How Failure Led to a Million-Dollar Idea - Steve Adams of Tick Mitt Artwork

TrepTalks with Sushant

Successful e-commerce, retail, and tech entrepreneurs share their startup stories and proven strategies and tactics that they used to start and grow their businesses. Learn, get inspired, and then take action to build your dream business.

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TrepTalks with Sushant

How Failure Led to a Million-Dollar Idea - Steve Adams of Tick Mitt

March 21, 2026 • Sushant Misra • Season 1 • Episode 165

0:00 | 1:23:05

Steve Adams, founder of TiCK MiTT, a patented reusable microfiber mitt designed to quickly and safely remove ticks from people and pets, inspired by his family’s experiences with Lyme disease. Steve shares his entrepreneurial journey from early hustle and real estate to building a celebrity-home construction firm and then acquiring Magnolia Bakery, scaling it from one shop to 35–40 locations across 14 countries before selling amid the pandemic and partnership disputes. He explains how TiCK MiTT was developed with a tick scientist and product engineer, how trade shows and retail distribution accelerated growth, and how his daughter Olivia now runs the company as CEO. Steve recounts their Shark Tank experience, key lessons on failure, integrity, partnerships, and the impact of tariffs on CPG economics.