Most would probably lose steam before they even got to 100. But for Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, that was the whole point. The seemingly impossible stunt was the subject of one the then-18-year-old’s first-ever YouTube videos.

Little did he know the domino effect such videos would set off. Now 27, Donaldson sits atop an online content empire: With 435 million YouTube subscribers and over 95 billion lifetime views, he’s among the internet’s biggest stars worldwide. His accomplishments reach far beyond viral videos: They include a nine-figure Amazon TV deal, a multimillion-dollar snack company, and even a forthcoming novel co-authored with James Patterson.

Donaldson’s meteoric ascent has given him ambitions of building a diversified entertainment empire, one he hopes one day rivals Disney. But it hasn’t all been driven by daily vlogs or video game livestreams like other content creators. Much of MrBeast’s content reflects a simple but profound focus: showing the impact of generosity.

That mission has defined not only his content, but some of his business ventures. His most-watched videos include posts that feature him cleaning up the world’s dirtiest beaches, building wells in Africa, and giving away homes. Beyond YouTube, through his nonprofit Beast Philanthropy, Donaldson has given away over $300 million worth of food (about 42 million meals), donated $5 million in aid to Ukrainian refugees, and provided $500,000 in school supplies and technology. He’s also funded 2,000 prosthetics, 100 cleft palate repairs, and 600 e-bikes for people in need.

Most recently, Donaldson teamed with up fellow creator Mark Rober for #TeamWater, a campaign providing clean drinking water across Africa and southeast Asia. The effort raised over $41 million—drawing support from more than 100,000 individuals donors. While the average individual contribution was under $4, major companies like Google, TikTok, and Accenture stepped in with multimillion-dollar gifts.

This commitment to large-scale giving has become a defining feature of both Donaldson’s content and his corporate strategy, led by Beast Industries CEO Jeff Housenbold, a veteran of Silicon Valley who came onboard to run the company last year.

While the donations are inherently worthwhile, Donaldson and his team are confident that they also drive audience growth—attracting watchers who might not otherwise be drawn to the content, and helping the whole enterprise generate more revenue. Such efforts to embrace social responsibility have helped Beast Industries earn a spot on Fortune’s 2025 Change the World list.

“We’re really leaning into how we use the MrBeast platform to create positive impact. We’re a for-profit company, but we’re also altruistic,” Housenbold told Fortune. “The question we ask ourselves is, ‘Can we combine capitalism and altruism in a way that’s a win-win?’ We believe the answer is yes.”  

Building an over $5 billion empire—one video at a time

Scaling generosity at MrBeast’s level has been neither easy nor cheap—but his sharp business instincts as a teenager laid the foundation.

In August 2017, just seven months after his viral counting video, he partnered with Quidd, a now-defunct digital collectibles app, to launch a series of generosity-driven videos—handing huge bundles of cash to Twitch streamers, pizza delivery guys, Uber drivers. At just 19 years old, Donaldson had recently dropped out of East Carolina University after only two weeks, choosing to focus full-time on editing videos.

Years later, profitability remains a challenge. Beast Industries has operated at a net loss for the last three years in a row, according to Bloomberg. Some of the biggest recent expenses came from producing his Amazon Prime reality show Beast Games. The show, which was filmed across three countries, featured stunts and contests that broke 44 Guinness World Records, including the largest prize fund awarded on a competitive reality TV show ($10 million). But total production costs reportedly exceeded $100 million for the 10 episode-season.

“It was not a good financial decision to make Beast Games,” Donaldson admitted on The Diary of a CEO podcast earlier this year. “I lost money. I would have more money if I didn’t film it.”

While it didn’t help the show’s bottom line for Donaldson to up the grand prize from $5 million to $10 million, he and his investors continue to believe thatkind of generosity will all be worth the risk. “Money isn’t everything—building and managing it is infinitely harder,” Donaldson added on the podcast.

The MrBeast media arm, including his YouTube channels and TV show, earned an estimated $250 million in revenue in 2024 but posted a net loss of nearly $80 million, according to Bloomberg. The red ink was partially offset by Feastables. Launched in 2022, the chocolate products are found in Walmart, Target, and 7/11 stores in the U.S. and more than a dozen other countries. Feastables earned revenue comparable to MrBeast’s media portfolio, but it produced a profit of more than $20 million. 

And while the snack market is crowded, Donaldson has found a lane that screams fun—with bright packaging and bubbly fonts—as well as impact. The chocolate is 100% fair-trade certified, and Donaldson’s has publicly declared his challenge to the “status quo of the big chocolate sector” which has allowed child labor to thrive. “I know we can create chocolate that people can afford and that also pays farmers fairly, so kids don’t have to work,” Donaldson said in a press release.

