NEW YORK, NEW YORK: 'Shark Tank' on ABC brings together a host of guest shark judges, alongside regular judges, to evaluate the potential of each of the participants and their products.
One such eminent guest judge on board season 15 of 'Shark Tank' is billionaire Michael Rubin, who is well-known as an American businessman, billionaire, and philanthropist. His current net worth is $11.5B, per Forbes. This puts him at No 61 on the Forbes 400.
Michael Rubin, a self-made billionaire, ascended from humble beginnings to achieve great wealth. He built his wealth on his own and, over the years, has been associated with several successful business ventures.
Let's take a closer look at how this fifty-one-year-old billionaire amassed immense riches by starting off as a DIY ski shop owner.
Michael Rubin throws lavish party at his Bridgehampton mansion
To mark the Independence Day and his own upcoming birthday, Rubin threw a lavish party at his Bridgehampton mansion in July this year. The glamorous event was attended by several stars, with couples including Justin and Hailey Bieber, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, and Jay Z and Beyonce present among the guests.
The entire event required an all-white dress code, which led to the gathering being dubbed the 'white party'. This is the fourth time that Rubin has thrown such a lavish party, inviting celebrities from all over.
Michael Rubin's early years
Michael Rubin was born into a Jewish family in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. At the young age of twelve, he started a ski repair shop in his parents' basement.
He saved his bar mitzvah gifts, enabling him to purchase a physical shop and officially launch his ski business. While he briefly attended Villanova University, he eventually dropped out to fully immerse himself in business ventures.
Michael Rubin's illustrious career
Following the closing of his ski repair shop, Rubin invested in the athletic equipment company KPR Sports. In 1998, he established a logistics and apparel company, which later transitioned to GSI Commerce.
He then purchased a licensed sports merchandiser by the name of Fanatics Inc and a flash seller called Rue La La. At every turning point in his career, Rubin was able to successfully navigate through the business channels and emerge on the profiting side.
Real estate and other assets owned by Michael Rubin
Rubin is the owner of several gorgeous real estate properties in New York. After residing in his first New York apartment for some time, he purchased a second apartment in the city.
Interestingly, this second flat was previously owned by 'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest. These penthouses are situated within the prestigious West Village 160 Leroy Street Condo building, epitomizing luxury and sophistication.
Michael Rubin's philanthropic activities
Rubin believes in corporate social responsibility and is the chief driving force behind the REFORM Alliance, with which he works to direct his resources and funds for the betterment of the underprivileged in society. Back in 2020, at the height of the Covid pandemic, he had pledged a considerable sum of $50 million to aid small businesses affected by the international situation.
Michael Rubin comments on the 76ers debacle over James Harden
Rubin had previously been a co-owner of the 76ers and expressed his skepticism at the way in which the team brass was handling the James Harden issues.
Though Harden still practices with the Sixers, he maintains a strained relationship with the team's management after requesting a trade-off to leave the team. The trade-off, nevertheless, wasn't granted. Rubin has stated that if he were still associated with the team, this situation wouldn't ever have arisen.
What happened to Michael Rubin's model girlfriend Camille Fishel?
Rubin's girlfriend Camille Fishel's name surfaced in the media last year due to an incident at their joint annual party in the Hamptons. She tripped and fell, resulting in injuries that led to a prompt hospital visit. Rubin later confirmed that his model girlfriend had suffered some bruises from the fall.
'The Shark Tank' Season 15 episodes air on ABC every Friday at 8 pm ET and are available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
