Issaquah-based Combat Flip Flops Makes Deal with Three Sharks on ABC’s Shark Tank

After four years of failing and succeeding, creating new roadmaps for manufacturing in war zones, employing former drug runners, educating women, clearing land mines, and supporting veterans, Combat Flip Flops has succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of three of today’s most prominent investors and Shark Tank’s self-made millionaires.  Mark Cuban, Daymond John and Lori Greiner made a deal of $300,000 for 30% equity in Combat Flip Flops, spread equally between the three investors.


“Having our mission of ‘Business, Not Bullets’ validated by the Sharks is powerful,’ said Matthew ‘Griff’ Griffin.  “It’s not just a good idea, it’s a legitimate course of action now backed by dominant players in the fashion, retail, and tech sectors.”

The $300,000 investment from the Sharks will be used for inventory and to build up Combat Flip Flops’ staff.  The three co-founders have, for the majority of their time in business, been working side jobs.  Investment will allow them to focus 100% on the business and add staff when needed.


“Combat Flip Flops will be able to book solid, consistent orders with our manufacturers.  This will enable those manufacturers to hire more staff and have a larger impact in their communities.  For the charities, we will be able to provide steady, substantial support.  More Afghan girls in school, swaths of land cleared of mines, and supporting positive transitions for SOF veterans,” said Griff.

When asked what, besides the deal, was the most exciting part of being on Shark Tank, Donald Lee joked, “We’ve heard Kevin talk about his money being soldiers, going to war, and other military analogies.  When he dropped out, handing him the red chem light was the only logical thing to do.”

In 2015, Combat Flip Flops’ sales increased 150% over 2014 while the company donated over 60 years of school to Afghan girls and cleared 1533 square meters of land mines in Laos, keeping kids and villagers safe. Through its Unarmed Forces, the brand has spread stoke and empowered mindful consumers to make a difference.