John Gretton “Jocko” Willink is a retired U.S. Navy Officer who has turned his focus on creating motivational content. He is an author, podcaster, and speaker. He is the host of the acclaimed Jocko Podcast and the co-founder of Echelon Front. As of 2022, Jocko Willink has a net worth of $6 million.
Early Life
John was born on September 8, 1971, and was raised in New England. He grew up with two siblings. His early years were rather ordinary, and he spent the majority of his time being defiant.
He was a member of the soccer team at his high school. Willink earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of San Diego after finishing high school.
The young man then joined the military and began conditioning at the navy training academy. Later, he enlisted in the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUDS) program in Colorado. He graduated BUDS class 177.
Military Career
Willink was enlisted in SEAL Team 1 and SEAL Team 2 for eight years while on active service. He saw his first combat in the Gulf of Oman. He was involved in the SEAL squad that stormed Russia’s tanker Volga-Neft-147.
He also went to Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006 with SEAL Team 3 as the leader of Task Unit Bruise throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom. Willink has deployed to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East in the span of his career.
During his service, Willink also worked as a Navy SEAL trainer. For his duty, he was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star Medal. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Post-Navy
With SEAL comrade Leif Babin, Jocko Willink founded Echelon Front after leaving the Navy. The firm’s objective is to empower leaders and organizations through educating, training, and mentoring them.
Leif and Jocko also worked together to write Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win. The book was published in 2015 and taught readers about leadership from a military perspective. Willink went on to write numerous non-fiction, fiction, and children’s books.
Furthermore, John conducts the Jocko Podcast, a weekly show with Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete Echo Charles. The podcast covers a wide range of themes, including management, health, and self-help.
Net Worth
Jocko Willink’s wealth has grown significantly as a result of his 20-year time in the military. But after he retired, he earned more compared to his initial career. His main income sources today are his books, podcast, and Echelon Front.
Apart from writing and consulting, he teaches jiu-jitsu at Victory MMA & Fitness and has a black belt in the sport. He is a co-owner of Origin USA, a Farmington, Maine-based corporation that makes lifestyle gear, dietary supplements, and workout equipment. This is why he is worth $6 million.
Personal Life
Jocko is married to Hellene Willink, with whom he has been together for almost 2 decades. In those years, the two have been able to conceive four children. The accomplished man loves residing in his current home in San Diego.
