About
Kevin Harrington is an American entrepreneur, author, and business pioneer who is widely known for his role in shaping the infomercial industry. He is often credited with popularizing the phrase “As Seen on TV” and turning it into a powerful brand recognized by viewers in many countries. His passion for identifying opportunities led him to develop a unique style of marketing that transformed countless ideas into lucrative ventures.
Kevin is also recognized as one of the original “Sharks” on the television series Shark Tank. During his time on the show, he listened to pitches from inventors and small business owners, helping them secure funding and guidance to propel their ideas into the marketplace. Even after his role on Shark Tank ended, he remained an active figure in business circles, continuing to invest in a variety of products and services.
Unlike some business leaders who prefer large corporate settings, Kevin has always leaned toward hands-on involvement with smaller brands and startups. He believes that big success can grow out of simple, practical ideas when presented effectively to the right audience. This belief formed the basis of his approach to direct marketing, making infomercials a familiar format across television channels worldwide.
Before Fame
Kevin’s entrepreneurial roots can be traced back to his childhood. He was born on October 15, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio, into a family that valued hard work and innovative thinking. His father was a successful business owner, and Kevin often observed how determination and strong relationships could create economic opportunities. Inspired by this environment, he began exploring ways to earn money at a young age.
One of his earliest business ideas involved selling products door-to-door, which taught him the value of connecting with consumers in a personal way. This early experience helped him understand the power of direct sales and marketing. He carried these lessons into his teenage years, later applying them to various business ventures. By the time he was in his twenties, he had developed a solid sense of how to spot gaps in the market and use simple strategies to fill them.
Though Kevin studied at the University of Cincinnati, he quickly realized that real-world experience was vital for the kind of hands-on business he wanted to run. While many people in his circle chose traditional career paths, Kevin opted to carve his own path. His introduction to television and direct marketing came when he noticed that cable channels had long blocks of airtime that were not being used. This observation led to the creation of a new way to advertise products by showcasing them in more detailed segments rather than short commercials.
Trivia
- Kevin is often regarded as a pioneer in the infomercial world. He is said to have developed one of the first late-night infomercial spots in the 1980s, revolutionizing how products were sold on television.
- He became closely associated with the “As Seen on TV” brand, which went on to make a lasting impact on pop culture. People still refer to many unique products with that tagline.
- Along with investing, he has written books like Act Now! that provide guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs. These books share practical steps for taking an idea and transforming it into a profitable venture.
- Kevin has been involved in launching over 20 businesses that each exceeded $100 million in revenue, illustrating how his sales methods can scale up to major success stories.
- He has spoken at various conferences, including events focused on digital marketing, entrepreneurial leadership, and personal development, offering a look into his journey for those who want to learn from his strategies.
Family Life
Kevin keeps a part of his personal life private, but he has acknowledged how important his family’s support has been throughout his career. His father, who was a successful entrepreneur himself, had a major influence on Kevin’s mindset. Observing his father’s daily routine made him eager to explore new ways of doing business, especially ones that could challenge traditional methods.
Though Kevin’s career often puts him in the public eye, he values spending time with loved ones. He has mentioned on several occasions that finding a balance between work and personal life can be a challenge, especially when you are deeply involved in multiple ventures. However, he credits his family with helping him stay grounded, reminding him that success is not only about financial gains but also about building strong relationships and being there for each other.
Over the years, he has also shared how important it is to learn from both successes and setbacks. Family support, in his opinion, plays a key role in keeping an entrepreneur motivated through difficult times. He believes that celebrating milestones with those closest to you can provide a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond business achievements.
Associated With
Kevin has crossed paths with many other prominent figures in business, television, and entrepreneurship. During his tenure on Shark Tank, he appeared alongside fellow Sharks like Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, and Mark Cuban. He collaborated with them on-screen to evaluate ideas and sometimes invested alongside them in startups that showed promise.
Outside of Shark Tank, Kevin has worked with entrepreneurs and inventors from different backgrounds. He has partnered with business leaders seeking to expand their reach through direct marketing campaigns. Some well-known personalities who have shared panel discussions with Kevin include business strategists, motivational speakers, and even past political figures. In each instance, his focus has been on finding unique solutions and staying open to innovative approaches.
In the product world, many individuals who wanted to demonstrate the usefulness of their inventions benefited from Kevin’s experience in infomercials and direct sales. From health and fitness items to kitchen gadgets, his marketing strategies have brought greater visibility to a range of consumer products. This collaboration often goes beyond a single campaign, leading to long-term partnerships that thrive on mutual trust and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
