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Kevin Harrington - The Original Shark Tank Investor

Cade Ratke

Have you ever wondered about the person who helped shape the way we see products on television, the one who first sat in that famous chair on a show where hopeful entrepreneurs present their ideas? We are talking about Kevin Harrington, a truly influential figure in the world of business and, for many, a familiar face from early television appearances. He is someone who has, in a way, helped countless people get their ideas out into the world.

This particular individual, you know, has quite a story. He is someone who brought into being a whole new way of showing things on television, a method that changed how we shop and discover new items. He also found himself as a key participant on a very popular television program where people seek money for their fresh ideas. This article aims to give you a good look at his journey, his work, and the lasting mark he has made.

So, whether you're curious about his early days, his big business breakthroughs, or what he has been doing since his time on a well-known investment show, we've got some interesting details for you. We will explore his path, the things he has created, and how he continues to help others in the business space, giving you a bit of insight into a remarkable career.

Table of Contents

Who is Kevin Harrington - A Brief Look at His Life

Kevin Harrington, the person we are focusing on, started his life in Ohio, a midwestern state, and then spent his younger years growing up in Michigan. His beginnings, you see, were pretty much like anyone else's, rooted in the everyday experiences of these American states. He later went on to get a higher education, studying business administration at Xavier University, which gave him a strong base for the many things he would achieve in the years that followed.

It's interesting to think about how people's early lives shape what they become, and for Kevin Harrington, his background in education certainly played a part. He currently makes his home in Florida, a warmer part of the country, where he lives with his wife and their three children. This personal side of his life, in a way, shows that even very busy business people have a home life they cherish.

Before he became widely known for his business accomplishments, Kevin Harrington had some different experiences, which is pretty common for many individuals who go on to do big things. He worked as a high school coach and also as a teacher for the Petaluma City Schools. This time spent helping young people, you know, might have given him some of the communication and guidance skills he would later use to help entrepreneurs.

Personal Details About Kevin Harrington

Here's a quick look at some personal information about Kevin Harrington, giving you a slightly clearer picture of the man behind the business ideas.

Born InOhio, United States
Raised InMichigan, United States
EducationBachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Xavier University
Current ResidenceFlorida, United States
FamilyWife and three children

What Makes Kevin Harrington a Pioneer in Business?

So, what exactly sets Kevin Harrington apart in the vast world of business? Well, he is often spoken of as the very person who brought into being the infomercial, that longer form of television advertisement that became so popular. This alone, you know, marks him as someone who thought differently about how to sell things directly to people at home. He really did create a whole new way for products to reach audiences.

He is also known as the person who started the "As Seen On TV" collection of products, which became a huge presence in retail and television sales. This empire, you might say, showed his ability to spot what people wanted and then find a way to get it to them in a big way. For more than four decades, which is a very long time, Kevin Harrington has been a person who has seen a lot of good results in his business efforts, consistently finding ways to make things work.

His business activities have, in fact, generated a truly impressive amount of money, with over five billion dollars coming from television and digital direct sales. This kind of number, frankly, shows the immense reach and effectiveness of the methods he helped develop. He has a knack for direct response marketing, which means getting people to act right away after seeing an advertisement, a skill he has honed over many years.

How Did Kevin Harrington Become a "Shark"?

Many people first got to know Kevin Harrington through his appearances on a hugely popular television program called "Shark Tank." He was, you see, one of the first people to sit on the panel of potential investors, often called "sharks," when the show first started in 2009. This show, which has even won awards, gives aspiring business people a chance to ask for money for their ideas, and Kevin was right there from the beginning.

During the very first season of "Shark Tank," Kevin Harrington found himself sitting alongside other well-known business personalities like Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, and Kevin O’Leary. This group of individuals, in a way, set the tone for the entire series, bringing their different experiences and perspectives to the table. He also appeared during the second collection of episodes, continuing to offer his insights and consider pitches from hopeful creators.

Kevin Harrington remained one of the initial people giving money on "Shark Tank" from 2009 until 2011, contributing his experience to those early seasons. After his time on the show, he was eventually replaced by Mark Cuban, another well-known figure in the business world. His early participation, though, certainly helped to establish the show's format and popularity, making him a memorable part of its history.

What Has Kevin Harrington Been Up To Since Shark Tank?

Since his departure from "Shark Tank" in 2011, Kevin Harrington has not slowed down at all; quite the opposite, in fact. He has largely put his energy into helping and guiding people who are just starting out in business. This focus on teaching, you know, shows a different side of his entrepreneurial spirit, one that aims to pass on knowledge rather than just build his own ventures.

He has continued to put his money into promising ideas, share his knowledge with others, and write about his experiences in the years following his time on the show. In 2022, he even tried to get a new television program going, which he called "Funding Faceoff," showing his ongoing interest in helping businesses find financial support. It's clear that his passion for helping others succeed remains strong.

