20-Year-Old Entrepreneur is So Successful He Has His Own Factory in China
I wasn’t thinking — I just wanted to make some money. I was crazy about magic tricks and needed money to buy the various DVDs, gimmicks and props that were out on the market.
That’s the best part of being young that we lose as we get older — being naive and gullible thinking that there are no repercussions. It’s still important to think that way in a more channeled, disciplined manner. The older we get and the more exposed we are to the world, the more we start to rack our own brains about the decisions we make, essentially mindfucking ourselves into not doing something. It takes balls to make things happen. Ask anyone that’s made money — you have to do whatever it takes.
Great. My parents were always very loving and supporting of whatever I wanted to do. Their biggest thing was that no matter what path I decided to take I was always a good person first.
I am just a kid who didn’t listen to what people told me and did what I wanted. It’s a lot simpler than people make it out to be.
Why, specifically, toys?
I am not in the toy business; I am in the consumer good business. We develop and manufacture products that are sold worldwide. People will always buy things. It’s a business that has no roof. Like an artist makes music to put on the radio, I make products to put on shelves.
Best things were people that have been in relationships with for years because of my parties.
Never had a worst moment.
Both are fun in their own way. Depends on my mood. Getting something even more fun now.
I don’t. I actually like to pick up women in really old cars to see their reaction. I want to be around people that like me. I don’t get impressed with houses or cars. I do get impressed with people who have lots of depth, texture and great energy
Out of a need to create a multi tool you could have with you at all times without actually needing to take something extra with you.
Like one of my great friends and mentors once told me, at the end of your life, it’s not about who had the most money but about who had the best life. Don’t miss any opportunities, adventures, experiences; they are things money can’t buy and will never be able to get back. I hate money, but I love what you can do with it. Money isn’t about never looking at a bill; it’s about looking at the bill and never worrying to pay.
College is for people who don’t have a plan and need help deciding what they want to do. It’s also for people interested in specialty professions in law, medicine, etc. Everyone has their own unique story and path; what I do may not be right for you. I only skipped college because I’ve known exactly what I wanted to do with my life since I was 16. Time in college would not have helped me reach my goal.
Adrian Grenier, directed by Jerry Weintraub.
We live in a world where everything exists; be conscious of that. If we stopped developing/evolving today, we would have everything we needed for the rest of our lives. Every basic human need is met and available at your local gas station. Literally EVERYTHING exists. Fifty years ago, when there was no such thing as dishwashing soap, it was too easy to make money. Every year that goes by it becomes more and more difficult. Be conscious of this and innovate in a way like no one else. Don’t do the same things as everyone expecting different results. Only the strong will survive in today’s business world. You must get incredibly creative with your approach. Persevere. Never stop. Don’t listen to anyone. At the end of the day it’s your life!