Jim Markham – Serial entrepreneur, author and philanthropist
During Jim’s highly accomplished career, he has founded four and grown five successful hair care businesses, totaling over $1.2 billion in combined retail sales – Sebring®, Markham®, ABBA®, PureOlogy® and ColorProof®.
With each success, the Markham name has become synonymous with authentic, quality, high performance products that serve as the industry standard. Jim is best known for pioneering sulfate- and salt-free products and creating the luxury color care category, and he continues to make his mark as the acclaimed and best-selling author of Big Lucky: Serial entrepreneur Jim Markham’s secret formula for success.
Jim’s perseverance, ability to overcome obstacles, business acumen and “made to win” mentality inspired his moving memory/self-help book which provides a gripping and authentic depiction of his rises and falls. while building an empire. big lucky triumphantly explores the art of dealing with rejection, victory and defeat, and inspires readers to seize their moment. Through his 22 Proven Ingredients for Success, Jim provides readers with the tools they need to overcome obstacles so they too can become big lucky. This life-changing page-turner is an Amazon.com bestseller and was touted as Audible’s new #1 release.
His path to success was not forsaken, obvious or easy. Married at 15 with one child, Jim Markham began his career as a barber to support his young family. His undeniable ambition led him to California to meet celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, a meeting that resulted in a lasting and important partnership. Jim became a Sebring distributor, Jay’s protege and eventual successor, taking over the Sebring business after Jay’s untimely death following the Manson murders. As a savvy celebrity stylist, Jim’s client list has grown to include stars such as Paul Newmann, Steve McQueen, Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, and Robert Redford. Jim quickly discovered that he had a knack for product development and sensing market needs. His entrepreneurial spirit has driven him to create companies with innovative products to meet these needs, including being first to market with hair care formulas made with natural, 100% vegan, cruelty-free ingredients. animal friendly, carcinogenic free, premium quality and color protecting.
A testament to his success, Jim has been recognized time and time again for his business excellence, winning such prestigious awards as the 2019 Intercoiffure Lifetime Achievement Icon Award and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for FMCG. He was inducted into Ernst & Young Hall of Fame and the Hall of Leaders of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), where he was recognized for his outstanding and lifetime achievement within the industry. Other previous awards include Orange County Business Journal Entrepreneur of the Year, Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD) Cosmetic Innovator of the Year and Beauty Industry West Entrepreneur of the Year.
Additionally, Jim and his wife, Cheryl, strongly believe in supporting philanthropic causes and giving back to the community. Over the years, they have supported many charities, including Habitat for Humanity, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), Serious Fun Children’s Network, and City of Hope. In particular, Jim and Cheryl were honored with the City of Hope Spirit of Life® Award, the organization’s highest honor, in recognition of their philanthropic and business achievements.
As Spirit of Life winners, they have raised over $1.3 million for City of Hope’s cancer research and treatment programs. Jim and Cheryl continue to expand the spectrum of ways they can give back to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
Jim’s other accomplishments include serving as technical consultant for Quentin Tarantino’s hit film. Once upon a time in Hollywood. Jim has been featured on CNBC, Fox Business News and Extra! As good as inside OC business journal, Authority Magazine and WWD, to name a few.
More info on Jim: https://gritdaily.com/jim-markham-stylist-to-the-stars-talks-about-entrepreneurship-and-philanthropy/
