Sharks are often portrayed as cold, cunning, and brutally honest. They don't hesitate to tell entrepreneurs their ideas are flawed—even terrible—focusing solely on the bottom line. Or so viewers believe.
Last year, during the ninth season of the Emmy-winning reality series Shark Tank, the Sharks experienced its most emotional moment ever. "In the nine years I've been on the show, I've never been so emotional," says investor Barbara Corcoran. "He took my breath away."
Corcoran, a real estate mogul known for her straightforward style, was referring to an October 2017 episode featuring Robbie Cabral, inventor of BenjiLock—a fingerprint-activated padlock that runs for a full year on one charge. An immigrant from the Dominican Republic who faced hardships, Cabral tearfully shared being fired the day his third child was born. The Sharks' emotions were raw and visible.
Bidding was intense. Kevin O'Leary, aka "Mr. Wonderful," led with a straight licensing deal. Lori Greiner, the "Queen of QVC," countered with an offer. Guest shark Alex Rodriguez, former New York Yankees star, connected with Cabral in Spanish over shared Dominican roots and suggested partnering with Corcoran.
"I almost had a heart attack waiting to see who he'd choose," Corcoran recalls. Tension gripped the Culver City, California, soundstage. Voice trembling, Cabral said he was humbled and followed his heart—choosing O'Leary, often seen as the toughest shark (or "cockroach," per Mark Cuban). Months later, he received a $100,000 royalty check from Hampton Products, a security industry leader.
JEFF KATZ
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It's this drama, heart, and occasional heartache that has fueled Shark Tank's remarkable run. Executive produced by Mark Burnett, Clay Newbill, Yun Rhee, and Phil Gurin, the ABC series—where entrepreneurs pitch to a panel of investors—has won four straight Emmys for Outstanding Structured Reality Program. Produced by MGM Television and Sony Pictures Television, it hits its 200th episode in season 10 this fall—a milestone rivaling icons like Seinfeld (180 episodes) and The Office (201 episodes).
"When we launched Shark Tank in August 2009, the economy was in shambles," says Holly Jacobs, Sony Pictures Television's EVP of reality and syndication. "Bank loans were scarce, but the show gave everyday Americans a shot at shark investment in their dreams."
Across 1,500+ pitches, Sharks have offered $116 million. "It's one of few shows transforming lives beyond the screen," notes ABC's Rob Mills. Products now line shelves in supermarkets and chains nationwide. Families tune in together, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs—perhaps even populating Silicon Valley.
Audiences have grown savvier. Producers like Clay Newbill credit the show with delivering a "Shark Tank MBA." Early seasons shied from complex deals; now viewers grasp royalties, advisory shares, and strategies. Universities, including Harvard, plus high schools and elementary programs, incorporate it into curricula.
Shark Tank redefines success in all its forms. Robert Herjavec, founder of a top cybersecurity firm, learned early from his father in Yugoslavia: A union leader was the epitome of achievement.
"This show proves success has no color, race, gender, or size," Herjavec says. "The American Dream is for everyone."
JEFF KATZ
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The Sharks have evolved alongside viewers and pitchers. Following Cuban's lead, Herjavec and Corcoran tackled Dancing with the Stars—Herjavec even married partner Kym Johnson. Daymond John, FUBU founder, champions causes like animal welfare via the Petco Foundation and advocates early cancer screening post his 2017 diagnosis (now in remission).
Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner, aided Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria and eyes a 2020 presidential run. O'Leary launched a wine brand; Greiner designs her own Shark Tank outfits, hinting at future retail.
Timeless elements like passionate pitchers persist, but a shifting retail world has taught new lessons—from gut instincts to backing underdogs. John favors "bottom feeding" for low-risk entries. Herjavec stresses sustainable operations: The "Shark Tank effect" fades without strong business fundamentals.
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Here are the top Sharks' lessons, best deals, and fun facts from nearly a decade in the tank:
This article originally appeared in the March 2018 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
