Biography of Kevin Harrington: President of National Media -Entrepreneur
Biography of Kevin Harrington:
Kevin Harrington: The Entrepreneur Who Revolutionized Infomercials
Kevin Harrington is a name that resonates with anyone
familiar with entrepreneurial success. Best known as one of the original
"Sharks" on the hit TV show Shark Tank, Harrington has been an
influential figure in the world of business for over 40 years. His expertise
spans several industries, with a notable impact in direct response television
(DRTV) marketing, where he is credited with inventing the infomercial.
Throughout his career, he has launched more than 500 products, generating over
$5 billion in global sales. His entrepreneurial journey, filled with
groundbreaking moments, has made him a key figure in both media and business
sectors.
Early Beginnings: A Business Mind from Childhood
Harrington’s entrepreneurial journey began at a very young
age. Growing up in a blue-collar family in Cincinnati, Ohio, he started selling
newspapers at the age of nine. By fifteen, he had already launched his first
business, sealing driveways in the hot summer sun. His father, who owned a
successful Italian restaurant, instilled a strong work ethic and business sense
in Harrington. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his future
ventures, and it was clear from the beginning that Harrington was destined for
a life in business.
First Steps into Business: High Chairs and Sales
Harrington’s first taste of significant business success
came when he started selling high-end baby high chairs door-to-door. Though the
venture didn’t make him a millionaire, it helped him develop his sales skills.
He soon realized that understanding the art of selling and persuasion was key
to growing any business. This led him to discover and absorb the teachings of
business legends like Napoleon Hill and Zig Ziglar, whose strategies would
influence his success in later years.
The Million-Dollar Business at College
By the time Harrington entered college, he had already built
his first million-dollar business. This early success was the result of his
persistence and the guidance of mentors who taught him the principles of
successful salesmanship. Harrington was no longer just a budding entrepreneur;
he was now well on his way to becoming a recognized business leader.
Franchise Sales and Business Centers
As his career continued to flourish, Harrington expanded his
scope. He began selling franchises and working closely with other
entrepreneurs. He created "small business centers," one-stop shops
where aspiring entrepreneurs could access resources, support, and the tools
needed to succeed in their ventures. His deep understanding of the challenges
entrepreneurs face made him a valuable asset to countless small businesses.
A Breakthrough Moment: The Infomercial Revolution
In 1984, Harrington had a pivotal breakthrough that would
shape his legacy: he created one of the first 30-minute infomercials. Inspired
by companies like Vitamix, he realized the potential of late-night and
early-morning TV airtime to sell products directly to consumers. This
innovation paved the way for the multibillion-dollar infomercial industry,
where Harrington would become one of the leading pioneers.
Founding Quantum International: A $500 Million Success
In the mid-1980s, Harrington founded Quantum International,
which quickly became a massive success. The company grew into a $500
million-per-year business and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Under
Harrington's leadership, Quantum drove its stock price from $1 to $20 per
share. This success solidified his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur and a
leader in the direct response television industry.
Leadership at National Media
After the success of Quantum International, Harrington
became President of National Media Corporation in 1991. At National Media, he
continued to push the boundaries of direct marketing. He oversaw the launch of
numerous infomercials, contributing to the company’s annual sales and expanding
its reach to 100 countries. National Media’s success even earned it a case
study at Harvard and MIT, further cementing Harrington’s place as an
influential business innovator.
HSN Direct and Reliant Media
In 1994, Harrington co-founded HSN Direct International in
partnership with The Home Shopping Network, serving as CEO until 1998. Later,
he took on roles such as Chairman of Reliant Interactive Media Corp. and CEO of
ResponzeTV America, LLC. These ventures allowed him to continue exploring new
frontiers in television sales and media, keeping him at the forefront of the
industry.
Shark Tank: A New Platform for Entrepreneurs
Perhaps Harrington's most widely recognized role came in
2009 when he joined Shark Tank as one of the original investors. The show,
which provides budding entrepreneurs with the opportunity to pitch their ideas
to a panel of successful business leaders, became a cultural phenomenon.
Harrington’s insights and investments helped launch several businesses, giving
him a platform to influence and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Biography of Kevin Harrington: President of National Media -Entrepreneur# startup#National Media story#Kevin Harrington story#age#Net worth#investor
The Entrepreneur’s Organization and the Electronic Retailing
Association
Beyond his ventures, Harrington’s influence extended into
industry networking. He was instrumental in establishing two major global
organizations: the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and the Electronic
Retailing Association (ERA). The EO now has over 924,000 members across 38
countries, providing entrepreneurs with the resources and support needed to
thrive. The ERA, representing the $125 billion electronic retailing industry,
has more than 450 member companies and plays a significant role in the development
of electronic retailing worldwide.
Books and Mentoring: Sharing His Knowledge
Harrington has authored several bestselling books, including
Act Now: How I Turn Ideas into Million-Dollar Products, Key Person of
Influence, and Put a Shark in Your Tank. These books chronicle his personal and
professional journey, offering invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs and
business leaders. He is also a sought-after mentor, helping guide others with
his wealth of experience in product launches, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Personal Life: A Balance Between Business and Family
While Kevin Harrington is widely known for his business
achievements, he is also a family man. He is married to Crystal Harrington, and
they have two children. Despite his public persona, Harrington keeps his family
life relatively private, focusing much of the attention on his professional
endeavors and philanthropic activities.
A $470 Million Net Worth
As of 2025, Kevin Harrington’s net worth is estimated to be
around $470 million. His wealth comes from his entrepreneurial ventures,
investments, television appearances, and business partnerships. His
long-standing success in various industries highlights his adaptability and
vision, making him one of the most influential business figures of his
generation.
Harrington’s Ongoing Influence in Business
Even today, Kevin Harrington continues to influence the
world of entrepreneurship. Through speaking engagements, consulting, and his
various business investments, he remains an active figure in the industry. His
wealth of experience allows him to mentor up-and-coming entrepreneurs, offering
them the tools and advice they need to succeed in the competitive world of
business.
Interesting Facts: The Making of a Business Icon
Over the years, Harrington has launched over 500 products,
many of which have become household names. He has helped companies generate
billions of dollars in revenue and has worked with some of the biggest brands
in the world. His influence extends beyond his own businesses, as he has played
a major role in shaping the electronic retailing industry and mentoring the
next generation of business leaders.
Legacy and Impact on Entrepreneurship
Kevin Harrington’s legacy is defined by his ability to spot
opportunities and his commitment to helping others succeed. His work in
infomercial marketing, his role in Shark Tank, and his contributions to
business networking organizations have left a lasting impact on the
entrepreneurial world. Harrington’s journey from a newspaper-selling boy to a
multimillion-dollar business leader exemplifies the power of perseverance,
innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
Timeline for story
1960s: Began entrepreneurial journey selling newspapers at
age 9.
1970s: Started first business sealing driveways at age 15.
Early 1980s: Sold high-end baby high chairs door-to-door.
Mid 1980s: Built first million-dollar business while in
college.
1984: Created one of the first 30-minute infomercials.
1980s: Founded Quantum International, a $500 million
success.
1991: Became President of National Media Corporation.
1994: Co-founded HSN Direct International.
1998: Took leadership role at Reliant Interactive Media.
2009: Became a "Shark" on the TV show Shark Tank.
2010s-Present: Authored books and continued mentoring
entrepreneurs.
2025: Estimated net worth of $470 million.
