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Brief Introduction of Robert Herjavec
Robert Herjavec is a globally recognized Croatian-Canadian businessman, investor, author, and television personality. He is widely known for his role as a “Shark” on the Emmy Award-winning reality TV show, Shark Tank, and as a “Dragon” on the Canadian equivalent, Dragons’ Den. Herjavec’s remarkable “rags to riches” story, from a penniless immigrant to a titan in the cybersecurity industry, has inspired millions. He is the founder of BRAK Systems, which he sold to AT&T Canada for over $30 million, and the founder of The Herjavec Group, a global leader in information security. As an author and motivational speaker, he shares his business acumen and life experiences to guide aspiring entrepreneurs. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.
Robert Herjavec Overview
| Full Name | Robert Herjavec |
| Date of Birth | September 14, 1962 |
| Age | 63 |
| Birthplace | Varaždin, Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia) |
| Profession | Businessman, Investor, Television Personality, Author |
| Husband/Wife | Kym Johnson-Herjavec (married 2016), Diane Plese (married 1990; divorced 2016) |
| Family | Wife: Kym Johnson-Herjavec; Children: Brendan, Skye, Caprice, Hudson, and Haven |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married to Kym Johnson-Herjavec |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $600 million |
Early Life and Education of Robert Herjavec
Robert Herjavec was born on September 14, 1962, in Varaždin, Yugoslavia (modern-day Croatia). His early childhood was spent on his family’s farm in Zbjeg. Herjavec’s father, Vladimir, was a vocal anti-communist who was incarcerated 22 times for speaking out against the regime. To escape political persecution and seek a better life, the Herjavec family fled the country in 1970 when Robert was eight years old. They arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, with only a single suitcase and $20 to their name. The family eventually settled in Toronto, living in a friend’s basement for 18 months. Herjavec, who spoke no English, found the transition difficult, facing poverty and ridicule from his classmates. He has often cited his father as a major influence, instilling in him a resilient and determined spirit. Despite these early hardships, Herjavec persevered and became the first in his family to attend university. In 1984, he graduated from New College at the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and political science.
Robert Herjavec’s Career
Robert Herjavec’s career is a multifaceted story of ambition and adaptability. After graduating, he took on various minimum-wage jobs to support his family, including waiting tables and delivering newspapers. His early professional life saw him enter the film industry, where he worked in several production roles and eventually became a field producer. However, his trajectory shifted dramatically when he ventured into the world of technology. To get his foot in the door at a tech startup, he famously offered to work for free for the first six months. This bold move paid off, and he quickly learned the business, eventually becoming the general manager of Logiquest.
After being fired from Logiquest, Herjavec founded his first major company, BRAK Systems, from his basement in 1990. BRAK Systems, an integrator of internet security software, became a huge success. In 2000, Herjavec sold the company to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million. Following the sale, he briefly joined RAMP Networks as a Vice President, helping to negotiate its sale to Nokia for $225 million. After a short-lived retirement to be a stay-at-home dad for his three children, Herjavec felt the pull of the business world once more. In 2003, he founded The Herjavec Group, a cybersecurity firm that has since become one of the largest and fastest-growing IT security providers in Canada, with revenues exceeding $200 million annually. In 2021, a majority stake in The Herjavec Group was acquired by private equity firm Apax Partners, and the company was later merged and rebranded as Cyderes in 2022, with Herjavec initially serving as CEO.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Robert Herjavec is a well-known television personality. He first appeared as an investor on the Canadian show Dragons’ Den for its first six seasons. He then joined the inaugural season of the American equivalent, Shark Tank, in 2009 and has been a staple investor on the show ever since. His approachable demeanor and insightful advice have made him a fan favorite. Some of his most successful investments on the show include the holiday apparel company Tipsy Elves. He has also appeared on the Australian version of Shark Tank.
Robert Herjavec Personal Life & Family
Robert Herjavec’s personal life has seen both public joys and challenges. In 1990, he married Dr. Diane Plese, an optometrist. They were together for many years and have three children: a son named Brendan, and two daughters, Caprice and Skye. The couple separated in 2014 and their divorce was finalized in 2016. Herjavec has been open about the emotional toll the separation took on him.
