Daymond Garfield John is an American businessman, investor, and television personality. He is best known as the founder, president, and chief executive officer of FUBU, and appears as an investor on the ABC reality television series Shark Tank. Based in New York City, John is the founder of The Shark Group.
John was born February 23, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York City, but grew up in the Hollis neighborhood of Queens and attended Catholic school for seven years. He began working at the age of 10, when his parents divorced; one early job entailed handing out flyers for $2 ($8.38 in 2023) an hour. In high school, he participated in a program that allowed him to work a full-time job and attend school on an alternating weekly basis, which he credits with instilling an entrepreneurial spirit. After graduating from high school, he started a commuter van service and waited tables at Red Lobster.
In 1992, John founded FUBU with his friends Alexander Martin, Carlton Brown, and Keith Perrin. They began making and selling things like hockey jerseys and screen-printed t-shirts out of Mrs. John’s basement. The brand quickly gained popularity, and FUBU soon became a household name.
In 1998, FUBU went public and was listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The company went on to generate over $6 billion in sales. John stepped down as CEO of FUBU in 2007, but he remains the company’s chairman.
In 2009, John joined the cast of Shark Tank. The show features a panel of wealthy investors who listen to pitches from entrepreneurs and decide whether to invest in their businesses. John has invested in over 60 businesses on Shark Tank, including Scrub Daddy, Squatty Potty, and Bombas.
John is also a successful author and speaker. He has written several books on entrepreneurship, including “The Success Formula: How to Get What You Want Out of Life” and “The Power of Broke: How to Use What You Don’t Have to Create What You Want.” He is also a frequent speaker at business conferences and events.
John is a recognized expert in the field of entrepreneurship. He is a member of the board of directors of several companies, and he also serves as a mentor to young entrepreneurs. He is a strong advocate for small businesses, and he believes that entrepreneurship is the key to economic growth.
John is a successful entrepreneur who has made a significant impact on the world of business. He is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and a mentor to anyone who wants to achieve their dreams. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and innovation.
Here are some other notable achievements in Daymond John’s life and career:
- He was named one of the “Top 100 Entrepreneurs” by Inc. magazine in 2010.
- He is the recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for New York City in 2007.
- He was appointed by President Barack Obama as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) in 2011.
- He is the founder of the Daymond John Foundation, which provides educational and entrepreneurial opportunities to young people.
Daymond John’s achievements echo the melody of hard work harmonized with innovation. His legacy offers invaluable lessons for those with entrepreneurial aspirations.