Daymond John: From humble beginnings to soaring success
In the pantheon of entrepreneurial legends, one name soars high above the rest: Daymond John, a titan whose journey from Shark Tank to the skies is a masterclass in relentless ambition. When you think success, think Daymond John—household name, pioneering powerhouse and the embodiment of the American dream. As a “Shark,” investor, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and let’s not forget New York Times best-selling author, Daymond John doesn’t just walk the walk; he takes flight, leaving a jet stream of inspiration in his wake. His life, an exhilarating tapestry of roles—visionary, husband, father—exemplifies a balance most dare only to dream of.
With each private jet ascent, Daymond charts a course in calculated business acumen, offering an arsenal of CEO wisdom that transforms the ordinary into extraordinary. His words, charged with the energy of a relentless spirit, echo through boardrooms and family rooms alike: “I’m hungrier now than ever before to the point where my poor staff is like ‘what the hell is wrong with this guy?’” This hunger fuels not just a personal legacy, but a commitment to propel others to dizzying heights of success. In the world of Jetset Magazine, where luxury meets legacy, Daymond John isn’t just a feature; he’s a force, a mentor guiding others through the stratosphere of possibility, driven by family, focused on health, and forever reaching for the stars.
All photos courtesy of Dave Laus
From truly humble beginnings in Queens, New York, John grew up in a single-parent household, where his mother worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. With limited resources, he had to be resourceful and innovative from an early age. His entrepreneurial spirit ignited when he was just 10 years old, selling handmade pencil cases on the streets of Queens. This early experience sparked his passion for business. He later founded FUBU (For Us, By Us), a clothing brand that began in his mother’s basement. It was all about streetwear and reflected the urban culture he was a part of. John’s big break came when he and his friends mortgaged their homes to secure funding for FUBU. The brand gained recognition when it was featured in a music videos and worn by top hip-hop artists. It quickly became a fashion sensation and a symbol of urban style.
His journey to becoming a “Shark” on Shark Tank is equally inspiring. John’s reputation as a fashion mogul and entrepreneur caught the attention of the show’s producers. He joined the cast in its first season and brought his business acumen to the table. His “Shark” persona is a testament to his incredible success and his ability to spot lucrative opportunities. John’s rise from a modest upbringing to becoming a renowned entrepreneur and investor is a true symbol of his determination, creativity and perseverance. He continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs around the world through his work on Shark Tank, the numerous entrepreneurial ventures detailed later in this story, and his motivational speaking engagements. John’s story is a shining example of the American dream realized, and he’s undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of business.
On the topic of private jet travel, John shared some excellent points about the benefits. “It’s not just about the luxury and convenience, although those aspects are certainly enticing. Private jet travel offers a level of productivity that’s hard to match with commercial flights.” When you have a busy schedule like John, every minute counts. Commercial flights often come with long check-in lines, security checks and the general hassle of navigating crowded airports. With a private jet, you can skip all of that and board your plane directly, saving valuable time. As John explains, “a six-hour flight from New York to Vegas can be incredibly productive when you have the privacy and comfort of a private jet.”
As you gain experience and maturity, the real value of private jet travel lies in its efficiency, safety, and the ability to focus on what truly matters. As John states, “When you start to realize what’s important to you, the need for private travel is a different need. With the ever-changing, fast-paced business world and managing multiple businesses, staying ahead of the competition is key.”
In the end, private jet travel is about more than just luxury; it’s about optimizing your time and resources to achieve your goals efficiently. John emphasizes, “That’s why I’m actually here. Because all of us true leaders constantly keep educating ourselves and what is most important is being around other people.” John is convinced that remote work and virtual meetings are ineffective, as they tap into merely 20 percent of the staff’s potential. So, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur like John or someone aspiring to reach new heights, private jet travel, with the opportunities it affords for face-to-face meetings, can be a valuable asset in your journey towards success.
