A look at Barbara Corcoran, 'Shark Tank' investor and founder of NYC real estate brokerage

Barbara Corcoran, "Shark Tank" investor

AGE: 65

HOMETOWN: Edgewater, New Jersey

LIVES IN: Manhattan

EDUCATION: Thomas Aquinas College

CAREER: Founder of New York real estate brokerage The Corcoran Group and Barbara Corcoran Inc., the company that sets up her media and TV appearances, including "Shark Tank"

FAMILY: Husband Bill, children Tom and Kate

HOBBIES: Skiing, going to the beach

LAST BOOK READ: Reread "Wuthering Heights," by Emily Bronte; "it was as delicious as I remembered it."

FAVORITE QUOTE: When she consulted a large developer about a complex problem, he told her, "You're a smart girl. You'll figure it out." Now, Corcoran says, "I use it on myself and on other people, because it's a confidence builder."

PROUDEST MOMENT AS A BUSINESS OWNER: The first year she made a big profit, about three decades ago. "I went from having no profit year in and year out to making $35,000." Then came big gifts: "I got my dad a Town Car and I bought my mother a new, blue Pontiac convertible."

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Reinventing herself as an author and TV personality after selling Corcoran Group. "I was convinced I had sold my golden goose. It took me probably four years to realize I was the golden goose. I could lay another egg, but I couldn't see it then."