Ryan Hogue, like many people, found himself frustrated with the amount of time he spent stuck in traffic in northern Virginia. Calculating that he spent nearly eight days’ worth of time sitting motionless in his car each year, he realized that this was time and money wasted. Despite having a senior web development job and a side gig as an adjunct web development professor at George Mason University, Hogue felt that there had to be a better way to optimize his time and earn passive income.
In 2016, Hogue decided to take action and started a dropshipping business, which quickly evolved into a print-on-demand company. He later added online courses, one-on-one coaching services, and a YouTube channel to his collection of income streams. Three years later, these streams outpaced his two salaries, leading him to quit both day jobs in 2020. Last year, Hogue made over $1,600 a day, or roughly $11,400 per week, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It.
Hogue attributes much of his success to a simple strategy: turning his business into a game for himself. Each day, he aimed to earn more money than he did the previous day, starting with just a few sales per month equating to roughly $4 in profit per day. Despite initial skepticism from friends, Hogue remained focused on doubling his earnings each day, which eventually led to significant growth in his business.
The incremental goals and daily challenges helped Hogue stay motivated and focused on improving his business, even when progress seemed slow. This mindset of measuring success in small, achievable steps is something he recommends to anyone looking to start a side hustle. By understanding the value of his time and setting daily targets, Hogue was able to steadily grow his income streams and eventually achieve financial independence.
Today, Hogue continues to gamify his side hustles, always looking for new challenges and opportunities to increase his earnings. He quantifies his success by tracking his net worth in an Excel spreadsheet and calculating how many Big Macs he’s earning every 24 hours. While unconventional, this approach aligns with the advice of financial experts who recommend setting small targets and regularly monitoring progress to achieve long-term financial goals.
Hogue’s current experiment involves starting print-on-demand businesses and handing them off to high-paying clients for a fee. By leveraging artificial intelligence and automation, he aims to build businesses that can run independently, allowing him to scale down his involvement and focus on developing new income streams. With 11 clients already on board, Hogue plans to raise the price of this service based on the success of these initial ventures.
In conclusion, Ryan Hogue’s journey from a frustrated commuter to a successful entrepreneur serves as an inspiring example of how determination, strategic thinking, and a willingness to take risks can lead to financial freedom. By treating his business as a game and setting incremental goals, Hogue was able to turn his side hustle into a thriving source of income. His story highlights the importance of perseverance, creativity, and adaptability in the world of entrepreneurship.
