Billionaire who sold two companies to Coca-Cola says he tries to convince people not to become entrepreneurs: 'Every single day, you can go bankrupt' | Fortune

"Mike Repole, the billionaire entrepreneur who co-founded and sold beverage giants Glaceau and BodyArmor to Coca-Cola for a combined $9.7 billion, has an unexpected message for aspiring business owners: Don't do it. In an interview with The School of Hard Knocks, a popular social-media channel known for interviewing wealthy entrepreneurs, Repole shared his contrarian view on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the brutal realities that most success stories gloss over."

"The 56-year-old Queens native first made his fortune when he co-founded Glaceau with J. Darius Bikoff in 1999. The company, which produced Smartwater and Vitaminwater, grew from $1 million in first-year sales to over $1 billion in revenue by 2007, when Coca-Cola acquired it for $4.1 billion. Following that success, Repole co-founded BodyArmor, a sports drink company, in 2011. It gained significant attention a few years later in 2014, when NBA legend Kobe Bryant invested $5 million for a 10% stake, becoming the brand's creative director."

"In November 2021, Coca-Cola purchased the remaining 85% of BodyArmor for $5.6 billion, making it the beverage giant's largest-ever brand acquisition. Forbes currently estimates Repole's net worth at approximately $1.6 billion, largely stemming from these two successful exits. Between the ventures, he also served as chairman of snack company Pirate's Booty, helping grow the brand by 300% before it sold to B&G Foods for $195 million in 2013."

Mike Repole co-founded Glaceau and BodyArmor and sold both to Coca-Cola for a combined $9.7 billion. Repole discourages most people from becoming entrepreneurs, calling the first five years survival years with daily risk of bankruptcy. Glaceau grew from $1 million in first-year sales to over $1 billion by 2007 and sold for $4.1 billion. BodyArmor launched in 2011; Kobe Bryant invested $5 million for a 10% stake and became creative director. Coca-Cola bought the remaining 85% of BodyArmor in November 2021 for $5.6 billion. Forbes estimates Repole's net worth at about $1.6 billion.

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