Viral social media post sparks discussion on Ryan Reynold's business acumen, comparing him to Steve Jobs: Read here

A viral thread on X (formerly Twitter) has ignited a discussion regarding actor Ryan Reynolds' business acumen. Comparing him to Steve Jobs, the thread by @KenBerenger sparked the very conversation, breaking down on how the actor, known primarily for his acting career has strategically reinvented himself as a sharp and successful figure in the business world, defying early perceptions of him as just another ‘Hollywood dreamer’.
Reynold’s Quiet Rise
The thread highlights that even during his significant box office success with the 2016 film "Deadpool," which grossed a staggering $780 million, Reynolds was simultaneously laying the groundwork for his future business ventures. While many focused solely on his cinematic achievements, he was quietly building the foundation for his entrepreneurial pursuits, the thread added.
Beyond endorsements: Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile and Wrexham AFC
Unlike many celebrities who primarily engage in passive endorsements, Reynolds adopted a more hands-on approach. In 2018, he invested in Aviation Gin, not merely as a silent partner but as an owner and the brand's creative director. He showcased and fused his signature wit and marketing prowess into the brand's campaigns. A prime example of this was his swift and clever response to a controversial Peloton advertisement. Within a mere 36 hours, Reynolds' team released a tongue-in-cheek Aviation Gin ad featuring the same actress humorously "drowning her sorrows" with his gin.
“The ad went viral. Free publicity worth millions. Pure genius,” Berenger noted.
Not just that, Reynold’s strategic business acumen continued to yield significant results. In 2020, his investment in Aviation Gin paid off handsomely when the brand was sold to Diageo for a reported $610 million. However, Reynolds was far from finished. Having already invested in Mint Mobile in 2019, he orchestrated another significant success. In 2023, Mint Mobile was acquired by T-Mobile for an astounding $1.35 billion.
The thread by Berengers also emphasises on the unconventional acquisition of Wrexham AFC. Back in 2020, he and fellow actor Rob McElhenney purchased the fifth-tier Welsh football club for $2.5 million.
While it initially might have seemed like a vanity project, the thread posted by Berengers argued that "They were buying a community's heart." Wrexham AFC, with its rich history dating back to 1864, is the third-oldest professional football club globally, deeply ingrained in the town's identity. Instead of remaining distant owners, Reynolds and McElhenney actively immersed themselves in the community.
Connecting with Communities: A new Business Model?
The pair launched "Welcome to Wrexham," a documentary series chronicling their journey with the club, and invested millions in upgrading the club's infrastructure. This approach yielded remarkable results. In 2023, Wrexham AFC clinched the National League title, securing their return to the English Football League after a 15-year absence. This success translated into a surge in visitor spending in the small Welsh town, an explosion in merchandise sales, and a significant increase in the club's overall value.
@KenBerenger concluded his viral thread by noting, "He showed that building real connections with communities creates more value than traditional corporate approaches." This highlights a key aspect of Reynolds' business strategy that goes beyond mere profit, emphasizing authentic engagement and community building.