FUBU: Daymond John (2018)

How I Built This · 4 Nov 2019 · 53m

What this episode covers

Daymond John, founder of FUBU, recounts building a hip-hop apparel empire from $40 of fabric, detailing his journey from selling hats on street corners to securing a pivotal manufacturing and distribution deal with Samsung. He explains how he overcame a lack of financial literacy and 27 bank rejections by leveraging his mother's equity and using 'other people's money' (OPM) to scale production. The episode covers FUBU's rapid growth to $350 million in sales through licensing and strategic brand positioning, as well as John's later transition to media via Shark Tank.

Mentioned

Companies
Samsung, Red Lobster, Burlington, TJ Maxx, Stemple Creek Ranch
Products
FUBU, Shark Tank, Champion, Timberland, Adidas, Run DMC, Video Music Box
Also
Ralph McDaniels, Teddy Riley, Magic Trade Show

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