Shark Tank Season 16 premiered on October 18, 2024, on the ABC network, introducing significant changes and revelations from its renowned panel of investors. The billionaire investors have shared specific details about their spending philosophy in an interview with E! News.
Kevin O'Leary avoids yachts, while Lori Greiner skips Lamborghinis. Guest Shark Todd Graves, CEO of Raising Cane's, opts for commercial flights despite running a global restaurant chain.
Former Goldman Sachs executive Rashaun Williams shares a $25,000 watch investment loss, while jewelry mogul Kendra Scott maintains sale-shopping habits from her $500 startup days. Panel's diverse approaches to personal finance reflect their varied paths to success.
Shark Tank Season 16 judges reveal what they won't buy despite billions in bank
Mark Cuban's financial approach
The Dallas Mavericks former majority owner enforces specific spending rules since his early success days. Shark Tank Season 16 judge’s watch-free lifestyle began at age 29 after selling MicroSolutions for $2 million in 1990. Cuban removed his father's gifted timepiece as a symbol of time independence. His exact words were,
“When I sold my first company when I was 29, the only watch I ever owned was one my dad gave to me…I took it off and I put it aside and I said, 'Now that I've sold my company, I never have to work on anybody's else's time, so I'm never going to wear a watch again.'"
This mindset carried through his Broadcast.com sale to Yahoo for $5.7 billion in 1999. Mark Cuban’s bulk-buying strategy saves money on everyday items like razors and toothpaste. His current $5.7 billion net worth includes major holdings in Amazon and Netflix.
Cuban’s recent ventures include Cost Plus Drugs, aimed at reducing medication prices. The entrepreneur maintains his early spending principles despite ranking 570th on Forbes' global billionaire list.
Kevin O'Leary and Lori Greiner's asset protection strategy
Kevin O'Leary's investment approach centers on preventing value loss. The investor avoids yacht ownership after analyzing maintenance costs and depreciation rates. His research into maritime vessel expenses shapes his luxury purchase decisions. O'Leary manages his wealth through careful asset value preservation.
On the other hand, Shark Tank Season 16 judge Lori Greiner aligns with this protection mindset through her automotive choices. The QVC maven rejects Lamborghini purchases based on rapid depreciation risks.
Greiner's product development background, spanning over 1000 inventions, influences these decisions. Both Sharks focus on maintaining asset value through careful purchase selection.
Todd Graves and Scott's value-based spending
Raising Cane's founder Graves maintains commercial flight preferences despite his restaurant empire's success. Jewelry magnate Scott started with $500 in Austin, Texas. Her background as a single mother shaped strict spending habits as she stated,
“When you start a business with 500 bucks as a single mother out of an extra bedroom, you remember what it's like to be poor…You don't want to go back there."
Shark Tank Season 16 judge specifically targets Labor Day and Memorial Day for major purchases. Her expansion from a bedroom startup to 100+ retail locations hasn't changed these practices. Both entrepreneurs maintain budget-conscious approaches despite significant wealth accumulation.
Rashaun Williams and Herjavec's contrasting methods
Former Goldman Sachs executive Williams experienced a total loss on a $25,000 Jacob & Co. watch investment. He stated,
“I bought one watch (talking about his Jacob & Co. watch) in my entire life…I was working on Wall Street at Goldman Sachs and paid 25 grand for it, and it was worth zero dollars two years later when Jacob [Arabo] got arrested."
Cybersecurity mogul Herjavec takes an opposing view toward spending. Shark Tank Season 16 guest judge multiple successful exits, including security technology ventures, support his flexible purchase philosophy.
"I'll buy anything that makes me happy," said Herjavec.
Herjavec's approach reflects his technology industry success. His cybersecurity empire allows for value-based spending decisions without rigid restrictions.
Shark Tank Season 16 premiered on October 18 at ABC network.