Kyle Forgeard Breaks Silence on SteveWillDoIt Controversy, NELK, & The Truth About Happy Dad

Kyle Forgeard discusses the evolution of NELK's content from pranks and partying to successful businesses like Happy Dad, emphasizing authenticity, smart branding, and long-term vision amidst controversies and personal growth.

• NELK successfully transitioned from YouTube pranksters to launching a multi-million dollar hard seltzer brand, Happy Dad, by focusing on authenticity and strategic branding.

• Happy Dad aims for independent brand recognition, growing beyond its influencer origins with plans for global expansion and a potential billion-dollar exit.

• Kyle Forgeard is evolving his content strategy to include elevated productions like an animated series and a celebrity prank show, while also prioritizing personal growth and long-term business vision.

Kyle Forgeard of NELK reflects on the group's journey, highlighting the transition from relying on prank-based content to building wildly profitable ventures like the Happy Dad seltzer brand. He explains how initial demonetization forced a pivot to merchandise, fostering a strong community, and details the strategic decisions behind Happy Dad's branding and growth. Forgeard also addresses personal changes, including moving away from constant partying, navigating internet controversies, and his future aspirations in elevated content creation and personal well-being.

SteveWillDoIt Controversy

• 00:00:35 Kyle addresses the perceived 'financial crisis' and differing paths between him and SteveWillDoIt, acknowledging Steve's unique, often extreme gambling habits for content creation. While Steve's willingness to spend millions for viral content is entertaining, Kyle admits it feels like watching a 'mess happen' and highlights the pressure of differing advice from various people in their high-stakes business environment. Despite online speculation of 'beef,' Kyle clarifies they are still friends, though currently on different trajectories with his focus shifting from managing Steve's career to offering honest advice when asked.

The Andrew Schulz Incident

• 00:01:10 A previously unposted podcast episode with Andrew Schulz and Steiny, which featured an intense argument, became a viral sensation after a short clip was released. Kyle explains that Schulz initially requested not to release the full episode, but later publicly demanded its release, attempting to 'flip the script' on NELK. Kyle, however, thought the content was funny and ultimately didn't mind releasing it, noting the internet's tendency to sensationalize negative interactions and the hosts' own playful disagreements for the camera.

Business Evolution of NELK

• 00:04:07 Kyle Forgeard embraces his multifaceted role as entertainer, entrepreneur, and marketer, finding fulfillment in balancing content creation with the strategic business side of ventures like Happy Dad. He details the significant growth of NELK's operations, now employing around 22 full-time staff for content and a staggering 120 employees for Happy Dad across the US and Canada. The group's ability to consistently launch massive, profitable, and viral businesses is attributed to smart branding and leveraging their audience, transitioning from youthful partying to a more mature business focus as they've aged.

Happy Dad Origin & Strategy

• 00:08:40 The idea for Happy Dad originated from observing the widespread influence NELK had on alcohol consumption among their younger audience, initially with Coronas during 'Rona season.' Kyle conceived the idea of launching their own alcohol brand, partnering with John and Sam for project management, production, and logistics, while he focused on marketing and branding. The name 'Happy Dad' was chosen to build a brand larger than NELK or Full Send, aiming to attract a male demographic with a retro beer vibe on a seltzer, and is currently experiencing double-digit growth while other seltzers decline.

Happy Dad Financials & Vision

• 00:14:47 Happy Dad operates with approximately a 12% profit margin per can, though retail prices are determined by stores and distributors due to complex, antiquated alcohol laws. Kyle confirms he has not taken any personal profits from Happy Dad, opting instead for a long-term investment strategy with goals for the brand to become a billion-dollar exit, similar to George Clooney's Casamigos. The vision is for Happy Dad to expand globally and grow beyond its association with NELK, aiming for a self-sustaining brand identity rather than an influencer-dependent product.

Future Goals & Content

• 01:14:12 Kyle's personal goals include prioritizing mental and physical well-being and supporting his friends and family. Professionally, he plans to focus on elevated content, including short pranks for platforms like YouTube Shorts and an animated series called 'Degenerates' similar to South Park, which he co-wrote. He is also in talks with streaming services to develop a TV show featuring 'NELK pranks on steroids,' involving celebrities and substantial budgets, reflecting a desire to evolve his content and creative output as he matures.