The hard seltzer market has been booming in recent years, and one brand stands out from the crowd: Happy Dad.
Founded by the Nelk Boys Kyle Forgeard, Stephen Deleonardis, and business partners John and Sam Shahidi Happy Dad has rapidly grown into a household name in the beverage market.
But how much is the brand really worth, and what financial strategies have propelled it to success?
In this article, we will explore the finances behind Happy Dad, its founders’ net worth, and how its innovative marketing strategies helped the brand make waves in the competitive beverage industry.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Happy Dad |
| Founders | Kyle Forgeard, Steve Will Do It (Stephen Deleonardis), John Shahidi, Sam Shahidi |
| Founding Year | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Orange County, California |
| Net Worth of Happy Dad (2024) | $250 million |
| Happy Dad Valuation (2024) | $250 million |
| Annual Sales (2023) | $70 million |
| States Available (2023) | 16 U.S. States |
| Kyle Forgeard Net Worth | $25 million |
| Steve Will Do It Net Worth | $25 million |
| John and Sam Shahidi Net Worth | $11 million (combined) |
| Social Media Influence | Over 10 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms |
| Ownership Breakdown | Kyle and Steve: 40-45% each; Shahidi brothers: 15-20% combined |
| Happy Dad Owner: Steve | Yes, Steve Will Do It (Stephen Deleonardis) is a co-owner |
| Forbes Estimation 2024 | $250 million |
| Expansion Plans 2025 | Plans for more U.S. states and international expansion |
| Kyle Forgeard Date of Birth | July 12, 1994 |
| Steve Will Do It Date of Birth | August 26, 1998 |
| John Shahidi Date of Birth | October 25, 1985 |
| Sam Shahidi Date of Birth | November 15, 1991 |
The Founding of Happy Dad
The Birth of Happy Dad
Happy Dad was founded in 2020 by a group of well-known figures in the social media space. The Nelk Boys—Kyle Forgeard and Stephen Deleonardis have been known for their wild pranks and YouTube antics.
They quickly realized they had a massive audience, and leveraging their influence, they decided to enter the booming hard seltzer market.
The partnership also includes John and Sam Shahidi, entrepreneurs who had a history in tech and media through their company Full Send.
The name Happy Dad itself, while fun and lighthearted, appealed to the young, rebellious demographic the founders had cultivated on social media.
The Motivation Behind the Brand
The idea for Happy Dad came from the founders’ desire to create a quality, low-calorie alcoholic beverage that spoke to their audience’s lifestyle.
They believed there was room in the hard seltzer market for a product with a fresh and fun brand identity that could be marketed effectively via social media.
The combination of the Nelk Boys’ massive online following and a solid product offering set the stage for rapid growth.
Happy Dad Growth and Popularity
Expanding at Lightning Speed
Since its inception, Happy Dad has experienced an astronomical rise in popularity. Initially launched in Southern California, by the end of 2023, the brand was available in 16 U.S. states, with its presence rapidly expanding.
Social Media Influence
The Nelk Boys have long been known for their influence on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. By using these platforms to market their new venture, they gave Happy Dad a massive head start.
Their marketing strategies, such as showcasing the product on their YouTube channel and promoting it through Instagram stories, created a wave of consumer interest that set the brand apart from established competitors.
The viral nature of their social media presence meant that Happy Dad could tap into an existing fanbase, many of whom were young adults looking for a fun, accessible beverage.
Competitive Landscape
When comparing Happy Dad to other hard seltzers like White Claw or Truly, the brand stands out for its emphasis on brand loyalty and engagement.
While larger companies had larger market share, Happy Dad carved a niche by tapping into its already established consumer base, engaging them in ways that felt personal and authentic.
Happy Dad Net Worth 2024
Estimated Valuation of Happy Dad
As of 2024, Happy Dad is estimated to have a valuation of $250 million. This substantial valuation is based on various factors, including the brand’s revenue, market position, and continued expansion.
The rise of Happy Dad has been driven by aggressive marketing strategies and a highly loyal consumer base.
In terms of revenue, Happy Dad is projected to make an estimated $70 million in annual sales. This figure represents the brand’s strong foothold in the competitive beverage market.
With increasing demand for hard seltzers and Happy Dad’s innovative marketing tactics, the brand’s financial outlook remains positive.
Financial Backing and Growth
The company has been backed by significant investment, both from the founders and external investors.
The combined wealth of the co-founders plays a large part in the company’s growth, as they continue to pour resources into expanding their product line and geographic reach.
Key Players Behind Happy Dad Success
Kyle Forgeard Net Worth
Kyle Forgeard, co-founder of Happy Dad, has a personal net worth of approximately $25 million. Much of his wealth is tied to the success of the brand.
