A Conversation with Kevin Harrington: The Original Shark
Few entrepreneurs embody the spirit of relentless execution like Kevin Harrington. Best known as “The Original Shark” on Shark Tank and “The Original Advisor” to the Board of Advisors, Kevin has spent decades helping entrepreneurs bring ideas to life. His fingerprints are on over 500 product launches generating more than $5 billion in global sales.
On the latest episode of the Jimmy Ralph Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Kevin to talk about the early days, the mindset it takes to scale, and why mentorship is the ultimate shortcut in business.
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was Kevin’s reflection on how early experiences shaped him. He reminded us that every entrepreneur starts small—often with more grit than resources. For Kevin, it was spotting opportunities in the infomercial world and turning them into billion-dollar industries. For me, it was shoveling snow in Ohio, selling phones in Florida, and eventually scaling Talk More Wireless into America’s #1 Metro by T-Mobile retailer.
Different paths, but the same DNA: toughness, creativity, and the refusal to quit.
Scaling Is About People and Process
Kevin and I agreed on something that often gets overlooked in business circles: scaling isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people and the systems.
When Sprint needed to hire, train, and deploy 4,000 sales reps into Radio Shack locations in just 12 weeks, my company SalesMakers was ready because we had built the culture, the systems, and the leadership team to execute. Kevin has lived the same principle across his career, knowing that no product succeeds without the right team driving it.
The best entrepreneurs aren’t just inventors—they’re builders. They build teams, systems, and networks that make growth sustainable. That’s where the real value is created.
The Power of Board of Advisors
That belief in the power of people and systems is exactly why I’ve invested so much into the Board of Advisors (BA). Today, as CEO, I see firsthand why this community is unlike anything else.
Most masterminds or networks fall into the trap of surface-level conversations or same-industry echo chambers. At BA, we’ve built something different, we’ve built more than a mastermind! We’ve built a curated, give-first community of entrepreneurs, executives, and investors from across industries who come together to help each other scale.
The rule of BA is simple:
- GIVE.
- GIVE.
- GIVE.
That mindset creates an environment where real business happens. Deals are made. Strategies are sharpened. And members leave the room with clarity, momentum, and connections they can’t get anywhere else.
From hot seat sessions and keynote talks to small-group panels on AI, raising capital, and building personal brands, every event is designed for action—not theory. The BA Community is a force multiplier. Put the right people in the room with the right intent, and growth becomes inevitable.
Friendship, Partnership, and a Shared Vision
What makes this all even more meaningful to me is the partnership I share with BA Founder Mike Calhoun, COO Kevin Killoran, CFO Chris DiPasquale, and leaders like Kevin Harrington. Mike and I have known each other for more than a decade, and what started as friendship has turned into a powerful business partnership. Together, we’re shaping BA into the most trusted entrepreneurial ecosystem in America.
And Kevin? He’s been with BA since the beginning as “The Original Advisor.” Having him join me on the podcast wasn’t just a conversation between two entrepreneurs—it was proof of what happens when visionaries commit to lifting each other up.
Final Thought: Business Is a Team Sport
The podcast with Kevin Harrington reminded me of a truth I’ve seen play out again and again: entrepreneurship is a team sport disguised as an individual game.
Whether you’re scaling a business, launching a product, or navigating tough times, your success is amplified by the people around you—the mentors, the partners, the community. That’s why I’m proud of the work we’re doing at Board of Advisors, and why conversations like this matter.
If you haven’t already, go watch the full podcast episode with Kevin Harrington on my YouTube channel or on my X account. And if you’re serious about scaling your business, look into the Board of Advisors. Because in business, the right community isn’t just support—it’s your competitive advantage.
Want to stay up to date with Jimmy Ralph?
Follow Jimmy on LinkedIn | X (formerly Twitter) | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook for leadership insights, business lessons, behind-the-scenes updates, and more!
Visit Board of Advisors website
Board of Advisors magazine | Board of Advisors X | Board of Advisors Youtube | Board of Advisors Instagram