When it comes to holiday traditions, few things are as cherished as decorating the Christmas tree. For Ryan Kenny, however, the joy of setting up an artificial tree was dimmed by one glaring flaw: the unattractive green pole at its base. Determined to fix this aesthetic issue, Kenny invented the Christmas Tree Hugger, a simple yet ingenious product that transforms artificial trees into more realistic and festive centerpieces. This is the story of how the Christmas Tree Hugger went from a personal DIY solution to a thriving business, capturing the hearts of holiday enthusiasts everywhere.
The Birth of the Christmas Tree Hugger
Ryan Kenny’s journey began with a problem many artificial tree owners can relate to: after meticulously decorating his first artificial tree with his wife, he couldn’t unsee the fuzzy green pole at its base. It detracted from the magical ambiance they had worked so hard to create. When a quick Google search failed to yield a solution, Kenny decided to take matters into his own hands.
Armed with his background in graphic design and advertising, Kenny set out to create a product that would seamlessly blend into the holiday decor while solving this specific problem. After countless trips to stores to measure tree bases and experimenting with materials, he landed on neoprene—a durable, flexible material often used for wetsuits. The result was a reversible sleeve that could wrap around artificial tree poles, offering two designs: bark for realism and candy cane for festive flair.
The Shark Tank Experience
In December 2017, Kenny brought his invention to the national stage on Shark Tank, during Season 9’s Holiday Special (Episode 13). He entered the tank seeking $100,000 in exchange for 20% equity, valuing his company at $500,000. His pitch was lively and engaging as he demonstrated how the Christmas Tree Hugger could elevate the look of any artificial tree.
Kenny revealed impressive early sales figures: $50,000 over 18 months, including notable success on QVC and an order from Kroger. Each unit cost just $1.37 to produce but retailed for $17.99, offering substantial profit margins. However, despite its potential as a seasonal hit, the Sharks were skeptical about its scalability as a standalone business. Kevin O’Leary memorably quipped that Kenny should “take it behind the barn and shoot it,” while Mark Cuban suggested it was better suited as a product than a company.
Ultimately, no deal was made. While disappointing, this rejection turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Kenny.
Detailed Snapshot of The Christmas Tree Hugger
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Christmas Tree Hugger |
| Founders | Ryan Kenny |
| Season & Episode | Season 9, Episode 13 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $100,000 for 20% equity |
| Final Deal | No deal |
| Shark(s) Involved | None |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Kevin O’Leary’s “take it behind the barn” comment |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated at $5 million |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Over $500,000 annually |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram and Facebook |
| Key Achievements | Retail partnerships with Walmart, Home Depot; expanded product line |
Life After Shark Tank
Although he left Shark Tank without an investor, Kenny leveraged the exposure to propel his business forward. Millions of viewers learned about the Christmas Tree Hugger during its TV debut, leading to an immediate spike in sales. Here’s how Kenny capitalized on his newfound fame:
Retail Partnerships
The Christmas Tree Hugger quickly found its way onto shelves at major retailers like Walmart and Home Depot. It also became available year-round on Amazon and through its official website. This mix of online and brick-and-mortar availability helped solidify its presence in the competitive holiday market.
Product Line Expansion
Kenny expanded his offerings to include additional designs and sizes that cater to different customer preferences. The reversible feature remains a key selling point, giving buyers two looks in one product.
Marketing Strategies
Social media played a crucial role in maintaining visibility for this seasonal product. Creative campaigns showcasing before-and-after transformations of artificial trees resonated with customers. Additionally, partnerships with nonprofits like Christmas Tree Santas—donating portions of proceeds to families in need—helped align the brand with holiday goodwill.
Challenges and Triumphs
Running a seasonal business comes with unique challenges. For Kenny, inventory management was initially a hurdle as demand surged following his Shark Tank appearance. He quickly learned to use the off-season for meticulous planning and production to avoid stock shortages during peak periods.
Another challenge was convincing customers that such a niche product was worth purchasing. By collecting feedback through surveys and trade shows early on, Kenny fine-tuned every aspect of his product—from pricing to packaging—to meet consumer expectations.
Despite these hurdles, The Christmas Tree Hugger has thrived thanks to its unique appeal and strong customer reviews (averaging nearly five stars across platforms). Its success has even inspired other entrepreneurs in the holiday decor space.
Current Status (January 2025)
As of today:
- The Christmas Tree Hugger generates approximately $500,000 in annual revenue.
- It is available at major retailers like Walmart and Home Depot as well as online platforms like Amazon.
- The company is valued at an estimated $5 million, reflecting steady growth since its inception.
- Ryan Kenny continues to oversee operations while exploring new ways to expand his product line.
The product has become a staple for families looking to enhance their artificial trees’ appearance during the holidays.
Lessons from The Christmas Tree Hugger
The journey of The Christmas Tree Hugger offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Solve a Specific Problem: By addressing an overlooked issue—artificial tree aesthetics—Kenny carved out a niche market.
- Leverage Exposure: Even without securing a deal on Shark Tank, national exposure provided invaluable publicity.
- Adaptability is Key: Seasonal businesses must use downtime wisely for planning and innovation.
- Customer Feedback Matters: Early surveys helped refine every aspect of the product before scaling up.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for The Christmas Tree Hugger. With plans for international expansion and potential collaborations with artificial tree manufacturers, Kenny aims to make his product as ubiquitous as tree skirts or ornaments. As more households transition from real trees to artificial ones each year, demand for products like The Christmas Tree Hugger is likely to grow.
For Ryan Kenny, what began as a personal DIY project has evolved into a thriving business that brings joy—and style—to holiday homes everywhere. His story is proof that even simple ideas can lead to big successes when paired with determination and creativity.
So next time you set up your artificial tree and admire its twinkling lights and ornaments, don’t forget about the base—it might just need a hug!