Who would have ever guessed that the art of the deal — the essence of how business gets done in America — would make compelling television? If you don't like the genre of reality business competition on TV, blame Mark Burnett, the creator of Survivor and The Apprentice.
If you like these shows, give some credit to Donald Trump, who brought the force — and cult — of his personality to The Apprentice and made America care about the craft and underhanded nature of some business leaders.
And don't forget the late Billy Mays, and his partner Sully Sullivan, who starred in Pitchmen.
But now it is Daymond John's turn. He's one of the hugely successful business leaders putting chum in ABC's Shark Tank, which airs its season finale on Tuesday, October 20 at 8 p.m.
AUDIO EXCERPT: "It's win Daymond John's money and time. I'm not going to just throw money at the deal. I'm going to help the entrepreneur... I've made about five deals (on Shark Tank). So far, on the line, (I've invested) up to $700,000."
Daymond John made his fortune as the entrepreneur who founded the FUBU apparel label. If you haven't worn his stylin' clothes, you either know someone who does or you've them on someone, somewhere. I know what FUBAR stands for, but what does FUBU mean? I'm going to have to ask.
John is also the author of a book, Display of Power: How FUBU Changed a World of Fashion, Branding and Lifestyle.
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You can listen to this interview with Daymond John, star of Shark Tank and founder of FUBU apparel, by clicking the BlogTalk Radio audio player above!
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Article comments
1 - Jeremy
Daymond looks like a fish out of water on the show. He doesn't have any idea about business. Anyone can find a Chinese manufacturer on alibaba.
"Daymond, you're the clothing guru, does opening a retail store make sense strategically?"
"Uhh, it depends. I don't know". Really, you're the expert huh?
2 - Bob Andelman
Jeremy,
Thanks for writing.
Bob
3 - KenGasson
Doesn't have any idea about business? Are you kidding? When was the last time you shipped $6B in goods? He wouldn't be on that show if he didn't know what he was doing. and actually, Daymond's answer wasn't that unusual.
He has over 300 stores worldwide so it's not like retail stores are foreign to him. They have 100 more stores coming next year alone. Moreso, is the fact that they were talking about ONE single store for an entire brand. It wasn't an easy thing to figure out on the spot...there are too many variables....some retail is up...even in the downturn of the economy...so it really does depend...on a number of things..
I've been in retail for almost 20 years....and agree with Hercovic....but there are still many, many examples of successful ventures that have bucked the trend and prospered.
4 - Bob Andelman
Thanks for your thoughts, Ken.
5 - toby
i like the show and wish i could get on it. im a inventor. i have several ideas and inventions. [personal contact info deleted]