Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Shark Tank Net Worth 2023

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky was estimated to be worth $125,000 at the time of their Shark Tank pitch but since then the company has maintained a steady business and most likely increased in net worth since that original valuation.

Over the years Uncle Zip’s has become known for its delicious snacks and has grown into one of the top brands in its space.

Their continued success means that their net worth is likely much higher than it was before they appeared on Shark Tank and they have established themselves as a valuable brand in the food industry.

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Shark Tank:

ASPECT	DETAILS
Company Name	Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky
Founder	William Howell; current manager: Jeffrey Harris
Product Description	Beef jerky in various flavors, including chili and lime, made without preservatives
Shelf Life	Approximately 2 months
Shark Tank Pitch	Appeared on episode 204 seeking a $25,000 investment for a 20% stake
Valuation	Estimated to be worth $125,000 at the time of the Shark Tank pitch
Annual Revenue	Estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million as of February 2022
Competitors	Beef Jerky Outlet, Philly Beef Jerky, and Jerky.com
Updates	Still operating as of 2021, with approximately a dozen locations mostly in Fayetteville.
Website	The company has a website where customers can purchase the product directly.

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What is Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky? Who is the founder of Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky?

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is a company that vends various flavors of beef jerky. The most sought-after flavor is chili and lime, which are prepared without any preservatives and using locally sourced beef.

The company was established by William Howell in the late 1990s. Subsequently, it was taken over by his son Kenneth Howell, who unfortunately passed away in 2014.

The current manager of the company is Jeffrey Harris, who was a former schoolmate of Kenneth. The recipe for the beef jerky was originally created by William Howell and has been passed down through the family.

Due to the absence of preservatives, the product has a shelf life of approximately two months. The company encountered several obstacles, such as the demise of its founder, Kenneth, as well as his nephew and wife. Nonetheless, the company has since regained its stability.

What Happened to Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky at Shark Tank Pitch?

Ken Howell, who founded Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky, appeared on episode 204 of Shark Tank to seek marketing and distribution assistance from the Sharks. In exchange for a 20% stake in his company valued at $125,000, he offered $25,000. Prior to his appearance on Shark Tank, he had been selling his jerky at local sporting events and specialized markets.

During the pitch, Howell distributed samples of his jerky and emphasized its superior taste and texture compared to commercial jerky. While the Sharks praised the taste of the jerky, they were more interested in the financials of the business.

Howell reported that the company had peaked at $100,000 in annual sales but had recently dropped to $50,000 due to personal losses.

Robert Herjavec expressed skepticism about Howell’s plans to expand by opening new processing plants in each new market, given that the business had been operating for a decade without turning a profit. As a result, none of the Sharks chose to invest in Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky.

Following Howell’s appearance on Shark Tank, the company experienced a surge in orders that it struggled to fulfill. However, the company faced another setback when Howell passed away from stage 4 cancer in 2014. Despite this, the company was kept afloat by a close friend of Howell’s, Jeff Harris, who has a marketing background.

Harris focused on internet sales, partnerships with local businesses, and a retail store in Fayetteville to keep the company going.

As of February 2022, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is still operating and generating revenue, with estimates of annual revenue ranging between $500,000 and $1 million.

Net Worth of Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky

The estimated value of Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky at the time of the Shark Tank pitch was $125,000. Since then, the company has continued to operate and its net worth may have increased from that original valuation.

Competitors of Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky

The primary competitors of Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky in the market space are; Beef Jerky Outlet, Philly Beef Jerky, and Jerky.com.

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Shark Tank Updates

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky appeared on Shark Tank in season 2, episode 4, seeking a $25,000 investment in exchange for 20% equity in the company.

The owner, Ken Howell, explained that the beef jerky is made from a family recipe that contains no additives or preservatives, giving it a shelf life of approximately two months.

The Sharks were impressed with the taste of the product but had concerns about the short shelf life and the lack of preservatives. None of the Sharks made an offer, but the episode gave the company a marketing boost, resulting in increased sales that they could not keep up with.

As of 2021, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is still in business and earns between $500,000 and $1 million in annual revenue.

The company is headquartered in Hope Mills, North Carolina, and has approximately a dozen locations, mostly centered on Fayetteville. In 2022, it was reported that the company is still in business, but it appears that hungry patrons are having trouble finding the product.

In 2023, Shark Tank Success reported that Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is still owned and operated by Ken Howell. The company has a website where customers can purchase the product directly, and it appears to be thriving.

While the Sharks did not invest in the company, the exposure from appearing on Shark Tank gave the company a boost in sales that helped it grow and become successful on its own.

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky FAQs

What Is Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky And How Does It Work?

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is a fresh-tasting beef jerky made from an old family recipe that contains no additives or preservatives. The jerky has a shelf life of approximately two months.

The company was started by William “Zip” Howell, who made the beef jerky recipe out of his home for his family, friends, and local bars before Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky started in 1999.

The company got its name from Mr. Howell’s reputation as “Mr. Zip,” a yellow-page salesman who made quick deals.

Over the years, his nickname became the face of the company, and later grew to be known as “Uncle Zip” when his son Kenny took over the family business and turned Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky into a hometown favorite.

