The Life Story of Robert Herjavec
Robert Herjavec is a TV star, entrepreneur, and founder of the Herjavec Group.
Herjavec was born outside English-speaking lands but eventually migrated to Canada, where he made a name for himself. When he was just a kid, he experienced the struggles of life after being uprooted to a foreign land, starting from rock bottom before making his way up.
Now, he is a millionaire and a TV personality. He made numerous smart investments that brought him success and received various awards for his accomplishments.
In this article, we will talk about how he became such a successful person when his possibilities were so meager.
“Just like any business is a living, breathing thing, an entrepreneur has to be able to adapt over time.” ~ Robert Herjavec
Early Life and Education
Robert Herjavec was born on the 14th of September 1962 in Varaždin, Yugoslavia (currently known as Croatia). When he was little, he spent his childhood in Zbjeg. When he was 8, he was forced to leave the country with his family after his father was previously sent to prison for speaking against the regimen.
According to Herjavec, his father habitually drank too many glasses of alcohol, after which he would speak against Communism. He would be jailed 22 times for his anti-communist views, and it became clear that the situation would not improve for them.
Initially, Herjavec’s family reached Halifax, Nova Scotia, with just one bag and $20 in their pockets. Eventually, they found refuge in a family friend’s basement, where they would live for the next 18 months.
This transition was tough for Herjavec, especially since he didn’t speak English. Growing up on a farm with his grandmother meant he had a lower economic standing than those around him. As a result, it was a real challenge for him to fit in.
Eventually, his father got a job at the Mississauga factory, where he would make $76 per week. Herjavec saw his father as this really “tough guy” for which he had the deepest respect.
He instilled the value of never complaining, even when his classmates mock him, and encouraged him to maintain a positive attitude. Herjavec acknowledged that his father played a crucial role in teaching him about courage and became a major influence in his life.
In 1984, Herjavec graduated from the University of Toronto with a political science and English literature degree. He also helped support his family during college, taking various minimum wage jobs such as newspaper delivery, waiter, debt collection, and retail sales.
“I just don’t sleep enough. But I have never met someone very successful who, at the end of their life, says ‘I wish I slept more.'” ~ Robert Herjavec
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Robert’s first job upon finishing college was in the film industry, where he would operate in different production roles behind the camera.
He was an assistant director to various movies, such as The Return of Billy Jack (which ended up unreleased). He worked in one more position before his film career ended: field producer for the Global TV XIV Winter Olympic Games.
Later, he started working at other ventures. After he learned of an opening at Logiquest, a computer startup that sold IBM mainframe emulation boards, he decided to apply.
Robert was underqualified for this position but earned his stay by doing voluntary work for the first 6 months. During this time, he learned much about the process and was promoted to Logiquest General Manager.
“Long before I had money, my passion for cars was there.” ~ Robert Herjavec
Founding of BRAK Systems
Later in 1990, Herjavec was fired from Logiquest, so he started his own company. He could not rent a place yet, so he set the headquarters in the basement of his own home.
That company would be established under BRAK Systems, an Internet security software integrator for the Canadian market. The company would later evolve to be the top Internet security software provider.
Sale of BRAK Systems and Further Ventures
BRAK Systems turned out to be a successful business, bringing him a lot of profit over the next few years. However, he eventually decided to sell the company to pursue other ventures.
In 2000, Herjavec sold BRAK Systems to AT&T, earning $100 million. He established another tech company with that money, and within a few years, he sold it to Nokia for $225 million.
Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank
Aside from being an established entrepreneur, he was also a regular on Dragon’s Den, the CBC version of Shark Tank. He appeared for 6 seasons and won the Gemini Award for outstanding performance.
He also appeared on the US version of Shark Tank, where he listened to pitches from various young investors and entrepreneurs. Aside from being a regular guest, Herjavec also invested in Shark Tank while committing $16 million to several other small businesses.
“I was one of those guys who never wanted to start their own business. I never saw myself as a leader. I saw myself as a great No. 2.” ~ Robert Herjavec
Herjavec Group
After selling his tech companies, Herjavec became a stay-at-home dad briefly. However, he could not stay out of the business arena for long, so he decided to return with a new business idea. As a result, in 2003, he set up the grounds for the Herjavec Group.
The company’s mission was to be a security solutions integrator, managed service provider, and reseller. It’s one of the fastest-growing tech companies in Canada, with some of the most advanced technologies in the country.
The company started with three employees and $400,000 worth of sales profit but grew to a company that provided $200 million worth of annual revenue.
“Business is a sprint until you find an opportunity, then it’s the patience of a marathon runner.” ~ Robert Herjavec
Philanthropy and Personal Life
In 1990, Herjavec married optometrist Diane Plese, to which he was happily married for about 24 years. The couple separated in 2014 and then got divorced two years later.
After the marriage fell apart, Robert began having suicidal tendencies, which would affect his work life.
Further challenges appeared in 2019, as the judge ruled his wife was entitled to an additional sum to the $25 million she received.
