Kevin Jonas Reveals How He Overcame Financial Struggles to Find Success Again

Kevin Jonas opened up about a difficult period in his life when poor business decisions nearly cost him his financial security during the Jonas Brothers’ extended break. The 37-year-old musician shared his candid story during an appearance on Lewis Howes’ “The School of Greatness” podcast, revealing how he went from success to almost losing everything before finding his way back.

“I’ve seen the beginning of the success to financial success — not knowing what money really was and understanding it — to not having [it], to losing almost all of it,” Kevin confessed during the Monday podcast episode.

The eldest Jonas brother attributed his financial struggles to a series of unfortunate investments that occurred approximately nine years ago. During the band’s hiatus, which began in 2010, Kevin went into real estate development by launching his own company, JonasWerner, which specialized in building custom mansions within commuting distance of Manhattan.

However, these business ventures didn’t go as planned. “I had invested in a bunch of property at the time, and sadly it just wasn’t the right partnership,” Kevin explained on the podcast. He remained cautious about providing too many details, noting, “I can’t really get too much into it,” which suggested potential legal sensitivities surrounding the failed deals.

Kevin’s diversification efforts extended beyond real estate into the technology sector, where he invested in a food app called Yood and partnered with a tech startup called We Hear It. Despite these various projects, the investments didn’t provide the financial returns he had anticipated.

Learning from Financial Setbacks

One notable success story emerged from Kevin’s real estate pursuits. In 2016, he listed a mansion he built in Montvale, New Jersey, for $2.6 million. After initially removing it from the market and re-listing it in 2018, the property eventually sold in 2020 for a $1 million profit, according to The Sun.

Kevin’s experience during this challenging period ultimately provided valuable life lessons that shaped his perspective on business and financial management. “I learned this lesson — never wanted to learn it, but I did,” he reflected during the podcast. “But then, at the same time, reevaluated how to approach life and — from that perspective, and look into the future.”

The financial difficulties coincided with the Jonas Brothers’ separation, which lasted nearly a decade. During this time, all three brothers pursued individual projects to explore their creative identities outside the group. Joe Jonas, 35, formed the band DNCE, while Nick Jonas, 32, pursued a solo music career and acting opportunities.

The Sweet Sound of Second Chances

The brothers’ 2019 reunion marked both a personal and financial turning point for Kevin. The Jonas Brothers’ comeback proved highly successful, with their fifth studio album “Happiness Begins” achieving massive chart-topping success and demonstrating that their fan base remained loyal after years apart.

“I’ve learned a lot of lessons in that and thankfully, for life in general, we got a second shot and bite of the apple with the band coming back together,” Kevin shared.

The reunion process wasn’t simple, as it required honest conversations about past issues and future expectations. Joe explained the complexity of their separation and eventual reconciliation: “We call it a breakup, but we had no intent of getting back together. There was too much under the rug to roll up … We had to trust each other a bit more with being, like, ‘Actually, you are good in this band. You are talented. All of us and for different reasons.'”

The breakthrough came when the brothers recognized they could share success equitably. “We can all share the spotlight, we could all share the studio, and we could all share songwriting, and we could all share money,” Joe noted.

“At the same time, I was able to really feel honored that we could have a second shot at it,” Kevin reflected.

As of 2025, Kevin’s current estimated net worth is $40 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This wealth stems from multiple sources, including the Jonas Brothers’ renewed success, his co-hosting of the ABC reality competition series “Claim to Fame,” and more strategic business ventures.

Kevin has since founded The Blu Market Company, a social media and communication firm, and partnered with Dreft for Amazing Baby Days, an app designed to help couples capture special moments during pregnancy and their child’s first year.