Daymond John

Daymond Garfield John (born February 23, 1972) is an American entrepreneur, television personality, and author who rose from humble beginnings in Queens, New York, to build a fashion empire. He founded FUBU in 1992 with just $40, initially sewing hats and accessories in his mother's house while working as a waiter and telemarketer. FUBU grew into a multimillion-dollar brand that revolutionized hip-hop fashion and became a symbol of African American entrepreneurship in the 1990s and 2000s. The brand's success made John a prominent figure in business circles and popular culture. Beyond FUBU, John has become widely recognized as an investor and "Shark" on the ABC reality television series Shark Tank, where he evaluates and funds promising startups. His keen business acumen and mentorship of young entrepreneurs have made him an influential voice in American commerce. John has also authored several books about entrepreneurship and business success, further cementing his status as a thought leader. His journey from street entrepreneur to mainstream business icon exemplifies the American rags-to-riches narrative and has inspired countless aspiring entrepreneurs.