Daniel Lubetzky: The Life of a Visionary Entrepreneur

The Life Story of Daniel Lubetzky

Social entrepreneurship is on the rise; among others, Daniel Lubetzky is also a star that shines.

Many people know him for his appearance as a guest judge in Shark Tank, but his accomplishments go way further than that.

He is an author, the founder and CEO of Kind LLC, and a philanthropist.

Throughout his career, Lubetzky got involved in numerous adventures. He founded PeaceWorks, made numerous investments, and was named one of the most promising social entrepreneurs. In this article, you will learn more about his accomplishments and how he came to influence the world with his passion and involvement.

“When you’re nice, you’re not bullying people. But when you’re kind, you stand up against the bully.” ~ Daniel Lubetzky

Early Life and Education

Daniel Lubetzky was born in Mexico City in 1968 as the son of Roman and Sonia Lubetzky. His father was a Lithuanian Ashkenazi Jew, as well as a survivor of the Holocaust.

He was also a partner for the International Bonded Warehouses and United Export Trading Association. His mother has European Jewish origins as her family immigrated to Mexico, where they ran a ranch.

Lubetzky spent most of his childhood in Mexico, learning more about business from his self-taught father.

Then, when he was 12, he asked his father if he could take a summer job at a textile wholesaler in Mexico City.

He took the subway and the bus daily to get to his job, where he would deliver rolls of cloth to different locations in the city.

With his father’s business growing, he began taking more and more trips to the United States.

However, he disliked the fact that he was away from his family so much. This is why, as a teenager, Daniel moved with his parents to the United States. They settled in San Antonio, Texas, when he was only 16.

Lubetzky received a Bachelor of Arts from San Antonio University, Texas, majoring in international relations and economics. He graduated with outstanding academic achievements.

Daniel also studied in France and Israel as an undergraduate. He joined the Stanford Law School in 1993. Even though he graduated with a law degree, his focus is mostly on business, and he did not pursue a career in law.

Daniel would talk about his father’s war experience and how it was a story of triumph and survival over adversity.

He never allowed the past to turn him bitter. Instead, he celebrated life and brought kindness to everyone, a lesson Daniel learned well.

“Emotional intelligence is a very important skill set, not just to be happier but also to succeed professionally. ” ~ Daniel Lubetzky

Founding of PeaceWorks and Kind

Lubetzky got involved with entrepreneurship during his college years in Texas, where he created a retail watch business called Da’Lekt Times.

After he graduated, he was briefly employed at Sullivan & Cromwell, after which he spent some time at McKinsey & Co.

In 1993, he was given a Haas Koshland Fellowship award. Through this award, he began writing about the legislative means of fostering joint ventures between the Israelis and the Arabs.

During his research, he came across a product made from sun-dried tomatoes. His discovery stood at the basis of PeaceWorks Inc., which he founded in 1994.

“It takes strength to be kind; it’s not a weakness.” ~ Daniel Lubetzky

PeaceWorks was described as a “not-only-for-profit” corporation pursuing profit and peace. The company had a flagship brand, Meditalia, established through cooperating neighbors trying to co-exist in the Middle East.

Lubetzky started to be concerned with the unhealthy snacks prevalent among children in the United States. He noted the dangers of obesity and diabetes, which had become an epid

emic. As a result, he started “KIND” Snacks, with the motto suggesting you should be kind to your taste buds and body.

Later, in 2010, he co-founded Maiyet, a luxury fashion company meant to forge relationships with artisans and promote self-sufficiency.

He sold Kind North America to Mars, Inc. in 2020 for $5 million while retaining his stakes and involvement in the company.

In 2021, he began working with two former executives from Kind, founding the authentic Mexican food company “Somos.”

“We all have a responsibility to try and make this world better, whether it’s through our work, the causes we champion, the way that we treat people, or the values we impart to the next generation.” ~ Daniel Lubetzky

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Lubetzky, a social entrepreneur, embarked on philanthropic endeavors.

In 2002, he laid the foundation for the OneVoice Movement—an international initiative to amplify the voices of Palestinians and Israelis who sought to end the conflict.

Later, in 2015, through Kind Snacks, Lubetzky created Kind Foundation. This foundation would connect classes and knowledge bases worldwide, helping children expand their worldviews.

