Early Life and Immigration
Robert Herjavec was born on September 14, 1962, in Varaždin, then part of Yugoslavia (now Croatia). His childhood was marked by economic hardships and political unrest in the region. When Robert was only eight years old, his family fled to Canada, carrying little more than a single suitcase and about twenty dollars in savings. This abrupt change of environment and culture shaped his resilience and determination to succeed against all odds. (Wikipedia)
Contents
Early Life and ImmigrationEducation and First JobsFirst Steps in BusinessBuilding The Herjavec GroupMedia Career: From Dragon’s Den to Shark TankAuthor and Motivational SpeakerPersonal LifeWealth and LifestyleLegacy and InfluenceSources
Education and First Jobs
After settling in Toronto, Herjavec attended high school and later enrolled at the University of Toronto. In 1984, he graduated with a degree in English literature and political science. Unlike many business leaders who studied finance or technology, Robert’s humanities background gave him strong communication skills and a broad perspective.
During and after university, he worked several blue-collar and service jobs — delivering newspapers, waiting tables, and even working as a debt collector. These experiences exposed him to different aspects of human behavior and helped him develop an unmatched work ethic. (Speakers Canada)
First Steps in Business
Robert’s entry into the technology world came unexpectedly. In the late 1980s, he began working in sales at a computer company, where he developed both technical knowledge and a knack for understanding customer needs. In 1990, he decided to take the entrepreneurial leap and founded BRAK Systems, a company specializing in Internet security software.
Launched from his basement, BRAK Systems quickly became a leader in its niche. In 2000, the company was acquired by AT&T Canada for $30.2 million, marking Robert’s first major success as a technology entrepreneur. (Wikipedia)
Building The Herjavec Group
In 2003, Robert founded The Herjavec Group, a cybersecurity and managed services company. Starting small, he turned it into one of the fastest-growing technology firms in Canada. By the 2010s, the company was generating over $200 million annually in revenue and had offices across North America and Europe.
The Herjavec Group became known for offering cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, managed detection, and 24/7 threat response. In 2021, the company merged with Fishtech Group and rebranded as Cyderes (Cyber Defense and Response). Robert remained CEO until 2024, cementing his role as one of the most influential figures in global cybersecurity. (Cyderes)
Media Career: From Dragon’s Den to Shark Tank
While building his business empire, Robert also entered the world of television. In 2006, he joined the Canadian reality show “Dragon’s Den” as one of the investors. His charisma, expertise, and approachable personality made him a fan favorite.
In 2009, he was invited to join the U.S. version of the show — “Shark Tank” — alongside Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, Lori Greiner, and Kevin O’Leary. The show gave him international recognition and allowed him to invest in numerous startups.
One of his most famous investments was in Tipsy Elves, a holiday-themed apparel company, which went on to generate millions in sales. Through the show, Robert not only grew his portfolio but also inspired millions of viewers with his immigrant-to-millionaire story. (Business Insider)
Author and Motivational Speaker
Robert Herjavec is also a bestselling author. His books include:
- 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 works blend business strategies with personal anecdotes, offering readers motivation and practical tools for success. His speaking engagements are equally popular, as he often shares lessons about perseverance, risk-taking, and the importance of embracing failure as part of growth. (HarperCollins)
Personal Life
Robert married Diane Plese, an optometrist, in 1990. They had three children before divorcing in 2016. Later, Robert found love again with Kym Johnson, a professional dancer he met while competing on Dancing with the Stars in 2015. They married in 2016 and welcomed twins, a boy and a girl, in 2018. (Wikipedia)
Herjavec is passionate about cars and racing. He has competed in the Ferrari Challenge and owns an impressive car collection. Beyond his love for speed, he is deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting organizations that fight homelessness and empower underprivileged communities.
Wealth and Lifestyle
As of 2024, Robert Herjavec’s net worth is estimated at $300–350 million. His wealth comes from business ventures, investments, TV appearances, and book sales. Despite his luxurious lifestyle — including multimillion-dollar homes in Toronto and Miami, as well as exotic cars — he often emphasizes that true success is measured not only in money but also in happiness, family, and contribution to society. (SharkTankInfo)
Legacy and Influence
Robert Herjavec’s story embodies the immigrant dream: from arriving in Canada with nothing to becoming one of the most recognized technology entrepreneurs and television personalities. His impact spans across multiple spheres:
- Business: Built two multimillion-dollar companies in cybersecurity.
- Television: Inspired millions as a “Shark Tank” investor.
- Philanthropy: Advocated for education, youth empowerment, and support for vulnerable groups.
- Motivation: Published books and gave speeches that continue to guide aspiring entrepreneurs.
His journey serves as a reminder that resilience, hard work, and vision can turn even the humblest beginnings into extraordinary success.
Sources
- Wikipedia – Robert Herjavec
- Speakers Canada – Robert Herjavec Bio
- Business Insider – Shark Tank Judge Robert Herjavec’s Career
- Cyderes – Robert Herjavec Profile
- HarperCollins – Robert Herjavec Author Page
- Shark Tank Info – Robert Herjavec Net Worth