Tree T Pee Net Worth Revealed: A Farmer's Dream to Million-Dollar Reality
A simple plastic cone designed to save water has generated $100 million in value. Tree T Pee's remarkable valuation represents one of those rare business stories where environmental impact and financial success align perfectly.
Johnny Georges didn't set out to build a multimillion-dollar enterprise. What began as a water conservation solution for citrus farmers has become an agricultural success story that spans 80 countries. Before Shark Tank catapulted the company into the spotlight, Tree T-Pee carried a modest $750,000 valuation. The show changed everything.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Each Tree T-Pee costs just $2.95 to manufacture yet sells for $9.95 online—a pricing strategy that prioritizes farmer accessibility over maximum profit margins. That approach has paid off. The company now generates approximately $10 million in annual revenue while maintaining its commitment to affordability.
But Tree T-Pee's impact extends far beyond financial metrics. The product delivers roughly 90% water savings compared to traditional farming practices, creating genuine value for farmers struggling with rising water costs and environmental pressures. From Europe to Australia to the Middle East, growers are discovering that doing good for the environment can also be good for their bottom line.
This is the story of how a Florida farmer's simple idea became a global agricultural phenomenon—and why the journey matters as much as the destination.
Tree T Pee Net Worth Revealed: How Big Is It Now?
The numbers behind Tree T Pee tell a story that most entrepreneurs can only dream about. A $750,000 pre-Shark Tank valuation has grown into a $100 million enterprise—the kind of growth that validates both vision and execution.
What is Tree T Pee net worth in 2024?
When Johnny Georges walked into the Shark Tank seeking $150,000 for 20% equity, he valued his company at $750,000. That modest valuation reflected a business still finding its footing in a skeptical market.
Fast-forward to 2024, and Tree T Pee commands a $100 million valuation. That's a 133-fold increase—the kind of hockey stick growth that investment professionals chase but rarely find. The transformation wasn't accidental. Strategic partnerships, international expansion, and proven product-market fit created the foundation for sustained growth.
Revenue tells an equally compelling story. Annual income reached $5 million by late 2021 and has since climbed to approximately $5.8 million. What's remarkable isn't just the growth—it's how the company achieved it while keeping unit prices around $9. Most businesses facing such demand would raise prices aggressively. Georges chose accessibility over maximum margins.
Johnny Georges net worth and ownership
Georges launched Tree T Pee in 2005 through GSI Supply, Inc, but his personal wealth remains private. His business philosophy speaks louder than any net worth figure: build something valuable, price it fairly, watch it grow.
The Shark Tank deal with John Paul DeJoria changed everything. DeJoria provided the full $150,000 for 20% equity—no negotiation, no hesitation. That partnership brought more than capital. DeJoria's $3.1 billion personal fortune and business network opened doors that Georges couldn't have reached alone.
Georges retained majority control while gaining a partner who understood both entrepreneurship and values-driven business building. The arrangement proved that giving up equity doesn't mean losing control—when you choose the right partner.
Tree T Pee net worth Forbes-style estimate
Tree T Pee won't appear on any Forbes lists, but its valuation metrics would impress most analysts. The $100 million figure reflects multiple value drivers: proprietary technology, global distribution, environmental impact, and recurring revenue from repeat customers.
Post-Shark Tank valuations ranged from $10 million to $100 million as the market tried to price unprecedented growth in agricultural technology. By 2021, the $100 million valuation became firmly established—a reflection of proven business fundamentals rather than speculative potential.
The pricing strategy supports long-term value creation. Units sell for $9.95, barely above the $9 figure cited elsewhere, but the consistency attracts farmers who need predictable costs. When farmers save 90% on water usage, a sub-$10 investment delivers immediate ROI. That value proposition creates customer loyalty worth far more than higher unit margins.
The Humble Beginnings of Johnny Georges
Every $100 million success story starts somewhere. For Johnny Georges, that somewhere was Winter Haven, Florida, where persistence and family values shaped the foundation of what would become Tree T Pee's remarkable journey.
Life on the farm and early inspirations
Work ethic doesn't develop in boardrooms—it's forged in gas stations and farm fields. Johnny Georges learned this truth early, landing his first job at a gas station on Avenue G in Inwood while still in fourth grade. Raised by his single mother alongside his brother, Johnny understood that opportunity required action, not waiting.
High school graduation marked the beginning of Johnny's real education. Working under his father, Rick Georges, Johnny spent the next two decades mastering the fundamentals of agricultural engineering. He learned to install irrigation systems, drill wells, and handle pumps and motors—skills that would prove essential when innovation called.