MrBeast has noted that “on paper” he could be considered a billionaire, largely due to the valuation of his various brands and income streams from additional ventures like Lunchly snack kits, analytics platform Viewstats, and MrBeast Burger. In reality, however, he has said he keeps “very little money” on hand and even borrowed from his mother to help cover his wedding expenses. Forbes estimated his annual earnings between April 2024 and April 2025 at $85 million.

Last year, Beast Industries raised money at a roughly $5 billion valuation, according to Bloomberg, signaling immense investor confidence in Donaldson’s blend of viral business and social impact.

MrBeast’s operations under a microscope

Donaldson has not been immune to controversy. One group of contestants on his Amazon series, Beast Games, have filed a lawsuit claiming there to be dangerous conditions on the set; that case is still ongoing, but Donaldson and Amazon have asked the court to dismiss it. Separately, one longtime channel collaborator was accused of sexual misconduct; no legal action was filed in that instance, and a law firm commissioned by Donaldson found those misconduct accusations to be baseless.

Despite the scrutiny, Donaldson’s popularity has hardly wavered; he’s gained more than 100 million YouTuber subscribers in the last year.

But that acceleration may not last forever, according to Bill Zimmerman, a professor at Penn State University studying the creator economy. At some point, there will likely be a ceiling, he said, noting to Fortune that some of Donaldson’s extreme, challenge-based videos can be divisive.

“I think some of these viral videos outside of the philanthropy space can be off-putting to a lot of people because of the focus on putting people through physical challenges to win prizes,” Zimmerman said, pointing to a recent video that challenged a pilot to live on a private jet for 100 days, where he faced challenges like no shower, no bed, and limited food. 

“Those things are highly watchable, but I think these big videos that just rack up the views, also present this voyeuristic situation where you’re watching somebody push their physical limits,” Zimmerman added. And when it comes to philanthropic videos, Zimmerman said it can be difficult to separate questions about underlying motives when Donaldson has profited from being generous.

Donaldson’s CEO Housenbold challenges that generosity and profitability can, and do, exist together.

“We want to make kindness viral through the voices of the global community of influencers and their fans,” Housenbold said “We also want to welcome other companies, non-profits, and governmental agencies to join us on the journey of making lasting change.”

Or, as Donaldson himself summarized on The Diary of a CEO podcast earlier this year:  “A world where I help people is just more fun than a world where I don’t.”

Early Life and Background

Hey there! Let’s dive into the fascinating life of Cole Kenneth Hauser, an American actor who has graced our screens with his versatile performances. Born on March 22, 1975, in Santa Barbara, California, Cole has a rich lineage in the entertainment industry. His father, Wings Hauser, is an actor and director, while his mother, Cass Warner, is the founder of the production company Warner Sisters. Growing up in such an environment, it’s no wonder Cole found his calling in acting.

Name	Cole Kenneth Hauser
Occupation	Actor
Date of Birth	March 22, 1975
Birth Place	Santa Barbara, CA
Country	United States
Net Worth	$8 million
Source of Income	Acting, Business Ventures
Height	6 feet 1 inch
Weight	79 kg
Ethnicity	Mixed (German, Irish, Belgian)
Parents	Wings Hauser, Cass Warner
Siblings	Bright Hauser, Tao Gaines
Spouse	Cynthia Daniel (m. 2006)
Children	Ryland Hauser, Colt Hauser, Steely Rose Hauser
Education	Attended high school in Santa Barbara

Rise to Fame

Cole’s journey to stardom wasn’t a straight shot. He had his share of struggles and small roles before hitting the big time. His breakout role came in the 1992 film “School Ties,” where he starred alongside other future stars like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. This role opened doors for him, leading to more significant opportunities in the film industry.

Notable Film Roles

Cole has an impressive filmography that showcases his range as an actor. Some of his most notable roles include:

1. Higher Learning (1995) – A powerful film that tackles racial and social issues in a university setting.
2. Dazed and Confused (1993) – A cult classic that captures the essence of teenage life in the 70s.
3. Good Will Hunting (1997) – A critically acclaimed film where Cole played a supporting role alongside Matt Damon and Robin Williams.
4. Pitch Black (2000) – A sci-fi thriller that showcased Cole’s versatility.
5. Tigerland (2000) – A war drama where Cole’s performance was highly praised.
6. Hart’s War (2002) – A gripping war film that further cemented Cole’s status in Hollywood.
7. Tears of the Sun (2003) – An intense action film where Cole starred alongside Bruce Willis.

Television Career

While Cole has had a successful film career, he’s also made a significant impact on television. One of his most notable TV roles is in the hit series “Yellowstone,” where he plays the rugged and loyal Rip Wheeler. This role has garnered him a new generation of fans and has been a major highlight in his career.

