At 61 years old, Robert Herjavec is far more than just a familiar face on Shark Tank—he’s a true self-made entrepreneur with an incredible net worth of $600 million. From fleeing communist Yugoslavia as a child to becoming one of North America’s most successful tech entrepreneurs and TV investors, Herjavec’s story is both inspiring and packed with hard-won lessons.
So how did this immigrant kid with barely any English skills turn $20 and a suitcase into a multimillion-dollar empire? Let’s dive into his incredible journey.
Where Did Robert Herjavec Come From?
Robert Herjavec was born in Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia) and immigrated to Canada with his family when he was just eight years old. They arrived with almost nothing—just a single suitcase and $20 to their name. His father, a vocal opponent of communism, had spent time in jail before deciding to flee the country for a better life.
Settling in Toronto, the Herjavec family lived in the basement of a family friend’s home for over a year. Robert faced the challenges of learning English, being bullied for being different, and growing up poor in a wealthy area. Despite these early hardships, he pushed through and eventually graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in English literature and political science.
How Did He Go From Minimum-Wage Jobs to Millionaire?
After college, Herjavec didn’t walk straight into a high-paying job. He worked odd jobs like waiting tables, delivering newspapers, and selling vacuum cleaners just to help support his family. Eventually, he found a way into the world of tech—without a computer science degree.
When he applied to a company called Logiquest, which sold computer software, he convinced them to take him on as an unpaid intern for six months. That gamble paid off. He worked his way up to general manager before deciding to strike out on his own.
What Was Robert Herjavec’s First Big Business Win?
In 1990, Robert launched his own company, BRAK Systems, from his basement. The company focused on internet security, a field that was just beginning to boom. After ten years of building the company, AT&T Canada bought BRAK Systems in 2000 for over $30 million.
He briefly took a break from entrepreneurship to work as VP of Sales at Ramp Network, but in true entrepreneur fashion, he couldn’t stay away for long.
What Is The Herjavec Group?
In 2003, Robert launched his next—and most successful—venture, The Herjavec Group. This company also focuses on cybersecurity solutions and has grown into one of Canada’s largest IT security providers. In its first year, it generated $400,000 in sales. By 2017, that number had exploded to $200 million in annual revenue.
The Herjavec Group has played a significant role in Robert’s net worth and is a cornerstone of his tech empire.
How Did Shark Tank Change Robert’s Life?
Robert gained widespread fame thanks to his role as an investor on Canada’s Dragon’s Den and later, the U.S. version, Shark Tank. Since 2009, he’s been one of the show’s most charismatic and trusted Sharks, investing in hundreds of businesses over the years.
One of his smartest moves was putting $100,000 into Tipsy Elves, a company that makes quirky holiday apparel. The brand has since done over $70 million in sales—a clear win for Team Herjavec.
Has Robert Written Any Books?
Yes—Robert is also a best-selling author. He’s published three books that focus on business success, leadership, and personal growth:
- Driven: How to Succeed in Business and Life (2010)
- The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, Succeeding (2013)
- You Don’t Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success (2016)
These books offer an inside look at the philosophies that helped shape his life and success.
What About His Personal Life?
Robert married his first wife, Diane Plese, in 1990. They were together for 24 years and had three children. Their divorce, finalized in 2016, reportedly cost Robert $25 million in settlement payments.
The split took a heavy toll on his mental health, and he later revealed that he struggled with depression and even suicidal thoughts during that time. He sought healing by giving back—donating generously to shelters and becoming even more involved in charity work.
In a twist of fate, he met Kym Johnson, his Dancing with the Stars partner in 2015. They married in 2016 and welcomed twins in 2017.
What Does Robert Herjavec Own in Real Estate?
Robert has invested heavily in luxury real estate:
- Toronto: Bought a mansion in 2000 for $7 million, sold it in 2020 for $17.4 million.
- Hidden Hills, CA: Bought a home in 2019 for $14.6 million, sold in 2021 for $17 million.
- New York City: Purchased a lavish One57 condo in 2021 for $34.5 million—a discount from its original $45 million listing. He listed it in 2024 for $38.5 million.
- Hidden Hills (again): In 2023, he upgraded to a 14,700-square-foot mansion on 7.4 acres, paying $26 million.
- Also owns homes in Newport Beach, CA, and Toronto.
What Are Robert Herjavec’s Other Passions?
Robert is a car enthusiast with a jaw-dropping collection that includes:
- 1958 Porsche 356
- 2020 Ford GT (limited edition)
- 2021 Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series P One Edition
- Ferrari LaFerrari
- 1971 Ferrari Daytona
His love of fast cars is no secret—and it’s one of the few luxuries he allows himself after years of hustle.
What’s Next for Robert Herjavec?
While Robert continues to lead The Herjavec Group and appear on Shark Tank, he’s also focused on fatherhood, philanthropy, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. He remains proof that no matter where you start in life, hard work, persistence, and vision can take you anywhere.
