Whether it’s helping millions of Canadians achieve personal financial success or investing in low-fat cookbooks, David Chilton has always had a knack for recognizing great ventures, a skill he proudly leveraged as a “dragon” on CBC television’s #1 hit show, Dragons’ Den. Called “charming, unpretentious, and funny,” by The Chicago Sun-Times, Chilton puts his business expertise and life experience to work in his informative and inspiring talks.
Chilton began his career by self-publishing his book The Wealthy Barber in 1989. It was written in 26 months and was specifically targeted toward those with little investment experience to help them develop positive personal-finance habits. The book has become one of the most popular Canadian books of all time, with over two million copies sold since its release. Chilton’s second book The Wealthy Barber Returns was also self-published and another runaway Canadian bestseller.
In 2025, more than three decades after The Wealthy Barber was first published, Chilton released a fully updated version, offering fresh insights while preserving its signature blend of clear financial education, humour, and storytelling that takes the intimidation out of personal finance. Chilton is also the publisher of the bestselling cookbooks Looneyspoons; Crazy Plates; and Eat, Shrink & Be Merry! (working with authors Janet and Greta Podleski).
An economics graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University, Chilton won the award for the highest mark in the country on the Canadian Securities Course. He is also a frequent guest on national television and radio shows.