Robert Herjavec, a prominent judge from the television series “Shark Tank,” recently shared insights about his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Herjavec detailed his family’s immigration experience from Yugoslavia, now Croatia, to Canada during the early 1970s.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Robert-Herjavec-attends-the-Celebration-of-Robert-Herjavec-by-Haute-Living-092326-60f6661682e6408fa378a4586f49d8f5.jpg)
Herjavec was just eight years old when his family decided to flee their home in Zbjeg, driven by the oppressive regime under which they lived. His father, Vladimir, had faced significant persecution, having been arrested 22 times for voicing his dissent against the Yugoslav government. This backdrop of societal turmoil ultimately propelled the family to seek a new life in a different country.
In 1970, the Herjavec family made a perilous journey, first crossing the border into Italy. After a brief stay in a motel, they attempted to migrate to the United States, but were turned away by customs officials. Remarkably, they were advised to try their luck in Canada instead, a decision that altered the course of their lives.
After a two-week journey aboard the SS Cristoforo Colombo, the family arrived in Halifax, a place Herjavec affectionately dubbed the “Ellis Island of Canada.” Armed with just $50 and their suitcases, they encountered a new world where none of them could communicate in English. Following their arrival, they made their way to Toronto, where they initially lived in the basement of a family friend while his father took a job at a gas station.
The early days in Canada were a struggle, but over time, Herjavec’s mother successfully learned English and secured employment as a receptionist. Herjavec himself acquired the language skills required for school and, after a few years of hard work, the family transitioned from a cramped one-bedroom apartment to a more spacious two-bedroom house when he was 14 years old.
Herjavec continued his education at the University of Toronto, where he faced challenges, notably nearly dropping out after failing an advanced algebra class. His father’s firm admonition—”You go back. No go back? I kill you, bury body”—offered the necessary motivation for him to persevere. This determination laid the groundwork for his future successes.
At the age of 23, Herjavec took on an unpaid position at LogiQuest, working six months without a salary. His dedication and skill ultimately saw him rise to the role of general manager within three years. A pivotal moment came when he conversed with Bob Metcalfe, the co-inventor of Ethernet networking, who inspired Herjavec to see the potential of the technology. This conversation prompted him to leave LogiQuest and ultimately led to the creation of his own company, BRAK Systems, which specialised in internet security. He sold the firm for a staggering $30 million in 2000.
Today, Herjavec enjoys a fulfilling life, splitting his time between New York City and Los Angeles alongside his wife, Kym Johnson-Herjavec. They are parents to eight-year-old twins, Hudson and Haven, while he also has three older children—Caprice, Skye, and Brendan—from his previous marriage to Diane Plese.
In recent years, the couple has invested in several properties, including homes in Montana, Australia, and Muskoka, Canada. Herjavec recently gave a tour of their Muskoka property, which he described as a dream realised, reflecting on his life growing up in a modest one-bedroom apartment. This journey from a basement to a lakeside holiday home is a testament to his determination and the opportunities Canada has afforded him.
Herjavec’s story is one of resilience, showcasing how perseverance and hard work can transform one’s life. His experiences as an immigrant have deeply influenced his outlook and career, underscoring the importance of ambition and the pursuit of dreams, no matter how distant they may seem.