Shark Tank’s Daymond John: Why He Will Never Retire
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Katie Wudel
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If you’ve ever wondered what goes into becoming a successful investor on the hit show “Shark Tank,” it takes a bit more than just having a charismatic personality. Daymond John is one of those rare individuals who not only built himself up to be a self-made millionaire (and then some) but also likes what he does so much that he has claimed he never wants to stop working. Keep reading to learn more about why Daymond John never wants to retire.
Quick Take: How Did Daymond John Get Rich?
Well before the show and television fame, John began to build his fortune by founding the clothing brand FUBU (For Us, By Us). John started the business in his mother’s house in Queens, New York, in 1992, where she taught him how to sew hats and sweatshirts. FUBU became a massive success and a famous fashion brand, selling over $6 billion in global sales.
Not only have his products become synonymous with hip-hop culture, but his brand has also launched John into the centi-millionaire club. He has been on “Shark Tank” since Season 4 of the show, where he earns $50,000 per episode. Currently, it’s estimated that Daymond John’s net worth is $350 million.
His ‘Type A Personality’ Keeps His Work Drive Alive
When once asked if he would ever retire, John emphatically responds, “Absolutely not.” Now, some would call this being a workaholic, but he mostly blames being highly competitive, organized, ambitious and sometimes impatient, or to put it more simply, his Type A personality.
“I don’t know how to stop,” John added. “If I retired, I would probably be on a board or 20 boards.”
John says if he ever did retire, it wouldn’t be long before he was working again. For him, retirement would involve serving on boards dedicated to causes he cares about, but he seemingly will never be one for a life of leisure. Whether it’s saving turtles, taking illegal firearms off the streets or providing water to those in need, his idea of retirement is anything but traditional.
The Pursuit of Happiness Means Having Purpose
For John, life is a continuous journey filled with opportunities to make a difference. This outlook reflects not just a personal choice, but a compelling narrative of how meaningful engagement can add zest to life, regardless of age.
John may be unsure about the exact statistics, but he mentioned that a significant number of individuals die within a few years of retiring, which led him to think, much like the shark he is, that if he stops swimming, it will be detrimental to his health.
His determination to remain active and engaged in meaningful pursuits, no matter what phase of life he is in, is to avoid being a retirement statistic. “I don’t like that stat,” said John. “I’m never retiring; I would rather do something I love.”
Final Take To GO
John’s message transcends the realms of personal ambition or professional success. It’s about embracing life with unyielding enthusiasm and making a tangible difference in the world. His narrative challenges the traditional idea of retirement and inspires a proactive approach toward the golden years. John demonstrates that retirement is not about withdrawing but about redirecting one’s energy towards causes that ignite passion and foster positive change.
His drive to continuously pursue projects that resonate with his values and put other entrepreneurs and upstart companies on the right path is what sets him apart. Where most people would take his level of success and fortune and kick back and relax to enjoy the fruits of their labor throughout their golden years, John simply never wants to lean into retirement.
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