You’ve seen the pitch. A guy walks into a room, hooks a piece of metal to a car door latch, stands on it, and walks away with $3 million. Most Shark Tank fans remember Moki Doorstep as that "one crazy deal" where the founders didn't just get an investment—they sold the entire house.
Honestly, it’s one of the weirdest segments in the show's history. Usually, entrepreneurs are fighting tooth and nail to keep 90% of their equity. But Zach and Alyssa Brown? They did the opposite. They handed over the keys and walked out.
Now that we’re sitting in 2026, the dust has finally settled on that $3 million handshake. People still wonder: Did Daymond John actually pay up? Is the product even around anymore? And did those pesky Amazon knockoffs finally win the war?
The Moki Doorstep Shark Tank Pitch That Broke the Rules
Let's rewind to Season 10. Zach Brown, a firefighter, and Alyssa, a nurse, weren't exactly looking to become the next Silicon Valley tycoons. They had a simple problem: Alyssa is about 5 feet tall. Reaching the roof of their SUV to strap down gear was a nightmare.
Zach’s solution was a hunk of aircraft-grade aluminum that hooks onto the U-shaped door striker. Simple. Brilliant. It holds up to 400 pounds.
They hit Kickstarter first and absolutely crushed it, raising over $110,000. By the time they walked into the Tank, they weren't just "two people with an idea." They had a term sheet for a licensing deal worth $3 million over seven years.
Why Daymond John Bought the Whole Thing
Most Sharks—Kevin O'Leary, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner—were skeptical about the valuation. $3 million for a step? But Daymond saw something different. He saw a clean exit.
Zach was blunt. He basically said, "Look, I love being a firefighter. She loves being a nurse. We have two small kids. We don't want to run a logistics company."
It’s rare to hear that level of honesty. Usually, people fake "the hustle."
Daymond offered $450,000 for 20% at first. But when Zach mentioned they’d sell the whole company for $3 million—exactly what that licensing deal was worth—Daymond pounced. He bought 100% of Moki Doorstep right there.
What Happened After the Cameras Stopped Rolling
If you follow the show, you know a "handshake deal" is basically just a pinky swear until the lawyers look at the books. Roughly half of Shark Tank deals fall apart in due diligence.
But this one? It actually closed.
Daymond John confirmed later on The View that the deal went through. He didn't just buy a product; he bought a "lifestyle business" that he could immediately hand off to a partner. That partner was Rightline Gear.
The Rightline Gear Era
Daymond isn't in his garage shipping boxes. He’s a brand builder. He took the Moki Doorstep and leaned into the licensing agreement the Browns had already started. Rightline Gear, a company that specializes in car top carriers and tents, took over the manufacturing and distribution.
They rebranded it as the Rightline Gear Moki Doorstep.
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If you go to a Bass Pro Shop or REI today, you’ll see it. It’s orange. It’s sturdy. It’s still around $45. But the company has evolved. They eventually released the "Moki Ascent," which is a folding version.
The $3 Million Question: Was It a Good Deal?
Business nerds love to debate this. Did Zach and Alyssa leave money on the table?
Think about it. $3 million in 2019 money. After taxes and paying back Zach's uncle (who helped fund the patent for a $1-per-unit royalty), they were still multi-millionaires.
- The Pro: They got a guaranteed payout. No more worrying about manufacturing defects, shipping delays, or payroll.
- The Con: Moki Doorstep has likely generated way more than $3 million in retail sales since then.
However, Zach has spent the last few years playing "patent police." He reportedly helped remove over 9,000 knockoff listings from Amazon. That is a soul-crushing job. By selling the company, he got the cash without the 80-hour work weeks. Honestly, that sounds like a win.
The Massive Knockoff Problem
If you search for "car door step" on Amazon right now, you’ll see dozens of versions. Most are cheap, $15 pieces of junk from random brands you've never heard of.
This is what Kevin O'Leary warned them about.
The original Moki Doorstep is made of high-quality aluminum. The cheap ones? Some have been known to snap or, worse, bend the door frame of the car. The original has a rubber bumper to protect the paint. Many "clones" don't.
Despite the patents, the "Moki" name has almost become like "Kleenex"—a generic term for the category. But in 2026, the original Rightline version remains the only one most outdoor enthusiasts actually trust.
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Where Are They Now? (2026 Update)
Rightline Gear was actually acquired by a larger group, MacNeill Pride Group, a few years back. This moved Moki Doorstep into a portfolio with big names like Klymit.
As for Zach and Alyssa? They’re living the dream. They went back to their lives in Connecticut. Zach continues his work as a first responder. They didn't let the "Shark Tank fame" change their core.
They are the ultimate example of "knowing your exit."
Most entrepreneurs fail because they don't know when to stop. They keep pushing until they burn out. The Browns realized they had a hit, cashed the check, and chose family over the grind.
Actionable Insights for Budding Entrepreneurs:
- Protect Your IP Early: Zach had a patent and a royalty deal with his uncle before he even pitched. This made the $3 million valuation "real" to the Sharks.
- Know Your Goal: If you don't want to be a CEO, don't try to be one. Selling 100% of your company isn't "giving up"—it's an exit strategy.
- Validate via Crowdfunding: Their Kickstarter success proved there was a market. This took the "gamble" out of it for Daymond.
- Quality Always Wins: In a sea of 9,000 knockoffs, the original Moki Doorstep is still the one sold in major retail stores because it doesn't break under pressure.
If you’re looking to buy one, stick to the authorized retailers. Your car’s door frame—and your ankles—will thank you.