Shark Tank Bio: Robert Herjavec Robert Herjavec is one of six “sharks” on the critically acclaimed television series “Shark Tank” that airs on ABC. He and his fellow sharks are multi-millionaires or billionaires, looking for new businesses to invest in and capitalize on. On the show, Herjavec is now known as the technology innovator, but he hasn’t always been.
Humble Beginnings Born in Croatia under communist rule, he and his parents escaped and immigrated to Canada while he was still very young. At the time they had only $20 and no understanding of the English language. Though their prospects were few, they were able to make it work and turn their rags into riches. He worked his way up from distributing newspapers on a daily route to waiting tables in order to fund his newfound interest in computer and technology companies.
Education Though the degree he eventually pursued at the University of Toronto had little to do with the investments he would make later in life, he greatly enjoyed studying English literature and political science. He continues to emphasize the importance of education by teaching others how to become entrepreneurs themselves.
Rags to Riches He launched his first computer company from his basement at the age of 27. This computer system was sold to AT&T Canada 10 years later. This success led to a three year hiatus that he used to spend time at home with his three children he has with his wife, Diane Plese.
Making a Name for Himself From here he decided to establish The Herjavec Group, starting with only three employees. However, since then it has grown quite a bit, with at least $500 million dollars in sales at least over the past 10 years. As the founder and CEO of this award winning business, this great success has led him to where he is today.
Television Appearances In addition to being an investor on ABC’s reality show “Shark Tank,” he also appears on Canada’s number one television show entitled “Dragon’s Den” as an investor for up and coming entrepreneurs in Canada.
Personal Life Ever since moving to Canada as a young child with his parents, he has called it home. He and his family now live in a renowned mansion in North York, Ontario, that has been featured on multiple reality shows for being the largest and most expensive home sold in Canada. His favorite hobby is racing cars and has been known to compete in and win races. He also collects cars and has several rare ones in his collection. Robert Herjavec may not have gotten his degree in Business Administration or Accounting, but he has put his entrepreneurial skills to use and now helps others to do the same. He even gives tips and hints to success in his book “Driven: How to Succeed in Business and Life” that stayed on the bestsellers list for eight months. Now if you want to learn how to follow his example you can tune in to “Shark Tank” or read his new book, “The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, Succeeding.”