In 2015, he got into a relationship with Kym Johnson, his partner from Dancing with the Stars, which he married in 2016. The couple has one boy and one girl together, which are twins. Herjavec also has two daughters with his ex-wife, Skye and Caprice.
Challenges
In the beginning, Herjavec went through various challenges. He was a foreigner in a new land and frequently underqualified for multiple jobs he wanted. He often had to volunteer to get his foot through the door. That being said, his perseverance paid off as he stepped higher and higher on the ladder.
Herjavec also provided significant charitable support. He frequently donated to the Seattle Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter. He began doing this after his marriage fell apart, encouraged by his pastor after he began struggling with depression.
In 2007, Robert Herjavec became the target of a prank. The prankster specifically targeted Herjavec because of his expertise in cybersecurity and his affinity for racing Ferraris—qualities that the prankster, Linton, lacked.
As Herjavec’s co-founder, Linton sent an invitation to a Toga party, pretending to be associated with Herjavec. Linton accidentally found himself cc’d on a financial forecast from Herjavec, which led him to come clean and apologize to Herjavec. In response to the incident, Herjavec wrote a blog post titled “When a Phish Catches a Shark.”
Legacy and Impact
While Herjavec’s career is nowhere near over, his legacy is already strong. His company was named the top security system in Canada in 2012. In 2014, he also received the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award for his contributions to technology.
During his TV apparitions, he would provide a lot of advice to new business owners looking to start their careers. Many see him as a role model for his hard work and perseverance.
Conclusion
Robert Herjavec may not have had the easiest start, but he proved that hard work and perseverance could take you over long distances.
A TV star and the founder of one of Canada’s biggest security companies, he went through a rocky entrepreneurial journey but reached the highest mountains.
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Key Points
- Robert Herjavec is a TV star, entrepreneur, and founder of the Herjavec Group.
- He was born in Yugoslavia and migrated to Canada with his family at a young age.
- Despite facing initial struggles and not speaking English, he worked his way up from rock bottom.
- Herjavec made smart investments and achieved millionaire status.
- He graduated from the University of Toronto with political science and English literature degrees.
- He started his business in the film industry and later founded BRAK Systems, an internet security software provider.
- Herjavec sold BRAK Systems and went on to establish other successful tech companies.
- He gained recognition through his appearances on Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank.
- Herjavec founded the Herjavec Group, a tech company specializing in security solutions.
- He experienced personal challenges, including divorce, and struggled with depression.
- Herjavec is known for his philanthropic activities, including supporting homeless shelters.
- He received awards for his contributions to technology and is seen as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Herjavec’s story demonstrates the power of hard work and perseverance.
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Robert Herjavec
Robert Herjavec1962:
Robert Herjavec was born on September 14, in Varaždin, Yugoslavia.
1970:
At the age of 8, Herjavec and his family were forced to leave Yugoslavia after his father spoke against the communist regime.
1970 – 1972:
Herjavec’s family lived in a friend’s basement in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for 18 months.
1984:
Herjavec graduated from the University of Toronto with a political science and English literature degree.
1984 – 1990:
Worked in the film industry and as a field producer for the Global TV XIV Winter Olympic Games. He also worked at Logiquest, a computer startup.
1990:
Herjavec was fired from Logiquest. He started his own company, BRAK Systems, in the basement of his own home.
1990:
Herjavec married Diane Plese.
2000:
Sold BRAK Systems to AT&T for $100 million and later established another tech company.
2003:
Founded the Herjavec Group after briefly becoming a stay-at-home dad.
2007:
Became the target of a prank involving a toga party invitation.
2012:
His company, the Herjavec Group, was named the top security system in Canada.
2014:
Herjavec received the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award. The same year, Herjavec separated from Diane Plese.
2015:
Started a relationship with Kym Johnson, his partner from Dancing with the Stars.
2016:
Divorced Diane Plese and married Kym Johnson.
2019:
A judge ruled that Herjavec’s ex-wife was entitled to an additional sum to the $25 million she initially received in the divorce.
This timeline is an overview of Robert Herjavec’s life from his birth. His legacy continues to grow beyond this timeline, notably through his philanthropic work, his role on TV shows like Shark Tank, and his leadership in tech entrepreneurship.
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Life Lessons
- Overcoming Adversity: Herjavec’s life is a testament to the power of overcoming adversity. Despite facing cultural and language barriers in a new country, he learned English and gradually made a name for himself in his adopted homeland. This lesson could encourage readers to face their own challenges head-on, rather than shying away from them.
- Importance of Education: Herjavec graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in political science and English literature. This could be seen as a lesson on the importance of education in overcoming adversity and achieving success.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Herjavec’s career path, from working minimum wage jobs to starting his own business in his basement, demonstrates the spirit of entrepreneurship. This can teach readers the value of taking risks, recognizing opportunities, and having the courage to pursue them.
- Perseverance and Hard Work: Despite being underqualified for jobs and facing setbacks like getting fired, Herjavec never gave up. His story emphasizes the importance of perseverance, resilience, and hard work in achieving success.
