“Never give up what you believe” has been the motto of Daymond John and it is also his success mantra.
Daymond Garfield John was born on February 23, 1969, in Brooklyn in New York City. John had done several small jobs from childhood itself. From giving out flyers in the streets to one of the richest American businessmen, Daymond John has come a long way. Now he is a businessman, an investor, television personality, motivational speaker, and also an author. John owns a hip-hop apparel company named FUBU (For Us, By Us). He is also the founder of The Shark Group.
John had his elementary education in a Catholic school. He grew up in the residential neighborhood, Hollis in the Queens. His parents got divorced when he was young. He started earning money by giving out flyers in the street. It was an hourly job for just $2. He also worked full-time on weekdays and attended his high school on weekends. These early years gave him experiences and lessons in entrepreneurship. John graduated and worked on Red Lobster. He also started a van service. His career which started with a budget of $40 turned out to billionaire business later. Let us see more about Daymond John and his inspiring journey as a businessman.
Net Worth
As a television personality, fashion designer, CEO, author, Daymond John has different sources of income. What made him rich was his passion for the hustle and his discipline. Starting from a very young age he never stopped working hard. As of 2021, the net worth of Daymond John is $300 million.
Shark Tank
In 2009, John joined the American entrepreneurial reality television series Shark Tank and became one of the shark investors of the show. Shark Tank is aired on ABC and has won several Emmy awards. John has made a lot of investments in several firms through the show. He inspires the budding entrepreneurs and guides them as a mentor. He earned the title of “The people’s Shark” in the show. As of 2017, Daymond John has invested over $8,567,000 in the show. In 2015, John invested in Bubba’s-Q Boneless Ribs, and this is one of his most successful and favorite investments in the show. Within three years, the company grew well and later collaborated with Carl’s Jr. restaurant and created Baby Back Rib Burger. In season 5 of Shark Tank, John decided to mentor a 15-year-old entrepreneur Moziah Bridges. In season 6, John invested in Bombas Socks and the company hit $12 million within nine months. Bombas has the vision to help poor people. They donate a pair of socks for those who can’t afford it whenever a pair gets sold in the market. John has also invested in another company called Sun-staches in the same season of the Shark Tank.
House
Daymond John has a mansion in New York where he lives with his wife and children. Although he is traveling for more than 200 days a year, he uses his spare time to spend with his family at home.
Personal life and family
Daymond John marries Heather Taras, his second wife in 2018. His first marriage was before the success of his company and the name of his first wife is unknown. He has two children from the first marriage, named Yasmeen and Destiny. Daymond and Heather have a daughter named Minka Jagger.
It was revealed that John had stage II thyroid cancer in April 2017. But fortunately, his surgery was successful and his cancerous part was removed. John also has dyslexia or reading disorder. Despite his illness, he loves to read books. Some of his favorite books are Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter and Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill.
He is also an author. John has written several guiding books in business and financial growth like Display of Power: How Fubu Changed a World of Fashion, Branding and Lifestyle, The Brand Within: The Power of Branding from Birth to the Boardroom, The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage, with Daniel Paisne, and Rise and Grind: Outperform, Outwork, and Outhustle Your Way to a More Successful and Rewarding Life, with Daniel Paisne.
CEO of FUBU
FUBU was his game-changer and Daymond John knew exactly how to get his brand rooted in the fashion industry. Started from nothing, It was his marketing skills and innovative ideas which made FUBU, a success. FUBU was started in John’s mother’s house. He only had an idea to start a clothing line but was clueless about where to start. John’s mother taught him sewing and gave him full support. John and his friend made hats are sold them at half price. Their homemade hats were sold out and they introduced printed tee-shirts next.
To place their product on market, John sent the tee-shirts to local rappers. They wore it in their music videos and this increased the popularity of FUBU. John was simultaneously working in the Red Lobster to find money to invest in FUBU. His efforts were paid off. FUBU slowly grew and found its place in the fashion industry. FUBU became a fashion brand with a turnover of over $6 billion. The brand is also featured in the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington DC.
Daymond John is also the founder of a brand management firm, The Shark Group based in Manhattan. He is a motivational speaker and an influencer. He has presented his speeches in California First Lady Maria Shriver’s 2010 Women’s Conference, Creative LIAisons program at the annual London International Awards etcetera.
Daymond John made his success through effectively using his connections, social media, and also working with other small businesses. It wasn’t an overnight success. He wants to improve the life of the people around him also. John always holds on to hope. His techniques, hard work, and passion are textbooks for the future generation of entrepreneurs.