It’s not every day you come across a business that not only thrives in the competitive world of entrepreneurship but also makes a profound impact on its community. Doc Spartan, a veteran-owned skincare and first-aid company from Portsmouth, Ohio, is one such inspiring story. Founded by Dale King, a former military intelligence officer, and Renée Wallace, a mother of three and natural product enthusiast, Doc Spartan has become a beacon of hope for its hometown while achieving remarkable success since its appearance on Shark Tank. Let me take you through their incredible journey.
The Beginning: Combat Ready Ointment and a Mission
Doc Spartan’s story began with a simple yet powerful idea: to create all-natural first-aid products that work effectively for people with active lifestyles. Dale King, after serving two deployments in Iraq, returned to Portsmouth and opened a CrossFit gym. It was here that he met Renée Wallace, who was already experimenting with natural skincare solutions for her family. Together, they developed the Combat Ready Ointment, a fast-healing balm made from essential oils and other natural ingredients. This product became the cornerstone of their business.
Their mission extended beyond just creating effective products. Portsmouth had been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, leaving the community struggling with unemployment and addiction. Dale and Renée wanted Doc Spartan to be more than a company—they wanted it to be a force for good in their town.
The Shark Tank Experience
Dale and Renée entered the Shark Tank during Season 8, Episode 16, seeking $75,000 for 15% equity in their company. Their pitch was as memorable as it was heartfelt. Dale’s military background and Renée’s passion for natural healing resonated with the Sharks. They showcased before-and-after photos demonstrating the effectiveness of their ointment and shared their vision of expanding into retail stores.
The Sharks had mixed reactions:
- Mark Cuban felt they hadn’t done enough market research.
- Lori Greiner critiqued the packaging as confusing.
- Daymond John deferred to Lori’s expertise and bowed out.
- Kevin O’Leary liked the product but didn’t see it as investable.
However, Robert Herjavec saw potential in Doc Spartan’s mission and product line. After some negotiation—and Dale jokingly making Robert promise to buy the first celebratory beer—they struck a deal: $75,000 for 25% equity.
Key Details from Shark Tank
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Doc Spartan |
| Founders | Dale King & Renée Wallace |
| Season & Episode | Season 8, Episode 16 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $75,000 for 15% |
| Final Deal | $75,000 for 25% |
| Shark(s) Involved | Robert Herjavec |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Dale flashing his thigh; humorous banter about paper cuts |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated at $4 million (2025) |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | $4 million annually (2024) |
| Social Media Presence | Strong following on Instagram and Facebook |
| Key Achievements | Expanded product line; community support programs |
Post-Shark Tank Growth
The exposure from Shark Tank was transformative for Doc Spartan. Within a week of their episode airing, they sold over 4,000 units, more than doubling their previous year’s sales. With Robert Herjavec’s guidance and investment, they expanded their reach significantly.
Product Line Expansion
Doc Spartan didn’t stop at Combat Ready Ointment. They introduced an array of products:
- Natural deodorants
- Beard care items
- Soaps and scrubs
- Tooth powder
- Pet care products
- Candles
All products adhered to their commitment to natural ingredients and were marketed as tough yet effective solutions for active individuals.
Retail Partnerships
The company secured placements in PX stores on military bases, catering to service members who appreciated their veteran-owned roots. They also improved their online presence through Amazon and their website.
Revenue Milestones
By 2021, Doc Spartan had reached nearly $2 million in annual revenue—a massive leap from the $56,000 they had earned before Shark Tank. By 2024, this figure had climbed to an impressive $4 million annually.
Community Impact: Beyond Business
What sets Doc Spartan apart is its unwavering commitment to Portsmouth. The founders established the Neighborhood Internal Defense program in 2018 to combat the local opioid crisis. This initiative provides free exercise classes at recovery facilities and offers employment opportunities to individuals rebuilding their lives after addiction.
One particularly moving story is that of Andrew Wright, Doc Spartan’s first employee hired through this program. Once facing homelessness after treatment, Andrew now has two jobs, his own apartment, and a renewed sense of purpose—all thanks to Dale and Renée’s belief in second chances.
Dale also produced a documentary titled Small Town Strong, highlighting Portsmouth’s struggles with addiction and showcasing how businesses like Doc Spartan can make a difference.
Current Status (January 2025)
Today, Doc Spartan is thriving both as a business and as a community pillar:
- Annual revenue stands at approximately $4 million.
- Their products are available online (Amazon and their website) and in select retail stores.
- The company employs several individuals recovering from addiction, reinforcing its mission of giving back.
Their social media presence remains strong, with an engaged following on platforms like Instagram where they share updates about new products and community initiatives.
Lessons from Doc Spartan’s Journey
Doc Spartan’s success offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Authenticity Matters: Customers are drawn to brands with genuine stories and missions.
- Adaptability is Key: Feedback from the Sharks led Dale and Renée to improve their packaging and branding.
- Community Focus Can Drive Success: By aligning their growth with community impact, Doc Spartan built loyalty among customers who wanted to support more than just a product.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025, Doc Spartan shows no signs of slowing down. Plans are underway to further expand their product line—possibly venturing into face creams or apparel—and deepen their impact in Portsmouth by creating more jobs.
Their story is not just about business success; it’s about resilience, community building, and staying true to one’s values. For Dale King and Renée Wallace, Doc Spartan isn’t just a company—it’s a testament to what can be achieved when you combine passion with purpose.
So next time you’re looking for skincare or first-aid solutions that pack a punch while supporting meaningful change, remember Doc Spartan—a brand that truly embodies the spirit of healing inside and out.