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The GameStop Guy Has Returned… (And Has A New $210M Bet)

My First Million

Fri Jun 07 2024



GameStop and Keith Gill's $210M Bet:

  • Keith Gill, also known as Roaring Kitty, turned a $56,000 investment into over $200 million by supporting GameStop.
  • He gained popularity through Reddit and YouTube for challenging large hedge funds that were shorting GameStop.
  • Despite trading halts, the stock price recently tripled with Gill revealing holdings exceeding $200 million in GameStop equity and call options.
  • Hedge funds faced significant losses due to the short squeeze initiated by retail investors like Gill.

Ryan Cohen's Activist Investments in GameStop:

  • Ryan Cohen, the founder of Chewy.com, strategically invested in Apple and Wells Fargo before transitioning to activist investments.
  • By acquiring stakes in GameStop and Bed Bath & Beyond, he emerged as an activist investor aiming to revamp struggling companies.
  • Cohen's calculated investments led to substantial gains, establishing him as a pivotal figure reshaping these firms' trajectories.

Paternity Leave Challenges and Creativity:

  • Shaan Puri discussed the demanding nature of paternity leave compared to work but found fulfillment exploring creativity during this period.
  • Engaging in activities like reading books, playing the piano, attending comedy shows, and working on comedic material enriched his experience.
  • Highlighting the guilt associated with non-productive pursuits during regular workdays contrasted with embracing creative endeavors while on paternity leave.

The Lehman Brothers Play:

  • Sam attended a play depicting Lehman Brothers' history leading up to the financial crash without directly portraying the crash itself.
  • Featuring only three actors who sustained the narrative for three and a half hours, it showcased Lehman Brothers' ascent over centuries.
  • Expressing inspiration from business-related entertainment experiences like the play prompted contemplation about exploring similar creative content ventures.

Wander: Luxury Travel Accommodations:

  • Wander offers luxurious travel accommodations tailored for remote workers with amenities such as gyms and work desk setups.
  • The properties provide fast internet access along with concierge services and cleaning facilities for guests' convenience.
  • With locations designed for comfort and productivity, Wander aims to redefine traditional travel experiences by offering high-end stays suitable for both leisure and work purposes.

Theater Play Success and Inspiration from Sylvester Stallone:

  • Sylvester Stallone's determination to create the movie "Rocky" after facing rejection in auditions highlights his resilience and creativity.
  • Stallone's decision to write the screenplay himself, despite not being a writer, showcases his boldness and self-belief.
  • Painting the windows black as a metaphor for extreme focus and dedication is exemplified by Stallone's action of painting his windows black to eliminate distractions while writing the script for "Rocky."

Endurance Event Businesses - High Rocks and The Speed Project:

  • High Rocks organizes events where participants complete a series of exercises like lunges, rowing, running, and throwing weighted balls. The winner completes these exercises in about an hour.
  • Participants at High Rocks events wear all black attire, creating a unique aesthetic similar to Equinox's version of CrossFit.
  • The Speed Project is an invite-only race from Santa Monica Pier to Las Vegas where participants must run without using any other mode of transportation. It emphasizes physical endurance and mental toughness.

Running Clubs Trend and Social Interaction:

  • Running clubs have gained popularity due to social interaction opportunities they provide along with fitness benefits.
  • Raw Dog Run Club in Austin focuses on making running fun and attractive through branding that includes slogans like "sexy faces and sexy paces."
  • Run clubs often incorporate dating components, social connections, fitness goals, photo opportunities for social media bragging rights, and a sense of community.

Feedback Culture - Scott Harrison's Unsolicited Feedback:

  • Scott Harrison provided unsolicited feedback on reducing filler words like "like," demonstrating care for improvement in communication skills.
  • The act of giving constructive criticism requires courage and care towards the recipient's growth.
  • Reflecting on receiving feedback prompts thoughts on reciprocating such acts of service by providing valuable insights to others for their personal development.

Charity Water Impact Campaigns:

  • Charity Water founder Scott Harrison revolutionized charity work by ensuring donors see the impact of their contributions through real-time updates on projects funded.
  • Implementing closed-loop systems allows donors to witness firsthand how their donations are transforming lives through initiatives like installing flow meters at wells for transparency.