Daymond John: FUBU Founder and Shark Tank Investor’s Net Worth 2024
Daymond John is a self-made multimillionaire, legendary entrepreneur, and one of the most recognizable “sharks” on the hit TV show Shark Tank. From humble beginnings in Queens, New York, John built a fashion empire with FUBU and became a sought-after branding expert, investor, and motivational speaker. His rags-to-riches story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
Who is Daymond John?
Daymond Garfield John was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 23, 1969. He grew up in the Hollis neighborhood of Queens, where he learned the value of hard work at a young age. When his parents divorced, John started working at just ten years old, handing out flyers for $2 an hour.
John’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early. He joined a program in high school that let him work full-time while attending school on alternating weeks. This experience sparked his passion for business and laid the groundwork for his future success.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daymond Garfield John |
| Date of Birth | February 23, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York |
| Age (2024) | 55 years |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Education | High School (Hollis, Queens); Entrepreneurial experience through early work |
Personal Life and Relationships
John’s personal life has been shaped by his dedication to his work and family. He admits that during his first marriage, he was often an absentee husband, focusing heavily on building his business empire. This led to the end of his first marriage, from which he had two daughters.
In 2018, John married his second wife, Heather Taras. Together, they have a daughter named Minka Jagger. In recent years, John has worked to balance his professional and personal life better, prioritizing time with his family while maintaining his business ventures.
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John is open about his challenges, including his dyslexia diagnosis. He sees his dyslexia not as a hindrance but as a unique way of thinking that contributes to his success. In 2017, John faced a health scare when he was diagnosed with stage II thyroid cancer. He underwent successful surgery to remove the cancerous nodule and has since become an advocate for regular health check-ups.
Professional Career
John’s career began with the founding of FUBU (For Us, By Us) in 1992. He started by selling handmade hats on the streets of Queens and soon expanded into screen-printed t-shirts. John and his friends sewed the FUBU logo onto hockey jerseys, sweatshirts, and t-shirts.
The big break came when John convinced his old neighborhood friend, LL Cool J, to wear a FUBU hat in a promotional campaign. This led to product placements in music videos and increased demand for FUBU products. Despite being turned down by numerous banks for loans, John persevered. His mother even mortgaged their house to provide $100,000 in startup capital.
FUBU’s success skyrocketed, and by 1998, the company had earned over $350 million in annual sales. To date, FUBU has generated over $6 billion in global sales.
In 2009, John’s career took a new turn when he joined the cast of ABC’s Shark Tank. As one of the “sharks,” John evaluates business pitches from entrepreneurs and decides whether to invest his money. His sharp business acumen and branding expertise have made him a fan favorite on the show.
Age and Physique
Born in 1969, Daymond John is currently 55 years old. Despite his busy schedule, John maintains a fit physique. He stands about 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and is known for his signature bald look and well-groomed facial hair. John often sports stylish suits and designer glasses, embodying the fashion-forward image he cultivated with FUBU.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2024, Daymond John’s net worth is estimated at around $350 million. This impressive fortune comes from various sources:
- FUBU: The majority of John’s wealth stems from the success of FUBU.
- Shark Tank investments: John has invested over $8.5 million of his own money in companies featured on the show.
- Speaking engagements and books: John is a sought-after speaker and bestselling author.
- The Shark Group: His brand consulting firm generates significant revenue.
While his salary is not public knowledge, reports suggest that John earns around $1.3 million per season of Shark Tank, in addition to his investment returns and other business ventures.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2024) | Approximately $350 million |
| Salary | Around $1.3 million per Shark Tank season |
| Sources of Wealth | FUBU, Shark Tank investments, speaking engagements, books, The Shark Group |
Company Details and Investments
Beyond FUBU, John has diversified his business interests:
- The Shark Group: Founded by John, this brand management and consulting firm helps companies grow and position their brands effectively.
- Shark Tank investments: Some of John’s successful investments include Bombas socks, Bubba ‘s-Q Boneless Ribs, and Sun-Staches novelty sunglasses.
- Real estate: While specific details of his portfolio are not public, John has mentioned investing in properties as part of his wealth-building strategy.
I’ve been working hard for the first half of this year to provide you, the entrepreneur, business owner, and hustler, more ways to work with me, The People’s Shark.
This years been full of ups and downs, so I’m excited to have put together a range of new educational programs,… pic.twitter.com/JbATWEk1Ct
— Daymond John (@TheSharkDaymond) August 26, 2024
Investment and Funding
John’s approach to investing is guided by his experiences as an entrepreneur. He looks for passionate founders with unique products and strong business acumen. Some of his notable investments include:
- Bombas: This sock company has a charitable mission and has grown tremendously since John’s investment.
- Bubba ‘s-Q Boneless Ribs: John helped grow this company from $154,000 in sales to $16 million in just three years.
- Mo’s Bows: Instead of investing directly, John mentored young entrepreneur Moziah Bridges, helping secure a licensing deal with the NBA.
John also co-founded Daymond John’s Success Formula (later rebranded as Next Level Success), a program designed to educate and support aspiring entrepreneurs.
Contact Details and Social Network Handles
While Daymond John’s personal contact information is not publicly available, he maintains an active presence on social media:
- Twitter: @TheSharkDaymond
- Instagram: @thesharkdaymond
- Facebook: @officialdaymondjohn
- LinkedIn: Daymond John
Interested parties can contact The Shark Group through their official website for business inquiries.
Conclusion
Daymond John’s journey from selling hats on the streets of Queens to becoming a multimillionaire investor and TV personality is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and hard work. His story continues to inspire entrepreneurs worldwide, proving that it’s possible to turn a small idea into a global success with determination and the right mindset.
John shares his wisdom and experience with the next generation of business leaders through various ventures, books, and speaking engagements. His emphasis on branding, strategic thinking, and giving back to the community sets him apart as a successful businessman, mentor, and role model.
As Daymond John continues to evolve in his career and personal life, one thing remains constant: his drive to succeed and help others do the same. Whether making deals in the Shark Tank or advising up-and-coming entrepreneurs, John’s impact on the business world is undeniable and enduring.