This Dad’s Side Hustle Led to $80 Million a Year: ‘My Only Startup Costs Were a Laptop and Internet’

Entrepreneur

by Amanda Breen

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Ted Raad, a Nashville-based entrepreneur, transformed his side hustle into a multimillion-dollar business by focusing on transparency and ethical practices in influencer marketing. With a background in IT mergers and acquisitions at Hewlett-Packard, Ted leveraged his negotiation skills to launch Trend, an agency that prioritizes alignment between creators and brands. Starting with just a laptop and internet access, he bootstrapped the company, growing it into a business with nearly 100 employees and $80 million in annual brand deals. The inspiration for Trend came from Raad's wife, Dede, who faced discomfort when her influencer agency pushed misaligned campaigns. This experience highlighted a gap in the industry, leading Raad to focus on transparency and ethical practices. By understanding creator rates, deal structures, and brand expectations early on, he built a loyal team of creators and established strong brand relationships. Raad's success lies in his commitment to doing what’s right for creators, which differentiated Trend from traditional agencies. This approach not only attracted top talent but also fostered trust and long-term partnerships. By starting with minimal costs and scaling organically, Raad demonstrated that a focused strategy can lead to significant growth without external funding. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Raad's story underscores the importance of identifying industry gaps, leveraging existing skills, and building a reputation for integrity. His journey is particularly relevant in the startup world, where bootstrapping and ethical business practices are key to scaling success. Raad’s achievements show that innovation doesn’t always require massive resources—it often requires vision, resilience, and a commitment to doing things the right way. His story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to launch a venture, proving that with determination and the right approach, even modest beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

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Originally published on Entrepreneur on 2/19/2026