Interestingly enough, Kevin Harrington also faced a legal situation with Kevin O'Leary, another person from "Shark Tank," in 2021. This kind of thing, you know, can happen even among well-known business figures, showing that the world of money and deals can sometimes be complicated. Despite this, he has continued to be a visible presence, hosting a television program called "Get Down to Business," where he shares useful hints and ways of thinking for anyone looking to do well in the business world.

What Can You Learn From Kevin Harrington's Approach?

If you ever find yourself in a position to present a business idea to someone like Kevin Harrington, there's one very important piece of advice to keep in mind: you really need to be completely prepared and know every detail about what you are talking about. He is someone who has seen countless pitches, so he can quickly tell if someone truly understands their product or service. This level of readiness, you know, is something he values greatly.

The "Sharkpreneur" podcast, which features Kevin Harrington along with Seth Greene and a selection of today's most influential business leaders, offers straightforward discussions about what it truly takes to make a business grow very quickly. Listening to these conversations, you might find, gives a very practical view of the challenges and opportunities in the business space. They talk about the real aspects of building something successful, without a lot of extra fuss.

His deep knowledge in direct response marketing is a key area where aspiring entrepreneurs can learn a lot from Kevin Harrington. This specific type of marketing, which focuses on getting an immediate reaction from potential customers, is something he has spent a lifetime perfecting. Understanding how he thinks about getting people to act, you know, could be very helpful for anyone trying to sell a product or service.

Kevin Harrington's Other Ventures and Influence

Beyond his time on "Shark Tank" and his role in creating the infomercial, Kevin Harrington's influence stretches across many parts of the business world. He is, you see, a true originator of the "As Seen On TV" concept, which is a big part of how many products reached homes across the country for years. This particular achievement really cemented his standing as someone who could spot a market and create a way to reach it effectively.

He is known as a very experienced person who builds companies, someone who has been through many ups and downs in the business space over a long period. His knowledge, in a way, comes from decades of actual doing, rather than just theory. This hands-on background gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to make a business work, from the ground up to a very large scale.

His continuous work in the field of direct response marketing, where the goal is to get an immediate purchase or inquiry from a customer, shows his ongoing belief in its effectiveness. Kevin Harrington understands how to create messages that resonate with people and encourage them to take action. This ability, you know, is something that has brought him a lot of success and continues to be a core part of his professional identity.

The "Sharkpreneur" Podcast with Kevin Harrington

For those looking for practical business wisdom, the "Sharkpreneur" podcast offers a chance to hear directly from Kevin Harrington and others who have made a significant mark in business. This podcast, which he co-hosts with Seth Greene, brings together a variety of top business leaders to share their straightforward thoughts on what it truly takes to make a business grow very quickly. It's a place, you might say, where you can get honest advice.

The conversations on the "Sharkpreneur" podcast are designed to give listeners real, usable ideas about building and expanding a company. They don't shy away from talking about the challenges, but they also offer clear strategies for overcoming them. This resource, you know, is a good example of how Kevin Harrington continues to share his knowledge and help others navigate the business world, offering insights that are often hard to find elsewhere.

It's interesting to hear the different perspectives that come together on the podcast, with Kevin Harrington's experience in direct marketing blending with the insights of other successful individuals. This blend of voices, in some respects, provides a rounded view of what it means to be an entrepreneur today. The goal is to provide listeners with the kind of information that can help them achieve their own business goals.

Kevin Harrington's Mentoring and Teaching

One of the areas where Kevin Harrington has put a lot of his energy since his time on "Shark Tank" is in guiding and educating new business people. He has, you know, a strong desire to help others avoid common pitfalls and find their own path to success. This commitment to teaching is a significant part of his work now, showing a generous spirit in sharing what he has learned over his many years in business.

He has made it a point to invest his time and knowledge into the next generation of creators and company builders. This involves not just giving advice, but also showing people how to think about their ideas and how to approach the market. His experience, which is quite extensive, makes him a valuable source of guidance for anyone looking to start or grow a business, offering practical steps and ideas.

Whether through his books, his television appearances, or his work with various programs, Kevin Harrington consistently aims to give people the tools they need to succeed. He understands that building a business can be a difficult path, and he tries to make it a little easier by sharing his own methods and stories. His dedication to helping others, you see, is a very clear theme in his work today.

So, to sum up, we've explored the life and accomplishments of Kevin Harrington, from his beginnings in Ohio and Michigan to his current home in Florida. We looked at his pioneering work in creating the infomercial and establishing the "As Seen On TV" concept, which truly changed how products were marketed. We also covered his significant role as an original "shark" on the popular "Shark Tank" television program, where he helped shape its early seasons. Furthermore, we discussed his activities since leaving the show, including his focus on teaching, mentoring, and hosting the "Get Down to Business" TV show and the "Sharkpreneur" podcast, all aimed at helping new business people. We also touched upon the importance of being prepared when seeking his advice, drawing from his vast experience in direct response marketing.

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