Known as “Mr. Wonderful” on the hit show Shark Tank, Kevin O’Leary has become a household name in the world of entrepreneurship and business. As one of the original Sharks, O’Leary has made a name for himself by being blunt and straightforward when it comes to investing in new products and ideas. But how did he become one of the most influential and successful businessmen on television?
O’Leary’s journey to success began with his first business venture, Softkey Software Products. After acquiring and merging several small companies, Softkey became a leading educational software provider, eventually making its way onto the stock market. This success caught the attention of Mattel, who acquired the company for $3.7 billion in 1999, making O’Leary a multimillionaire at the age of 34.
But it was O’Leary’s appearance on Shark Tank in 2009 that catapulted him to superstardom. With his no-nonsense approach and infamous catchphrase “money talks, bullshit walks,” O’Leary quickly became a fan favorite on the show. Aside from his blunt personality, O’Leary is also known for his shrewd investing tactics and impeccable negotiation skills. He has invested in numerous successful companies from the show, building a diverse and impressive portfolio.