The numbers tell their own story. Over those twenty years, Johnny installed more than 10,000 pumps and motors while irrigating over 30,000 acres of citrus land. This wasn't just job experience—it was an apprenticeship in understanding exactly how water moves through agricultural systems.
The influence of his father Rick Georges
Rick Georges wasn't just Johnny's father—he was his blueprint for innovation. When Rick invented the micro-sprinkler system in 1970, he fundamentally changed modern irrigation methods. The apple, as they say, doesn't fall far from the tree.
"He made me who I am," Johnny reflects about his father, adding that "he was hard on us, but nobody owes you nothin'. Life is what you make it". These weren't just words—they were operating principles that would later define Johnny's approach to business and farmers.
Rick's death in 2002 left Johnny with more than grief. It left him with a mission to honor his father's legacy while expanding their shared vision of better agricultural practices.
How the idea for Tree T Pee was born
Innovation often emerges from frustration. For Johnny and his father, that frustration came during Florida's unpredictable frost seasons, when protecting citrus groves meant backbreaking work packing dirt around each tree base.
One day in 1984, as they prepared for another expected freeze, Johnny voiced what many farmers think but rarely say: "there has to be an easier way". That simple observation sparked the first protective cone design.
The early version required constant attention—installation before each freeze warning, removal the next day. But Johnny saw beyond frost protection. After his father's passing, he redesigned the Tree T-Pee into something that could remain on trees from planting through approximately five years of growth.
What started as a solution to a seasonal headache had become the foundation for agricultural water conservation that would eventually reach farms across 80 countries.
From Local Sales to National Spotlight
Building a business around a $1 profit margin isn't exactly what they teach in MBA programs. Yet Johnny Georges proved that sometimes the most unconventional approaches create the most lasting impact.
Initial sales and pricing strategy
Georges' early pricing reflected his farming roots more than business school wisdom. Each Tree T-Pee cost $2.95 to manufacture, yet he sold them for just $4.50 to $6.50 depending on quantity. That modest $1 profit per unit would make most investors cringe.
"I'm trying to change 30 years of mindset," Georges explained to Heartland: In the Field magazine in 2013. His mission wasn't profit maximization—it was farmer accessibility. This values-driven approach came with trade-offs. Before Shark Tank, Georges sold exclusively to 42 nurseries across five Florida counties.
But those constraints didn't discourage him. When a neighbor received a free Tree T-Pee sample and promptly ordered 495 more after seeing the results, Georges knew he was onto something meaningful. The product sold itself—if farmers would just give it a chance.
Challenges in convincing farmers
Changing agricultural traditions isn't easy. "The biggest challenge for Tree T-Pee is ideology," Georges often said. Farmers had been doing things the same way for decades. Why change now?
Georges had an answer: proof over persuasion. Instead of lengthy sales pitches, he offered free Tree T-Pees to skeptical farmers. "The proof is in the T-Pee" became his mantra. This grassroots strategy worked. Bill Riddling of Riddling Groves tested the product in 2014, then installed 650-750 units, declaring he "would never plant another tree without a Tree T-Pee".
Still, progress felt slow. Georges needed a breakthrough that could accelerate adoption beyond Florida's citrus groves.
The Shark Tank moment that changed everything
November 2013 brought that breakthrough. Georges walked into the Shark Tank seeking $150,000 for 20% equity, armed with a simple yet powerful statistic: Tree T-Pee reduced water usage from 25,000 gallons annually to just 800 gallons per tree.
Kevin O'Leary questioned the slim profit margins. But guest shark John Paul DeJoria saw something different—authentic passion for helping farmers. Without hesitation, DeJoria offered the full $150,000.
The aftermath was swift and overwhelming. Within 24 hours, Georges received approximately 56,000 emails. Orders flooded in for tens of thousands of units. Soon after, he secured a partnership with The Home Depot and began traveling nationwide to demonstrate his innovation.
What had been a local Florida operation suddenly became a national phenomenon. The farmer who once struggled to convince 42 nurseries now had customers from coast to coast.
Building a Sustainable Business Model
Tree T Pee's business foundation challenges conventional wisdom about profit maximization. While most companies prioritize margins, Georges built his competitive advantage around environmental responsibility and farmer accessibility—a strategy that has proven both sustainable and profitable.
