In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis talks with Mark Barrocas, CEO of SharkNinja, the company behind some of the world’s most beloved home innovations, from vacuums to air fryers to viral hits like the Ninja Creami.
Barrocas reveals the secret flywheel behind SharkNinja’s success: an obsession with solving real consumer problems. Instead of chasing trends, the company embeds itself in people’s daily routines, spotting the frustrations that others ignore. Every product begins with authenticity, meets three critical thresholds—from performance to viral shareability—and evolves through relentless testing and iteration.
From the disciplined DNA of infomercials to the social media era, SharkNinja has mastered the art of listening to consumers and responding fast. Mark shares how the company turned a failed vacuum into a billion-dollar category leader, why “we reserve the right to get smarter” is a company mantra, and how fast decision-making helped them thrive during the pandemic.
If you’ve ever wondered how a household brand becomes a cultural phenomenon, this episode unpacks the process, from empathy to engineering to execution.
A self-made success and transformative force in global business, Mark Barrocas, CEO of SharkNinja, is a testament to the power of conviction, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
Under Mark’s leadership since 2008, SharkNinja has evolved from a modest home appliance company into a product innovation powerhouse with $5.5 billion in annual revenue in 2024, serving hundreds of millions of consumers across 35 international markets and 33 product categories. Mark rallies the company’s 3,600+ associates behind a steadfast commitment to delivering innovation, quality, and value for consumers through every single SharkNinja product. His bold growth strategy is fueled by an unwavering focus on consumer insights and a 24/7 product innovation cycle expertly choreographed by designers, engineers, and strategists across the globe.
Throughout his 17-year tenure, Mark has orchestrated a series of moves to expand and accelerate the business, including taking the company’s former parent public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2017 and listing SharkNinja on the New York Stock Exchange in 2023. His pioneering vision advances the company’s mission to positively impact people’s lives every day in every home around the world.
Mark’s philosophy of “Outrageously Extraordinary” defines SharkNinja’s culture, promoting fearless exploration and ambitious risk-taking. This ethos not only encourages exceptional performance but also attracts top-tier talent as SharkNinja strives to remain at the cutting edge of its industry.
That same ethos also drives Mark’s dedication to philanthropy, sustainability, and inclusion. In SharkNinja’s first ESG Report, Mark unveiled the company’s Positive Impact Plan, which sets ambitious commitments on circular economy and repairability requirements, 100% renewable electricity (Scope 2) usage in 2025 and pay equity and opportunities for all associates regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics. Mark also proudly serves on the Board of the JCC of Greater Boston.
Prior to SharkNinja, Mark held leadership roles at Aramark Uniform and Broder Bros Co., and is a distinguished alum of the University of Michigan.
For media and speaking requests, and to suggest a guest for the show, please email letsconnect@patrickmcginnis.com.
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