Copyright International Business Times
Kevin Harrington, the "Original Shark" from Shark Tank, has built a legacy on backing founders before the world sees their momentum. From infomercial breakthroughs to multimillion-dollar consumer brands, his career has centered on one core skill: identifying entrepreneurs with the discipline to turn ideas into industries. Decades into investing, mentoring, and scaling companies, Harrington's lens for spotting long-term potential remains one of the most trusted in business. In this curated list, Harrington highlights five entrepreneurs whose leadership, execution, and clarity of vision set them apart. These founders are not chasing trends; they're engineering trajectories, reshaping markets, and building with intention. Each reflects the principles Harrington has championed throughout his career: resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to convert ambition into measurable impact. Carlos Malache Carlos Malache is the Founder, Executive Producer, and Director of Portal Film Co., a production company known for its balance of technical precision and creative storytelling. With over a decade of experience behind the camera and in post-production, Carlos has developed a reputation for helping brands, agencies, and production companies execute successful projects on time, on budget, and with a cohesive, motivated team. His work spans diverse industries, including software, healthcare, automotive, consumer packaged goods, and higher education, bringing cinematic quality and strategic insight to every frame. Colleagues often describe Carlos as someone who thrives under pressure, steady in the chaos of a shoot, meticulous in the edit bay, and intentional in every decision he makes. At the core of his philosophy is a respect for both craft and collaboration and a mindset that defines Portal Film Co.'s culture and client relationships alike. Whether leading a large commercial set or an intimate documentary crew, Carlos brings a steady hand, a gentle heart, and a ruthless commitment to excellence, delivering work that's as impactful as it is artful. Merj Fortunato Merj Fortunato is the Chief Executive Officer of Angel Connection Nursing Services, where she leads with a commitment to excellence, compassion, and innovation in healthcare delivery. With extensive experience in the hospital and healthcare industry, Merj has built a career dedicated to improving patient outcomes, supporting healthcare professionals, and advancing organizational growth. Merj is recognized for her expertise in healthcare management, information technology, and regulatory compliance, including deep knowledge of the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Her leadership is defined by a balance of strategic vision and hands-on management, ensuring that Angel Connection Nursing Services remains a trusted partner to patients, families, and healthcare institutions alike. A certified professional through Harvard Business School, Merj brings a strong foundation in business development, organizational leadership, and customer-focused service. Her education and professional background have equipped her with the tools to navigate complex healthcare challenges while fostering innovation and efficiency across operations. Under her leadership, Angel Connection Nursing Services continues to grow as a respected provider in the industry, delivering quality care with integrity and compassion. Merj's mission is to elevate healthcare services while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves. Kristofer Potts Kristofer "Kris" Norman Viking Potts is the CEO and Founder of Norseman Construction & Development Ltd., a Toronto-based design-build firm focused on advancing industrialized construction. Before entering the building industry, Kris worked as a commercial diver in the Persian Gulf, repairing bridges and conducting recovery operations, experiences that shaped his precision, resilience, and systems-driven mindset. In 2005, he launched Norseman as a one-person operation, steadily expanding it into a multi-million-dollar construction company known for merging craftsmanship with emerging building technologies. Today, Kris leads Norseman's adoption of structural insulated panels (SIPs), modular systems, and large-scale 3D concrete printing to improve build efficiency and reduce delivery timelines. His Project LiveWell initiative proposes six-storey mid-rise housing powered by SIPs and 3D printing to address housing affordability. He also co-developed the LiveWell Training Program, an eight-week curriculum launching in August 2025 that equips trade professionals with 3D printing, SIP assembly, and hybrid construction skills, backed by Ontario's Skills Development Fund. In 2024, Norseman became the first company in Canada to own and operate the mobile MaxiPrinter 3D concrete printer. Kris further expands industry dialogue through "Construction Disruption," a media series exploring global advances in robotics, AI, and prefabrication. Recognized for award-winning renovation work and high customer satisfaction, Kris continues to advocate for regulatory reform, workforce development, and technology-driven solutions to Canada's housing challenges. Kate Moynihan Kate Moynihan serves as the Executive Director and CEO of Seva Foundation, where she leads with a philosophy rooted in both logic and compassion. With decades of experience in global development and health, Kate champions a model that blends scientific rigor with deep cultural respect, driving Seva's mission to eliminate avoidable blindness. Under her leadership, the organization has continued to expand its reach to over 20 countries, building financially sustainable, locally led eye care systems that restore sight and dignity to millions. Kate's approach is anchored in the belief that communities possess the wisdom to solve their own challenges. She fosters partnerships that prioritize mutual learning, transparency, and measurable impact. From leading data-driven eye health and impact research to integrating telemedicine and AI, she has positioned Seva as a global trailblazer in comprehensive eye care innovation and positioned eye health as an international development issue in need of addressing. Her commitment goes beyond clinical outcomes. Kate sees restored vision as a gift that transforms lives economically and emotionally. Whether it's a child seeing the blackboard for the first time or a grandmother recognizing her family again, Kate's work is driven by the conviction that this is a solvable issue. Through evidence-based programs and heartfelt leadership, she continues to rally global support for a future where everyone has the right to see. David Santee David Santee, President of True North Market Insights, is driven by a passion for discovering better ways to solve complex business challenges. With a career grounded in curiosity and strategic thinking, he leads a team dedicated to transforming research into meaningful insights that inspire real-world impact. For David, innovation is never about novelty for its own sake, but about uncovering solutions that genuinely address client needs and improve decision-making. Under his leadership, True North Market Insights, founded by former client-side researchers, has become known for bridging the gap between data and strategy. The firm's work goes beyond analytics to deeply understand brand, experience, loyalty, and pricing dynamics, helping clients become trusted strategic partners within their organizations. David's leadership philosophy is guided by his faith and his belief in leading with purpose, humility, and service to others. He emphasizes excellence through collaboration, empathy, and integrity, values that define both his personal approach and the culture at True North. By advancing methods rooted in behavioral understanding and real-world human decision-making, David continues to shape how organizations use insight not just to inform choices, but to create lasting, positive change.
