The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are proud to celebrate Billie Asmus of Hampton, founder and CEO of Repaint Studios, for securing an investment deal on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank.
Billie appeared on the October 8, 2025 episode, where she presented her company’s flagship product, The Repaint Tray. The Repaint Tray is a reusable silicone paint tray system designed to eliminate single-use plastic liners and reduce waste in the painting process. Her innovative design and steady growth trajectory, along with her confident pitch and compelling story, impressed the Sharks, leading to an investment offer of $250,000 for 15% equity from Barbara Corcoran and Chip and Joanna Gaines.
SHARK TANK - “1702” - Entrepreneurs enter the Tank to pitch products including a cleaning device for homegrown eggs, a reusable paint tray, a line of superfood seasoning and customizable fundraising blankets. Chip and Joanna Gaines make their Guest Shark debut. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8 (10:02-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard)
CHIP GAINES, BILLIE KAY ASMUS
Filming for Shark Tank provided Billie with a unique opportunity to showcase Iowa innovation on a national platform. “Iowa has such a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and I wanted to show that big ideas can come from small towns,” Billie said. “Innovation can thrive here in the Midwest, and anything is possible when rural entrepreneurs have access to resources, mentorship, and the right people who believe in their ideas.”
The Repaint Tray originated from Billie’s work in furniture restoration and upcycling, where she saw the waste created by disposable paint tray liners. She built her first prototype using foam board, hot glue, and raw silicone—an early version that would eventually evolve into a durable, reusable product line now sold nationally. “The Repaint Tray started out of pure necessity, because I was frustrated by how much waste the painting process creates,” said Billie. “I wanted to design something simple, sustainable, and convenient for people who love home improvement but have busy lives. With The Repaint Tray, you can pause your projects and come back when you have time, even a week later, and clean up on your own terms.”
Billie began her entrepreneurial journey with the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and SBDC in Fall 2021, participating in the Mason City cohort of the University of Iowa’s Venture School, a seven-week entrepreneurial training program. Through that experience, she conducted extensive customer discovery, refined her business model, and accessed key resources that helped her transition from a handmade prototype to a market-ready product. She also utilized the NIACC Innovation Space to further prototype and test her initial designs.
“Billie Asmus exemplifies the true spirit of entrepreneurship! Grit, tenacity, and an unwavering commitment to growth,” said Candi Karsjens, Director of the NIACC Pappajohn Center. “Even while navigating the challenges of building her own business, she found time to give back to North Iowa, mentoring and judging both youth and adults in our programs. Billie turns every obstacle into an opportunity and every experience into a lesson for others. Watching Billie pitch on Shark Tank and get a deal was a proud moment for our entire entrepreneurial community.”
With continued mentorship from the Pappajohn SBDC Center, Billie has successfully navigated multiple stages of business development, earning several recognitions along the way:
- Third Place in the 2022 Statewide Venture School Launch Day competition
- Gold Ticket at Lowe’s 2023 Product Pitch Event, leading to a major retail partnership
- First Place in the 2024 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
- Winner of the 2024 Iowa InnoVenture Challenge
Today, Repaint Studios products are available in Lowe’s, Home Depot, and ACE Hardware stores nationwide and online.
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC continue to support Billie and other North Iowa innovators as they launch, grow, and scale their ventures through business counseling, mentorship, educational programming, and statewide partnerships.
SHARK TANK - “1702” - Entrepreneurs enter the Tank to pitch products including a cleaning device for homegrown eggs, a reusable paint tray, a line of superfood seasoning and customizable fundraising blankets. Chip and Joanna Gaines make their Guest Shark debut. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8 (10:02-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard)
BILLIE KAY ASMUS
