6 Retro Business Ideas That Could Be As Big As LEGO ($11.8B)

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Episode 545: Shaan Puri ( / shaanvp ) and Sam Parr ( / thesamparr ) brainstorm $100M retro business ideas: LEGO for adults, Tamagotchis for millennials & MORE.
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Show Notes:
(0:00) Intro
(2:30) Sam auditions a 7,500 sf house
(6:00) LEGO for adults
(14:00) Kidult market trends
(21:00) Tamigachi babies for millennials
(22:30) K'nex 2.0
(24:30) Easier Rubik’s cube
(26:30) Candle pouring kits
(30:00) The rabid community behind Rebrickable
(36:30) The fascinating legacy of BrickLink
(47:00) Grow like Fanfiction
(52:00) Build the reverse funnel
(59:00) Palworld's $200M week
(1:04:00) Midwit strikes again
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Links:
• Calm - calm.com/
• Rebrickable - tinyurl.com/4tt7974b
• BrickLink - tinyurl.com/yjzhja28
• Kim Jung-ju - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Jun...
• Wattpad - www.wattpad.com/
• Palworld on Steam - tinyurl.com/2tus5wfz
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Check Out Sam's Stuff:
• Hampton - www.joinhampton.com/
• Ideation Bootcamp - www.ideationbootcamp.co/
• Copy That - copythat.com
• Hampton Wealth Survey - joinhampton.com/wealth
Check Out Shaan's Stuff:
• Try Shepherd Out - www.supportshepherd.com/
• Shaan's Personal Assistant System - shaanpuri.com/remoteassistant
• Power Writing Course - maven.com/generalist/writing
• Small Boy Newsletter - smallboy.co/
• Daily Newsletter - www.shaanpuri.com/
My First Million is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by The HubSpot Podcast Network // Production by Arie Desormeaux // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano
For more quality videos subscribe here → tinyurl.com/46rjnckx
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[@aminataykanu]

You two are just hilarious! 50 year old West African mother here and I love this pod. I am always trying to see how to apply your solutions to my context. If you ever want to have a hangout in Senegal, let me know. I suspect you have more African fans than you realise.

[@samparr9899]

thank you!

[@justin78517]

This is awesome. lol.

[@OrdinaryBeyond]

I agree, Gabon 🇬🇦 here 👋

[@weshen83]

Also in The Netherlands, who here from Asia and other parts of the world. Sam reads this, and he probably love to hear that we enjoy the pod from all over the world. And today I introduced you two to my Filipino friends and VA!!

[@dev_alade]

Ow yeah, I love this pod and I'm also from Ghana

[@silasmahner1415]

When you talked about the community, and the EBITDA of the restaurant, I felt SO SEEN - thank you guys! All of y'all are my tribe! It makes me think of when I went to the MFM meetup thru river... I just felt at home

[@alatona26]

The haters were wrong! 400k! Way to go, guys love the pod 🎉

[@DouglasVoeten]

Came here directly after the Lego Pod. And you hit the 400k already. Well deserved. Just discovered you guys recently, but I’m loving it! Thanks for inspiring while being fun✌️

[@mattalma]

Congrats Gents, 400k subs! Well deserved. Keep bringing the heat. 🔥🔥🔥

[@lorddanieldoh]

I don't think Sam realises how legendary the ending to this ep with the midtwit meme was. "What will make more money/what will get more views, what will be more fun" killed the tone + delivery 🚚

[@charlesball631]

Nailed my sentiments exactly!

[@samparr9899]

thanks man

[@ts-sanjay]

It's literally fun to hear you, keep shining keep smiling, waiting for more such ideas, thanks for sharing

[@mintmikasa]

I’m a long time listener (usually on Spotify), but I came here to tell you- keep doing what you’re doing! I love it 😁

[@StandleyHandcrafted]

The candle idea is a great one and one that I have been doing for years now! My channel is all about candle making. I've come up with a few kits over the years and currently rethinking the DIY at home kit.

