A Self-Made Entrepreneur
Daymond John’s entrepreneurial journey started with a simple observation: wool ski hats sold for $20 apiece, and he knew he could make them for less. With his mother’s guidance, he learned to sew, created 90 hats with a neighbor, and sold them for $10 each on a street corner—making $800 in a single day. This was the spark that ignited FUBU (For Us, By Us), a brand that would go on to define 1990s streetwear and reach global success.
With limited resources but endless hustle, Daymond and his partners hand-stitched the FUBU logo onto hockey jerseys, sweatshirts, and T-shirts, distributing them to music artists and grassroots marketing. The turning point came when rapper LL Cool J, a neighborhood friend, wore a FUBU hat in a national Gap commercial—catapulting the brand into the mainstream.
After securing a $300,000 order at a trade show, Daymond and his mother took a leap of faith, mortgaging their home to finance production. When traditional banks refused to fund them, a strategic ad in The New York Times led to a game-changing partnership with Samsung Textiles. The rest is history—FUBU has since earned over $6 billion in global sales and is enshrined in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Since then, Daymond has received 100s of awards including the Brand Week Marketer of the Year, Advertising Age Marketing 1000 Award for Outstanding Ad Campaign, and Ernst & Young’s New York Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He was also named #2 on LinkedIn’s Top 20 Voices.
Shark Tank Success & The Shark Group
In 2009, Daymond John joined Shark Tank, where his sharp instincts and branding expertise made him a fan favorite. Over the years, he has invested millions in emerging businesses, with standout successes including Bombas Socks (now a billion-dollar brand).
Beyond Shark Tank, Daymond is the CEO and founder of The Shark Group, a consulting firm that helps businesses harness the power of branding, social media, and influencer marketing.
Bestselling Author & Motivational Speaker
A sought-after keynote speaker, Daymond shares lessons from his life and career, focusing on leadership, innovation, and overcoming obstacles. Recently, Real Leaders Magazine ranked Daymond as one of the Top 20 Keynote Speakers in the World for 2024.
His bestselling books—including The Power of Broke, Rise and Grind, and Powershift—offer practical strategies for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Additionally, his latest book, Little Daymond Learns to Earn, introduces young readers to financial literacy and entrepreneurship, reinforcing his belief that anyone can achieve success with the right mindset. The book reached the New York Times and Amazon best-seller list the first week of its release.
Giving Back & Black Entrepreneurs Day
Daymond’s passion for mentorship led him to launch Next Level Success, a program that equips small business owners with the tools to scale their ventures. He is also the creator of Black Entrepreneurs Day, an annual event that celebrates Black business owners and provides grants and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Hire Daymond John
Daymond John’s journey—from selling hats on the streets of Queens to becoming one of the most influential voices in business—proves that success is built on creativity, persistence, and an unwavering belief in oneself.
Organizations hire Daymond John for his unparalleled insights into entrepreneurship, branding, and leadership. With decades of experience growing businesses and investing in emerging companies, John has worked with high-level organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, industry conferences, and executive leadership teams. His keynotes inspire, educate, and provide actionable strategies that drive results. Whether you’re looking for a fireside chat, a motivational speech, or a keynote on business growth, Daymond John delivers high-impact sessions tailored to your audience.
Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group today to book Daymond John for your next event.