John Paul DeJoria, born on April 13, 1944, is an American billionaire, philanthropist, and environmental advocate. He co-established John Paul Mitchell Systems, recognized for its hair-care items, and Patrón Spirits Company, a prominent tequila label. After facing homelessness in the early 1980s, he proceeded to create two multi-billion-dollar enterprises, consistently prioritizing ethical practices, sustainability, and aiding others.
As of March 2026, DeJoria is 81 years old and remains engaged in business through the ROKiT Group, which he co-founded in 2018 alongside Jonathan Kendrick. The conglomerate comprises ROKiT Phones, ROKiT Drinks, ROKiT Telemedicine, and various other initiatives. He frequently participates in events, supports charitable organizations, and advocates for issues such as clean water, animal welfare, and renewable energy. His restored 1927 Patrón Tequila Express railcar is still operational for special excursions, reflecting his appreciation for classic Americana. DeJoria primarily resides in Texas with his spouse, Eloise, while maintaining a discreet public persona, centering his attention on family, philanthropy, and innovative business ventures.
Age
John Paul DeJoria was born on April 13, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. As of March 2026, he is 81 years of age.
Biography Update
John Paul DeJoria was born in Echo Park, Los Angeles, to an Italian-American father and a German-American mother. His parents parted ways when he was two, and his mother faced financial difficulties, leading him and his elder brother to occasionally reside in foster care. At the age of nine, he sold Christmas cards and newspapers door-to-door to assist in supporting the household. Eventually, he graduated from John Marshall High School in Los Angeles.
Upon completing high school, DeJoria served two years in the U.S. Navy on the USS Hornet. Upon his return, he worked as a janitor, marketed encyclopedias door-to-door, sold life insurance, and started at Redken Laboratories, though he was later dismissed. In 1980, he partnered with hair stylist Paul Mitchell and, backed by a $700 loan, launched John Paul Mitchell Systems while residing in his 1964 Rolls-Royce. The company expanded rapidly due to salon-exclusive sales and word-of-mouth promotion.
In 1989, he co-established Patrón Spirits with Martin Crowley, effectively utilizing word of mouth to elevate it to a luxury tequila brand. He sold the enterprise to Bacardi in 2018. Subsequently, DeJoria co-founded ROKiT Group, which operates in mobile phones, telemedicine, and beverages.
DeJoria has held shares in House of Blues, Madagascar Oil, Pyrat Rum, Smokey Mountain Bison Farm, Ultimat Vodka, Solar Utility, Sun King Solar, Touchstone Natural Gas, Three Star Energy, Diamond Audio, and numerous boat brands through J&D Acquisitions LLC alongside Irwin L. Jacobs. In 2019, he acquired the former McDonald’s global headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois, which encompasses the Hyatt Lodge hotel and Hamburger University.
DeJoria has made cameo roles in films such as You Don’t Mess with the Zohan and The Big Tease, and he has narrated Patrón commercials. The documentary Good Fortune (2017) chronicled his ascent and philanthropy, securing the Audience Award at Sundance.
Wife
John Paul DeJoria has been wedded four times. His current wife, Eloise Broady DeJoria, was married in 1993. They share a son, John Anthony DeJoria, and reside in Texas. Eloise is also engaged in charitable efforts, concentrating on animal welfare and children’s causes.
Children
John Paul DeJoria has four children from his marriages:
- John Paul DeJoria II (John Paul Jr.) – from an earlier relationship/marriage
- Alexis Jones – from a previous marriage (mother: Jamie Briggs)
- Michaeline – from a previous relationship
- John Anthony DeJoria – son with current spouse Eloise Broady DeJoria (born in the 1990s)
He also has two stepchildren from Eloise’s prior relationship: Michael Harvey and Justin Harvey. DeJoria has discussed his large family and how he provides support to extended relatives, even during challenging financial periods. The family maintains a close bond, with several children participating in business or charitable endeavors.
Net Worth
As of 2026, John Paul DeJoria’s net worth is estimated to be between $3.0 and $3.5 billion, derived from business sales, equity, investments, and real estate.
- Notable proceeds from the 2018 sale of Patrón Spirits to Bacardi ($5.1 billion valuation).
- Ongoing equity and royalties from privately held John Paul Mitchell Systems.
- Ownership interests in ROKiT Group endeavors, including mobile phones, beverages, and telemedicine.
- Holdings in solar, natural gas, diamond, audio, boat, and other ventures.
- Real estate assets feature significant properties in Illinois and Texas.
He has contributed tens of millions through his DTS Charitable Foundation to promote animal welfare, hunger relief, shelters for the homeless, food banks, and children’s rights. Even after encountering financial challenges, such as a $250,000 IRS debt in 2010 which he paid personally, his net worth has consistently increased due to astute investments and business achievements.
Career Highlights
- Co-founded John Paul Mitchell Systems (1980) with Paul Mitchell; transformed it into a worldwide salon-exclusive hair-care empire.
- Co-founded Patrón Spirits (1989); developed it into the leading ultra-premium tequila brand; sold to Bacardi (2018) for $5.1 billion.
- Established ROKiT Group (2018) with Jonathan Kendrick; expanded into mobile phones, telemedicine, beverages, and more.
- Held interests in House of Blues, Madagascar Oil, Pyrat Rum, Ultimat Vodka, solar and gas enterprises, boat brands, and Diamond Audio.
- Acquired and refurbished the 1927 Patrón Tequila Express private railcar (1996–present).
- Purchased the erstwhile McDonald’s global headquarters campus (2019), which includes the Hyatt Lodge hotel.
- Featured in films (You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, The Big Tease) and narrated Patrón commercials.
- The documentary Good Fortune (2017) documented his life and philanthropic efforts.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | John Paul Jones DeJoria |
| Date of Birth | April 13, 1944 |
| Age (March 2026) | 81 |
| Net Worth (2026 est.) | $3.0–3.5 billion |
| Wife | Eloise Broady DeJoria (married 1993–present) |
| Children | Four: John Paul Jr., Alexis Jones, Michaeline, John Anthony; two stepchildren (Michael & Justin Harvey) |
| Career Highlights | Co-founder Paul Mitchell (1980); co-founder Patrón Tequila (1989, sold 2018); co-founder ROKiT Group (2018); owner Patrón Tequila Express; significant philanthropist via DTS Charitable Foundation |
| Current Status | Active in ROKiT Group, philanthropy, and public speaking; resides in Texas |
