“Shark Tank” Entrepreneur to Speak at Truman in April

Daymond John from ABC’s Emmy Award-winning television series “Shark Tank” will give the Holman Family Distinguished Speakers Series presentation at 7:30 p.m. April 13 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium.  
 
In addition to his successful role on “Shark Tank,” John is a two-time New York Times best-selling author who also was named a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship under the Obama Administration for his relentless commitment to promoting and supporting entrepreneurs.
 
From the streets of Hollis, Queens, John started a global movement from the basement of his mother’s house by capitalizing on the then fledgling hip-hop culture. He initially made his mark as the entrepreneur and branding expert behind the groundbreaking lifestyle brand FUBU, which eclipsed more than $6 billion in global retail sales. Today, the streetwear market that FUBU pioneered is a $20 billion industry.
 
John recently wrapped up his ninth season of the iconic business show, “Shark Tank,” where he continues to be a fan favorite and earned the affectionate nickname “The People’s Shark.”
 
Earlier this year, John released his fourth book, “Rise and Grind,” which became an instant New York Times bestseller. The book takes an up-close look at the hard-charging routines and winning secrets of individuals who have risen to the challenges in their lives and grinded their way to the very tops of their fields. An accomplished author, his previous book “The Power of Broke” also landed on the New York Times bestsellers list and won the 2017 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional.”
 
John continues to take pride in his ongoing fight against dyslexia. He has worked with the Yale Center for Dyslexia, and he currently sits on the advisory board of Understood.org. He has embraced his affliction, allowing it to be a catalyst for his career as a highly sought after public speaker and author.
 
The presentation is free, and no ticket is required. The Holman Family Speaker Series was created in honor of Squire Paul and Meeda (Daniel) Holman by their children to honor their parents’ long association with Truman. It is funded through an endowment with the Truman State University Foundation. For more information, email pr@truman.edu or call 660.785.4016.