Mike Clinton
Introduction: Meet the Young Lady on Shark Tank
If you’ve ever watched Shark Tank, you’ve probably noticed the young lady who sits at the end of the panel next to the other sharks. Her name is Barbara Corcoran, and she’s been a fixture on the show since its inception in 2009. While the other sharks are seasoned business people with years of experience under their belts, Barbara brings a unique perspective to the show, having started her own real estate business in New York City with just $1,000 and turning it into a multi-million dollar empire.
Early Life: Who is She and Where Did She Come From?
Barbara Corcoran was born in 1949 in Edgewater, New Jersey, the second of 10 children. Her parents were working-class people who struggled to make ends meet, but they instilled in Barbara a strong work ethic and the importance of a good education. When she was just 11 years old, her father died of a heart attack, leaving the family in dire financial straits. Despite the hardships she faced, Barbara was determined to succeed, and she began working odd jobs at a young age to help support her family.
Education and Career Before Shark Tank
Barbara attended St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York, where she earned a degree in education. After graduation, she worked as a teacher for a brief period before quitting to pursue a career in real estate. In 1973, she founded The Corcoran Group with her then-boyfriend, and the company grew quickly, becoming one of the leading real estate firms in New York City.
Shark Tank Journey: How Did She Get There?
Barbara was approached by the producers of Shark Tank in 2009, and she jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the show. Her experience as an entrepreneur and her natural charisma made her a perfect fit for the panel, and she quickly became a fan favorite. Over the years, she’s invested in dozens of companies on the show, helping to turn many of them into successful businesses.
Business Ventures: What Does She Invest In?
Barbara has invested in a wide variety of businesses on Shark Tank, from fashion and beauty products to food and drink companies. She’s particularly interested in companies that cater to women, as she believes that women are an underserved market. Some of her most successful investments include Shark Wheel, a company that produces unique skateboard wheels, and Tipsy Elves, a clothing company that specializes in ugly Christmas sweaters.
Deal-Making Skills: What Makes Her Stand Out?
One of the things that sets Barbara apart from the other sharks is her ability to connect with people on a personal level. She’s known for her quick wit and her ability to make people feel at ease, which has helped her to close many deals on the show. She’s also a savvy negotiator, and she’s not afraid to walk away from a deal if it’s not in her best interest.
Personal Life: Family, Relationships, and Hobbies
Barbara is married to Bill Higgins, a former FBI agent, and they have two children together. She’s also a passionate supporter of animal rights, and she’s involved with several animal rescue organizations. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, skiing, and playing tennis.
Awards and Achievements: What Has She Accomplished?
Barbara has accomplished a great deal in her career, both before and after Shark Tank. In addition to founding The Corcoran Group, she’s written several books, including Shark Tales, which chronicles her rise to success in the real estate industry. She’s also a sought-after public speaker, and she’s been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal.
Philanthropy: How Does She Give Back?
Barbara is a firm believer in giving back to the community, and she’s involved with several philanthropic organizations. She’s a board member of the Fund for Public Schools, which works to improve the quality of education in New York City public schools. She’s also a member of the board of directors of the Animal League, a no-kill animal shelter in New York.
Future Plans: What’s Next for the Young Lady on Shark Tank?
Barbara shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. In addition to her work on Shark Tank, she’s currently working on a new book and is planning to launch a podcast in the near future. She’s also always on the lookout for new business opportunities, and she’s committed to helping the next generation of entrepreneurs succeed.