By Erica Bloomberg and Melissa Montagna
Shark Tank star Daymond John came strolling up to the stage to the song “Classic Man” by Jidenna ft. Kendrick Lamar. He opened to the audience with hilarious jokes, music clips, and pictures that showed it all, from his startup to his path to success.
Burt Kahn Court was filled with students and members of the community. Many students, including senior Dan Menard, were looking forward to the event.
“I’m actually a huge Shark Tank fan. Actually last year every Thursday and every Tuesday, me and my roommates would get together and watch Shark Tank,” Menard said.
Some professors encouraged their students to attend. Senior Tori Batiste knew Daymond mainly from Shark Tank.
Batiste said, “This should be interesting, I wasn’t really going to come but you know, professor said hey you guys wanna go? I was like sure girl, I’ll come.”
Throughout the presentation, John referenced the acronym he lives by S.H.A.R.K.
“S” – “Set a goal.”
He went on to claim it doesn’t hurt to try – that you can’t miss a shot you don’t take. Additionally, he said, “If you don’t set your own goals, other people will set them for you.”
“H” – “Homework.”
John claimed this is a significant part of every successful individual. It’s important to research your ideas in order to grow. He took a moment to announce that those who do not do their research, simply cannot succeed. “I do my homework,” he said. “You think it’s easy? It’s not.”
“A” – “Adore.”
John claimed business began to outweigh the people who mattered most in his life. Between business meetings and best friend gatherings, he had little time to spend with his wife and two young daughters.
He recalled a specific time where his wife had been in an incident which left her with eight stitches. So she, unable to rely on her husband, took the issue to her friends, who replied, “You’re rich now. It doesn’t hurt.” John realized he had been neglecting his wife. They later got a divorce.
“R” – Remember, you’re the brand.”
“Life is a series of presentations… you’re always pitching”, John said. Entrepreneurs need to back their products with ambition. They also must have the will and determination to grow themselves as well as their products.
“K” – “Keep Swimming.”
John told his story about watching Finding Nemo with one of his daughters. “Keep Swimming” reminds him to set goals and never give up.
The end of his presentation was met with a booming round of applause. John encouraged the audience to gather for a selfie, and stuck around for a short question and answer session.
During the Q&A, an inspired second-grade boy took control of the mic as well as the audience’s heart. The boy shared his story of his startup business, claiming that he sells erasers at school, “without his mother knowing.” But not everybody was in the market for school supplies.
He said, “Some kids like to work. Some kids just like being cool, so I’m going to give them sunglasses.”
