In an era where Gen Z navigates a job market fraught with AI disruption and precarious entry-level prospects, a new generation grapples with the label of ‘NEET’ – Not in Employment, Education, or Training. Amidst this uncertainty, self-made millionaire and social media titan Logan Paul offers a stark, unapologetic philosophy: opportunity favors the proactive.
“We’re in an interesting time where everyone wants to critique, but no one wants to build,” Paul recently told Fortune. “They all are just armchair quarterbacks yelling from the sidelines while there are doers out there who are creating, making, building, establishing, and I am that person.” This ethos has been the bedrock of Paul’s journey from internet sensation to a sprawling business empire, built on the relentless commercialization of personal interests.
From Vine Star to Business Mogul: The Paul Empire
Paul’s ascent began as a teenager on the now-defunct video app Vine, alongside his brother Jake. He deftly parlayed early internet fame into a multifaceted career, expanding beyond mere content creation. Strategic partnerships with fellow creators like KSI and MrBeast amplified his reach, paving the way for successful consumer brands such as Prime Hydration and Lunchly.
His trajectory recently took a mainstream turn with a full-time contract as a WWE star, further cementing his presence across diverse platforms. With over 23 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 27 million Instagram followers, Paul’s digital footprint is undeniable. Yet, he attributes his enduring success not to viral luck or algorithmic whims, but to meticulous team-building. “The people that you’re putting your trust into to help build with you is probably the most important decision that you’re going to make,” he emphasized. “Both my successes and failures have come as a result of that.”
The Pokémon Phenomenon: A Passion Turned Asset Class
Paul’s philosophy of monetizing passion is perhaps best exemplified by his deep dive into the world of Pokémon. What began as a childhood fascination has evolved into a high-stakes financial venture. Over the past two decades, Pokémon trading cards have become a formidable asset class, outperforming many traditional stocks with a staggering 3,261% increase, according to Card Ladder data.
In 2022, Paul made headlines by acquiring a rare Pikachu Illustrator card for $5.3 million, famously wearing it as a necklace – a bold statement of both wealth and brand. Now, in collaboration with renowned auctioneer Ken Goldin, Paul has put the card up for auction, banking on nostalgia, fandom, and shrewd dealmaking to yield exceptional returns. Bidding has already surpassed $6.3 million, setting a new record for a card at auction, with Paul optimistically eyeing a final sale price between $7 million and $12 million.
Beyond Traditional Stocks: Investing in What You Love
Paul encourages young people to explore “fun” non-traditional asset classes like art, trading cards, and even fossils, advocating for the fusion of passion and income. “With anything you invest in, there’s always a level of risk, but young people have a significant amount of both energy and time to be able to calculate risk and then mitigate that risk,” he advises. Even if his Pokémon card doesn’t hit his highest target, Paul believes the outcome validates his core message: opportunity abounds for those willing to engage.
“If you’re into something and you’re passionate about it, there’s a market for it,” Paul asserts. “And you can build around it as long as you lean into it.”
Adapt or Perish: Navigating the Modern Economy
This philosophy, Paul argues, is particularly pertinent for Gen Z navigating a rapidly transforming economic landscape. “If you don’t adapt, you die,” he declared. “You’ve got to be able to change with the times and use the technology at your fingertips. And there’s plenty nowadays to accomplish the things that you want.”
Auctioneer Ken Goldin echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that true career success transcends mere financial gain, centering instead on personal engagement. “It’s not about how much money you’re going to make in the career,” Goldin told Fortune. “It’s about, am I going to enjoy it? Am I challenged? Am I looking forward to it?”
The Power of People: Building an Empire with the Right Team
From his partnership with Goldin to brand collaborations with MrBeast and his ongoing ventures with brother Jake, Paul’s career underscores a fundamental belief: sustainable businesses are built with the right people. This principle resonates with advice from some of the world’s most successful leaders.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, for instance, has urged young professionals to “Surround yourself with people who challenge you, teach you, and push you to be your best self.” Similarly, Berkshire Hathaway founder Warren Buffett has consistently advised, “Don’t worry too much about starting salaries and be very careful who you work for because you will take on the habits of the people around you.” Paul’s journey is a living testament to the power of strategic alliances and shared vision in forging an empire.
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