What Happened To The Real Elf After Shark Tank?

The Real Elf is a pop-up event business. Tommy Holl, the founder of this business. The main purpose of this business is to spread love. People can book events or small video wishes by visiting the official website of this business with their own messages and Tommy will present it in his elf themed.

Many people also know The Real Elf business as “Tommy the Real Elf” in the Chicago area. The business idea came to Tommy in 2012 after his friends told him he looked like “The Elf on the Shelf” with a red hat.

He was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and when he came out of cancer, he did a deed that he would spread love by himself. The Real Elf was launched in 2014.

Tommy appeared on Shark Tank Season 13 Episode 8 with his business The Real Elf and asked the sharks for $125,000 for a 25% equity at a $500K Valuation.

What Is The Real Elf?

Tommy the Real Elf is an Elf Gram (pop-up event) Business. In this, Tommy offers personalized wish videos and live events.

In “Elf Gram,” Tommy sends Christmas cheer videos with personalized messages to friends and family. Its cost is $50. “Tommy the Real Elf” himself is physically present at the live event.

Apart from this, it also sells other accessories like mugs, blankets, masks, hoodies, pillows and many more. This business is especially on peak at the time of Christmas. Real Elf is available for parties, promotions, and events.

Company NameThe Real Elf
FounderTommy Holl
Founded2014
ProductElf 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
SharkBarbara Corcoran
Episode (Shark Tank USA)S13 E8
Air DateDec 10, 2021
Business StatusIn Business
WebsiteVisit Website
HeadquartersChicago, Illinois, United States
Lifetime Worth (Sales)$500k *estimated
Go To AmazonBuy Now
Watch OnAmazon 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. Tommy was born and grew up in Clarendon Hills, Illinois. Tommy interned at NBC5 News after studying Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College Chicago.

He worked in advertising and sales for several agencies, including the RAIT Residential, Museum of Broadcast Communications.

In October 2018, he joined the advertising company Spark Foundry as a manager. Worked as Manager, Executive Support to COO in Publicis Media Agency Company on June 2021.

The Real Elf Before Shark Tank

The Real Elf business was launched in 2014 but founder Tommy came up with this business idea in 2012, when his friends told him that he was similar with Elf.

In 2013, Tommy was diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma cancer. This cancer occurs in 1 in 2.5 million people. These tumors mostly occur in the finger and to avoid this the finger has to be removed from the body.

Due to this, Tommy had to lose his pinky finger. After this, Tommy decided that he would spread love. Tommy appeared in many high profile events. This made him a lot of celebrity friends and was featured in many media publications because of this.

Tommy had received a lot of support from Imerman Angels during his cancer, so Tommy partnered with Imerman Angels for free.

Many media covered Tommy while spreading love in Christmas, including the ChicagoPride, WGN-TV, FOX 61, The Irish Sun, The Mirror and Today Show.

How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of The Real Elf?

Tommy enters the shark tank with his business and quickly becomes visible to the shark through a surprise box. He explained about his personality digital elf gram message. He also told that he is hired for corporate events, private parties and media appearances.

He asked the shark for $125,000 for a 25% equity. Each video on Elf Gram costs $50. He is earning $10,000 to $15,000 every month. Whatever he earns is his profit. This business runs only in Christmas time.

He makes $15,000 every year during the Christmas holiday. Together with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, his total is 10,000 followers.

This business is not a full-time job for Tommy, he works full-service as an executive assistant at a global media agency.

Mark Cuban said this is not a bizarre idea, it is a challenge to the execution, that is why he is out. Kevin O’Leary said he thinks this deal is for Barbara, that’s why he is out.

Tommy needs an investment in Shark Tank because he wants to build his own apps, which cost him $60,000 to $300,000. Mark said that you do not need the app. Lori Greiner said it is not business for her then she is out.

Daymond John said that this business is good for you and you do not need a partner, so he is out. Barbara Corcoran said she would make an offer, the offer is $125k ($50K cash + $75K as a loan) for a 35% equity + half of sales donated 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?

The Elf Tommy pitched very well in Shark Tank and the sharks really liked him. The real elf got a deal in Shark Tank and Barbara invested in this business.

After this episode of Shark Tank aired, many people liked Tommy’s pitch and they also shared it on Twitter. On November 2022, he participated in the event of “900 North Michigan Avenue Bloomingdale’s” as an elf.

On November 17, 2022 Tommy appeared on the WGN Morning News. He also appeared on Living Dayton’s TV show. In December 2022, Tommy and others Santa appeared on Today Show.

The Real Elf Shark Tank Update

After this business got an investment in Shark Tank, many people praised this elf look of Tommy. Many people said that this look suits Tommy very well.

Tommy is still doing this business as part time. He is also working with Two Advertising Agency (Publicis Media and Spark Foundry).

We’re following Tommy Holl along with his company for further updates.

What Is The Real Elf Net Worth?

In Shark Tank, this business sought investment from sharks at $500,000 valuation, but this business did not get investment at the asked valuation. The Real Elf was worth $375k. This is a seasonal business which is in high demand only during Christmas.

At the time of Christmas, there are many people who plan events and Elf is called for that event. At the time of Christmas, this type of business can do from $15k to 50k in one month.

Is The Real Elf Still In Business?

This is a seasonal business which is mostly popular during Christmas time, there are many people who fire elf for fun. This type of business earns a good income during the Christmas season.

Tommy Real Elf has been featured in a lot of media, Tommy is mostly popular in the Chicago area.

This business base is in Chicago, Illinois, United States and Tommy is the only employee in it.

Yes, The Real Elf is still in business as of December 2022.

frequently asked questions

Who is Tommy the real elf?

Tommy the Real Elf is a pop-up events business that send Elf Grams. This is Tommy Holl, the founder of Busiense and he is the assistant executive of the advertising agency.

How do you get Tommy the real elf?

For Tommy the Real Elf you have to visit the therealelf.com website.