He also launched the Feed the Truth organization in 2017, which was meant to counter the food industry’s impact on public health and food policy.

He would pledge $20 million to fund this organization.

In 2019, he was given a spot on the inaugural board of directors for the Anti-Defamation League.

In 2020, with Project N95, he launched the Frontline Impact Project to help the fight against COVID-19. They partnered with Mars, Nestle, and Unilever to support healthcare centers.

Personal Life

Lubetzky married the physician Lynn Lieberman in March 2008. The couple had four children, which he enjoyed spending time with and practicing magic.

Daniel Lubetzky is also the cousin of Emmanuel Lubetzky, a cinematographer who won three Oscars.

Coming from a Jewish family, he recognized how culture and faith shaped how he viewed the world.

However, his faith had one golden rule: treating others how he wanted to be treated. As a result, he dedicated himself to helping others, evident through his philanthropic work.

“At KIND, our purpose is to spark kindness.” ~ Daniel Lubetzky

Legacy and Influence

Lubetzky continues to influence the world through his social entrepreneurship.

He was named twice by the World Economic Forum under “100 Global Leaders of Tomorrow,” once in 1997 and once in 2007.

His OneVoice Movement earned him the Queen Noir Humanitarian Leadership Prize.

Business Week Magazine also listed him as one of “America’s Most Promising Entrepreneurs” in 2009.

His bestselling book, Do the Kind Thing, Think Boundlessly, Work Purposefully, Live Passionately, also influenced many people worldwide. The book included his experience as an entrepreneur and was significantly influenced by his father’s stories during the Holocaust.

“Failure holds the seeds for greatness – so long as you water those seeds with introspection, they can be the root of your success.” ~ Daniel Lubetzky

Criticisms and Controversies

Lubetzky’s path to becoming a millionaire was not very easy. When KIND was still a young company, his investors would push him to sell it.

He accepted investments several times, the only catch being that he would have to sell the company within 5 years.

While it seemed like a good idea during times of trouble, Lubetzky could not deny that he still wanted to enjoy the company’s potential.

Lubetzky became clouded in controversy during the Israeli election when he was cited as one of the “Victory15” donors.

This organization started the “Anyone but Bibi” campaign. While he announced that he was non-partisan, political scandals erupted about where his loyalties lie.

Conclusion

Daniel Lubetzky is a man of many talents. As an author, he shared his knowledge on how to become successful using his experience.

As the son of a Holocaust survivor, he is acquainted with hardship, which made him passionate about social justice.

His work involved giving back to the community, so he started many organizations to help others.

Key Points

Daniel Lubetzky, known for his appearance as a guest judge on Shark Tank, is the founder and CEO of Kind LLC, author, and philanthropist.
Born in Mexico City in 1968 to a Lithuanian Ashkenazi Jew father and a European Jewish mother, Lubetzky moved to San Antonio, Texas, at 16.
He graduated from San Antonio University with a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and economics and obtained a law degree from Stanford Law School.
He founded PeaceWorks Inc. in 1994, a “not-only-for-profit” corporation that promoted peace through profit.
Concerned about unhealthy snacks, Lubetzky started “KIND” Snacks in the U.S. He sold Kind North America to Mars, Inc. in 2020 but retained his stakes in the company. He co-founded the luxury fashion company Maiyet in 2010 and the Mexican food company “Somos” in 2021.
Lubetzky’s philanthropic endeavors include the OneVoice Movement, Kind Foundation, and Feed the Truth organization. He also served on the inaugural board of directors for the Anti-Defamation League and launched the Frontline Impact Project to help fight COVID-19.
Lubetzky married Lynn Lieberman in 2008, with whom he has four children.
He was named by the World Economic Forum under “100 Global Leaders of Tomorrow” in 1997 and 2007. His OneVoice Movement earned him the Queen Noir Humanitarian Leadership Prize.
Lubetzky’s bestselling book, Do the Kind Thing, Think Boundlessly, Work Purposefully, Live Passionately, shares his experience as an entrepreneur and is influenced by his father’s stories during the Holocaust.
Despite his success, Lubetzky faced controversies, including pressure from investors to sell KIND when it was a young company and political scandals related to his donation to the “Victory15” campaign during the Israeli election.

Timeline of Daniel Lubetzky

1968:

Daniel Lubetzky is born in Mexico City, Mexico.

