“Shark Tank” and FUBU founder to speak on campus

Grant Dillard

Staff Writer

gdillard@murraystate.edu

The campus community will have a chance to hear from a “Shark Tank” investor and the  founder, CEO and president of the clothing line FUBU in just a few weeks.

Entrepreneur and businessman Daymond John, whose estimated net worth is $300 million, will present a keynote in Lovett Auditorium in early November.

“Shark Tank,” a hit show on ABC, allows aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to present their idea for a new product to the investors, one of whom is John. The investors then decide whether they want to invest in the contestant’s product in exchange for stock in their company and profits.

At a young age, John created the urban fashion brand FUBU. Today, he consults through his branding company, The Shark Group and has written several best-selling books; with “Rise and Grind” being his most recent success.

“Bringing someone of this caliber to Murray to speak is outstanding,” SGA President Trey Book said. “Outstanding for faculty, staff, the community and most importantly, the students.”

The event is being sponsored by SGA, the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business and BB&T Center for Free Enterprise.

David Eaton, interim dean of the College of Business, said a few years ago the college received funds from BB&T to enhance entrepreneurial education and bring in speakers.

“When SGA contacted us about partnering with them to bring Daymond John to campus, we thought this was an outstanding use of some of those funds,” Eaton said.

Eaton hopes students are inspired by John’s visit to campus. He said John is someone who built his business from the ground up and embodies what it means to be an
entrepreneur.

“I hope they recognize that a brand such as FUBU started with very humble origins, and with a lot of work and dedication, grew to what it is today,” Eaton said. “I hope they are inspired to think about what gifts, dreams and ideas they have to offer, and how they can work to turn those gifts, dreams and ideas into reality.”

When deciding which speaker to bring to campus, Book said the organizers looked through a list of potential speakers within a certain price range.

“Out of those individuals myself and quite a few other individuals really analyzed and narrowed down who we thought the rest of the student body would enjoy and would come and listen to,” Book said.

Jeanie Morgan, adviser to SGA and registered student organizations, worked with John’s talent agent to make the lecture possible.

“SGA has an outstanding reputation and agencies contact me daily regarding clients they represent in regards to coming to Murray State University,” Morgan said.

In his presentation, “Daymond John’s Shark Points: Fundamentals for Success In Business and Life,” the Brooklyn native will share inspirational stories of overcoming obstacles and other details that students, regardless of their major, will undoubtedly be interested in.

Students are already buzzing about John coming to campus.

Amanda Swift, senior from Bloomington, Illinois, first read the news on Instagram, and was quick to share it with her family, who are avid viewers of the “Shark Tank” series.

“I think it’s great to have a celebrity or professional come to campus,” Swift said. “As a University, it is important that we are constantly learning. Professionals are great people to learn from.”

The event, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 in Lovett Auditorium, is free and open to the
public.

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