Mark Wahlberg is a name synonymous with Hollywood action.
From his early days in the music industry to his rise as a leading man, he’s carved a niche for himself in the entertainment world.
But Wahlberg’s ambition extends far beyond the silver screen. He’s also a savvy entrepreneur who has built a diverse business empire.
This article delves into the world of his business ventures, exploring the various companies he owns and the industries he’s conquered.
From burger joints to fitness franchises, get ready to discover the surprising breadth of Wahlberg’s business acumen.
Mark Wahlberg Auto Group
Mark Wahlberg Auto Group began in 2018 with the opening of Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet in Columbus, Ohio.
Partnering with his friend Jay Feldman, an experienced auto dealer, Wahlberg has expanded the group significantly.
Currently, the Mark Wahlberg Auto Group operates exclusively in Ohio, with a focus on the Columbus and Cleveland areas.
Their dealerships offer vehicles from Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC, including cars, trucks and SUVs.
The group emphasizes a customer-centric approach, aiming to make the car-buying experience smooth and enjoyable.
Their success is evident. Since its opening, the Mark Wahlberg Auto Group has grown to include five dealerships.
This expansion reflects strong sales figures, with the group reportedly generating over $15 million in net revenue in the last quarter of 2022.
F45 Training
F45 is a global fitness franchise specializing in high-intensity group workouts.
Their workouts are designed to be fun, functional and deliver results quickly, all within a 45-minute class.
F45 differentiates itself from other gyms by combining three different training styles into one session;
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest or lower intensity activity. This method is known for maximizing calorie burn.
Circuit Training: Moving quickly from one exercise station to another, targeting different muscle groups throughout the workout.
Functional Training: Exercises that mimic everyday movements and improve overall strength and coordination.Â
This combination is designed to be effective for all fitness levels, with modifications offered for those who need them.
The company prides itself on its team atmosphere and motivational environment.
In addition to the group classes, F45 also offers its members a free personalized nutrition program to help them achieve their health goals.
Unrealistic Ideas
Unrealistic Ideas, a production company he launched in 2018 alongside documentary filmmaker Archie Gips and his manager/producing partner Stephen Levinson.
The company focuses on creating unscripted content, specifically documentaries and podcasts
Their goal is to leave their mark on the non-fiction entertainment world by producing high-quality, engaging material.
While the name might be a bit tongue-in-cheek, Unrealistic Ideas seems to be all about bringing fresh perspectives and captivating stories to life.
One project they were involved in was a documentary series following the FBI’s pursuit of Owen Hanson, a former USC football player who turned drug kingpin.
This gives a hint at the kind of true-crime and investigative content Unrealistic Ideas might gravitate towards.
They also have deals in place to create podcasts, though details on those projects haven’t been widely shared.
Municipal
In 2019, Wahlberg co-founded a company called Municipal.
This isn’t a burger joint or a movie studio, but an active lifestyle brand with a focus on clothing and accessories.
Municipal targets people who are go-getters, with a tagline of “Dream Plan Hustle Repeat”.
They aim to inspire people to chase their goals and believe in themselves.
Municipal offers what they call “Sport Utility Gear” which means the clothes are designed to be comfortable, stylish and versatile enough to be worn for workouts, hanging out, or running errands.
They sell clothing for men and women, and also offer accessories.
There’s more to Municipal than just clothes though.
The brand is built on a core set of values: character, hustle, positivity, self-belief and creativity.
They want their clothing to reflect this idea, so that wearing Municipal becomes a way to express your drive and determination.
They even have partnerships with inspiring figures like NFL star Myles Garrett, who aligns with these values.
Closest to the Hole
Closest to the Hole Productions is a film and television production company founded by Wahlberg in 2004.
The company focuses on the entire process of bringing a project to life, from initial development and production all the way through distribution and international sales.
This comprehensive approach allows Closest to the Hole to ensure creative and high-quality productions throughout every stage.
Since its founding, Closest to the Hole has been involved in the production of over 17 films and television series.
The company isn’t afraid to tackle a variety of genres, with Wahlberg himself having experience in comedies, dramas and action films.
This translates into the kind of projects Closest to the Hole produces.
The company’s success is reflected in the awards and recognition Wahlberg himself has received.
Some of these accolades include a BAFTA Award and nominations for two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes and nine Primetime Emmy Awards.
This reputation for excellence has likely helped Closest to the Hole attract top talent and produce high-caliber films and television shows.
Wahlburgers
Wahlburgers is a casual dining burger restaurant and bar co-founded by Wahlberg, along with his brothers Donnie and Paul.
The first Wahlburgers location opened in 2011 in Hingham, Massachusetts, near another restaurant owned by Paul Wahlberg.
The restaurant quickly gained popularity, and in 2014, a reality TV series of the same name was launched on A&E.
The show documented the Wahlberg family and the goings-on at the restaurant, further propelling Wahlburgers into the national spotlight.
Today, Wahlburgers boasts over 90 locations across the United States, Canada, Australua and New Zealand.
They also have a few food trucks roaming the US. The restaurant offers a menu of gourmet burgers, alongside other eats and drinks.
Their success is likely due to a combination of factors including the celebrity association of the Wahlberg brothers, the quality of their food and the overall casual dining experience they provide.
Performance Inspired
Wahlberg is known for his dedication to fitness, and that passion extends into the business world with his company Performance Inspired.
Frustrated by what he saw as a lack of transparency and effectiveness in other sports nutrition products, Wahlberg teamed up with industry veteran Tom Dowd in 2016 to create Performance Inspired.
Their mission is to provide people with all-natural, affordable sports nutrition products that can help them achieve their fitness goals.
Performance Inspired offers a range of products, including whey protein powder, protein bars, and other training supplements. They focus on using high-quality, natural ingredients and avoiding artificial additives.
Wahlberg himself is a strong proponent of Performance Inspired’s philosophy.
He believes that proper nutrition and supplementation are key components of achieving peak performance, and his dedication to fitness serves as a kind of inspiration for the brand.
