John Paul DeJoria is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and businessman who is best known for co-founding two successful companies: John Paul Mitchell Systems, a hair company, and Patrón Spirits Company, a tequila brand. DeJoria started from humble beginnings and his journey to success is a true rags-to-riches story.
Born in Los Angeles in 1944, DeJoria's parents divorced when he was just two years old. His mother was unable to provide for him, so she gave him up for adoption. Growing up in a foster home, DeJoria faced many challenges. He dropped out of high school and joined the Navy, where he served for two years.
After his time in the military, DeJoria struggled to make ends meet and was even homeless at one point. Despite these setbacks, DeJoria remained determined to succeed. He began selling encyclopedias door-to-door in the 1960s, and eventually started his own business selling shampoo.
In 1980, along with his friend Paul Mitchell, DeJoria founded John Paul Mitchell Systems, which became one of the largest hair companies in the world. The company's success was due in part to its focus on high-quality products and its innovative marketing strategies. DeJoria's business acumen helped the company grow rapidly, and by the 1990s, John Paul Mitchell Systems had become a household name.
DeJoria's success as a businessman didn't end there. In 1989, he co-founded Patrón Spirits Company, which quickly became one of the most popular tequila brands in the world. The company's success was due in part to its focus on high-quality ingredients and its premium pricing strategy. In 2018, Patrón was sold to Bacardi for $5.1 billion, making DeJoria even wealthier.
In addition to his business ventures, DeJoria is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including supporting sustainable agriculture and protecting endangered species. DeJoria is also a founding member of The Giving Pledge, a commitment by some of the world's wealthiest individuals to give the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes.
Despite his success, DeJoria has remained humble and grounded. He has often spoken about the importance of giving back to the community and using his success to make a positive impact on the world. Today, DeJoria is worth an estimated $3.3 billion and continues to be an inspiration to many.
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