[@pryorcreekbait406spears]

Congrats guys on hitting 400k subs, been listening for a couple years already and never miss an episode as I'm traveling all over Wyoming and Montana selling bait.

[@Theory-on1ln]

Lol, “What’s the EBITDA of this restaurant?” You nailed it… that’s the MFM niche, I think! ...I always run those numbers in my head just about wherever I go. That’s why me and 400k others subscribe to you guys. It’s hard to find others who perpetually think like this: how to improve ourselves, our business(es), and what the businesses around us can be doing to scale efficiently… (instead of golf and pro sports dominating our thoughts - like so many others in business that I find.)

[@MsDoryLinda]

50:45 I do this everywhere I go but not with how much a place is making but I get curious about their brand identity and story that's drawing the people I see there. I look at their design choices, staff attitude, menu presentation etc and try to guess their brand positioning!! Just like people watching at the park or the beach, this is equally fascinating to me!!

[@digitalsamurai42]

Great job Sam and Shaun. Really do appreciate all the hard work you guys put into this. The effort shows. From the high quality video setup to the biz content, to the way you intertwine humor throughout the episode, is great. Don't stop.

[@inessantos3077]

I think this was my favorite episode so far! Keep it up guys 🎉

[@anierenimmay]

Listening to Shaan makes my day. The two of you have amazing chemistry! Thanks for the great pods guys 🙏

[@christopherpaulsen4838]

Love to be deemed a certified MFM nerd by Sam himself! I watch MFM religiously for about 1-3 hours a day, and it’s my podcast I fall asleep to. It has encouraged me to be actionable on thoughts, and be more creative with instant business plans. So I very often now just start something. For example- in summer I made a Garden enterprises, that was very successful, and I’ve made websites, SEO and so on. My new projects is doing a AI OF & making a inventory brand of Tile Tables that fit to the customers house! Greetings from Denmark

[@sewkingwet]

Favorite podcast show ever! Love your content. I relate very much. Love learning daily all day! Keep it coming please.

[@evolutiondevelopment6287]

This episode was an absolute gem! You guys continue to knock it out of the park. Great job!

[@shidelerbennett9963]

There was actually a short time that I stopped, listening to the pod because it felt like you guys were selling out, but then someone sent me an episode that made me feel like the boys are back! I love the niche content. I listen to the Founder podcast, the Acquired podcast and this weekly for the unique focused content.

[@stainrode]

same!!

[@Driver61]

Sam, I have a problem with 3rd gear on my race car, any chance you can nip over and fix it?

[@yespleasepresents4823]

Holyshit what are you doing you here arent you building an engine that works upside down? Also Lewis commiting to Ferarri is so crazy

[@samparr9899]

Easy fix

[@acouplegamesmz]

Congrats on 400k! Also - avid boardgamers, but love doing legos with our kids too. We basically have a hobby about our hobby, creating boardgame content but this episode was great! Thanks guys!

[@TheRules17]

Love the episode. Business ideas around rebrickable. From small to big in a few minutes next episode?

[@MaxxMcKenna]

My ears perked up when you were discussing nerding out at the restaurant and calculating ebita. This was literally me 8 years ago in college when I was out at bars with friends. 😂 Fast forward to today and my family and I have opened numerous retail businesses, although since the pandemic have transitioned more into commercial and residential real estate. Now I am a short term rental host with 18 properties and adding at least 2 more this year! Discovered this pod almost a year ago and absolutely love it!!

[@ARYUSops]

There’s something wild we learn about Sam every episode 😂

[@moneymakingsim4314]

Dude Sam’s “pipes being re-routed” in his head is crazy!! 😂😂 Blowing smoke out his ears.😂😂

[@charlesball631]

You guys are awesome! Proving once again that you can have fun while making a successful, informative podcast.

[@AlexSzymk]

So true about that selling out vs growing the pod slow and steady. Reminds me of the hare and turtle race, slow and steady wins the race. 🙂

[@jaydhillxn]

You guys are awesome love your Pod. What an incredible topic. Congrats on passing 400k subs 🎉.

