7. Janine Allis

Company: Retail Zoo (Boost Juice)
Revenue: Over $350 million*

Last year was another bumper year for Boost Juice founder Janine Allis, who is making a name for herself as a savvy investor on Shark Tank, as well continuing to lead the Retail Zoo empire.

Home to Boost Juice’s more than 350 stores, Retail Zoo also owns the Salsa’s Fresh Mex Grill and Cibo Espresso franchises. Allis is an executive director of the company, which is estimated to turn over more than $350 million annually.

She’s also invested in and mentored numerous budding entrepreneurs through her role as one of the five judges on Channel Ten’s Shark Tank. In 2017, she made offers to invest in a professional dog grooming products business, a health food business, and a personalised biscuit delivery business, among others.

With plenty of experience under her belt as both an entrepreneur and investor, Allis is generous with her advice to fellow business operators. Last year, she told StartupSmart that an investor telling you “your baby is ugly” doesn’t have to be the be all and end all.

“Sometimes people have put their heart and soul into it, and it’s difficult. And we’re not always right, so you might go, ‘bugger it, I’ll prove her wrong’, and you know, you really might,” she said.

“The other thing you can do is go, ‘okay, let’s listen to them. What is Janine saying about what’s wrong with my business?’”