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The rise of Mark Wahlberg's $400M business empire: How actor went from Wahlburgers to Hollywood 2.0

From a booming restaurant chain to a clothing line, Mark Wahlberg has already found incredible success in a number of business ventures

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Mark Wahlberg, the multitalented actor, producer, and now esteemed entrepreneur, has consistently proven that he can conquer anything he sets his sights on. Wahlberg, who celebrated his 52nd birthday on June 5, has a serious passion for business, as evidenced by his entrepreneurial success across a multitude of industries.

From his humble beginnings in music as Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch to his booming restaurant chain Wahlburgers, besides a clothing line and a fitness brand, Wahlberg's entrepreneurial spirit has already borne fruits. In recent news, Wahlberg unveiled his latest groundbreaking project in Las Vegas, aiming to transform the city into "Hollywood 2.0". With a state-of-the-art studio on the horizon, the visionary entrepreneur plans to create a whopping 10,000 jobs, elevating the average salary in the area by an astounding $100,000.

"I think, ultimately, at the end of the day, I've got the bug. I've got the bug for business, and I've got people who are, like, putting in parts of their life savings, and betting their future on me and us," he said in the HBO Max docuseries 'Wahl Street', which he produced. "So I'm going to work twice as hard to make sure that I am bringing something to the table that's beneficial to other people," he added, according to Entrepreneur. Let's delve into the captivating journey of this Hollywood icon-turned-business mogul.

1. Closest to the Hole

In 2004, Wahlberg kickstarted his production company, Closest to the Hole, setting the stage for a string of successful film ventures. Over the years, the company has taken on the production or co-production of over 15 films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

One notable creation was the popular HBO series 'Entourage' (2004-2011), a fictionalized account inspired by Wahlberg's personal experiences and ascent to stardom in Hollywood. The on-screen magic continued when the 'Entourage' movie hit theaters in 2015, amassing an impressive global box office gross of approximately $49 million.

2. Unrealistic Ideas

Unleashing his creative vision, Wahlberg co-founded Unrealistic Ideas in 2018. This unscripted production company, formed in collaboration with documentary filmmaker Archie Gips and manager/producing partner Stephen Levinson, has a special focus on podcasts and documentaries.

Under Wahlberg's guidance, Unrealistic Ideas has brought compelling stories to life, including 'McMillon$' a riveting exploration of a fraudulent scheme that impacted McDonald's. Additionally, the company crafted 'Wahl Street,' a captivating documentary series delving into Wahlberg's own life and experiences. Through 'Unrealistic Ideas' Wahlberg continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and entertainment.

3. Wahlburgers

In 2011, Wahlberg embarked on a delectable journey with his brothers Donnie Wahlberg, a renowned member of the iconic music group New Kids on the Block and star of CBS's long-running drama 'Blue Bloods', and Paul Wahlburger, a skilled chef. Together, they established the beloved burger restaurant known as 'Wahlburgers'. This family business quickly gained fame and recognition, capturing the hearts and taste buds of patrons nationwide.

The restaurant's success was further amplified through its reality show 'Wahlburgers', which aired on the A&E network from 2014 to 2019, providing an inside look into the Wahlberg family's culinary adventures. Today, 'Wahlburgers' boasts an impressive empire of 50 locations, generating an astounding $100 million in annual revenue. With its mouthwatering offerings and commitment to quality, Wahlburgers has become a cherished destination for burger enthusiasts everywhere.

4. Aquahydrate

In 2012, Wahlberg seized an opportunity to invest in Aquahydrate, a remarkable electrolyte-enhanced water brand, as reported by Food Navigator-USA. During that time, the brand was facing financial challenges, but Wahlberg's visionary mindset propelled him to support Aquahydrate. He didn't embark on this journey alone, as he enlisted the involvement of fellow celebrity investor Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Together, they infused a staggering $20 million into the business, as revealed by Forbes in 2015.

The story of Aquahydrate continued to unfold, and in 2019, it caught the attention of Alkaline Water, leading to the brand's acquisition. This strategic move brought about significant changes and opportunities for Aquahydrate. The impact was tangible, with the company generating an impressive $15.9 million in net revenue for the quarter ending in December 2022. Wahlberg's investment and the subsequent acquisition by Alkaline Water undoubtedly contributed to Aquahydrate's growth and success.

5. Performance Inspired

In 2016, Wahlberg partnered with industry veteran Tom Dowd to establish Performance Inspired, an exceptional all-natural nutrition company. This venture aimed to provide individuals with high-quality products that align with their health and fitness goals. Among their offerings are premium protein powders and supplements, which can be conveniently found at leading retailers such as GNC.

The brand has garnered significant attention and trust from consumers, contributing to its impressive annual revenue of $4 million. Performance Inspired has carved a niche in the nutrition market, empowering individuals to pursue their wellness journeys with confidence and integrity.

6. Mark Wahlberg Auto Group

In 2018, Wahlberg ventured into the automotive industry by launching the Mark Wahlberg Auto Group. Together with his close friend and experienced Michigan auto dealer Jay Feldman, Wahlberg inaugurated their first car dealership, Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet, located in Columbus.

The success of their initial endeavor inspired them to expand their presence in the Ohio area, leading to the opening of four additional dealerships. Wahlberg's foray into the automotive business has allowed him to share his passion for cars with customers, offering top-quality vehicles and exceptional service at his growing network of dealerships.

7. F45

In 2019, Wahlberg made a strategic investment in F45, a renowned fitness franchise that focuses on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts designed to help individuals burn an impressive 750 calories in just 45 minutes. At the time of his investment, F45 was valued at approximately $450 million, according to Bloomberg. Wahlberg acquired a 1.73% stake in the company, as reported by Reuters in October.

Fast forward to March 2023, and Wahlberg took on the role of Chief Brand Officer for F45, further solidifying his involvement and commitment to the brand's success. The brand boasts a staggering $170 million in revenue, thanks to its 2,042 studios located across 74 countries. 

8. Municipal

The Municipal clothing line was launched by Wahlberg in 2020. With a clear vision in mind, Wahlberg aimed to create a collection that exuded style, comfort, and versatility. "We wanted to create stuff that looked cool, that fit and felt great, stuff that you could wear to work, you could wear it to work out and wear out at night," said Wahlberg. "We wanted to create something that was a great value proposition to every guy and gal who's out there working hard to be the best version of themselves, you know?"

Municipal has set its sights on thriving within the billion-dollar athleisure industry, capitalizing on its brand awareness among high school sports enthusiasts and college athletes, as noted by Forbes. Anticipating further success, the brand has plans to open its inaugural store in California in 2023. While details regarding additional stores remain undisclosed, Municipal recently made its presence known through a captivating pop-up shop in the bustling streets of Boston.