Why Daymond John Didn’t Quit His Job
In a recent LinkedIn post, Daymond John shared that he worked at Red Lobster for years while building FUBU. He explained that staying at his job wasn’t about fear or lack of confidence — it was a smart business move.
“I worked at Red Lobster for years while building FUBU. Not because I didn’t believe in my dreams. Because it was smart,” John wrote.
Born and raised in Queens, New York, John grew up with his single mother and launched FUBU in 1992 with just $40. The money he earned as a waiter helped him pay his bills and invest in fabric and materials for his growing business.
According to John, the job also taught him valuable skills like sales management and inventory control, which later helped him run his company more effectively.
How FUBU Became a Massive Success
FUBU — short for “For Us, By Us” — gained popularity in the early 1990s alongside the rise of hip-hop culture. John promoted his clothing by taking it directly to music video sets and convincing rappers to wear his designs.
In 1996, he placed an advertisement seeking investors and eventually secured a major distribution deal with Samsung. That investment helped FUBU generate $30 million in sales within just three months.
Today, FUBU has generated over $6 billion in total revenue, and John continues to serve as the brand’s CEO while also appearing as an investor on ABC’s Shark Tank.
Build Slow If You Have To”
Many aspiring entrepreneurs feel pressure to quit their jobs as soon as they start making money on a side business. However, experts advise caution.
Financial planner Kevin Lao, founder of Imagine Financial Security, recommends having a clear business plan and enough savings before leaving a steady income. Lao personally saved a full year of living expenses and three months of business costs before launching his firm.
“It’s very hard to be successful if you don’t have a very compelling ‘why,’” Lao said.
For Daymond John, keeping his day job provided stability and confidence during the early stages of his journey.
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“Sometimes the day job is your first investor,” John explained. “Don’t get discouraged if you can’t quit right away. Use it as fuel for your dreams.”
Conclusion
Daymond John’s story proves that success doesn’t always come from taking big risks right away. By holding on to his day job, he gained financial security, business skills, and the patience needed to build something lasting. His advice is simple but powerful: build slow if you have to, but don’t stop building.
What Do You Think?
Q: Would you keep your day job while building your dream business, or take the risk and quit early?
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