Have you ever come across a product that’s not just innovative but also carries a story so compelling it leaves you teary-eyed? For me, that product is the Cup Board Pro, a simple yet ingenious cutting board with a detachable cup for collecting scraps and liquids. But this isn’t just about a kitchen tool—it’s a tale of love, resilience, and legacy. Let me take you through the incredible journey of the Cup Board Pro, from its inception to its meteoric rise after appearing on Shark Tank.
The Birth of an Idea: A Father’s Dream
The Cup Board Pro was invented by Keith Young, a New York City firefighter, chef, and two-time Chopped champion. Keith was not just a hero in the firehouse but also in his kitchen at home. He designed the Cup Board Pro to make meal preparation cleaner and more efficient—a cutting board with grooves to channel liquids into an attached cup, making cleanup a breeze. It was his way of spending less time cleaning and more time with his family.
But life threw challenges at Keith. After losing his wife to cancer in 2012, he put his invention on hold to care for their three children—Kaley, Christian, and Keira. Later, in 2015, when Keith finally began pursuing his dream again, he was diagnosed with cancer caused by his work at Ground Zero after 9/11. Tragically, Keith passed away in 2018 before he could fulfill his dream of pitching the Cup Board Pro on Shark Tank. That’s when his children decided to honor their father’s legacy by bringing his invention to life.
The Shark Tank Pitch: A Moment That Moved Millions
In October 2018, Kaley, Christian, and Keira Young appeared on Shark Tank during Season 10, Episode 3. They sought $100,000 for 10% equity in their business. Their pitch began with a heartfelt video of their father demonstrating the product. As they shared their family’s story—losing both parents to cancer and their father’s dream of pitching this product—the room was filled with emotion.
The Sharks were visibly moved. Guest Shark Matt Higgins, who had been at Ground Zero on 9/11, expressed how deeply Keith’s story resonated with him. Daymond John even admitted that it was one of the most emotional pitches he’d ever experienced in his decade-long tenure on the show.
When the siblings stepped out of the room for deliberation, something extraordinary happened: all five Sharks—Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, and Matt Higgins—decided to team up for a collaborative offer. They proposed $100,000 for 20% equity, pledging to donate all profits from their stake to charities supporting firefighters and first responders affected by 9/11.
When the siblings returned to hear this offer, the joy and gratitude on their faces were unforgettable. It wasn’t just about securing an investment—it was about fulfilling their father’s dream.
A Closer Look: The Shark Tank Journey in Numbers
Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about the Cup Board Pro:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Cup Board Pro |
| Founders | Kaley Young, Christian Young, Keira Young |
| Season & Episode | Season 10, Episode 3 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $100,000 for 10% equity |
| Final Deal | $100,000 for 20% equity |
| Shark(s) Involved | Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, Matt Higgins |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Emotional tribute to Keith Young; unanimous Shark collaboration; donation pledge |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated $15 million |
| Current Business Status | Active (licensed through Williams-Sonoma) |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Over $7 million |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram (@thecupboardpro) |
| Key Achievements | Partnership with Williams-Sonoma; best-selling cutting board; donations exceeding $100,000 |
Post-Shark Tank: Turning Dreams Into Reality
After their episode aired on Shark Tank, the Cup Board Pro experienced what is often called the “Shark Tank effect.” Within minutes of its airing, all inventory sold out. The Young siblings received over $2 million in backorders within days—a testament to how much their story resonated with viewers.
The Sharks played a critical role in scaling up production and distribution. They introduced the siblings to Williams-Sonoma, which licensed the product and helped redesign it for mass production. The partnership allowed Cup Board Pro to reach customers nationwide through Williams-Sonoma stores and online platforms.
By 2019, the company had generated over $1 million in sales and continued growing steadily. The product became one of Williams-Sonoma’s bestsellers and expanded into new variations like extra-large sizes and synthetic models.
Current Status: A Thriving Legacy
As of January 2025:
- Annual Revenue: Approximately $3 million.
- Valuation: Estimated at $15 million.
- Market Reach: Available exclusively through Williams-Sonoma stores and online.
- The business remains active and thriving.
The siblings have continued to honor their father’s memory by donating portions of their profits to firefighter charities like the FDNY Foundation. To date, they’ve donated over $100,000. Their social media presence also remains strong as they engage with customers who share stories about how much they love using the Cup Board Pro.
Lessons from the Cup Board Pro Story
Reflecting on this journey as both an entrepreneur and admirer of inspiring stories like this one has taught me several valuable lessons:
- Emotional Connection Matters: The Young family’s ability to connect emotionally with both investors and customers turned their pitch into one of Shark Tank’s most memorable moments.
- Collaboration is Key: The rare collaboration between all five Sharks provided not just funding but also mentorship and resources that were instrumental in scaling up production.
- Legacy is Powerful: By staying true to Keith Young’s vision while giving back to firefighter charities, the siblings created a brand that is as meaningful as it is successful.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for Cup Board Pro. With plans for new product launches and continued charitable contributions, this family-run business is poised for even greater success while staying true to its roots.
For me—and I’m sure for many others—the story of Cup Board Pro is more than just a business success story; it’s a reminder that dreams can live on through love and perseverance. It’s proof that even in the face of unimaginable loss, we can build something beautiful that honors those we’ve lost while inspiring others around us.
So next time you’re chopping vegetables or preparing dinner for your family, think about how one firefighter’s dream turned into a legacy that continues to touch lives around the world—including mine.