[@marctaylor1142]

The sheer joy across Sam's face talking about lego is goals

[@yynill]

Yo Shaan. Im building the hidden camera roll app in a calculator. Nearly finished. Any bad idea on how to market it too?

[@GoldFinchPanda]

Absolutely loved this episode! Great ideas and stories. Had so many ideas swirling around in my mind as you were talking. However, the very next morning... I woke up with an even better potentially billion dollar idea. So just calling my shot. Thanks for the inspiration! P.S Sam you should give more credit and time to Shaan's ideas. It's often the crazy ones that are the best, it’s just no one believes them until they’re a thing.

[@aashish_passi]

Guys you are the best and @samparr your Lego findings were out of this world. My mind was blown 😲. Awesome episode and hilarious at the same time. Love you both.

[@AmritaBhortake]

Hi Shaan, great idea about the rubik's cube. Have you heard about the Shashibo shape shifting box? I think that could be a checkers to the chess of rubik's cube. It's made with magnets and you can use it as a fidget cube and make 70 different designs using just one cube. My kids just got it for their birthday and they loved it. It is also stackable and you can add on more cubes to make even more elaborate designs.

[@kendranelson642]

I'm 2 mins in to this episode and will likely make another comment. I just want to say that I discovered yall maybe a month a go and instantly subscribed. I love you guys' personality and fun approach that is all jam packed with information.

[@samparr9899]

thank you!

[@lauraaugustine6142]

Sam I love how you explore your lifestyle. Being an entrepreneur in architecture, and being a mom, it’s my obsession.

[@samparr9899]

thank you!

[@km7889]

I’m still on episode 184 since i discovered the POD just earlier in late 202. I listen to 2/3 episodes a week. I watch the KZbin videos of the current episodes once in a while and it’s great watching YOU both NOW vs when the POD started. Tremendous growth both on the pod and personally. Hopefully by the end of 2025 I’ll be all caught up. 😂

[@fabiantorres203]

Shaan is looking shreddy. And Sam is staying shreddy. LFG!

[@michaelburr784]

Great pod. You guys are the best.

[@easypeasyrun]

Congratulations!! 400k already 🎉

[@sionsmith]

400k!!! 🎉 Congrats to all involved!

[@benkaehler7656]

Gentlemen’s agreement. Long time coming. Looks like you’re already over 400k, congrats

[@MatthewWeeks]

Did you know that Lego are the biggest manufacturer of tyres in the world? They make 318 million tyres per year

[@manuelmao4700]

how come?

[@fiendlybrds]

I’ll say, the new Hubspot integrations are WAY less jarring than the old ones. I stopped double tapping through the ad so that I can listen to the real insights into the product use. I know it’s more work, but I bet it will pay off.

[@tomascardenasg]

The cigarette thing is wildly hilarious 😂

[@bart.bielski3487]

Recently i got an ad that relates to this adult toy category but it adds a third element: gambling. Essentially you solve a 500 piece jig saw puzzle that reveals a QR code. You scan the QR code and see if you won, prizes range from $1-$1 million i believe. The companies called: the two million puzzle

[@EhsnSuri9]

This was one of the best episodes so far.

[@masakinorton3646]

Anybody doubting that basketball players aren’t nerds need to look up that amazing post-championship photo of the Spurs. It was 1999 and they were partying. LAN partying. On a private jet, champ trophy on the floor. StarCraft loaded up, and cables everywhere. And you know they were having a blast. Also that part about the restaurant EBITDA - that one hit home 😂

[@KanekiSidibe]

Hey Sam, Kenneth here from Ottawa,CA. I came from Spotify to ask that you please show us that party trick you have. The smoke coming out of your ears might be so cool to watch 😂. Thanks for making such entertaining pod every week

[@10000Mistakes]

My brother manages an OEM Auto supplier factory. He asks every applicant if they played with Legos as a kid because he found they make far better engineers.

[@6lack5ushi]

Love this one guys!!!!

