Biography of John Paul DeJoria: Co-founder of Paul Mitchell and The Patrón Spirits Company
Biography of John Paul DeJoria:
Early Years: Struggles and Determination
John Paul DeJoria’s life began with a challenging start.
Born in Los Angeles in 1944 to immigrant parents, DeJoria grew up in poverty.
At the age of nine, he began selling Christmas cards and newspapers to help his
family make ends meet. However, his life took an even tougher turn when his
parents divorced, and he was sent to live in a foster home. As a teenager,
DeJoria joined a street gang, but after a teacher warned him that his path
could lead to prison or death, he made a pivotal decision to turn his life
around.
A New Direction: The Navy and Odd Jobs
After high school, DeJoria joined the United States Navy,
serving on the USS Hornet. This was a crucial turning point in his life. Once
he left the Navy, however, his struggles didn’t end. He took on a series of
low-paying jobs, including working as a janitor, door-to-door encyclopedia
salesman, and insurance salesman. Despite the hard work, DeJoria’s life was
still a far cry from the success he would eventually achieve. At one point, he
found himself living out of his car with just $700 to his name.
The Big Break: John Paul Mitchell Systems
The true turning point came in 1980 when DeJoria partnered
with Paul Mitchell to create John Paul Mitchell Systems, a hair care company.
With just a $700 loan, they started the business, selling shampoo door-to-door.
While living in a 20-year-old Rolls-Royce, DeJoria worked tirelessly to make
their venture a success. He believed deeply in the products they were selling
and was determined to make it work.
Innovative Marketing: Breaking into the Beauty Industry
Despite early financial difficulties, DeJoria's
determination and creative marketing strategies began to pay off. He focused on
getting the products into beauty salons and engaged directly with hairdressers
to build word-of-mouth recommendations. This unique approach helped their brand
gain momentum. As sales grew, DeJoria reinvested profits back into the company,
focusing on developing new products and expanding their market reach.
The Birth of Patron Tequila
In 1989, DeJoria co-founded the Patrón Spirits Company,
which would later become one of the most successful premium tequila brands
globally. He wasn’t initially a tequila expert, but after tasting the
high-quality tequila produced by Casa 7 Leguas, he saw potential. DeJoria and
his partner, Martin Crowley, purchased the brand rights and began selling
Patrón in the ultra-premium category, targeting upscale restaurants and
exclusive clientele.
The Launch of the ROKiT Brand
In 2018, DeJoria co-founded the ROKiT Group with Jonathan
Kendrick, a move that would expand his business ventures even further. ROKiT
became a diverse brand with a focus on technology, offering products like 3D
phones, telemedicine services, and beverages. Although the group faced some
financial setbacks, including several bankruptcies in 2021, the vision behind
ROKiT still represents DeJoria’s commitment to innovation and expanding into
new markets.
The Sale of Patron: A Multi-Billion Dollar Deal
DeJoria’s commitment to Patrón tequila paid off in 2018 when
he sold the brand to Bacardi for $5.1 billion. This deal solidified DeJoria’s
place among the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the world. His success with Patrón
wasn’t just about creating a high-quality product; it was also about building a
brand that emphasized exclusivity and luxury. His business acumen and ability
to create buzz around a product helped elevate Patrón to global recognition.
Biography of John Paul DeJoria: Co-founder of Paul Mitchell and The Patrón Spirits Company#startup#age#net worth#Patrón Spirits story#John Paul DeJor
Diverse Business Interests
Throughout his career, DeJoria didn’t limit himself to just
one industry. In addition to his ventures in hair care and tequila, he invested
in a wide range of businesses. His portfolio includes the House of Blues
nightclub chain, Pyrat Rum, Smokey Mountain Bison Farm, Ultimat Vodka, and
more. He even entered the world of mobile technology with ROK AMERICAS, and
owns a Harley-Davidson dealership and a diamond company. DeJoria’s diverse
business interests are a testament to his ability to spot opportunities in
various sectors.
Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community
Despite his immense wealth, DeJoria is known for his
philanthropy and giving back to the community. He is a strong supporter of
various causes, including environmental sustainability, cancer research, and
homelessness. Through his Peace, Love, and Happiness Foundation, DeJoria has
donated millions of dollars to charities and programs that aim to improve
lives. He believes in the idea that "success unshared is failure" and
strives to make a positive impact on the world.
Celebrity Appearances: A Public Figure
DeJoria’s success also led him to the world of
entertainment. He made cameo appearances in films such as "You Don’t Mess
with the Zohan" and "The Big Tease." He also appeared in the
Showtime series "Weeds" and was featured in television commercials
promoting Patrón. In 2013, DeJoria made a guest appearance as an investor on
the popular show Shark Tank, where he was seen evaluating business ideas
alongside other wealthy entrepreneurs.
Patrón Tequila Express: A Luxury Investment
DeJoria’s love for luxury doesn’t stop with his businesses.
He owns the Patrón Tequila Express, a historic private railroad car he
purchased in 1996. The car, originally built in 1927, was renovated by DeJoria
for $2 million. It’s a symbol of his love for the finer things in life and his
commitment to preserving history. The Patrón Tequila Express is not just a
transportation vehicle; it’s a luxurious, fully restored railroad car that
reflects DeJoria’s opulent lifestyle.
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
DeJoria has been married four times and is currently married
to his fourth wife, Eloise Broady DeJoria, whom he wed in 1993. They have one
son, John Anthony. He also has three children from previous marriages,
including John Paul II and Alexis Jones. DeJoria has two stepchildren from his
wife’s previous relationship. Despite his busy business life, DeJoria values
his family and makes time for his loved ones.
Political Involvement: Supporting Candidates
Throughout his career, DeJoria has supported various
political campaigns. He has donated over $4,000 to the political campaigns of
Senator Ted Cruz and more than $5,000 to Texas Governor Rick Perry. His
political contributions also extend to the Democratic National Committee and
several Democratic political candidates. DeJoria’s involvement in politics
reflects his interest in shaping the future of the country and supporting
causes that align with his values.
A True Entrepreneurial Spirit
DeJoria’s story is a true testament to the American Dream.
From his humble beginnings, living out of his car with just $700 to his name,
he transformed his life through hard work, determination, and a keen business
sense. His journey from homelessness to billionaire status is an inspiration to
entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that success is possible no matter how
difficult the circumstances.
Legacy: A Life Well-Lived
Today, John Paul DeJoria is not only a successful
businessman but also a philanthropist, family man, and public figure. His
businesses, especially John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patrón Tequila, continue
to thrive. He remains a symbol of perseverance, innovation, and the power of
giving back. Through his actions, DeJoria has shown that wealth and success are
not just about making money, but about making a positive impact on the world.
His life story continues to inspire millions of people to chase their dreams
and never give up.
Timeline for story
1944: John Paul DeJoria born in Los Angeles to immigrant
parents.
1953: Started selling Christmas cards and newspapers at age
9.
Teenage Years: Joined a street gang but turned his life
around after a teacher’s warning.
1960s: Joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Hornet.
Post-Navy: Took on various low-paying jobs, including as a
janitor and salesman.
1980: Co-founded John Paul Mitchell Systems with $700 loan.
1989: Co-founded Patrón Spirits Company.
1993: Married Eloise Broady DeJoria; they have one son.
2018: Sold Patrón Tequila to Bacardi for $5.1 billion.
2018: Co-founded ROKiT Group, expanding into technology and
beverages.
2021: ROKiT faced financial setbacks and bankruptcies.
Philanthropy: Founded Peace, Love, and Happiness Foundation, donating millions.