However, Kyle also earned substantial income from his YouTube channel and other ventures, such as Full Send merchandise.
Stephen Deleonardis (Steve Will Do It)
Steve Will Do It, also known as Stephen Deleonardis, plays a crucial role in Happy Dad’s marketing and public image.
His personal net worth is not publicly available but is believed to be close to $25 million, aligning closely with his business partners.
Steve’s social media following and personal brand help Happy Dad maintain its energetic and youthful identity.
His “full send” mentality, which is central to the Nelk Boys brand, has resonated strongly with the hard seltzer’s target demographic.
John and Sam Shahidi
John and Sam Shahidi, the co-founders and business brains behind Full Send, bring invaluable expertise to the Happy Dad team.
Together, they have a combined net worth of $11 million. Their knowledge of digital marketing and brand management has been a key factor in Happy Dad’s success.
The Shahidi brothers were instrumental in the growth of Full Send, which led to the natural progression of launching Happy Dad. Their leadership skills have helped the brand navigate challenges in the beverage industry.
Happy Dad Revenue Potential and Future Projections
The Financial Growth of Happy Dad
The revenue potential for Happy Dad is closely tied to the broader trends in the hard seltzer market.
With the growing popularity of low-calorie alcoholic drinks, Happy Dad stands to benefit as more consumers opt for healthier beverage alternatives.
The projected $70 million in annual sales could double if the brand continues expanding into new markets and diversifies its product offerings.
Expansion Plans
Happy Dad has plans to expand further across the U.S., adding more states to its distribution network. This expansion, along with plans to grow internationally, could significantly increase its market share.
Happy Dad Ownership and Stakeholders
Ownership Breakdown
Happy Dad is a privately held company, and its ownership is divided between the co-founders. Here’s a breakdown of the ownership structure:
- Kyle Forgeard and Steve Will Do It: Each holds a significant stake in the company, likely around 40-45%.
- John Shahidi and Sam Shahidi: Together, they own the remaining 15-20%, with their expertise in business operations contributing to the brand’s success.
This division reflects the contributions of each founder and their role in the brand’s marketing and growth.
How Happy Dad Compares to Other Hard Seltzers?
Competitive Edge in the Beverage Market
In a market dominated by giants like White Claw and Truly, Happy Dad differentiates itself through a strong brand identity and effective use of social media marketing.
While larger brands rely on traditional advertising, Happy Dad leverages its influencer status to create viral marketing campaigns that resonate with younger consumers.
Consumer Trends and Brand Loyalty
The rising trend of low-calorie and low-carbonation alcoholic beverages has made hard seltzers, including Happy Dad, increasingly popular.
Young adults, especially millennials and Gen Z, are gravitating towards healthier drinking options, which has contributed to the rapid growth of the brand.
With such strong consumer loyalty, the brand has managed to build a dedicated following.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Happy Dad?
Happy Dad is owned by the Nelk Boys (Kyle Forgeard and Steve Will Do It) along with John and Sam Shahidi.
Does Steve Will Do It own Happy Dad?
Yes, Steve Will Do It (Stephen Deleonardis) is a co-owner of Happy Dad.
What is Happy Dad ownership percentage?
Kyle Forgeard and Steve Will Do It each own around 40-45%, while John and Sam Shahidi hold the remaining 15-20%.
What is Kyle Happy Dad net worth?
Kyle Forgeard’s net worth is approximately $25 million, much of which comes from his involvement in Happy Dad.
What is Steve Happy Dad net worth?
Steve Will Do It’s (Stephen Deleonardis) net worth is estimated to be around $25 million as well.
What is Happy Dad net worth 2022?
Happy Dad’s estimated net worth in 2022 was around $200 million.
What is Happy Dad net worth Forbes?
Forbes estimates Happy Dad’s net worth to be approximately $250 million as of 2024.
What is Happy Dad net worth 2025?
Happy Dad’s net worth in 2025 could exceed $300 million, based on ongoing expansion and revenue growth.
How much is Happy Dad worth?
Happy Dad is valued at approximately $250 million as of 2024.
Conclusion
Happy Dad has established itself as a major player in the beverage market.
With its combination of innovative branding and marketing, savvy entrepreneurship, and strategic use of social media influence, it’s no surprise that the brand is valued at around $250 million.
As the company continues to grow, its financial outlook remains positive, driven by strong annual sales and an expanding market presence.
Whether you’re a fan of the Nelk Boys or simply a fan of great hard seltzer, it’s clear that Happy Dad is a brand to watch in the coming years.
Mark Johnson is a dedicated writer with 5 years of experience in the celebrity realm, delivering captivating stories and industry insights. Beyond celebrity writing, he has a rich background in general content creation, covering topics from lifestyle to culture. With a knack for storytelling, Mark connects with readers through engaging narratives and fresh perspectives.