was direct. He told Tommy that his social media following (around 10,000 followers) was too small to make a big impact. Kevin believed that without a stronger online presence, the business wouldn’t grow fast enough. He also didn’t think an app was necessary, suggesting that social media alone could work. Kevin chose not to make an offer.
Lori found Tommy adorable but didn’t see a big business opportunity. She felt his model relied too much on his personality and wasn’t easily scalable. Since she usually invests in products with mass retail potential, she passed on the deal.
Daymond thought Tommy was talented but didn’t believe he needed Shark’s help. He suggested Tommy could grow the business on his own through social media and live events. Daymond also declined to invest.
Barbara was the only Shark who saw potential in Tommy’s passion. She loved his charitable mission and believed in his ability to entertain. She offered $50,000 in cash and a $75,000 loan for 35% equity, with the condition that half of the sales would go to a cancer charity. Tommy happily accepted.
Product Availability
If you’re interested in sending a special message from an elf or booking the elf character for an event, you can do so by visiting their official website or checking out their social media pages.
You can find more information and make purchases at The Real Elf Official website. Their services start at $50 for things like video messages, and you can also make special requests or arrange for live appearances.
What Happened To The Real Elf After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, Tommy continued running The Real Elf. His website stayed active, offering Elf Grams, live appearances, and pop-up “elfie” events in Chicago. He also kept supporting Imerman Angels, a charity helping cancer patients.
While exact financial numbers weren’t released, Tommy remained busy during the holidays. His social media grew, and he continued spreading festive cheer. Barbara’s investment helped him expand, but the business still relied heavily on the Christmas season.
As of today, The Real Elf is still operating, though it hasn’t become a year-round sensation. Tommy’s focus on charity and fun keeps his brand alive, especially among families and companies looking for holiday entertainment.
Tommy Holl’s journey on Shark Tank was heartwarming. His business, The Real Elf, brought smiles to many, even if the Sharks had doubts about its scalability. Barbara Corcoran’s deal gave him a boost, allowing him to continue spreading holiday magic while supporting a great cause.
Though The Real Elf remains a seasonal business, Tommy’s dedication to entertainment and charity keeps it alive. Whether through funny Elf Grams or live events, he proves that a little holiday spirit can go a long way.
Would the Sharks’ investments have made it bigger? Only time will tell. But for now, Tommy’s festive mission continues—one elf message at a time.
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.
