Mike Repole & His Wife: Family, Success & Insights

05 May, 2025

Could an individual's success in the cutthroat world of business, particularly the lucrative beverage industry, be a testament to the power of relentless ambition and a steadfast family foundation? Mike Repole's journey, from a graduate of St. John's University to the architect of billion-dollar deals, strongly suggests this is the case.

Mike Repole's story is one of a Queens-born entrepreneur who has consistently redefined success. His impact on the beverage industry, from Vitaminwater to BodyArmor, is undeniable. Beyond business, Repole is a family man, residing on Long Island with his wife, Maria, and their daughter. His upbringing, rooted in the values of family and community, continues to shape his actions and priorities, even amidst his substantial wealth and influence.

Full Name:	Michael "Mike" Repole
Date of Birth:	January 21, 1969
Place of Birth:	Middle Village, New York, United States
Age:	55 (as of November 2024)
Nationality:	American
Education:	Holy Cross High School, St. John's University (Sports Administration)
Spouse:	Maria Repole
Children:	One daughter
Known For:	Founder of Glaceau (Vitaminwater), Co-founder of BodyArmor, Racehorse Owner
Career Highlights:	Sold Vitaminwater to Coca-Cola for $4.1 billion; Cofounded BodyArmor, a successful sports drink brand. Significant investor in Pirate's Booty and Kind Bars.
Family:	Parents Benny and Annie Repole, Brother Gerard
Philanthropy:	Donations to the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University and the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. Founded the Nonna's Garden Foundation.
Residence:	Long Island, New York
Zodiac Sign:	Aquarius
Reference:	Forbes Profile

Repole's path to prominence began after graduating from St. John's University with a degree in Sports Administration. He didn't follow the traditional path; instead, he carved his own. In 2007, as CEO of Driven Capital, he orchestrated the sale of his Vitaminwater beverage company to Coca-Cola for a staggering $4.1 billion. It was a defining moment. Repole, in an interview, was quoted as saying, being a dreamer and always thinking big is important for success. This entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with an uncanny ability to spot market opportunities, has been a recurring theme throughout his career.

The North Shore of Long Island is where Mike Repole, along with his wife Maria, make their home. The couple, having met at a party when they were teenagers, now share a life with their daughter. The fact that Repole is up earlier than his wife on Sunday mornings is more than just a morning routine; it's a snapshot of the life of an entrepreneur who's always strategizing, always seeking the next opportunity.

Repole's success isn't merely about business deals and profit margins. Its also reflected in his philanthropic endeavors. In March 2022, The Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University received a $20 million gift from Mike and Maria Repole and the Nonnas Garden Foundation, which was established in 2006 in honor of Mikes grandmother. He's also been very generous in his donation to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, in which Vanessa Bryant shared the interview and a series of photos conducted with BodyArmor's CEO, Mike Repole.

His interests extend far beyond the boardroom, encompassing a lifelong passion for horse racing. Repole, now 55, seeks his first Derby winner with Forte. Repole shared his emotions with followers of America's Best Racing in a diary he wrote. He's not just a casual observer; he's a participant, a competitor. He's a man of varied interests and ambitions.

The foundation of Repoles life, however, is undoubtedly his family. He often emphasizes the significance of the values instilled during his upbringing, a cornerstone that has supported him. His wife, Maria, plays a significant role in his life, supporting him through thick and thin. The influence and presence of his family shape his journey and guide his decisions. The Nonnas Garden Foundation, named in honor of his grandmother, is a testament to the importance of family.

In an interview, Repole sat down with Mike Tirico to discuss his competitive spirit. He talked about the emotional story behind Fierceness and his desire to win the 150th Kentucky Derby. Repoles journey showcases a blend of business acumen, entrepreneurial drive, and deep-rooted family values.

BodyArmor, the sports drink brand that Repole co-founded with Lance Collins, has become another major success story. The brands rise is a clear indication of Repoles understanding of market trends and his ability to anticipate consumer needs. Prior to BodyArmor, Repoles vision was critical in the growth of Pirates Booty snacks, where he served as a director, helping the company grow significantly in a short period.

Repoles involvement in both the food and beverage industries, coupled with his investments in brands like Kind Bars, underlines his keen eye for promising ventures. This multifaceted approach, coupled with his willingness to take risks, has enabled him to achieve remarkable success. He demonstrates the ability to build multiple, nationally recognized beverage brands, and then to sell them at a profit of billions of dollars.

He's the son of Italian immigrants, raised in Middle Village, Queens, with his parents, Benny and Anna, his brother, Gerard, and his nonna. The influence of his upbringing remains visible in his actions and in his commitment to community and family.

His career trajectory provides a masterclass in identifying opportunities and capitalizing on them. From the early days of Vitaminwater to the current success of BodyArmor, Repole's ventures reflect a keen understanding of market dynamics and a knack for innovation. His story resonates with anyone striving to achieve great things.

Repoles early education involved Holy Cross High School, followed by St. Johns University, where he earned a degree in Sports Administration. He was the first in his family to attend college, an accomplishment that demonstrates his drive and determination to succeed. This drive, combined with a solid educational foundation, has laid the groundwork for his numerous achievements.

Repole is not afraid to speak his mind. He is described as someone who does not "look the part" which adds to the appeal of his unconventional path. Repole's personality allows him to take the daily racing form and use it as a textbook for his career, reflecting his adaptability and willingness to learn from his environment.

The combination of personal and professional success, along with his unwavering commitment to family and community, paints a full portrait of Mike Repole. His story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs. It is a reflection of what can be achieved with vision, a strong work ethic, and an enduring commitment to one's roots.

The narrative of Mike Repole is a captivating tale of a man who built his empire on an unwavering dedication to his vision. His trajectory from a sports administration graduate to a titan of the beverage industry, with a parallel passion for racehorses, underscores the significance of ambition, a strategic mindset, and the unyielding support of family.

Mike Repole's legacy transcends the financial metrics of his corporate successes. It is a mosaic composed of ambition, philanthropic endeavors, and a deep-seated regard for the foundational principles of family and community. His influence continues to reverberate, inspiring future generations to dream big, to challenge conventions, and to always remember the roots that ground them.

Mike Repole Net Worth The Untold Story Of A Beverage Mogul's Success

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