Product made from recycled plastic
Every Tree T Pee unit manufactured in the United States contains 100% recycled plastic. This isn't a marketing gimmick—it's a deliberate business decision that delivers both environmental and economic benefits. The recycled materials don't compromise product longevity; units regularly perform for 20+ years in harsh field conditions.
The company's color strategy reflects thoughtful product development. White Tree T-Pees suit hot climates and heat-sensitive plants, while black versions work better in cooler regions or with heat-tolerant crops like citrus.
Each variation addresses specific growing environments, demonstrating how sustainability and functionality can strengthen rather than compete with each other.
Water savings and environmental benefits
The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Services provided the scientific validation that separated Tree T Pee from other agricultural innovations. Their 2009 study confirmed that the product reduces water, fertilizer, electricity, and fuel needs by 93% compared to conventional irrigation.
The water savings alone tell a compelling story. Daily requirements drop from 32.5 liters (8.6 gallons) to just 2.5 liters (0.65 gallons) per tree when using Tree T-Pee with microsprinklers. That 90% reduction translates directly to cost savings for farmers facing rising water prices.
Additional environmental benefits compound the value proposition:
- Chemical use decreases by up to 80%, creating healthier crops
- Nutrient runoff that pollutes water sources gets minimized
- Electricity usage drops through reduced pumping requirements
Keeping the product affordable for farmers
Georges' pricing philosophy directly contradicts standard business practices. Despite the product's proven value, he maintains retail prices at $9.95 per unit while selling directly to farmers for around $5.50 per cone.
Quantity-based pricing variations help farmers of all sizes access the technology. Small-scale operations benefit just as much as large commercial growers, reflecting Georges' core belief that environmental solutions must remain financially accessible to drive widespread adoption.
This integrated approach—sustainable manufacturing, scientifically verified performance, and farmer-first pricing—creates a business model that competitors struggle to replicate. The strategy continues fueling Tree T Pee's growth while staying true to its agricultural roots.
Revenue Streams That Fueled Growth
Tree T Pee's evolution from a Florida farm operation to a $100 million enterprise required more than just a good product. It demanded a strategic approach to revenue generation that could scale without abandoning the company's farmer-first mission.
Direct sales and retail partnerships
The Home Depot partnership changed everything. What started as direct sales to 42 nurseries across five Florida counties suddenly became a nationwide retail presence with massive distribution capabilities. This wasn't just about shelf space—it was about credibility.
When farmers see a product in Home Depot, it sends a different message than a cold sales call. The retail partnership validated Tree T Pee's commercial viability while maintaining Georges' commitment to accessibility. Agricultural equipment dealers soon followed, creating a network of trusted intermediaries who understood farming challenges firsthand.
Online store and international distribution
Global expansion wasn't an accident—it was a necessity. Water scarcity doesn't respect borders, and neither did demand for Tree T Pee's solution. The company now operates in 80 countries, reaching farmers from Europe to Australia to the Middle East.
The TreeTPee.com website became the hub for international orders, but smart partnerships made global reach possible. Regional distributors like ILS Global in Europe and a licensed manufacturer in Queensland understood local markets, regulations, and farmer needs better than any centralized operation could.
This distributed approach solved multiple challenges: reduced shipping costs, faster delivery times, and culturally relevant customer service. More importantly, it created revenue streams that weren't dependent on any single market or economic condition.
Annual revenue and pricing evolution
Georges faced a classic business dilemma: how do you scale profitably while staying true to your mission? His original $4.50 price point yielded just $1.00 profit per unit—sustainable for a small operation, but inadequate for global ambitions.
The solution wasn't dramatic price increases, but strategic adjustments. Raising the retail price to $9.95 still kept Tree T Pee affordable for farmers while creating breathing room for growth investments. The market responded positively, validating that farmers valued the product's benefits over rock-bottom pricing.
That pricing discipline paid off. Annual revenue reached approximately $5 million by late 2021, supporting Tree T Pee's overall $100 million valuation. The company discovered that doing good for farmers and doing well financially weren't mutually exclusive—they were mutually reinforcing.
The Bigger Picture: Impact and Legacy
Tree T Pee's $100 million valuation tells only part of the story. The real measure of success lies in water-stressed regions across 80 countries where farmers are discovering that a simple plastic cone can change everything.
How Tree T Pee is helping global agriculture
The math is staggering. Tree T-Pee creates a 3,000% improvement in water efficiency—dropping consumption from 25,000 gallons to just 800 gallons yearly per tree. But numbers alone don't capture the impact on farmers facing severe drought conditions across Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.