Daymond John poses in front of flyExclusive’s 2002 CESSNA 560XL
In an interesting conversation, John mentions that a major global bank once approached him with an offer of a $2 billion credit line. The bank wanted him to oversee the absorption of various minority-owned companies. Resisting a 15–20-year commitment despite the attractive offer, John also declined to take over a hotel company because it would have required a significant long-term commitment. He considered the impact on his personal life, especially with his young daughter and previous personal experiences. Reflecting on the purpose of business, John emphasizes the importance of understanding why you’re in business. “Many people in business don’t realize their true motivations until they reach a certain point. Business should have a purpose, ideally creating positive change.”
Entrepreneurship is a journey that demands not only great ideas but also a unique set of skills and tools. Gleaning insights from seasoned entrepreneurs like John we uncover indispensable traits that every entrepreneur should cultivate to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
John highlights the importance of entrepreneurs having resilience, in terms of developing a strong rejection muscle. He argues that rejection, often seen as a setback, is actually a steppingstone towards innovation. Each “no” should be viewed as an opportunity to refine your approach and improve your offering. John declares, “The better entrepreneur you are, and the more innovative you are, the more you are going to get rejected.”
Harnessing common sense and thoughtful decision-making is also significant in entrepreneurship. While theoretical knowledge and business plans are important, John emphasizes the need to apply practical wisdom to each decision. “Everything that may look good on paper doesn’t always translate into success in the real world.”
When it’s all said and done, it’s important for entrepreneurs to cultivate their sense of empathy and vulnerability. These traits are essential in understanding the root of a problem or the essence of a customer’s need, making it easier to create solutions that resonate with people. John suggests that without these traits, entrepreneurs risk alienating themselves from the very people they aim to serve.
Beyond John’s FUBU fame, he focuses on building a lasting legacy, championing financial wellness and entrepreneurial success. He leads the Rise Nation Mastermind, connecting high-earning entrepreneurs for peer guidance and tackling advanced business challenges like employee retention and leveraging AI. Additionally, he selectively mentors top CEOs, emphasizing not just business growth but also philanthropic impact.
Daymond John aboard a CESSNA 560XL from flyExclusive
Passionate about financial literacy, John emphasizes the need for accessible financial education in America. He highlights the underutilization of available resources and the importance of teaching children about money management to address societal issues like debt and poor health choices. His book, “Little Damon Learns to Earn,” targets young audiences to instill early financial habits, tackling the ripple effects of predatory marketing and financial instability.
John’s philosophy balances building ego with nurturing the soul. He leverages his influence to educate both the young and entrepreneurs, aiming for a financially-aware future generation. This holistic approach unites his business endeavors and educational efforts, striving for broader societal improvement and financial security for all.
John also recently ventured into the health and wellness sphere, marking a new chapter that reflects his commitment to a well-rounded, balanced life. Acknowledging a personal revelation, John shares, “Post-COVID, I found myself numbing the edge a bit too often. That’s when I stopped drinking and shifted to natural methods for stress and weight management.” His pivot towards promoting overall well-being is not just a testament to his character, but a poignant reminder that true success encompasses far more than financial gain.
At 54, John’s vitality is a testament to his lifestyle changes. This rejuvenation is partly fueled by his personal life, including the youthful energy brought by his seven-year-old daughter and the support of his wife, whose presence serves as a continuous inspiration. Now, more than ever, he’s driven to stay healthy and present in his daughter’s life. With the dream of one day walking her down the aisle, Daymond says, “that’s part of what legacy is about—it’s not just about wealth.”
John’s journey is a true inspiration, reminding us all that success is attainable through hard work, calculated risks, helping others and a dedication to personal well-being. We encourage our readers to follow in his footsteps, embracing entrepreneurship with passion and resilience while also prioritizing their own health and wellness. John’s story is a beacon of motivation, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible in the world of business and beyond.
Special thanks to Flyexclusive and McLaren Scottsdale.