Robert Herjavec is a well-known entrepreneur, investor, author and television personality. He is best known for being one of the “Sharks” on the hit reality show “Shark Tank”, where he invests in various business ideas and startups. He is also the founder and CEO of Herjavec Group, a leading IT security and managed services company.
But how did Robert Herjavec become so successful and wealthy? What is his background, education, family and personal life? How much does he earn per year and what is his net worth? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, based on the latest available data as of 2024.
Early Life and Education
Robert Herjavec was born on September 14, 1962, in Varazdin, Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia). His father was a political dissident who was imprisoned several times for speaking out against the communist regime. In 1970, when Robert was eight years old, his family fled to Canada with only one suitcase and $20 in their pockets. They settled in Toronto, where they faced many challenges and hardships as immigrants.
Robert Herjavec attended New College at the University of Toronto, where he graduated with a degree in English literature. He had various low-paying jobs to support himself and his family, such as delivering newspapers, waiting tables, selling vacuum cleaners and working as a retail salesman. He also developed an interest in technology and computers, which would later shape his career path.
Earning Career
Robert Herjavec’s first job in the technology field was at Logiquest, a company that sold IBM mainframe emulation boards. He started as a salesperson, but quickly rose to the position of general manager. He learned a lot about the industry and gained valuable experience, but he was fired from the company in 1990.
Instead of looking for another job, Robert Herjavec decided to start his own business. He founded BRAK Systems, a company that specialized in internet security software. He worked hard to grow the company, and in 2000, he sold it to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million.
Robert Herjavec then became a stay-at-home dad for three years, taking care of his three children with his first wife, Diane Plese. However, he soon felt the urge to get back into the business world. He founded Herjavec Group in 2003, a company that provides IT security and managed services to clients across various sectors. The company has grown to become one of the largest and most successful in its field, with estimated annual revenues of over $100 million and more than 400 employees.
Robert Herjavec is also a prominent television personality, appearing on several shows as an investor and a judge. He was one of the original “Dragons” on the Canadian version of “Shark Tank”, called “Dragon’s Den”, from 2006 to 2012. He then joined the American version of “Shark Tank” in 2009, and has been a regular “Shark” ever since. He has invested in more than 50 businesses on the show, ranging from food and beverage, to fashion and beauty, to technology and entertainment. Some of his most successful investments include Tipsy Elves, Wicked Good Cupcakes, Breathometer, Bombas and PupBox.
Robert Herjavec is also an author of two best-selling books: “Driven: How to Succeed in Business and Life” (2010) and “The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, Succeeding” (2013). He shares his insights, advice and stories on how to achieve success in both personal and professional endeavors.
Salary and Net Worth
Robert Herjavec’s salary and net worth are not publicly disclosed, but various sources have estimated them based on his earnings from his businesses, investments, books and television appearances. Robert Herjavec’s net worth as of 2024 is $300 million, making him one of the richest and most influential entrepreneurs in North America. Robert Herjavec earns about $30,000 per episode of “Shark Tank”, which translates to about $1 million per year. Robert Herjavec’s annual salary is about $30 million, which includes his income from Herjavec Group and his other ventures.
Education, Partner and Family
Robert Herjavec has been married twice. His first wife was Diane Plese, a optometrist whom he met in 1990. They got married in 1992 and had three children together: two daughters, Caprice and Skye, and a son, Brendan. They divorced in 2016, after 24 years of marriage.
Robert Herjavec’s second wife is Kym Johnson, a professional dancer and choreographer whom he met on the 20th season of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2015. They were paired as partners on the show, and they developed a romantic relationship. They got married in 2016 and had twins together in 2018: a daughter, Haven Mae, and a son, Hudson Robert.
Robert Herjavec is very close to his family and often shares pictures and videos of them on his social media accounts. He is also a philanthropist and supports various causes and charities, such as the Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Robert Herjavec Foundation, the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and the Herjavec Group Foundation.
Conclusion
Robert Herjavec is a remarkable example of someone who overcame adversity and achieved success through hard work, determination and passion. He is a respected and admired entrepreneur, investor, author and television personality, who has built a fortune and a legacy in the technology and entertainment industries. He is also a loving and devoted husband and father, who enjoys spending time with his family and giving back to the community.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about Robert Herjavec:
- Q: How old is Robert Herjavec?
- A: Robert Herjavec is 61 years old as of 2024. He was born on September 14, 1962.
- Q: Where is Robert Herjavec from?
- A: Robert Herjavec is from Varazdin, Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia). He moved to Canada with his family when he was eight years old.
- Q: What is Robert Herjavec’s ethnicity?
- A: Robert Herjavec is of Croatian descent. His parents are Vladimir and Katica Herjavec.
- Q: What is Robert Herjavec’s education?
- A: Robert Herjavec graduated from New College at the University of Toronto with a degree in English literature.
- Q: What is Robert Herjavec’s first business?
- A: Robert Herjavec’s first business was BRAK Systems, a company that specialized in internet security software. He sold it to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million in 2000.
- Q: What is Robert Herjavec’s current business?
- A: Robert Herjavec’s current business is Herjavec Group, a company that provides IT security and managed services to clients across various sectors. He founded it in 2003 and is the CEO of the company.
- Q: What is Robert Herjavec’s best investment on “Shark Tank”?
- A: Robert Herjavec’s best investment on “Shark Tank” is Tipsy Elves, a company that sells humorous and festive clothing and accessories. He invested $100,000 for 10% equity in 2013, and the company has since grown to over $50 million in sales.
- Q: Who is Robert Herjavec’s partner on “Dancing with the Stars”?
- A: Robert Herjavec’s partner on “Dancing with the Stars” is Kym Johnson, a professional dancer and choreographer. They met on the 20th season of the show in 2015, and they got married in 2016.
- Q: How many children does Robert Herjavec have?
- A: Robert Herjavec has five children. He has three children from his first marriage to Diane Plese: Caprice, Skye and Brendan. He has two children from his second marriage to Kym Johnson: Haven Mae and Hudson Robert.
- Q: What are Robert Herjavec’s hobbies and interests?
- A: Robert Herjavec’s hobbies and interests include car racing, golf, scuba diving, skiing, traveling and reading. He is also a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Los Angeles Lakers.