[@30secondstartup]

Restaurant revenue estimation correlation on point.

[@geraldlofton]

I had big house and NO, I'm in SFL I have a friend and his house was so big someone was living in his house because it was so big he NEVER Knew for a YEAR 😂

[@EA-qs5ek]

Love the pod! Episode request: Picks and shovels business ideas for the coming robot apocalypse. Suggested title ‘How Sarah Connor made $27 million’

[@Mrchetantewari]

Congrats on 400K

[@mmirafuentess1990]

You guys are incredible. Best boys ever (I’m much older than you two, 58 in fact.) Lastly, so long your heart is happy, that’s all that matters. Be blessed!

[@NZAutospares]

congrats on your 401k. Stories this round were gold. Thrill of the shill was favourite part. Then the business nerd comments hit hard never been categorized so well.

[@ripapartjoel]

To add on to the kidult trend: Bars with arcades, axe throwing places, escape room.

[@remiricros9119]

Already subscribed but here is a comment ! love the inspiration guys

[@dhelfman67]

Shann & Sam, First, love the pod. Have listened to many episodes (via Spotify)... but this ONE was my fave. Second, I had to Google MOC and go thru tons of alt definitions before finally figuring out WHAT the HECK does it mean? Finally, has anyone ever told y'all that when Sam laughs first and then you (Shaan) laugh --- every time it reminds me of Beavis & Butthead laughing together. This prob says more about me than y'all.

[@estuardogonbe]

just did the 500th like on this, second time watching this. with 400k this is booming 2024

[@hawx9124]

Classic fireplace on the TV above the real fireplace lol

[@theflyingwingman]

More like this please!

[@jessicamariatolentino5317]

Hi! I'm a new fan! Wooooohooo congrats on 400k... I will miss the 399k jokes lol

[@Evermorecurious]

I love the Wordle Rubik’s idea.

[@StephenCastelhano-ck8gw]

I have been playing with concept "it is like a" gym but for adult lego. Monthly membership but you get to build a lego kit start to finish. (I hope I'm the one that put you over the 400k.. long time listener first time watcher/commentator)

[@abhayrohom]

400K 🎉. Ask River run poll for meetup in Indian city (Mumbai, Pune, etc)

[@65damdamdam]

You know what would value to these podcasts. Every time they drop a financial term such as ‘market cap’ a definition pops up on screen.

[@Fadogar911]

400K!

[@KeithBurtis]

After 10 years of building (across 2 kids) who have loved Legos their whole lives, I can tell you Sam will need that 5,500 square foot house! Haha. Now, my youngest 10 y/o wants to get a 3D printer.

[@Fraunzi]

Get him one trust

[@KeithBurtis]

@Fraunzi already ordered it.

[@johnkramer5905]

The Michigan Shark Tank episode was THE BEST!!!

[@velvetpunch]

Cray, my 2nd fav pod ATM , the Daniel Tosh Show, made it to 400k subs in like 2 months with 8 eps.

[@derek_underwood]

Congrats on 400K, Gentlemen!👏🎉

[@Finnious]

Hemingway story podcast episode beautifully done [6 words]

[@AlaskaJiuJitsu]

17:29 I often go to sleep listening to Alan Watts, knowing he was blitzed at most of his talks.😊

[@jonathanluchow2751]

Love you Dorks!!!!

[@raelambert]

Love how Sam doesn't know when the Superbowl is OR what Steam is 🤣

[@yespleasepresents4823]

Looking for a technical founder to build a Support Shepherd clone but that's also available in Africa and western Europe

[@Chakidaki]

Detoxing from phones is a must! For everyone. Go out without phone. Enjoy life!

[@Prakhart4]

Love the pod💥... Hey when are we talking about skool.

[@traviscoy]

They already have, last year lol Episode 473 they interview Sam Ovens, the founder.

[@Prakhart4]

Hi@@traviscoy Thanks for pointing out the episode. I saw that episode earlier too. I was just curious about Alex Hormozi's investment in it. Guy never sold anything except his free books and is now promoting skool.

