Two Dads, Two Lessons, 40 Million Books
He flew helicopters in Vietnam. His wallet business failed. Then he wrote one of the best selling money books ever.
In 1997, a Hawaiian businessman self published a small book about two fathers.
One was well educated but always short of money. The other left school early but became rich by owning businesses and property.
The book was Rich Dad Poor Dad. It became one of the best selling personal finance books of all time, and made Robert Kiyosaki famous around the world.
Growing up in Hilo
Robert Kiyosaki was born on April 8, 1947, in Hilo, Hawaii. His father was an educator and a senior official in Hawaii's education system.
Robert says he learned about money from his best friend's father, who built businesses. He called this man his "rich dad." Some writers have questioned whether the rich dad was a single real person.
Marines and business
Robert graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York. He then served in the Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War.
Afterwards he sold copiers for Xerox, then started his own businesses, including one selling nylon surfer wallets. It did well, then failed.
Kim and Cashflow
In the 1980s, Robert met Kim, who became his wife and business partner. They went through hard times together, then invested in real estate.
In 1996, they created Cashflow, a board game that teaches how money and investments work.
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Robert self published Rich Dad Poor Dad in 1997. It spread by word of mouth and exploded after he appeared on Oprah in 2000. The book taught simple ideas: buy assets that bring in money, and understand the difference between assets and liabilities.
He and Kim built The Rich Dad Company, with books, games and seminars.
Controversy
Robert's advice has been criticised by some financial experts as too risky or too simple. In 2012, one of his companies, Rich Global LLC, filed for bankruptcy after a court judgment; Robert was not personally found liable. He is also known for bold predictions of market crashes and for promoting gold, silver and bitcoin.
Where he is now
Today, in his late seventies, Robert Kiyosaki still writes, speaks and posts about money, debt and investing.
Why the story matters
Robert Kiyosaki's story shows how a simple, clear message can reach millions. Many people say his book was the first thing that made them think about money seriously.
For young builders, the lesson is simple. Learn how money works early, and always think critically about any advice, including famous advice.
He did not invent money lessons. He made them feel personal.
The Record
Born: April 8, 1947
From: Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Studied: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Served: U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot, Vietnam
Built: The Rich Dad Company (with Kim Kiyosaki), Cashflow game
Timeline
1947 Born in Hilo, Hawaii.
1960s to 70s Marine helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
1980s Meets Kim.
1996 Creates the Cashflow board game.
1997 Self publishes Rich Dad Poor Dad.
2000 Appears on Oprah.
2012 Rich Global LLC files for bankruptcy.