John Paul DeJoria, born April 13, 1944, is an American billionaire, philanthropist, and environmental advocate. He co-founded John Paul Mitchell Systems, known for its hair-care products, and Patrón Spirits Company, a top tequila brand. After experiencing homelessness in the early 1980s, he went on to build two multi-billion-dollar businesses, always focusing on ethical practices, sustainability, and helping others.
As of March 2026, DeJoria is 81 and still active in business through the ROKiT Group, which he co-founded in 2018 with Jonathan Kendrick. The group includes ROKiT Phones, ROKiT Drinks, ROKiT Telemedicine, and other projects. He regularly speaks at events, supports charities, and champions causes like clean water, animal welfare, and renewable energy. His restored 1927 Patrón Tequila Express rail car is still used for special trips, showing his fondness for classic Americana. DeJoria mainly lives in Texas with his wife, Eloise, and keeps a low public profile, focusing on family, philanthropy, and new business ideas.
Age
John Paul DeJoria was born on April 13, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. As of March 2026, he is 81 years old.
Biography Update
John Paul DeJoria was born in Echo Park, Los Angeles, to an Italian-American father and a German-American mother. His parents separated when he was two, and his mother struggled financially, so he and his older brother sometimes lived in foster care. At nine, he sold Christmas cards and newspapers door-to-door to help support the family. He later graduated from John Marshall High School in Los Angeles.
After finishing high school, DeJoria spent two years in the U.S. Navy on the USS Hornet. When he returned, he worked as a janitor, sold encyclopedias door-to-door, sold life insurance, and started at Redken Laboratories, though he was later let go. In 1980, he teamed up with hairdresser Paul Mitchell and, with a $700 loan, started John Paul Mitchell Systems while living in his 1964 Rolls-Royce. The company grew quickly through salon-only sales and word-of-mouth.
In 1989, he co-founded Patrón Spirits with Martin Crowley, using word of mouth to launch it as a high-end tequila brand. He sold the company to Bacardi in 2018. Later, DeJoria co-founded ROKiT Group, which now works in mobile phones, telemedicine, and drinks.
DeJoria has held stakes 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 several boat brands through J&D Acquisitions LLC with Irwin L. Jacobs. In 2019, he bought the former McDonald’s global headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois, which includes the Hyatt Lodge hotel and Hamburger University.
DeJoria has made cameo appearances in films like You Don’t Mess with the Zohan and The Big Tease, and he has narrated Patrón commercials. The 2017 documentary Good Fortune told the story of his rise and philanthropy and won the Audience Award at Sundance.
Wife
John Paul DeJoria has been married four times. He married his current wife, Eloise Broady DeJoria, in 1993. They have a son, John Anthony DeJoria, and live in Texas. Eloise is also involved in philanthropy, focusing 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 wife Eloise Broady DeJoria (born 1990s)
He also has two stepchildren from Eloise’s previous relationship: Michael Harvey and Justin Harvey. DeJoria has talked about his large family and how he supports extended relatives, even during tough financial times. The family is close, and several children are involved in business or charity work.
Net Worth
In 2026, John Paul DeJoria’s net worth is estimated at $3.0 to $3.5 billion, coming from business sales, equity, investments, and real estate.
- Significant proceeds from the 2018 sale of Patrón Spirits to Bacardi ($5.1 billion valuation).
- Continued equity and royalties from privately held John Paul Mitchell Systems.
- Ownership in ROKiT Group ventures, spanning phones, drinks, and telemedicine.
- Holdings in solar, natural gas, diamonds, audio, boats, and other firms.
- Real estate portfolio includes major properties in Illinois and Texas.
He has donated tens of millions through his DTS Charitable Foundation to support animal welfare, hunger relief, homeless shelters, food banks, and children’s rights. Even after facing financial setbacks, like a $250,000 IRS debt in 2010 that he paid himself, his net worth has steadily grown thanks to smart investments and business success.
Career Highlights
- Co-founded John Paul Mitchell Systems (1980) with Paul Mitchell; built it into a global salon-exclusive hair-care empire.
- Co-founded Patrón Spirits (1989); grew it into the leading ultra-premium tequila brand; sold to Bacardi (2018) for $5.1 billion
- Founded ROKiT Group (2018) with Jonathan Kendrick; expanded into mobile phones, telemedicine, beverages, and more
- Owned interests in House of Blues, Madagascar Oil, Pyrat Rum, Ultimat Vodka, solar and gas companies, boat brands, and Diamond Audio
- Purchased and restored the 1927 Patrón Tequila Express private rail car (1996–present)
- Bought the former McDonald’s global headquarters campus (2019), including the Hyatt Lodge hotel
- Appeared in films (You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, The Big Tease) and narrated Patrón commercials
- Documentary Good Fortune (2017) chronicled his life and philanthropy.
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; major philanthropist via DTS Charitable Foundation |
| Current Status | Active in ROKiT Group, philanthropy, and speaking; lives in Texas |
