Kevin O'Leary is not just a rich Canadian businessman — he's a phenomenon. He's a media phenomenon both here in Canada and in the US. And he's known for one thing: being an asshole.

But is he really an asshole? Is it just a schtick? A character? A clown that he plays on TV to entertain us all? Or is it all sincere? Does he mean all of the stuff he says? And if he does mean it, why should we believe anything he says? Is he actually an expert? In life, in business, in politics?

We tracked down the people who worked with him as his legend was being spun, including the guy that "discovered" him.

Further Reading:

Kiddies’ Togs Manufacturing Company Ltd. — McCord Museum
Learning from Mattel — Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
MATTEL – How the Giant Toy Maker Fell So Far So Fast — L.A. Business Journal
Kevin O'Leary: He's not a billionaire, he just plays one on TV — Globe & Mail
Richard Stursberg leaves CBC — CBC
Lawsuits in fatal cottage country boat crash involving Kevin O’Leary finally settled. Here's what we know — National Post
Wonder Valley — O’Leary Ventures

Host: Jesse Brown

Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer, Senior Production Supervisor), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editing & Production), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)

Fact checking by: Julian Abraham

Additional music by: Audio Network

Photo: Philip Romano

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The Canadaland Guide to Kevin O’Leary

CANADALAND

The Canadaland Guide to Kevin O’Leary