Johnny Georges: The Man Behind Tree T-Pee and a Mission to Save Water

Introduction: Who Is Johnny Georges?

In a world driven by profit margins and venture capital, Johnny Georges stands apart. Known for his heartfelt appearance on Shark Tank and his invention, the Tree T-Pee, Johnny Georges has become a symbol of purpose-driven innovation. His story is not just about a product—it’s about a man who believes in doing the right thing, even when it’s not the most profitable choice.

Early Life and Agricultural Roots

Born and raised in Florida, Johnny Georges grew up surrounded by citrus groves. His father, Rick Georges, was an agricultural innovator who deeply influenced Johnny’s path. From a young age, Johnny learned the value of hard work, water conservation, and helping farmers thrive with practical, affordable solutions.

This upbringing laid the foundation for what would later become his life’s work.

The Invention of the Tree T-Pee

Johnny Georges created the Tree T-Pee to solve a critical issue in agriculture: water waste. The cone-shaped device, made from recycled plastic, fits around the base of young trees to conserve water, protect roots, and reduce weed growth.

It was a simple, powerful idea born out of necessity. And for years, Johnny Georges distributed it locally to help Florida farmers cut irrigation costs and save thousands of gallons of water per tree.

The Shark Tank Moment

In 2013, Johnny Georges appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank to pitch his product. What made his presentation unforgettable was not just the Tree T-Pee itself, but the sincerity with which he delivered his message.

He explained that he was selling each unit for just $4.50—barely covering costs—because he believed every farmer deserved access to water-saving technology. The sharks were stunned by his humility and values.

Investor John Paul DeJoria, himself a self-made billionaire, was moved and invested $150,000 for 20% equity. That moment transformed Johnny Georges into a national figure.

Post-Shark Tank Success

Following the show, Johnny Georges and the Tree T-Pee gained massive exposure. Orders flooded in, and the product gained distribution across the U.S. and even internationally. But despite increased visibility and demand, Johnny Georges stayed true to his roots.

He refused to raise prices to exploit the market. His priority remained the same: help as many farmers as possible while conserving water and protecting the planet.

Business Growth with Purpose

Today, Tree T-Pee has sold hundreds of thousands of units. Though it hasn’t become a billion-dollar empire, the brand’s success is measured differently. For Johnny Georges, business is a vehicle for positive change, not just profit.

His decision to keep prices low and manufacturing local limits financial margins, but it enhances trust, brand loyalty, and environmental impact.

Impact on Water Conservation

Johnny Georges often highlights how the Tree T-Pee can save up to 3,000 gallons of water per tree, per year. In an era of increasing droughts and climate unpredictability, his invention is more relevant than ever.

Across citrus groves, pecan farms, and even vineyards, the Tree T-Pee is helping growers adapt sustainably. This legacy of conservation has become the most rewarding part of Johnny Georges’ journey.

Media and Speaking Engagements

Since his Shark Tank debut, Johnny Georges has become a sought-after speaker at agricultural expos, environmental conferences, and innovation summits. His story resonates with audiences who crave authenticity and ethics in entrepreneurship.

He frequently speaks on topics like:

• Sustainable agriculture
• Water management
• Ethical business practices
• Farmer empowerment

At each event, Johnny Georges reinforces that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your values.

Challenges Along the Way

Of course, the path hasn’t been without struggle. Johnny Georges has faced production delays, supply chain challenges, and pressure to scale rapidly. Yet, he’s resisted the temptation to cut corners or compromise quality.

He continues to handle much of the company’s logistics himself, often delivering Tree T-Pees personally and engaging with farmers face to face.

Staying True to His Mission

Many entrepreneurs pivot for profit—but not Johnny Georges. He believes the Tree T-Pee should remain affordable, even if it limits the company’s expansion pace.

This mission-first mindset is rare, especially in a landscape dominated by IPOs and acquisitions. But it’s precisely what makes Johnny Georges such an admired figure in sustainable business circles.

Tree T-Pee in 2025 and Beyond

In 2025, Tree T-Pee is still growing steadily. While not a tech unicorn, it’s quietly reshaping agriculture one tree at a time. Johnny Georges continues to explore new product designs, including biodegradable models and versions for different climates.

Plans are also underway to expand internationally, particularly into water-scarce regions in Africa and South America—regions that could benefit immensely from the Tree T-Pee’s efficiency.

Legacy and Public Image

To many, Johnny Georges is more than an inventor—he’s a moral compass in modern business. Fans of Shark Tank often cite his episode as the most inspiring in the show’s history. Farmers across the U.S. view him as a peer and a champion for their needs.

He hasn’t chased celebrity. He doesn’t drive luxury cars or post lavish vacations. Instead, Johnny Georges has built a legacy rooted in authenticity, integrity, and impact.

Customer Testimonials and Reviews

Farmers who’ve used the Tree T-Pee often describe it as a game-changer. Testimonials praise:

• Significant water savings
• Faster tree growth
• Reduced need for weed control
• Exceptional customer service from Johnny Georges himself

This kind of grassroots endorsement has been more powerful than any marketing campaign.

The Economics of the Tree T-Pee

From a business perspective, Tree T-Pee operates on low margins and high volume. While critics argue that Johnny Georges could have made millions more by scaling aggressively or raising prices, his counterpoint is simple: “Why should farmers have to pay more to do the right thing?”

This principle guides every decision he makes.

Recognitions and Awards

Over the years, Johnny Georges has received numerous accolades, including:

• Environmental Stewardship Awards
• Local Business Impact Recognition
• Media honors for Most Memorable Shark Tank Pitch

Each award is a testament to the power of values-driven leadership.

The Heart Behind the Hustle

What truly sets Johnny Georges apart is his heart. He cries when talking about his father’s legacy. He lights up when discussing the farmers he’s helped. He gets emotional when explaining why he chose people over profits.

And that emotion isn’t a gimmick. It’s a reflection of a man who walks his talk.

Why His Story Matters Now More Than Ever

In 2025, as climate change intensifies and economic pressure on farmers increases, we need innovators like Johnny Georges. People who blend practicality with purpose. People who understand that the future of farming is about sustainability, not just scale.

Johnny Georges proves that you don’t need to be a billionaire to be a changemaker.

Also Read: Tree T-Pee Net Worth: A Shark Tank Story of Purpose Over Profit