Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most recognizable faces in sports and business, has built an empire worth over $5000000000000. His path to financial success, however, is not just a story of lucky breaks or massive endorsements.
Instead, O’Neal’s investment philosophy has been shaped by a belief that goes beyond the financials: it’s about finding businesses that can truly change people’s lives. This mindset has propelled O’Neal to become a savvy investor and entrepreneur, with a portfolio that spans everything from tech to food franchises.
In 2019, O’Neal shared a profound revelation with The Wall Street Journal. Reflecting on his approach to investing, he said, "I heard Jeff Bezos say one time [that] he makes his investments based on if it's going to change people's lives.
Once I started doing that strategy, I think I probably quadrupled what I'm worth." O’Neal didn’t just hear the phrase; he adopted it, and it became the foundation of his success.
By focusing on purpose, rather than just looking for quick profits, he built a business portfolio that’s as diverse as it is impactful. Bezos' approach had clearly influenced him, further solidifying O'Neal's dedication to making smart, meaningful investments.
For O’Neal, investing isn’t just about writing a check to the latest hot startup. It’s about passion. "Whenever I do business, it’s not about the money," O'Neal once said. "It’s about belief.
If I don’t believe in the company, I won’t invest, no matter how attractive the numbers are." This careful consideration of not just the financials but the broader impact of each business has led O'Neal to make some of the most successful and thoughtful investments in his career.
O’Neal was influenced by Bezos' way of running Amazon. In fact, Bezos has always maintained that building an empire is less about the internet and more about customer experience.
In a 1999 CNBC interview, Bezos famously said, "It doesn’t matter to me whether we’re a pure internet play. What matters to me is: do we provide the best customer service?" Bezos' focus on customer obsession has permeated through his companies and extended to investors like O'Neal, who also prioritizes businesses that can have a lasting, positive impact.
One of the highlights of his investment journey came when he made a move into the tech world. In the early 2000s, O’Neal noticed an emerging trend in home security and decided to act.
He found Ring, a home security company that was just starting to gain traction, and took a personal interest. Having been on the lookout for a reliable, affordable security solution for his own home, O’Neal was impressed with what he saw. After trying it out, he was convinced of its potential and decided to invest in the company.
Fast forward to 2018, and O’Neal’s decision to back Ring paid off big time when Amazon acquired the company for a staggering $1 billion. This deal not only made him a significant return but solidified his reputation as a visionary investor who could spot trends before they became mainstream.
It was a win that proved the power of O’Neal’s philosophy: investing in companies that genuinely had the potential to make a difference. Jeff Bezos' strategic acquisition of Ring also demonstrated how well Bezos understood consumer needs, as Ring became a valuable addition to Amazon’s portfolio of products designed to improve home security and connectivity.
While O'Neal has had his fair share of successes, not every investment has been a home run. For example, he once owned 17 Auntie Anne’s pretzel franchises.
Initially, the investment seemed promising, but over time, O'Neal realized that it wasn’t aligned with his values. "I had to ask myself: Do I really believe in this? The answer was no, so I let them go," he explained.
This decision to walk away from a business that no longer resonated with him is a testament to O'Neal’s commitment to his principles.
O'Neal's decision-making has often reflected the same ethos Jeff Bezos employed in Amazon's early days. Bezos, for example, famously rejected the idea that Amazon’s massive growth was just an expensive gamble. "You can’t compare a big chain of retail stores to half a dozen distribution centers," he said.
This mindset, which emphasized efficiency and long-term value, inspired investors like O’Neal to focus on investments that were both high-quality and sustainable, rather than simply chasing the latest trends or maximizing short-term returns.
On the flip side, one of O’Neal’s long-standing favorite investments is Krispy Kreme. "Krispy Kreme is a fabulous donut. I was introduced to it in college and have been in love with it ever since," he shared.
This emotional connection to the brand, combined with his belief in its potential, has made Krispy Kreme a solid and ongoing investment for O’Neal. It shows that O’Neal doesn’t just invest in businesses for profit but also in ones he personally believes in and enjoys.
Of course, no investor is perfect. O’Neal himself admitted that one of his biggest missed opportunities was Starbucks. When Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks, wanted to bring him on board, O’Neal hesitated. "When Howard Schultz wanted to do business with me, I looked at the deal and said, ‘Black people don’t drink coffee,'" O’Neal recalled. "I was wrong."
That miscalculation cost him millions, but it also served as a valuable lesson. Even the best investors can miss trends, and sometimes, being honest about mistakes is just as important as celebrating successes.
For O'Neal, the true essence of investing isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about understanding the why behind an investment. "The best investors don't just chase profits—they chase purpose," O'Neal once said.
His investment success is proof that when you focus on solving real problems, the financial rewards tend to follow. Money, in his view, is a byproduct of making a meaningful impact. This perspective has allowed him to build a diversified portfolio that not only generates wealth but also makes a difference in the world.
One of the reasons O'Neal’s investments have been so successful is his ability to stick to his values while expanding his business empire. Unlike other investors who jump at every shiny opportunity, O'Neal has been intentional about where he puts his money.
Whether it’s tech startups, food franchises, or even car washes, O'Neal takes a hands-on approach and ensures that he’s personally invested in every business he backs.
His journey is a reminder that success isn’t just about chasing the next big thing or following the crowd. It’s about staying true to your beliefs and choosing investments that align with your values. O’Neal’s story shows that when you invest with purpose, the results can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.
Shaquille O'Neal didn’t build a $500 million empire by following trends; he built it by making intentional, thoughtful decisions.
While his investments in companies like Google, Ring, and Krispy Kreme have paid off, his focus has always been on more than just the bottom line. His success is rooted in his ability to combine business savvy with a deep sense of purpose, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice your values to succeed.
In a world where many investors are driven solely by profit, O'Neal’s approach stands out as a refreshing reminder that meaningful business ventures are about more than just making money.
They’re about making a difference, and the most successful investments are often the ones that have the power to change lives.
