Barbara Corcoran's Business and Personal Life

Author

Reads 12K

Smiling man in sunglasses with an electric bike on sunny Santa Barbara beach.
Credit: pexels.com, Smiling man in sunglasses with an electric bike on sunny Santa Barbara beach.

Barbara Corcoran's business career is a testament to her determination and hard work. She started her real estate career with a $1,000 loan from her mother and built it into a $5 billion business.

Born in 1949 in Edgewater, New Jersey, Barbara Corcoran grew up in a family of modest means. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her mother in a small apartment.

Barbara Corcoran's success in business has been well-documented, but it's worth noting that she's also a successful author, having written several books on entrepreneurship and business.

Readers also liked: Career Development Plan

Early Life and Career

Barbara Corcoran was born Barbara Ann Corcoran on March 10, 1949, in Edgewater, New Jersey. She grew up with nine siblings in an Irish-Catholic household.

Barbara has dyslexia, which made her educational journey a bit challenging. She studied at St. Cecilia High School before flunking out and transferring to Leonia High School.

Barbara earned a degree in education from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 1971, after which she spent a year teaching school. She then held 22 different jobs before deciding to pursue a career in real estate.

Credit: youtube.com, Barbara Corcoran: Short Biography, Net Worth & Career Highlights

At age 23, Corcoran began working as a receptionist at the Giffuni Brothers' real estate firm. She eventually borrowed $1,000 from her boyfriend, Ray Simone, to co-found her own real estate firm, Corcoran-Simone, in 1973.

Corcoran-Simone became The Corcoran Group, and it was such a success that Barbara sold it for an astounding $66 million in 2001.

Personal Life and Net Worth

Barbara Corcoran has a net worth of $100 million, a testament to her successful business ventures and investments.

She has made over 130 deals on the "Shark Tank", the largest being a $350,000 investment for 40% of Coverplay.

In her personal life, Barbara married retired Navy captain/former FBI agent Bill Higgins in 1988, and they welcomed son Tom in 1994 after Corcoran underwent in vitro fertilization using an egg from her sister Florence.

Personal Life

Barbara Corcoran has been married to retired Navy captain/former FBI agent Bill Higgins since 1988. They've been together for quite a while.

Idyllic landscape with St Barbara Church on a hilltop in Trentino-Alto Adige under clear blue skies.
Credit: pexels.com, Idyllic landscape with St Barbara Church on a hilltop in Trentino-Alto Adige under clear blue skies.

The couple has two children, Tom, born in 1994, and Kate, whom they adopted in 2005. I've always been fascinated by the Corcorans' decision to adopt.

Barbara has spoken publicly about her struggles with dyslexia, a learning disorder she's lived with her whole life. It's inspiring to see her success despite the challenges she's faced.

In her free time, Barbara enjoys skiing and going to the beach. I can appreciate a good beach day myself!

Barbara Corcoran's Net Worth

She founded The Corcoran Group in 1973, which she sold to NRT (National Realty Trust) in 2001 for $66 million. This sale alone gave her a significant financial boost.

As a "Shark" investor, Barbara has made over 130 deals, with the largest being a $350,000 investment for 40% of Coverplay. This kind of savvy business move has contributed to her impressive net worth.

Public Appearances and Ventures

Barbara Corcoran has been a fixture on Shark Tank since 2009, investing in over 80 deals and becoming one of the show's most popular Sharks.

Credit: youtube.com, Barbara Corcoran: How to get VC money for your business

She's also a bestselling author, with her book "Shark Tales" debuting at number 7 on the New York Times bestseller list.

As a real estate mogul, Barbara Corcoran has built a business empire that spans over four decades, with a portfolio of over 1,000 properties.

She's a sought-after speaker, often sharing her insights on entrepreneurship and women in business at conferences and events.

Barbara Corcoran has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc. magazine.

In addition to her business ventures, Barbara Corcoran has also made headlines for her personal life, including her divorce from her husband of 25 years.

Real Estate and Wealth

Barbara Corcoran's real estate career was marked by a series of bold investments and calculated risks.

She started her career in real estate with a $1,000 loan from her mother, which she used to start her own real estate business in New York City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Barbara get kicked off of Shark Tank?

Barbara Corcoran was not actually "kicked off" of Shark Tank, but rather was hired by the show in 2009 and became a main cast member. However, the article actually states that she was initially considered for the show but was not selected, implying that another woman was chosen instead.

What is Barbara Corcoran's disability?

Barbara Corcoran has dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects reading and writing skills. Her dyslexia didn't hold her back, and it's actually a key part of her inspiring success story.

Is Barbara Corcoran's daughter adopted?

Yes, Barbara Corcoran's family includes an adopted daughter, in addition to her biological son born via in vitro fertilization.

Angie Ernser

Senior Writer

Angie Ernser is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in financial markets. Her expertise lies in municipal bond investments, where she provides clear and insightful analysis to help readers understand the complexities of municipal bond markets. Ernser's articles are known for their clarity and practical advice, making them a valuable resource for both novice and experienced investors.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.