Tommy the Real Elf is an Elf Gram pop-up event business that offers personalized wish videos and live appearances.
Through “Elf Gram,” Tommy sends Christmas cheer videos featuring customized messages for friends and family, with each video costing $50. During live events, Tommy the Real Elf is physically present to engage with guests.
In addition to personalized videos, the business sells various accessories, including mugs, blankets, masks, hoodies, pillows, and more. This venture sees peak activity during the Christmas season and is available for parties, promotions, and other events.
| Company Name | The Real Elf |
| Founder | Tommy Holl |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Product | Elf themed base pop-up event |
| Asked For | $125k for a 25% equity |
| Final Deal | $75k as a loan + $50k for 35% equity with 50% of sales going to a cancer charity |
| Shark | Barbara Corcoran |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | S13 E8 |
| Air Date | Dec 10, 2021 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Website | Visit Website |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $500k *estimated |
| Go To Amazon | Buy Now |
| Watch On | Amazon Prime |
Another Shark Tank Pitch
Who Is The Founder Of The Real Elf?
The Founder and CEO of The Real Elf Business is Tommy Holl, who was born and raised in Clarendon Hills, Illinois. After studying Broadcast Journalism at Columbia College Chicago, Tommy interned at NBC5 News.
He has experience in advertising and sales, having worked for several agencies, including RAIT Residential and the Museum of Broadcast Communications. In October 2018, he joined Spark Foundry as a manager.
In June 2021, he transitioned to Publicis Media Agency, where he worked as Manager of Executive Support to the COO.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of The Real Elf?
Tommy enters the Shark Tank with his business and quickly captures the sharks’ attention through a surprise box. He explains his personalized digital Elf Gram messages, noting that he is hired for corporate events, private parties, and media appearances.
Tommy seeks $125,000 for a 25% equity stake in his business. Each Elf Gram video costs $50, and he earns between $10,000 and $15,000 every month, with all of that being profit. However, his business only operates during the Christmas season.
He typically makes around $15,000 during the holiday period and has a total of 10,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Notably, this business is not Tommy’s full-time job; he also works as an executive assistant at a global media agency.
Mark Cuban mentions that while the concept is not bizarre, the real challenge lies in its execution, so he decides to opt out. Kevin O’Leary thinks the deal would be better suited for Barbara, which is why he also passes.
Tommy needs the investment to build his own apps, which he estimates will cost between $60,000 and $300,000. Mark advises him that an app may not be necessary. Lori Greiner states that this business isn’t for her, so she too is out.
Daymond John believes the business is a good fit for Tommy and suggests that he does not need a partner, thus he exits. Barbara Corcoran, however, expresses interest and makes an offer of $125,000 ($50,000 in cash plus $75,000 as a loan) for a 35% equity stake, along with a commitment to donate half of the sales to charity.
Finalize: Barbara Corcoran invest $125k ($50K cash + $75K as a loan) in “The Real Elf” for 35% equity.
What Happened To The Real Elf After Shark Tank?
Tommy the Elf pitched his business effectively on Shark Tank, impressing the sharks, who ultimately decided to invest. Barbara Corcoran recognized the potential in Tommy’s concept and secured a deal with him.
After the episode aired, Tommy’s pitch garnered significant attention on social media, particularly on Twitter, where many viewers expressed their admiration. In November 2022, he participated as an elf at the “900 North Michigan Avenue Bloomingdale’s” event.
On November 17, 2022, Tommy appeared on WGN Morning News and was featured on the Living Dayton TV show. Later in December 2022, he made a special appearance alongside Santa on the Today Show.
Following the investment from Shark Tank, Tommy received praise for his elf persona, with many fans commenting on how well it suited him.
Tommy continues to run his business part-time while also working with two advertising agencies: Publicis Media and Spark Foundry.
We will continue to follow Tommy Holl and his company’s progress for further updates.
What Is The Real Elf Net Worth?
In Shark Tank, this business sought an investment based on a $500,000 valuation; however, it did not secure funding at that amount. Ultimately, The Real Elf was valued at $375,000. This seasonal business experiences high demand primarily during the Christmas period.
Yes, The Real Elf is still in business as of December 2022.
