Podcast Summary: Trading Secrets Episode 209 – Caleb Simpson: From Asking Family for Rent to Grossing Millions in Apartment Tour Videos!

Release Date: November 18, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 209 of Trading Secrets, host Jason Tartick welcomes Caleb Simpson, widely recognized as the "Apartment Guy." Caleb shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings—where he once asked his family for rent—to becoming a viral content creator grossing millions through his engaging apartment tour videos. This episode delves into Caleb’s strategies for going viral across different genres, building a massive following, and living his dream life.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Caleb’s story begins with his move to New York City, where he managed a tennis club and taught tennis. During this period, Caleb's family was not financially robust, prompting him to seek innovative ways to support himself.

Notable Quote:

Caleb Simpson [01:07]: "I came from a family where they didn't really have much, and I went to them with a business plan and said, I have cracked the code to social media."

Caleb leveraged his creativity and business acumen to approach his family with a plan to monetize his understanding of social media and real estate. This approach convinced his family to invest in his venture, setting the foundation for his future success.

Cracking the Social Media Code

Caleb’s breakthrough came through his unique approach to social media content creation. He began by filming apartment tours in New York City, asking residents—including celebrities—about their living spaces, rent costs, and other intriguing details.

Notable Quote:

Caleb Simpson [01:40]: "If you're curious what those big names are paying for their mortgage, condo, or apartment in New York City, you're going to get those answers today."

By simplifying the process to a quick, 25-minute shoot using just a smartphone, Caleb made participation easy and non-intrusive for his guests. This "frictionless" approach allowed him to consistently feature high-profile individuals without demanding excessive time or resources from them.

Notable Quote:

Caleb Simpson [21:45]: "I've had a lot of experience producing content. I picked up a camera when I first moved to New York and have just been grinding, figuring it out."

Building a Massive Following

Caleb's content quickly resonated with audiences, leading to viral success across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Collaborations with celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, and Barbara Corcoran amplified his reach, each partnership propelling his follower count higher.

Notable Quote:

Caleb Simpson [19:14]: "She got about 200,000 followers from doing this video."

Each viral video not only increased his visibility but also enhanced his credibility, making it easier to attract more high-profile guests and brand partnerships.

Monetization Strategies

Caleb employs multiple monetization avenues to capitalize on his viral content:

1. Creator Funds and Paid Ads:

   • Platforms like Facebook and TikTok pay creators based on view counts, though revenue can be inconsistent.
   • Notable Quote:
     Caleb Simpson [26:58]: "On Facebook, for pretty much every million views you do, you make about a thousand bucks."

2. Brand Sponsorships:

   • Brands pay significant fees for integration into his content, often aligning with products or services used within the showcased apartments.
   • Notable Quote: Caleb Simpson [32:20]: "That's where most of it can come in. It could be multiple six figures. I've had conversations around seven figures."

3. Product Launches:

   • Although Caleb hasn't ventured deeply into this yet, launching his own products remains a potential revenue stream.

Notable Insight: Caleb emphasizes the importance of diversified income streams, especially given the volatility of platform-based earnings.

Personal Challenges and Resilience

Caleb candidly shares a pivotal moment where he had to call his family for financial support after being fired from an NFT startup during the crypto crash. This experience underscored the importance of having a solid business plan and the resilience required to pivot successfully.

Notable Quote:

Caleb Simpson [38:28]: "I call up a family member and none of my family members are rich by any means. So I had to take some of their resources and say, no, this is going to work, and I'll pay you back tenfold."

This challenge fueled his determination to succeed independently, leading him to streamline his content creation process and focus on sustainable growth.

Daily Routine and Work Ethic

Caleb's relentless work ethic is evident in his daily routine. From early morning cold plunges to late-night content editing and continual brainstorming for new ideas, Caleb dedicates extensive hours to his craft.

Notable Quote:

Caleb Simpson [53:25]: "I'm working all of them. It's consuming my life."

His structured approach, including utilizing an assistant and a management team, ensures efficient production while maintaining his creative vision.

Trading Secrets and Life Lessons

Throughout the episode, Caleb imparts valuable lessons learned from his journey:

1. Embrace the "Cringe" Phase:

   • Caleb advises leaning into the initial awkwardness of content creation, suggesting that authenticity often sets successful creators apart.
   • Notable Quote: Caleb Simpson [61:10]: "Lean into that cringe because that's what makes you unique."

2. Focus on Continuous Improvement:

   • Constantly enhancing his skills as an entertainer and content creator ensures long-term relevance and success.
   • Notable Quote: Caleb Simpson [49:07]: "Always be becoming a better entertainer in general."

3. Diversify Income Streams:

   • Relying solely on platform-based earnings is risky; combining creator funds, ads, sponsorships, and product launches provides financial stability.

Future Aspirations and Sustainability

Caleb envisions a future where his current efforts lay the groundwork for further opportunities, such as hosting TV shows or producing larger-scale content. His ultimate goal is to build a sustainable brand that allows him to eventually step away and enjoy time with family.

Notable Quote:

Caleb Simpson [51:13]: "I want to be done by the time I'm 42. If I want to step away forever, I can."

His strategic approach ensures that each step taken today contributes to his long-term vision, balancing immediate success with future sustainability.

Conclusion

Episode 209 of Trading Secrets offers an in-depth look into Caleb Simpson’s innovative path to becoming a viral sensation and millionaire content creator. Through strategic content creation, relentless work ethic, and insightful business acumen, Caleb has transformed his passion into a thriving enterprise. His journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and content creators aiming to navigate the dynamic landscape of social media and online influence.

Closing Quote:

Caleb Simpson [61:16]: "Over the cringe is everything you ever dreamed, and in your own head, you'll always be telling yourself, I'm bad, this isn't good... just lean into that cringe."

Additional Highlights

• Rent Landscape Insights:

  • Caleb discusses the exorbitant cost of rent in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, highlighting the financial strain on residents.
  • Notable Quote: Caleb Simpson [12:45]: "I don’t really think it’s like worth it because a lot of people have jobs where they’re barely scraping it... they may be making financial choices to pay a little bit more in rent."

• NFT and Crypto Experiences:

  • Caleb recounts his involvement with an NFT startup, the subsequent challenges during the crypto crash, and the invaluable lessons learned from that experience.
  • Notable Quote: Caleb Simpson [36:43]: "I helped build that startup. I learned a lot about NFTs and crypto... that was one of the most valuable experiences of my life."

Where to Find Caleb Simpson

For those inspired by Caleb's story and eager to follow his content, find him across all social media platforms under the handle @CalebWSimpson. His unique approach to apartment tours and engaging content continues to captivate millions worldwide.

Thank you for tuning into Trading Secrets! Be sure to subscribe for more insightful episodes revealing the hidden strategies behind financial success and career prowess.