Beyond water conservation, the ripple effects continue. Fertilizer usage drops by 75%. Herbicide applications decrease significantly. Electricity consumption for water pumping plummets. Each benefit compounds into substantial cost savings that help farmers stay viable during challenging economic conditions.
The Israeli Minister of Agriculture called Johnny Georges personally to praise their significant reduction in water usage. That kind of recognition from government officials highlights how Tree T-Pee addresses critical national resource management challenges, not just individual farm economics.
Johnny Georges' mission beyond profit
"I want them to know that their daddy made a difference," Georges said about his children. This sentiment drives every business decision he makes. While most entrepreneurs chase maximum returns, Georges built his company around maximum impact.
His partnership with John Paul DeJoria works because both men share similar values. They've created a business model where environmental stewardship and financial success reinforce each other. DeJoria's experience scaling mission-driven companies provided the strategic guidance Tree T-Pee needed to expand globally without losing its farmer-first focus.
Future plans and product line expansion
Georges continues expanding access through strategic partnerships. His 2024 collaboration with Tropica Mango Rare and Exotic Tropical Fruit Tree Nursery opens new distribution channels for specialty growers. The introduction of Bug Bear, a complementary environmental solution, demonstrates how the company plans to build a comprehensive portfolio of sustainable farming tools.
Large corporate growers represent the next growth frontier. These partnerships could dramatically scale Tree T-Pee's environmental impact while generating the revenue needed to reach remote regions in Asia where water conservation is becoming critical.
The vision extends far beyond selling plastic cones. Georges is building an agricultural ecosystem where environmental responsibility becomes the most profitable path forward.
What Tree T Pee's Success Really Means
Tree T Pee's rise from Florida citrus groves to global markets offers something more valuable than another business success story. It's proof that staying true to your values doesn't have to limit your growth—it can actually fuel it.
Johnny Georges could have followed the conventional playbook. Raise prices as demand increased. Focus on profit margins over farmer accessibility. Scale fast and worry about impact later. Instead, he built a business around the principle that environmental solutions must remain financially accessible to create real change.
That philosophy has paid dividends in ways traditional metrics can't capture. When the Israeli Minister of Agriculture calls to thank you personally, you know you've moved beyond mere business success into meaningful impact. When farmers across 80 countries trust your product to protect their livelihoods, you've built something that transcends transaction.
"I want them to know that their daddy made a difference," Georges said about his children. That sentiment drives decisions that might puzzle Wall Street but make perfect sense to anyone who's spent time around actual farming communities.
The Tree T Pee story matters because it challenges assumptions about how businesses should operate. Georges proved you can scale globally while keeping prices low. You can prioritize environmental impact without sacrificing financial performance. You can stay rooted in farming values while building sophisticated distribution networks.
Most importantly, Tree T Pee demonstrates that genuine purpose isn't just good marketing—it's good business. The company's expansion into products like the Bug Bear and partnerships with operations like Tropica Mango show how authentic mission alignment creates natural growth opportunities.
For entrepreneurs watching from the sidelines, Tree T Pee offers a different model. Success doesn't require abandoning the values that got you started. Sometimes the most profitable path is the one that helps the most people.
Johnny Georges' dream became reality not despite his commitment to farmers, but because of it. That's a lesson worth remembering long after the financial metrics fade from memory.
FAQs
Q1. What is the current net worth of Tree T Pee?
Tree T Pee's net worth has grown significantly since its inception, reaching an impressive $100 million as of 2024. This valuation represents a remarkable increase from its pre-Shark Tank days.
Q2. How much does a Tree T Pee unit cost?
Despite the company's growth, Tree T Pee has maintained affordable pricing for farmers. A single unit currently sells for about $9, only slightly higher than its original price to account for inflation.
Q3. What are the main benefits of using Tree T Pee?
Tree T Pee offers significant environmental and economic benefits. It reduces water usage by approximately 90%, decreases chemical use by up to 80%, and minimizes nutrient runoff. These advantages result in cost savings and increased crop yields for farmers.
Q4. How did Shark Tank impact Tree T Pee's business?
Appearing on Shark Tank was a turning point for Tree T Pee. The company secured a deal with John Paul DeJoria, which led to explosive growth, expanded market presence, and increased annual revenue reaching approximately $5.8 million.
Q5. Where is Tree T Pee available for purchase?
Tree T Pee has expanded its availability significantly. It can be purchased through the company's website, at Home Depot stores, and through agricultural equipment dealers. The product is now accessible in 80 countries across multiple continents.