1980:

Lubetzky takes a summer job at a textile wholesaler in Mexico City.

1984:

Lubetzky moves with his parents to San Antonio, Texas, in the United States.

1986:

Lubetzky graduates from San Antonio University, Texas, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations and economics.

1993:

Lubetzky joins Stanford Law School.

1994:

Lubetzky founds PeaceWorks Inc.

2002:

Lubetzky establishes the OneVoice Movement.

2007:

Lubetzky is named one of the “100 Global Leaders of Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum.

2008:

Lubetzky marries Lynn Lieberman.

2009:

Lubetzky is listed as one of “America’s Most Promising Entrepreneurs” by Business Week Magazine.

2010:

Lubetzky co-founds Maiyet, a luxury fashion company.

2015:

Lubetzky creates Kind Foundation through Kind Snacks.

2017:

Lubetzky launches the Feed the Truth organization.

2019:

Lubetzky joins the inaugural board of directors for the Anti-Defamation League.

2020:

Lubetzky sells Kind North America to Mars, Inc. and launches the Frontline Impact Project with Project N95 to fight against COVID-19.

2021:

Lubetzky founds the authentic Mexican food company “Somos” with former Kind executives.

Lessons From The Life of Daniel Lubetzky

The lesson I want to focus on from the life of Daniel Lubetzky is career choice.

From the information above, he has a law degree but chose not to practice law. This was a matter of personal choice for him.

I often notice people getting a degree and working in a different field. Regardless, I would like to share my perspective on choosing a career.

First and foremost, it is crucial to thoroughly research the career you are considering before committing to a specific field of study.

Look at it this way: getting as much information and exposure to the career you are considering before enrolling in a college is better.

So even if you spent 3 months looking into your career, it’s better than spending a few years getting your degree only to find you made the wrong career choice!

Here Are a Few Simple Tips To Help You Get Into the Right Career.

Ask Yourself Questions:

Question one:

Have you ever considered pursuing a career in a field where you have a talent?

It may be worth considering if people frequently tell you you’re good at something. Take a moment to reflect on those instances to help confirm your talent.

When you choose a career that aligns with your talents, you increase your chances of success and perform exceptionally well in it.

Question Two:

Imagine winning 25 million dollars in the lottery.

Within two years, you’ve helped your loved ones, cleared all your debts, donated to charity, explored different parts of the globe, and bought your dream home and other luxuries.

You still have over 15 million dollars in cash and investments.

You have achieved all that you desired and lived through all your experiences.

Now, what will you do with the rest of your life?

Whatever your answer is, this is the path you should look into for your career. Completing this straightforward exercise can remove mental obstacles preventing you from following your true passion.

Talking With Others in the Field

When you speak with others who have experience in the field, you have access to valuable information.

Contact experienced people, let them know you plan on getting into the same career, and ask if they would discuss their experience with you.

If they agree, prepare your questions so you don’t waste their time. Next, repeat the exercise with others because people’s perception differs, and you want more than one perspective.

Volunteer or Work in the Field

Before embarking on your education, it may be beneficial to volunteer or intern in your desired field.

This can provide valuable exposure and insight into the industry, allowing you to make informed decisions before investing time and resources into formal education.

It’s common to switch to a field that’s different from your formal education. This can happen because your expectations were unmet or you found something better.

Sometimes, there may be other reasons. However, switching careers can set you back, so taking time to choose the right career can minimize the chance of making the wrong choice.

Daniel Lubetzky is the founder and CEO of Kind LLC.
Lubetzky is a social entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist.
He appeared as a guest judge on Shark Tank.
Lubetzky’s father was a survivor of the Holocaust.
Lubetzky spent his childhood in Mexico and later moved to the United States.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts from San Antonio University, majoring in international relations and economics.
Lubetzky founded PeaceWorks Inc. in 1994. A corporation focused on profit and peace.
He founded “KIND” Snacks, a healthy snacks company, and later sold it to Mars, Inc. while retaining his involvement.
Lubetzky co-founded Maiyet, a luxury fashion company, and Somos, an authentic Mexican food company.
He founded the OneVoice Movement in 2002 to amplify the voices of Palestinians and Israelis seeking to end the conflict.
Lubetzky created the Kind Foundation through Kind Snacks to support children’s education.
He launched the Feed the Truth organization to counter the food industry’s impact on public health and food policy.
Lubetzky pledged $20 million to fund the Feed the Truth organization.
He was on the board of directors for the Anti-Defamation League.
Lubetzky launched the Frontline Impact Project in 2020 to help fight against COVID-19.
He is married to Lynn Lieberman, a physician, and they have four children.
Lubetzky is the cousin of Emmanuel Lubetzky, a cinematographer who won three Oscars.
He has been recognized by the World Economic Forum and Business Week Magazine for his entrepreneurship and leadership.
Lubetzky’s bestselling book is “Do the Kind Thing, Think Boundlessly, Work Purposefully, Live Passionately.”
He faced criticisms and controversies about investors pushing him to sell his company and political controversies during the Israeli election.
Lubetzky started multiple organizations to help others and give back to the community.

Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel Lubetzky

The information in this post answers many of the questions about Daniel Lubetzky. In addition, this section provides a summary and any further information.

When and where was Daniel Lubetzky born?

Daniel Lubetzky was born in Mexico City in 1968.

Who were Daniel Lubetzky’s parents?

His father’s name was Roman Lubetzky, and his mother’s was Sonia Lubetzky.

What was Daniel Lubetzky’s father’s occupation?

Daniel Lubetzky’s father was a partner for the International Bonded Warehouses and United Export Trading Association.

Where did Daniel Lubetzky spend most of his childhood?

Daniel Lubetzky spent most of his childhood in Mexico.

What business did Daniel Lubetzky create during his college years in Texas?

Daniel Lubetzky created a retail watch business called Da’Lekt Times.

What is the name of the company founded by Daniel Lubetzky in 1994?

The company founded by Daniel Lubetzky in 1994 is called PeaceWorks Inc.

What is the flagship brand of PeaceWorks Inc.?

The flagship brand of PeaceWorks Inc. is Meditalia.

What motivated Daniel Lubetzky to start KIND Snacks?

Daniel Lubetzky was motivated to start KIND Snacks by his concern about unhealthy snacks prevalent among children in the United States and the dangers of obesity and diabetes.

When did Daniel Lubetzky sell KIND North America to Mars, Inc.?

Daniel Lubetzky sold KIND North America to Mars, Inc. in 2020.

What luxury fashion company did Daniel Lubetzky co-found in 2010?

Daniel Lubetzky co-founded Maiyet, a luxury fashion company.

What is the name of the authentic Mexican food company founded by Daniel Lubetzky in 2021?

The authentic Mexican food company founded by Daniel Lubetzky in 2021 is called “Somos.”

What is the OneVoice Movement, and when did Daniel Lubetzky lay its foundation?

The OneVoice Movement is an international initiative to amplify the voices of Palestinians and Israelis who sought to end the conflict. Daniel Lubetzky laid its foundation in 2002.

What is the Kind Foundation, and when did Daniel Lubetzky create it?

The Kind Foundation is a foundation created by Daniel Lubetzky through Kind Snacks. He created it in 2015.

What organization did Daniel Lubetzky launch in 2017 to counter the food industry’s impact on public health and food policy?

Daniel Lubetzky launched the Feed the Truth organization in 2017.

In what year did Daniel Lubetzky launch the Frontline Impact Project to help the fight against COVID-19?

Daniel Lubetzky launched the Frontline Impact Project in 2020.

When did Daniel Lubetzky get married, and to whom?

Daniel Lubetzky got married to Lynn Lieberman in March 2008.

How many children do Daniel Lubetzky and Lynn Lieberman have?

Daniel Lubetzky and Lynn Lieberman have four children.

What is the name of Daniel Lubetzky’s bestselling book?

Daniel Lubetzky’s bestselling book is “Do the Kind Thing, Think Boundlessly, Work Purposefully, Live Passionately.”

What prestigious prize did Daniel Lubetzky earn through his OneVoice Movement?

Daniel Lubetzky earned the Queen Noir Humanitarian Leadership Prize.

What organization listed Daniel Lubetzky as one of “America’s Most Promising Entrepreneurs” in 2009?

Business Week Magazine listed Daniel Lubetzky as one of “America’s Most Promising Entrepreneurs” in 2009.

You Can View More Biographies Like This by Clicking or Tapping Here.

Image Attribution:

commons.wikimedia.org