Robert Kiyosaki is a renowned American investor, businessman, author, and financial commentator with a staggering net worth of $100 million. He is best known for his series of books titled “Rich Dad Poor Dad.” His journey from the son of an educator in Hawaii to a self-help financial guru offers insights into success, failures, criticisms, and resilience.
Table of Contents
Who is Robert Kiyosaki?
A 4th-generation Japanese American or “Yonsei”, Robert Kiyosaki was born to Ralph and Marjorie Kiyosaki on April 8, 1947, in Hilo, Hawaii. His father, an educator with a Ph.D., inadvertently became a central figure in Kiyosaki’s works, representing the “Poor Dad”. Robert Kiyosaki’s life journey took him from the classrooms of Hawaii to the battlegrounds of Vietnam and finally to the challenging world of entrepreneurship.
Robert Kiyosaki Net Worth
With a net worth of $100 million, Kiyosaki’s empire primarily revolves around his “Rich Dad” brand, books, seminars, and various ventures in the educational sector.
Age
Born in 1947, Robert is 76 years old as of 2023.
RELATED: Marjorie Harvey Age: Beyond the Numbers and into Her Story
Early Life
Raised in Hilo, Hawaii, Robert graduated high school in 1965. After high school, he attended Naval College and later joined the U.S. Marine Corps. As a helicopter gunship pilot, he served in the Vietnam War from 1972 to 1973. His time in the Marines, he asserts, instilled in him the character required for the business world.
Educational Businesses
His educational pursuits began with the Excellerated Learning Institute in 1985, which he sold in 1994. By the mid-90s, Kiyosaki ventured into financial education with the establishment of Cashflow Technologies, Inc., which became the cornerstone of the “Rich Dad” brand.
Entrepreneurship
Kiyosaki’s business journey wasn’t always smooth. His first venture into selling nylon/velcro wallets went bankrupt. This was followed by another bankruptcy from a retail company dealing in Rock band apparel. By 1980, Kiyosaki turned his attention to education, which eventually became the foundation of his success.
The Book “Rich Dad Poor Dad”
“Rich Dad Poor Dad”, published in 1997, became the landmark in Kiyosaki’s career. Selling over 32 million copies, it offers lessons in financial intelligence, contrasting the ideologies of his “Poor Dad” (his biological father) and the “Rich Dad” (a mentor figure). The book emphasizes entrepreneurship and investment but has been a point of contention for many, especially since the “Rich Dad” was later revealed to be a fictional character.
Other Books
Kiyosaki’s literary contributions don’t end with his flagship book. With 26 books selling over 41 million copies globally, some notable ones include “Cashflow Quadrant”, collaborations with Donald Trump like “Why We Want You to be Rich”, and recent publications like “Ravens: How To Prepare For And Profit From The Turbulent Times Ahead”.
Company Bankruptcy
2012 was a challenging year for Kiyosaki’s Rich Global LLC, which declared bankruptcy following class-action lawsuits and royalty disputes. This led to a court order directing Kiyosaki to pay nearly $24 million to The Learning Annex and its founder.
RELATED: Young Mazino Age: A Deep Dive into the Legend’s Early Years
Critics
Kiyosaki’s success hasn’t been without criticism. His seminars, particularly in Canada, were exposed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for promoting unfruitful investments. His teachings have also been questioned for their vagueness and reliance on anecdotes rather than concrete actionable advice.
Conclusion
Robert Kiyosaki’s journey from Vietnam’s battlegrounds to the world of high-stakes entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. His story, while marred by controversies, is a testament to resilience, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt to changing tides.
FAQ about Robert Kiyosaki
- Who is Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad”?
- The “Rich Dad” is a fictional character used as a mentor figure in Kiyosaki’s books.
- How did Kiyosaki make his fortune?
- Primarily through his educational businesses, book sales, and seminars under the “Rich Dad” brand.
- What was Kiyosaki’s first business?
- His first venture was selling nylon/velcro wallets.
- How many books has Kiyosaki written?
- He has authored 26 books which have sold over 41 million copies globally.
- Why did Robert Kiyosaki’s company go bankrupt?
- Rich Global LLC went bankrupt in 2012 following a series of class-action lawsuits and royalty disputes.