In 2011, Ken Howell appeared on Shark Tank seeking $25,000 for 20% of his company. Although the sharks enjoyed the product, they did not invest. Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is sold at sporting events and other local niche markets.

What Happened To Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky After Shark Tank?

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky appeared on Shark Tank in 2013, seeking a $25,000 investment in exchange for 20% equity in the company.

However, none of the Sharks made a deal with Ken Howell, the founder of Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky. Despite not receiving an investment, the company benefited from the “Shark Tank effect” and saw a significant increase in sales after the episode aired.

As of July 2021, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is still in business and earns between $500,000 and $1 million in annual revenue. However, there have been some changes in the company’s management.

Unfortunately, Ken Howell passed away from cancer in May 2014. Before his passing, he asked that the company continue to operate even after he was gone. His school friend Jeffrey Harris is now managing the company.

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is still available for purchase on its own website and is doing well. The product is known for its fresh taste and lack of additives or preservatives, which gives it a shelf life of approximately two months.

There are eight flavors available for customers to try. Despite not receiving a deal on Shark Tank, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky has continued to thrive and grow as a business.

How Much Was Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Seeking On Shark Tank?

Ken Howell appeared on Season 2 Episode 4 of Shark Tank seeking $25,000 for 20% of his company, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky, which is valued the company at $100,000. However, none of the Sharks made an offer, and Howell left the show without a deal.

Despite not securing a deal, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky benefited from the “Shark Tank effect” and received more orders than they could fulfill in the weeks and months following the episode’s airing.

Did Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Have The Deal?

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky appeared on Shark Tank in season 2, episode 204. The owner, Ken Howell, asked for $50,000 for 25% equity in his company.

Unfortunately, none of the Sharks saw the value in Uncle Zip’s all-natural way of making beef jerky at a retail level, and Ken did not get a deal.

However, the Shark Tank show gave the required marketing drive, and the sales of Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky increased as they could not keep up.

After Shark Tank, Uncle Zip continued to push on with his authentic beef jerky business until Ken’s cancer diagnosis was too much for him to bear.

Unfortunately, Ken passed away from cancer in May 2014. Despite not getting a deal on Shark Tank, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky remains a favorite of the local community in Fayetteville.

Is Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Still In Business?

Yes, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is still in business. The company was founded by Ken Howell’s father, who came up with the original recipe, and has been in the family ever since. The jerky contains no additives or preservatives, giving it a shelf life of approximately two months.

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is headquartered in Hope Mills, North Carolina, and sells various flavors of beef jerky, with chili and lime being the most popular. The company generates between $500,000 and $1 million in annual revenue.

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky appeared on Shark Tank in season 2, seeking $25,000 for 20% of the company. Although none of the Sharks made a deal, the episode gave the company a boost in sales. After Ken Howell’s father passed away, his lifelong friend Jeff Harris kept the business going.

Harris, who has a marketing background, focused on internet sales, partnerships with local businesses, and a retail store in Fayetteville to keep the company going. As of February 2022, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is still operating and generating revenue.

What Is Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky Current Valuation?

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky was valued at $125,000 at the time of their Shark Tank pitch. However, since then, the company has continued to operate and has a most likely increased in net worth.

One source estimates that Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky has a net worth of around $1 million as of 2023. The founder of Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky, Ken Howell, also has a net worth of $1 million as of 2023.

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is a company that sells various flavors of beef jerky, with the most popular flavor being chili and lime. The product is preservative and chemical-free, and the beef is locally sourced. Ken Howell appeared on Shark Tank seeking $25,000 for 20% of his company.

Despite the loss of his father, who came up with the original recipe, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky has continued to thrive with the help of Howell’s lifelong friend, Jeff Harris, who has a marketing background.

Is Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky profitable?

The business is currently profitable; however, they have opted to focus on other ventures instead.

Where is Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky based?

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is based in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  Ken Howell and his family are natives of North Carolina.

How can I buy Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky?

Customers can purchase Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky in their retail store.

How much does Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky cost?

The costs of Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky vary based on the style and flavor that customers buy. They can buy it in a pack or in pieces.

What is the taste of Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky?

The taste is mild and juicy with a good texture, smooth but not greasy.

Is Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky approved by FDA?

Yes, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is free from chemicals, preservatives, and artificial flavors.

Is Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky gluten-free?

Yes, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is gluten-free.

What is the shipping rate for Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky?

The shipping rate for Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky depends on the customer’s location.

Is Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky kosher-free?

Yes, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is kosher-free.

Is Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky sugar-free?

Yes, Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is sugar-free.

Does Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky accept PayPal?

Yes, customer can use their PayPal account to purchase Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky. To do that; go to their website and add the item to their cart.

Now select PayPal as the payment option and enter the quantity of the item that the customer has selected in the form below.

What are Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky ingredients?

Uncle Zip’s Beef Jerky is made manually without adding any preservatives or chemicals. It is made with 100% natural ingredients and meat products.

What is the net worth of Ken Howell?

The net worth of Ken Howell is unknown.