He Left Home at 17 With Nothing. Now He Coaches Presidents.
A hard, poor childhood. A janitor job at 17. Then a mentor changed everything.
At 17, Tony Robbins left home with almost nothing.
He had grown up poor, in a chaotic and abusive home. He worked as a janitor. He felt stuck.
Today he is one of the most famous life and business coaches in the world, filling arenas and advising business leaders, athletes and public figures.
A tough start in Glendora
Tony Robbins was born Anthony J. Mahavorick on February 29, 1960, in Glendora, California. He has spoken openly about a childhood full of money problems and abuse.
He took his stepfather's last name, Robbins. At 17, he left home for good.
Meeting Jim Rohn
As a young man, Tony started working for motivational speaker Jim Rohn, promoting his seminars. Rohn became his mentor and taught him that personal growth could change a person's results.
Tony read hundreds of books on psychology and success and began teaching his own methods.
Unlimited Power
In 1983, Tony founded Robbins Research International. He became known for his energetic seminars, including walking over hot coals as a way to show people they could break through fear.
In 1986, he published Unlimited Power, followed by Awaken the Giant Within in 1991. Both became bestsellers.
A business empire
Tony built a group of companies around coaching, events, health and finance. His events like Unleash the Power Within draw huge crowds. He also wrote Money: Master the Game, and partnered with Dean Graziosi on online education.
He has faced public criticism too, including media reports in 2019 about his conduct at events, which he denied.
Where he is now
Today, Tony Robbins still leads large events and coaching programs and has released an updated edition of Awaken the Giant Within.
Why the story matters
Tony Robbins' story shows that where you start does not decide where you finish. He turned pain into purpose, and learning into a career helping others.
For young builders, the lesson is simple. Find mentors, read widely, and take massive action.
He did not wait for life to change. He decided to change it.
The Record
Born: February 29, 1960
From: Glendora, California, USA
Mentor: Jim Rohn
Built: Robbins Research International and related companies
Books: Unlimited Power, Awaken the Giant Within, Money: Master the Game
Timeline
1960 Born in Glendora, California.
1977 Leaves home at 17.
Late 1970s Works with Jim Rohn.
1983 Founds Robbins Research International.
1986 Publishes Unlimited Power.
1991 Publishes Awaken the Giant Within.
2014 Publishes Money: Master the Game.