“Shark Tank” star Daymond John emphasizes the importance of passion in business. Speaking to Fox News Digital at Fanatics Fest, John highlighted that successful businesses revolve around something you love.
John suggested, “If you’re starting something you love, be willing to do it for free. You should get paid for what you’d do for free.” He believes that loving what you do is crucial to success. John also noted that even tasks considered mundane, like emptying garbage, can be fulfilling if you genuinely enjoy them.
Even Kevin O’Leary, you think he does it for money? No, he just likes complicated structures that manage his downside. But at the end of the day, he likes the chess game.
John’s journey into entrepreneurship began early. He co-founded FUBU (“For Us, By Us”) in 1992 with three childhood friends. The fashion brand, now global, started with John sewing hats and T-shirts in his mother’s house in Queens, New York.
John commented, “I was frustrated by Timberland and other brands that didn’t make clothes for African Americans.” His love for fashion and music motivated him to create FUBU. John wanted to design clothes that respected and appealed to the community he was part of.
After elevating FUBU to a worldwide brand, John joined “Shark Tank” in 2009 with fellow investors Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O’Leary, Robert Herjavec, and Kevin Harrington. On the show, John invested in businesses like Bombas and Bubba’s-Q Boneless Ribs.
Discussing his investment approach, John told Inc., “I always look for the person first — before the idea.” He values entrepreneurs who seek knowledge and are open to learning. Trustworthiness and a willingness to move forward are key qualities John seeks in potential partners.
At Fanatics Fest, John expressed excitement about the event, which offers a Comic-Con-like experience with sports and entertainment activities. “I haven’t gotten to see most of it,” he said, “but for three years in, this is nuts, right? It’s everything from WWE to UFC, to all the sports stuff.”