FUBU founder and Shark Tank investor Daymond John is set to headline the first-ever ACHIEVE Summit this summer, bringing his business acumen to Chicago’s South Suburbs. While making the announcement, John shared:
“I’m pumped to be speaking at the inaugural ACHIEVE Summit alongside an incredible lineup of corporate visionaries! Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or property developer, this is an event you cannot miss.”
The three-day business conference, taking place from June 27 to 29, 2025, at the Tinley Park Convention Center, is being organized by the Southland Development Authority (SDA) with a clear mission—driving economic growth and creating new business opportunities across the region.
The ACHIEVE Summit isn’t just another networking event—it’s a game-changer. As the largest business conference ever hosted in Chicago’s south suburban region, it’s designed to spotlight investment potential and bring lasting economic impact to historically underserved communities. And with Daymond John kicking things off, this is just the first of many exciting announcements to come.
Shark Tank's Daymond John comes to Southland
As one of television's most recognizable business personalities, Daymond John brings considerable star power to the ACHIEVE Summit. The entrepreneurial spirit that the conference aims to instill in people is exemplified by his journey. From stitching hats in his mother's Queens basement to turning FUBU into a global fashion company with over $6 billion in product sales, John's path to success is proof of what persistence and vision can achieve.
"I'm excited to share my Shark Tank secrets to help you take your business to the next level on June 28 at ACHIEVE!" John added in his statement, referring to the popular ABC reality show where he has evaluated countless business pitches since 2009.
The SDA's goal of fostering economic development in the South Suburbs of Chicago is ideally aligned with the entrepreneur's appearance. The summit's emphasis on providing resources and funding to prospective business owners from all backgrounds resonates with his personal narrative of mortgaging his mother's house for $100,000 to start his company.
The ACHIEVE Summit aspires to be more than just another business conference. According to the organizers, the three-day conference aims to catalyze millions of dollars in economic activity throughout the Southland region. CEO of the Southland Development Authority Bo Kemp stated:
"We are thrilled to announce Daymond John as this year's keynote speaker," said Bo Kemp,
Elaborating further, Kemp said:
"This is the first of many exciting announcements to come regarding the ACHIEVE Summit, and we're eager to continue diligently planning to help make this inaugural ACHIEVE Summit a historic event for the Chicagoland and Southland regions."
The ACHIEVE Summit is focused on more than just lofty ideals—it's about real opportunities. From manufacturing and commercial real estate to high-growth industries like technology and renewable energy, the event will highlight how investors and business owners can capitalize on the potential of the South Suburbs.
But the vision goes beyond short-term gains. The SDA isn’t just focused on immediate wins—it is playing the long game. The goal? Giving individuals the financial tools and resources they need to build genuine, long-lasting generational wealth. And Daymond John is the ideal headlining act for this event.
The 56-year-old businessman has devoted years to promoting entrepreneurship and assisting individuals in transforming their ideas into successful enterprises, particularly in marginalized regions. He was appointed a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship by President Barack Obama in 2015, which allowed him to guide and motivate upcoming business leaders worldwide.
But making one feel inspired isn't the only goal of this conference. It's about making the moves. In addition to hearing counsel, attendees will receive practical advice on how to start and expand their businesses, make real estate investments, and obtain the capital they require to advance.
This event is all about transforming aspirations into actual success, featuring expert-led seminars on developing a startup, establishing appropriate contacts, and navigating the business world.
What can attendees expect from the ACHIEVE Summit?
Beyond Daymond John’s highly anticipated keynote on June 28, the ACHIEVE Summit is shaping up to be the must-attend business event of the summer. This three-day gathering isn’t just about big speeches. It is about real connections, fresh ideas, and game-changing opportunities.
Industry leaders, top executives, and eager investors are all expected to be in the room. The summit aims to create a space where business relationships can thrive. One can expect lively workshops, effective networking opportunities, and captivating presentations from some of the most talented individuals in the field. Exhibitors offering innovative goods, services, and investment possibilities aimed at promoting Southland growth are also expected to flock to the Tinley Park Convention Center.
Of course, Daymond John’s keynote is set to be a major highlight. He is said to share hard-earned wisdom from his best-selling books Powershift and The Power of Broke while drawing from his decades of experience as a self-made entrepreneur. John is known for his no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point advice. His past talks, like his famous 5 Shark Points: Fundamentals for Success in Business and Life, are known for having imparted game-changing lessons. This one promises to be just as impactful.
But the ACHIEVE Summit isn’t just another business conference. It’s a turning point for Chicago’s South Suburbs. By bringing in powerhouse speakers like John, the Southland Development Authority is putting a much-needed spotlight on the region’s untapped potential. It’s about creating real economic growth.
And the excitement is just beginning. Special events and more well-known speakers are to be revealed soon. This is the event for you if you want to meet new people, learn from professionals, and discover new business prospects. Mark your calendar. It all happens this summer in Tinley Park.
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You can watch Shark Tank in the U.S. on ABC and Hulu.
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