Personal Life

Cole Hauser has managed to keep a relatively low profile when it comes to his personal life. He married actress and photographer Cynthia Daniel in 2006. The couple has three children: Ryland, Colt, and Steely Rose. Despite his busy career, Cole is a devoted family man and often shares glimpses of his family life on social media.

Net Worth and Financial Success

As of [current year], Cole Hauser’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. His wealth comes from his extensive acting career, both in film and television. Additionally, Cole has ventured into other business opportunities, further boosting his financial status.

Future Projects and Endeavors

Cole Hauser shows no signs of slowing down. With his role in “Yellowstone” continuing to gain popularity, fans can expect to see more of him in the coming years. Additionally, Cole is reportedly involved in several upcoming film projects that are sure to keep his career momentum going.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Apart from his acting career, Cole is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He’s involved in various charitable organizations and uses his platform to raise awareness about important social issues. His contributions to society go beyond the screen, making him a well-rounded and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Wrap-Up

In conclusion, Cole Hauser’s journey from a young actor in Santa Barbara to a Hollywood star is truly inspiring. His dedication to his craft, coupled with his down-to-earth personality, makes him a beloved figure in the entertainment world. Whether it’s through his memorable film roles or his impactful TV performances, Cole continues to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Oracle founder and potential TikTok overlord Larry Ellison’s current net worth is estimated at $393 billion, making him the second-richest person in the world in 2025, only behind Elon Musk. His fortune has grown rapidly due to massive gains in Oracle’s stock, driven by the AI boom, and a significant stake in Tesla.

At age seven, Robert Rosenkrantz made a decision that would shape his entire life: he would take full responsibility for his future.

As a child, Rosenkrantz watched his parents struggle financially. His father was unemployed for two years, and his mother worked as a drugstore clerk.

Their financial insecurity was painfully obvious to young Robert. He never knew if the electricity or telephone service would be shut off.

But rather than seeing this as an obstacle, he saw it as a path to self-reliance.

By age 14, Rosenkrantz was managing investments for his family. By 35, he had amassed $400,000 — equivalent to about $4 million today. Then came the pivotal moment that changed everything: a negotiation with wealthy entrepreneur Joe Mailman.

When Mailman expressed concerns about traditional investment structures that created a “heads you win, tails I lose” scenario, Rosenkrantz made a bold counter-offer. He put his entire liquid net worth at risk in exchange for a 50/50 profit split with no carried interest.

“First deal, we lost $100,000. The second one, we made $100 million,” Rosenkrantz says during the interview. “So it averaged out.”

Now 82, Rosenkrantz joins us to discuss his book, “The Stoic Capitalist,” and the principles that guided his career.

For over 35 years, he’s carried the same negotiation card from “Getting to Yes” in his wallet — a reminder that negotiation isn’t about winning, but solving problems together.

We talk about his counterintuitive investment philosophy: look for companies that require minimal specialized talent, like laundromats or self-storage facilities. He says these often make better investments than those needing exceptional management, like restaurants.

This principle guided his first major success, a lawn and garden products business that essentially put dirt in bags — a simple operation that became a regional monopoly and eventually sold for $100 million.

Today, Rosenkrantz funds scientific research on longevity and hosts debate programs that present balanced perspectives on contentious issues. His philanthropy includes backing a groundbreaking study that has extended worm lifespans from 15 days to over 250 days — potentially the longest lifespan extension ever achieved in any organism.

When asked about retirement, he responds: “How do you spell that?”

His advice for decision-making comes straight from stoic philosophy: focus only on what you can control — the present and future, not the past. This means disregarding sunk costs completely when making decisions and using reason to regulate emotions.

For Rosenkrantz, counting the zeros — focusing only on opportunities with enough potential impact — helps prioritize time and delegate effectively. At 82, he still practices these principles daily, considering himself “biologically more like 70 and getting younger.”

Timestamps:

Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths.

(0:00) Intro

(2:00) Welcome and introduction to Robert Rosenkrantz

(4:00) The negotiation card from “Getting to Yes” in Rosenkrantz’s wallet

(5:00) Negotiation as problem-solving, not a contest

(7:00) Growing up on Upper West Side with financially insecure parents

(9:40) Becoming self-reliant at age seven

(13:40) First stock investment at age 14

(18:20) Managing family portfolio as a teenager

(22:40) Explanation of stoic philosophy principles

(29:00) Transition from $400k net worth to major wealth

(32:20) The pivotal negotiation with Joe Mailman

(39:22) Fear management and rational risk assessment

(43:40) First major deal loss with Ivy Hill Communications

(49:50) The stoic approach to sunk costs

(55:00) Time management and delegation strategies

(1:02:54) How interviewing is one of Rosenkrantz’s most important activities

(1:04:40) Why businesses requiring less talent often make better investments

(1:11:20) Philanthropy and longevity research funding

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