- Value of Positive Attitude: Herjavec learned the value of maintaining a positive attitude from his father, who never complained despite their hardships. This lesson demonstrates the power of a positive mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
- Giving Back to Society: Even after achieving success, Herjavec demonstrated a commitment to giving back to society, frequently donating to a homeless shelter. This could serve as a lesson about the importance of philanthropy and using one’s success to help others.
- Handling Personal Challenges: Herjavec’s personal life, particularly his struggles with depression after his marriage ended, emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and seeking help during tough times.
- Constant Learning and Adaptation: Herjavec’s ability to learn and adapt to new industries, from film to tech, highlights the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in today’s fast-paced world.
- Integrity and Honesty: The prank incident is a testament to Herjavec’s integrity and sense of humor, proving that maintaining one’s dignity in face of deceit is an important lesson.
- Building a Legacy: Herjavec’s story underscores the idea that one’s impact and legacy are built over time through consistent hard work, resilience, and contribution to society.
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Facts
Facts:
- Robert Herjavec is a TV star, entrepreneur, and founder of the Herjavec Group.
- He was born in Varaždin, Yugoslavia (now Croatia) in 1962.
- Herjavec and his family migrated to Canada when he was young.
- He faced struggles as an immigrant and had to start from rock bottom.
- Herjavec made smart investments and became a millionaire.
- He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1984 with political science and English literature degrees.
- Herjavec worked in the film industry and held various production roles.
- He founded BRAK Systems, an Internet security software integrator, in 1990.
- Herjavec sold BRAK Systems to AT&T in 2000 for $100 million.
- He appeared on Dragon’s Den and won the Gemini Award for outstanding performance.
- Herjavec started the Herjavec Group in 2003, becoming a leading tech company in Canada.
- He faced personal challenges, including divorce and struggles with depression.
- Herjavec is married to Kym Johnson, his partner from Dancing with the Stars, and they have twins together.
- He overcame challenges as an immigrant and frequently volunteered to gain opportunities.
- Herjavec is known for his charitable support, including donations to the Seattle Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter.
- He was targeted in a prank related to his expertise in cybersecurity.
- Herjavec’s company was named the top security system in Canada in 2012.
- He received the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award in 2014 for his contributions to technology.
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Questions and Answers
The information in this post answers many of the questions about Robert Herjavec. In addition, this section provides a summary and any further information.
Is Robert Herjavec a billionaire?
- No, Robert Herjavec is not a billionaire. His estimated net worth in 2023 is $200 million.
Who has made the most money on Shark Tank?
- Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team, has made the most money on Shark Tank with an estimated net worth of $4.6 billion.
How did Robert Herjavec accumulate his wealth?
- Robert Herjavec accumulated his wealth through various ventures. After being fired from a technology business and selling his share in a business he co-founded, he launched BRAK Systems, an internet security company, which later became Canada’s largest internet security company and was sold to AT&T in 2000.
How many Shark Tank businesses have failed?
- Out of the 210 companies that participated in Shark Tank in seasons 5 to 9, only 12 have failed.
What is the most successful product from Shark Tank?
- The most successful product from Shark Tank in terms of sales is Bombas, a company that sells comfort socks and T-shirts. They have generated over $225 million in lifetime sales and donate one item for every item sold to help the homeless.
What is the Canadian version of Shark Tank?
- The Canadian version of Shark Tank is called “Dragons’ Den.”
When did Robert Herjavec immigrate to Canada?
- Robert Herjavec immigrated to Canada in 1971 after escaping from the former Yugoslavia.
What types of cars does Robert Herjavec own?
- Robert Herjavec owns a collection of cars, including a 1958 Porsche 356, a 2019 Porsche Speedster, a limited-edition 2020 Ford GT, a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series P One edition, a 1971 Ferrari Daytona, and a 2014 Ferrari.
What is Robert Herjavec’s date of birth?
- Robert Herjavec was born on the 14th of September 1962.
What was Robert Herjavec’s early life like?
- Robert Herjavec’s early life was marked by hardship. He immigrated to Canada from Yugoslavia as a child with his family, with only one suitcase and $20. His father was sent to prison multiple times for speaking against Communism.
What was Robert Herjavec’s first job after finishing college?
- Robert Herjavec’s first job after college was in the film industry, where he held different production roles behind the camera.
How did BRAK Systems, Robert Herjavec’s company, become successful?
- BRAK Systems, an Internet security software integrator for the Canadian market, became Canada’s top Internet security software provider under Herjavec’s leadership.
What happened to BRAK Systems?
- In 2000, Robert Herjavec sold BRAK Systems to AT&T, earning $100 million.
What was Robert Herjavec’s involvement with Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank?
- Robert Herjavec was a regular on Dragon’s Den, the CBC version of Shark Tank, for 6 seasons and also appeared on the US version of Shark Tank.
What is the Herjavec Group?
- The Herjavec Group is a company established by Robert Herjavec in 2003. The company is a security solutions integrator, managed service provider, and reseller.
What is known about Robert Herjavec’s personal life?
- Robert Herjavec was married to optometrist Diane Plese for about 24 years before they divorced. He later married Kym
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