In 2015, Herjavec was a contestant on season 20 of the American television show Dancing with the Stars, where he was partnered with professional dancer Kym Johnson. Their on-screen chemistry blossomed into a real-life romance. The couple became engaged in February 2016 and were married in Los Angeles, California, on July 31, 2016. In April 2018, they welcomed twins, a son named Hudson Robert Herjavec and a daughter named Haven Mae Herjavec. Herjavec is now a father of five. He is also an avid runner and car enthusiast, known for his collection of luxury vehicles.
Awards and Achievements of Robert Herjavec
- Ernst & Young Ontario Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Technology (2012)
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for Outstanding Service to Canada (2012)
- Three Gemini Awards for “Outstanding Reality Show in Canada” as part of Dragons’ Den
- Asper Award for Global Entrepreneurship (2023)
- Multiple Primetime Emmy nominations for his role in Shark Tank
Robert Herjavec Net Worth and Income
As of recent estimates, Robert Herjavec’s net worth is approximately $600 million. His wealth is the result of a long and successful career as a tech entrepreneur and savvy investor. A significant portion of his fortune comes from the sale of his first company, BRAK Systems, to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million in 2000. His subsequent venture, The Herjavec Group, grew into a cybersecurity powerhouse, generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue. Herjavec’s income is further supplemented by his salary as a television personality on the highly successful show Shark Tank, his various investments made on the show, and his earnings as a best-selling author and motivational speaker. He also has a portfolio of high-end real estate.
Legacy and Influence
Robert Herjavec’s legacy is that of a quintessential self-made man who embodies the immigrant dream. His journey from arriving in Canada with nothing to building a billion-dollar enterprise serves as a powerful source of inspiration for entrepreneurs worldwide. He is a respected expert in cybersecurity and has served as an advisor to the Canadian government and participated in the White House Summit on Cybersecurity. Through his role on Shark Tank, he has not only invested in numerous startups but has also become a mentor to a new generation of business owners, providing them with invaluable guidance. As an author, his books offer practical advice on business and life, further extending his influence. Herjavec is also a noted philanthropist, using his success to give back to the community. His public image is that of the “nice Shark,” known for his compassionate yet honest approach to business.
Interesting Facts about Robert Herjavec
- He fled communist Yugoslavia with his family at the age of eight with only $20.
- His father was jailed 22 times for speaking out against communism.
- He worked as a field producer for the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo due to his ability to speak Croatian.
- He is a passionate car collector and has competed in the Ferrari Challenge.
- He met his second wife, Kym Johnson, while competing as her partner on Dancing with the Stars.
- A star in the Hercules constellation was named after him in 2018.
- He is the author of three best-selling books: Driven: How to Succeed in Business and Life, The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, Succeeding, and You Don’t Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success.
Controversies
In October 2017, Robert Herjavec was the target of an email phishing prank where a “prankster” impersonating a company executive invited him to a toga party. The fake account was later inadvertently copied on official financial projection documents, causing a minor stir. While his divorce from his first wife, Diane Plese, was a private matter, it was subject to public interest, culminating in a 2019 court ruling that required him to pay a substantial settlement.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@robertherjavec) – Approximately 1.2 million followers
- Twitter (@robertherjavec) – Over 800,000 followers
- YouTube – Over 100,000 subscribers
Final Words about Robert Herjavec
Robert Herjavec’s life story is a powerful narrative of resilience and the pursuit of opportunity. From his challenging start as an immigrant in a new country, he has risen to become a formidable figure in the tech industry and a beloved television personality. His journey underscores his belief in hard work, passion, and the importance of taking calculated risks. Today, Herjavec continues to be a dominant force in the business world through his ventures and investments. While he announced he would be stepping down as CEO of Cyderes in late 2024, his focus remains on his core business interests and family. His legacy is not just in the companies he has built, but also in the countless entrepreneurs he has inspired and mentored along the way, solidifying his status as a true leader and a symbol of entrepreneurial success.