Daniel Lubetzky Joins Cast of ‘Shark Tank’
Lubetzky is the founder of KIND Snacks, the Builders Movement and is the son of a Holocaust survivor.
Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times best-selling author of many books, including “When Words Matter Most.” She is also a communications professional and well-known media personality, having appeared often locally on “Atlanta and Company” and nationally on NBC’s “Today” show. For more information go to www.robynspizman.com.
“Shark Tank” lovers, and fan favorites, there is good news in the tank. Daniel Lubetzky, a Mexican American immigrant and son of a Holocaust survivor, is officially on board on new episodes through Season 16.
Founder of KIND Snacks, Lubetzky grew his company from an idea into an iconic multi-billion-dollar brand, and officially joins ABC’s critically acclaimed, multi-Emmy Award-winning business-themed unscripted series.
Lubetzky is the show’s first new regular Shark in over a decade joining the regular cast, including Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, and Kevin O’Leary. “Shark Tank,” produced by MGM Television in association with Sony Pictures Television, has become a culturally defining series, amassing an amazing $11 billion in retail sales from deals offered in the Tank.
In a request to get to know Daniel a little better, Lubetzky kindly replied, “I was born and raised in Mexico City before moving to San Antonio, Texas, when I was 15. My mom was raised in Tampico on a cattle ranch and my dad, a Lithuanian Jew who survived the Holocaust, moved to Mexico after being liberated from the Dachau concentration camp. Growing up in the Mexican Jewish community, my family prided itself in preserving Jewish values and traditions while incorporating Mexican flavor. They upheld the Jewish tenet of tikkun olam— to heal the world — by always helping fellow ranchers; and they adapted Jewish holiday dishes such as the traditionally cold and bland gefilte fish into a warm red snapper delicacy in a spicy red Veracruzana sauce. My parents always encouraged me to build friendships with people different from me and to approach new people and cultures with curiosity. I would not be who I am today had they not instilled those values in me.”
Lubetzky’s Ted Talk online offers further insight into his mission, giving his philosophy about being a builder and what motivated him to invent the KIND bar. He believes each of us can impact other people’s lives in a kind way.
He shared, “I came up with the idea for KIND out of my own necessity. When building Peaceworks, a business venture that ultimately became KIND, I was traveling constantly and in search of something I could eat on-the-go that was convenient and nutritious. I was having a hard time finding something that suited my needs and the idea for KIND was born. The name KIND was about being kind not just to your body and your taste buds, because the product is delicious and healthy; it was also about being kind to the world by fostering empathy and encouraging people to be kind to others, including strangers. Kindness is magical, it’s what I call a net happiness aggregator – not only does the person on the receiving end of an act of kindness feel good, but the person doing the kind thing also benefits. Never underestimate the power of small acts of kindness to have big impact.”
Lubetzky learned valuable lessons from his father that he lives by. He added, “Despite living through the Dachau concentration camp during the Holocaust, my dad always saw the good in all people. Hearing the stories of what he endured – and how he survived because of the kindness of strangers – instilled within me at a young age a sense of purpose to build bridges between people to ensure nothing like what he lived through ever happens again.”
And for those wondering what it’s like inside “Shark Tank?” Lubetzky added, “’Shark Tank’ is magical because it’s both educational and entertaining. I have a hard time thinking of any other show that does both so effectively. It has the ability to bridge generations and bring the entire family together to learn about business without even realizing you are learning. People are often surprised to hear that what happens in the tank is very real – the Sharks do not see the deals in advance and we’re investing our own money. Each deal I’ve made on ‘Shark Tank’ is different and special, but one of my favorites is HummViewer. Not only is it a quirky, genius invention but my father, who was my role model and best friend, loved to watch birds with my mom outside their house. Since he passed, we have often been reminded of him when we see birds, hummingbirds especially, so this investment felt extra personal for me.”
Of note, Lubetzky shared that he “can speak basic phrases in over 40 languages.”
Clearly prepared, a mensch and an entrepreneur for humanity, fans are confident Lubetzky will continue to do just fine in the Tank. Everyone can benefit from his efforts to raise the bar on kindness.
“Shark Tank” fans can look for Lubetzky on new episodes throughout Season 16, which kicked off Friday, Oct. 18 on ABC and available to stream next day on Hulu.
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