Bernt Bodal: The Man Behind The Seafood Empire And Rock 'n' Roll

So, How Much Is Bernt Bodal Worth Anyway?

Let me tell you about Bernt Bodal. He's not just another businessman—he's a Norwegian-American powerhouse with a net worth of $200 million. Now, Bernt didn't start out as a seafood tycoon; he was once a rock 'n' roller! He was the former CEO of American Seafoods, one of the biggest seafood companies in the United States. But that's not all—Bernt is also a partner in the Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp. And for those reality TV fans, he's known as the ex-husband of "Real Housewives of Orange County" star Elizabeth Lyn Vargas. Talk about a diverse resume!

From Oslo to the Open Seas: Bernt’s Early Days

Bernt Bodal’s journey started in Oslo, Norway, where he was born and raised. But here's the twist—he wasn’t always destined for the world of business. In fact, his early ambitions were rooted in music. Before he ever set foot on a fishing boat, Bernt was fronting a band called Host, releasing three albums and sharing the stage with some legendary musicians like Sammy Hagar and Roger Daltrey. But life has a funny way of steering us in unexpected directions. When his parents relocated to the U.S. to work in the fishing industry, Bernt followed suit. He ended up in Massachusetts, working as a fisherman, and that’s where his passion for seafood began.

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A Seafood Empire Takes Shape

In 1999, Bernt and a group of investors purchased American Seafoods, and the rest, as they say, is history. He took the helm as CEO in 2000 and stayed in that role until 2017. By the time he stepped back from the day-to-day operations in May 2018, the company was raking in $600 million in annual revenues. Bernt isn’t just any CEO; he’s the majority shareholder, making him a key figure in the company's success. In 2012, Bernt even got the chance to star on the reality TV show "Undercover Boss." On the show, he worked as a fisherman on one of his own boats, giving viewers a glimpse into the hard work that goes into running such a massive operation.

Bernt's Personal Life and His Luxurious Real Estate Ventures

Bernt Bodal's personal life is as intriguing as his professional one. He was married to Elizabeth Lynn Vargas for 17 years, and they were together for an impressive 20 years. Their relationship made headlines when Elizabeth joined the cast of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" in 2020. However, their marriage ended in 2017, after a three-year divorce process. But their time together wasn’t without its luxuries. In 2008, Bernt and Elizabeth purchased a property in La Quinta, California, near Palm Springs, for $3.5 million. By 2014, they had transformed it into a 10,500 square-foot mansion with six bedrooms and nine bathrooms. Their neighbors included none other than Sylvester Stallone and several members of the Kardashian family.

When their marriage dissolved in 2017, they listed the home for sale at $11.9 million. It took a while—over three years and a few price cuts—but they finally sold it in July 2020 for $8.5 million. That wasn’t their only real estate venture. In 2003, Bernt and Elizabeth bought an 11,600 square-foot mansion in Woodway, Washington, for $4.5 million. This French Chateau-style estate was set on over eight acres and came with a movie theater, greenhouse, guest house, tennis court, and even a helicopter landing pad. They sold this luxurious home in June 2016 for $8 million. Check out this video tour to see just how extravagant their former Washington residence was: