Daymond John’s Advice on Building a Successful Business

Daymond John, known from ‘Shark Tank,’ shares straightforward advice for business success. In a chat with Fox News Digital at Fanatics Fest, the 57-year-old entrepreneur emphasized the importance of passion in building a business. He believes you must love what you do enough to do it for free.

John uses the example of getting paid for what you enjoy doing naturally. If you would buy a product yourself, you’re more likely to sell it successfully. He asserts that any business, even garbage collection, is worthwhile if you’re passionate about it. Otherwise, monetary motivations alone might fail you. Referencing fellow ‘Shark Tank’ cast member Kevin O’Leary, John suggests that successful entrepreneurs enjoy solving tough problems and strategizing, akin to a chess game.

Starting out young, John developed his entrepreneurial spirit early. In 1992, he and three friends founded FUBU (‘For Us, By Us’). Now a global fashion brand, the business originated in John’s Queens, New York home where he hand-sewed hats and T-shirts.

“I was frustrated by Timberland and others not catering to African Americans,” John told The Source Magazine. “Creating FUBU was driven by my love for fashion and music, making clothes I wanted to wear and the community could embrace.”

After establishing FUBU’s success, John became part of ‘Shark Tank’ in 2009, joining Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O’Leary, Robert Herjavec, and Kevin Harrington. As an investor on the show, he has backed several ventures, including Bombas and Bubba’s-Q Boneless Ribs.

John’s investment approach prioritizes the entrepreneur over the idea. Speaking to Inc., he highlighted the importance of information-seeking and learning from mistakes. He values entrepreneurs who show drive and trustworthiness.

At Fanatics Fest, John enjoyed the event as a fellow fan, expressing excitement about seeing various sports figures and celebrities. The festival featured a wide range of attractions, from WWE to UFC.

Lori A. Bashian is an entertainment news writer at Fox News Digital.