Robert Herjavec Introduction
Robert Herjavec is a prominent Canadian businessman, investor, author and television personality who has built a diverse business empire spanning cybersecurity, software and integrations. He is best known to the public as one of the longtime “sharks” on ABC’s hit business reality show Shark Tank.
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Bios
| Name: | Robert Herjavec |
| Date Of Birth: | 14 September 1962 |
| Age: | 60 years old |
| Gender: | Male |
| Profession: | Canadian businessman, investor, and celebrity |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Nationality: | Croatian, Canadian |
| Yearly Income And Salary: | $30 Million + |
Robert Herjavec Early Life
Herjavec was born on September 14, 1962 in Varaždin, former Yugoslavia (present-day Croatia). When he was 8 years old, his family fled the communist regime with a single suitcase and settled in Canada. Growing up, his family lived in poverty in Toronto’s basement apartments.
As a teenager, Robert Herjavec took on numerous small jobs like delivering newspapers and waiting tables to help his family make ends meet. This early exposure to entrepreneurship and hard work shaped his future business acumen.
In 1984, Herjavec graduated with a degree in English Literature and Political Science from the University of Toronto. His first job out of college was in film production, but he soon realized it wasn’t the right career path for him.
Robert Herjavec Career
Robert Herjavec Net Worth 2023 rags-to-riches career path epitomizes the classic entrepreneurial story of overcoming adversity through hard work and perseverance.
Escaping Communism To Arriving In Canada
Born in 1962 in Varaždin, Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia), Herjavec lived in communist Yugoslavia until age 8. To escape the oppressive regime and seek better opportunities, his family fled to Canada with a single suitcase and only $20.
The Herjavec family took refuge in a Toronto basement apartment, living in poverty as his father frequently struggled to find steady work. As a child and teenager, Robert Herjavec quickly took on part-time jobs like delivering newspapers and waiting tables to help provide extra income.
These formative experiences instilled the value of hard work and gave him critical business skills like managing customer relationships.
Early Beginnings In Film And Technology
After graduating from New College at the University of Toronto in 1984, Herjavec’s first job was in the film industry as an assistant director. He left after six months, realizing his interests were better aligned with burgeoning technology industry.
In 1990, with limited knowledge but eager to learn, Herjavec founded his first company BRAK Systems focused on integrating internet security software. Robert Herjavec aggressively grew the business from his basement into a leading Canadian technology integrator.
Robert Herjavec Personal Life
Devoted Family Man
Family represents Herjavec top priority outside of his professional career. He has two daughters and a son from his previous 26-year marriage to Diane Plese which ended amicably in 2016. His children were a driving motivation behind his intense work ethic to provide them security.
In 2015, Herjavec met his current wife Kym Johnson when they were paired up on Dancing with the Stars. Their chemistry was instant and his children quickly embraced Johnson, a former Australian ballroom dancer. The couple married in 2016 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.
Robert Herjavec Net Worth 2023 and Kym Johnson have since had twins together – a son named Hudson Robert Herjavec and daughter named Haven Mae Herjavec born in 2018.
While intensely focused on business, Robert Herjavec always makes time for his five children when not traveling. He has called being a present father the most important job in the world. Herjavec frequently shares family photos on his social media of special occasions like graduations.
Passion For High-Speed Hobbies
When he needs an adrenaline rush outside the pressures of the business world, Herjavec turns to high-speed hobbies. He is an automotive and motorcycle enthusiast, with a particular passion for Italian luxury vehicles.
Herjavec car collection includes several Ferraris and Lamborghinis along with a handful of Porsches. He also owns multiple Ducati superbikes. Herjavec enjoys talking about engines and racing with friends.
Robert Herjavec Education
Early Life In Former Yugoslavia
Born in 1962 in Varaždin, Yugoslavia (present-day Croatia), Herjavec lived in Communist Yugoslavia until age 8. To escape the oppressive Marxist regime and seek greater opportunities, his family fled to Canada with just a single suitcase and meager savings.
Growing up in Toronto’s basement apartments, Robert Herjavec Net Worth 2023 saw his father frequently struggle to find work. From an early age, he started taking on part-time jobs to help his family make ends meet. Herjavec quickly learned critical lessons about hard work, tenacity and managing customer relationships.
Earning An Unrelated Degree At University Of Toronto
After graduating high school, Herjavec enrolled at the University of Toronto. In 1984, he completed his undergraduate degree in English Literature and Political Science from the university’s New College.
The liberal arts program hardly provided a business education. However, it enabled Herjavec to hone communication, critical thinking, and relationship-building skills. He emerged a well-rounded, articulate graduate poised for entrepreneurship.
Minimum Wage Jobs Provided A Real-World Education
With an unrelated degree and no family connections, Herjavec faced limited job prospects after graduating in the mid-1980s. He worked various minimum wage jobs in retail sales, restaurants, collections, and elsewhere. The roles required tireless effort and interaction with all types of people.
Looking back, Herjavec does not regret missing out on a traditional business education. He believes those real-world experiences selling vacuum cleaners or waiting tables offered the most valuable lessons in tenacity, persuasion, and service. The soft skills proved more relevant than any textbook knowledge.
What Is Robert Herjavec Net Worth 2023
Robert Herjavec Net Worth 2023 has built an immense fortune of an estimated $300 to $320 million as of 2023 through his savvy investments and entrepreneurial ventures. He is recognized globally as one of the most financially successful stars to emerge from the hit show Shark Tank. Herjavec’s diversified business empire across cybersecurity, software, real estate, and more continues to drive his soaring net worth.
Multi-Million Dollar Exit From Herjavec Group
The foundation of Herjavec’s wealth stems from founding and selling cybersecurity firm Herjavec Group in the early 2000s. He started the company in 2003 initially as a security software integrator called “The Herjavec Group.”
Riding the wave of growing cybercrime in the 2000s, the firm expanded rapidly into a leading managed security services provider under Herjavec’s leadership as CEO. Major multinationals like Wal-Mart and UPS became top clients.
At its peak, Herjavec Group generated over $150 million in annual revenues with 300+ employees globally. Herjavec sold his stake in Herjavec Group in 2018 for a reported nine-figure sum, marking his second massive technology company sale.
Conclusion
Robert Herjavec Net Worth 2023 journey from a childhood in Yugoslavia to becoming a global business icon is nothing short of inspiring. His entrepreneurial ventures, television presence, and literary contributions showcase a versatile individual whose influence extends far beyond the corporate realm. As we delve into the facets of his life, we uncover not just the story of a successful businessman but a narrative of resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.