Brett Brewer on Luck, Hustle, and the Truth About Success
From a college apartment startup to a $700 million acquisition, Brett Brewer’s journey is the real story behind MySpace, Intermix Media, and the early internet boom. In this inspiring conversation, Brett shares how luck, hustle, and relentless belief turned failure into one of tech’s biggest success stories. He reveals the lessons from 150 investor rejections, the origins of “fake it ’til you make it,” the inside story of selling to Rupert Murdoch, and how he’s paying it forward through venture investing and youth entrepreneurship. This episode is a masterclass in perseverance, timing, and staying grounded through rapid success.
From Closet Startup to a $700 Million Exit
When Brett Brewer co-founded Intermix Media in 1998, the internet was a different world. E-commerce was just emerging, Amazon was still a newcomer, and the idea of people connecting online was barely taking shape. From a small office in Los Angeles, Brewer and his partners began experimenting with online content and community-driven sites—long before “social networking” became a buzzword.
But the road wasn’t easy. In the early days, Brewer lived in a converted closet, ate pasta every night, and faced months of rejection from investors—over 150 “no’s” before one person finally said yes. “Most of the worst ‘no’s’ you get are the ones that never even call you back,” he recalls. Yet, it was that persistence and belief that kept him pushing forward.
The Birth of MySpace
Intermix eventually launched MySpace in 2003—a product of countless iterations and lessons learned from previous projects. While Friendster had pioneered social networking, MySpace brought something different: music, self-expression, and a sense of community.
Brewer says, “It’s actually fine to be second or third on the internet because you get to see what works and what doesn’t.” What made MySpace explode wasn’t just timing—it was accessibility. By making everyone instantly “friends” with co-founder Tom Anderson, users could search and connect globally. Within months, MySpace was drawing millions of daily visitors spending up to 20 minutes on the site—unheard of engagement for its time.
The Deal with Rupert Murdoch
In 2005, MySpace’s meteoric rise caught the attention of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who saw the future of youth culture shifting online. News Corp acquired Intermix for approximately $580–700 million. The sale was headline news, and while critics initially thought Murdoch had overpaid, history proved otherwise.
“People said the old man had lost it,” Brewer laughs. “But MySpace changed the game for News Corp—it brought them into digital media in a way they hadn’t been before.”
For Brewer, though, the sale wasn’t just a financial milestone—it was validation after years of uncertainty, sleepless nights, and narrow escapes from bankruptcy. “There were times we couldn’t make payroll,” he admits. “But every time we survived another month, I celebrated like it was our birthday.”
Lessons in Hustle and Resilience
If there’s one theme that defines Brett Brewer’s story, it’s hustle. He calls himself a believer in “fake it till you make it,” not as a call for deception, but as a mindset of confidence. “Even if your business is three people in a garage, act like it’s a company of a hundred,” he says. Professionalism, persistence, and direct communication—like calling the decision-maker instead of waiting for introductions—were his secret weapons.
He also emphasizes humility and adaptability. “Don’t go down with the ship,” he warns. “If something’s not working, change directions fast. You could be the best telegraph maker in the world, but if the market moves, you’re out of business.”
Giving Back and Paying It Forward
Despite his business success, Brewer’s greatest fulfillment comes from giving back. He’s deeply involved with organizations like Big Brothers of Los Angeles and BizWorld, a nonprofit founded by venture capitalist Tim Draper that teaches entrepreneurship to kids.
“I love business and I love kids,” he says. “When a fourth grader realizes they can start a business—that’s powerful. It changes how they see the world.”
For Brewer, philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks; it’s about participation. “The money is great, but teaching a class, seeing those kids light up—that’s where the real impact happens.”
The Role of Luck and the Truth About Success
When asked whether he considers himself lucky, Brewer doesn’t hesitate. “Definitely. I think most successful people are lucky. MySpace was the right product at the right time. We just happened to be there when the wind shifted.”
But he’s quick to point out that luck alone isn’t enough—it’s about being ready when opportunity arrives. “You can’t control when luck shows up, but you can control whether you’re prepared to act on it.”
Staying Grounded
Brett Brewer continues to invest in new ventures and mentor young entrepreneurs. Despite his achievements, he remains grounded—crediting his fiancée (now wife), his family, and his faith for keeping him balanced. “Every morning, I wake up thankful I woke up,” he says simply.
When asked about the secret to happiness, his answer isn’t about money or fame. “The things that matter are family and close friends. If you surround yourself with good people and stay honest with them, you can’t go too wrong.”
Final Thoughts
Brett Brewer’s story is a reminder that success isn’t a straight line—it’s a winding road of risk, reinvention, and resilience. From a closet apartment to one of the biggest tech exits of its time, his journey shows that hustle opens doors, luck rewards the prepared, and true success is about staying grounded no matter how high you climb.
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