The Original Shark Who Perfected the Infomercial Pitch
While many infomercial legends are known for their booming voices or flashy demonstrations, Kevin Harrington built a reputation as the businessman behind the scenes—the visionary who turned direct-response television into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
From inventing the infomercial as we know it to launching hundreds of household brands, Harrington’s career shows what happens when entrepreneurship meets unstoppable innovation.
An Entrepreneurial Start
Kevin Harrington began his business journey in the 1980s as a young entrepreneur selling products through traditional retail channels. But it didn’t take long for him to recognize the untapped power of television airtime.
Back then, cable TV was rapidly expanding. Many stations went off the air overnight or played test patterns for hours. Harrington had a bold idea: buy up this unused time to run long-form product demonstrations.
It was a stroke of genius. With no competition in those time slots, Harrington’s ads were seen by millions—and sales exploded. This model would become the infomercial template still used today.
Building an Empire of Direct-Response Hits
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Harrington produced and marketed hundreds of infomercials. His campaigns covered every category imaginable: fitness, kitchen gadgets, personal care, and business opportunities.
Some of the biggest products launched under his watch include:
- Tony Little’s Gazelle Glider
- Ginsu Knives (later versions)
- FoodSaver vacuum sealers
- Jack Lalanne’s Power Juicer
- Smart Mop
By identifying products with broad appeal and pairing them with compelling demonstrations, Harrington helped create an entire industry. Over the years, his campaigns have generated over $5 billion in direct-response sales.
The Original Shark Tank Star
Harrington’s expertise and track record earned him a spot on the first seasons of ABC’s Shark Tank, the show that introduced millions of viewers to the art of the pitch.
As one of the original Sharks, Harrington invested in a wide range of entrepreneurs and products, sharing insights he’d developed over decades in infomercials. His time on the show solidified his status as both a mentor and a marketing innovator.
Author, Speaker, and Mentor
Beyond TV, Kevin Harrington has written several books, including:
- Act Now!: How I Turn Ideas into Million-Dollar Products
- Key Person of Influence
Today, he travels the world speaking about entrepreneurship, product development, and the power of direct-to-consumer marketing.
His story inspires countless inventors and small business owners who dream of taking a simple idea and turning it into the next As Seen On TV success.
A Legacy of Innovation
While other pitchmen became the faces of infomercials, Kevin Harrington was the architect behind the curtain. He proved that late-night TV wasn’t just for reruns—it could be a launching pad for brands that change the way we cook, exercise, and live.
If you’ve ever bought something off the screen, chances are you have Kevin Harrington to thank.
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