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• Ryan Reynolds: From Hollywood Star to Entrepreneurial Powerhouse

• Word of the week: Become more articulate

FROM ACTOR TO BUSINESS MAN

Ryan Reynolds: From Hollywood Star to Entrepreneurial Powerhouse

Ryan Reynolds is a name you’ve probably heard in connection with Hollywood blockbusters like Deadpool or the romantic comedy The Proposal. But what many people don’t realize is that Reynolds isn’t just an actor— over the last decade or so he’s become a titan in the world of business, flipping the script on what it means to be a celebrity entrepreneur. His journey from on-screen heartthrob to savvy businessman is nothing short of remarkable, blending creativity, humor, and a bit of audacity to create an empire.

The Early Days: More Than Just a Pretty Face

Reynolds’ journey into the business world didn’t start with a massive company or a lofty vision to take over industries. It started with something a lot more personal—his brand. By the mid-2010s, Reynolds had already carved out a successful career in Hollywood, but it wasn’t enough. He wanted to do more than just perform in front of the camera. He wanted to control his destiny, to have a hand in shaping the projects he worked on, and to invest in ventures he genuinely believed in.

Enter Deadpool: Reynolds didn’t just star in the movie; he was deeply involved in getting the film made. After years of pushing the project forward, Reynolds, in his typically irreverent style, even leaked test footage to drum up fan support. The movie, made on a relatively modest budget for a superhero film, became a massive success, grossing over $780 million worldwide. Reynolds' active role in making Deadpool a hit, gave him a taste of control and a clearer sense of his own brand—witty, irreverent, and bold.

Business Moves: Aviation Gin

Reynolds didn’t stop at just making movies. In 2018, he made a move that surprised everyone when he purchased a stake in Aviation Gin, a small, Portland-based craft gin company. 

But Reynolds wasn’t content with just being a silent investor; he rolled up his sleeves and became the face of the brand, injecting his signature humor and personality into its marketing campaigns.

His quirky, self-aware ads were pure Reynolds: sharp, funny, and a little absurd. 

The internet couldn’t get enough. A series of viral commercials featured everything from Reynolds poking fun at himself to his playful rivalry with fellow actor Hugh Jackman. 

Aviation Gin suddenly wasn’t just another small-batch liquor—it was cool, thanks to Ryan.

This hands-on approach paid off because in 2020, Reynolds sold Aviation Gin to Diageo, a global alcoholic beverage company, for an eye-popping $610 million. It was a massive return on investment and solidified his reputation as a businessman with serious chops.

Mint Mobile: A Peculiar Marketing Play

Aviation Gin wasn’t the only company to get the Reynolds magic. In 2019, Reynolds made another unexpected move: he bought a stake in Mint Mobile, a budget-friendly wireless carrier. This wasn’t exactly the flashy kind of investment one would expect from a Hollywood star, but Reynolds saw something others didn’t.

As with Aviation Gin, he took a personal approach to promoting Mint Mobile. His irreverent style of advertising—filled with sarcastic wit and self-deprecating humor—set Mint apart from other, more staid telecom brands. He even filmed a low-budget commercial on his own phone to emphasize the brand’s affordability.

The result? Mint Mobile saw explosive growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing companies in the crowded telecom industry. In 2023, the company was acquired by T-Mobile for a staggering $1.35 billion, with Reynolds still maintaining an ongoing role as a public face for the brand.

Wrexham AFC: The Underdog Story

While most would have rested on their laurels after those two big business wins, Reynolds wasn’t done. In 2020, he and fellow actor Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham AFC, a Welsh soccer team that was languishing in the fifth tier of English football. It was an unexpected move—why would two Hollywood actors invest in a struggling soccer club thousands of miles from Los Angeles?

But once again, Ryan showed that he wasn’t just thinking like a traditional investor. The duo made a documentary about the team, “Welcome to Wrexham”, which captured their journey and the town’s passion for the club. The series became a hit, driving international attention and sponsorship deals for Wrexham. Their investment wasn’t just about sports; it was about storytelling and connecting with a community. The team’s meteoric rise to the upper leagues has made the Wrexham saga an underdog story for the ages.

Ryan Reynolds, A Branding Master

Ryan Reynolds didn’t become the business powerhouse he is by accident. At every step, he used his understanding of his personal brand—authentic, witty, and endlessly creative—to elevate the companies he invested in. Whether it was gin, mobile phones, or soccer, Reynolds’ hands-on approach, combined with a relentless focus on unique marketing, set him apart from other celebrity entrepreneurs.

More than just lending his name, Reynolds has shown that his talent for storytelling extends far beyond the screen. By blending humor with strategic thinking, he’s crafted a new model for celebrity entrepreneurship, where authenticity and innovation are the cornerstones of success.

From Aviation Gin to Mint Mobile to Wrexham AFC, Ryan Reynolds has proven one thing: he’s not just in the business of making movies—he’s in the business of building businesses. And with his track record, I think it’s safe to say his entrepreneurial story is far from over.

Hope you found this useful, see you soon 🫡