[@seabass_1]

I also loved hot wheels and making ramps and loops etc. there was even a hot wheels cd video game I played on my desktop computer

[@seabass_1]

I imagine Sam using terminology he learned from Lego to the car mechanic and just getting a blank stare back

[@Dolshansky]

Going to give this a shot. 31/M/S looking for 25-35/F/S in the greater Seattle area who wants to geek out about the financials of a coffee shop.

[@makepurethyheart]

Why is Sams video extra pristine? Is it plasma retina 4k 1080 ultra hd?

[@alternativesportsltd]

Lads, love the pod. I have an ask. could you do a pod on business ideas for kids to start. I have a 13 year old who wants to make money to pay for a holiday and wants to do it himself.

[@TheBaronQ8]

400000 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Love your content from Kuwait 🇰🇼 ❤️

[@zachcarrizales5038]

I think Crocs were picked by the costume designer in the movie Idiocracy for the prisoners in the future. The costume designer unintentionally made the best ironic choice ever!

[@EhsnSuri9]

Niche business ideas really makes me think about businesses from different perspectives. It's like blue collar businesses. What I'm saying this this was blue collar businesses but beautifully done

[@vladimirbreygin3809]

Took a screen shot it now says 400k. You guys are Amazing

[@altfiwithleighlommen310]

I used to have a 7200 sq ft house . That's not that large compared to the 15k sq ft houses. I loved the house, hated the bills and upkeep.

[@gaegeroot]

It's the digital fire over the real fireplace for me

[@Griffin_Leahy]

400k. Proved the haters wrong. Congrats!

[@JoshCrawford]

Watch Lego Masters Australia! Best lego show period! I haven't even played lego since my kids were little, but I enjoy this show with my family.

[@weinis]

There needs to be a tally and a competition of who says that’s the pod last

[@lllukiosas59]

This is amazing hahaha

[@wildhorsemusic1111]

My son and I created a Lego trading company. It was a smoothie shop you could pay with Lego!:)

[@kortyEdna825]

There may be pullbacks in the markets this year, which are normal. But the overall market will go up throughout the year. I think we'll see more market diversification. Already looking to invest about $430k of my savings in stocks this year. 2024 is the year I make millions

[@Pamela.jess.245]

I concur with your comment, personally I've avoided drawbacks of uncertain times by simply following guidance from a reputable advisor, and have been able to increase my savings by at least 300% since late 2019, just before rona out-break, summing up nearly $1m after subsequent investments to date. I'm semi-retd now, and only work 7.5 hours weekly.

[@Joebiladen159.]

Impressive can you share more info?

[@Pamela.jess.245]

Certainly, there are a handful of experts in the field. I've experimented with a few over the past years, but I've stuck with ‘’AILEEN GERTRUDE TIPPY” for about five years now, and her performance has been consistently impressive.She’s quite known in her field, look-her up.

[@Joebiladen159.]

Thank you for this tip. It was easy to find your coach. Did my due diligence on her before scheduling a phone call with her. She seems proficient considering her resume.

[@parox1139]

Female listener here .. Hii!!! and I’ve been telling everyone I meet about this podcast..!! You’re about to get a whole load more female listeners..from word of mouth!! ❤

[@alfredmanzano680]

This was so dope! Thanks for sharing rebrickable! It’s exactly what I been looking for haha I been wanting to make a hollow Lego birthday cake for my kid with another gift living inside of it

[@lt1038]

Hear me out - I know the tile art as you're doing it now is en vogue and supposed to get you more clicks. Personally though it made me super skeptical of your show at first because I kept waiting for you to tell me about drop shipping. I think particularly I am referring to art where there is a close up on either one or both of your faces in an exaggerated expression taking up half the frame each.

[@Amoney1]

Hey guys, love the pod. How much for 10 mins of your time? You guys have more experience than I and I'm trying to increase my sales. If you had 10 mins let me know and id like to ask what I could do to drive more leads in my local area to me.