When people think about side hustles, they often envision traditional routes like freelancing, e-commerce, or investing in real estate. However, there’s a world of possibilities that extends far beyond these common choices. Imagine turning your childhood passions into a profitable venture—this is exactly what Phil Schraeder, the CEO of GumGum Advertising, accomplished.

Schraeder discovered a unique way to monetize his love for game shows, transforming what many see as mere entertainment into a sustainable and lucrative income stream. By tapping into the world of game shows, he not only pursued something he enjoyed but also built a six-figure revenue from it. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that unconventional side hustles can lead to extraordinary financial success.

This story encourages others to think creatively about their own interests and experiences. It suggests that you might have untapped opportunities lurking right under your nose—the activities and hobbies that once brought you joy could potentially lead to significant income if approached with the right mindset. So, take a moment to consider your own past passions. You might just uncover a unique side hustle waiting to be explored.

The Birth of a Unique Money-Making Idea

Phil Schraeder grew up in a small town near Chicago, where he and his siblings shared a cherished daily ritual. After early morning swim practices, they would gather together in front of the television to watch game shows like *The Price Is Right*. These shows captivated him and his siblings, offering more than just entertainment; they ignited a deep fascination with trivia, competition, and the exhilarating thrill of winning. 

As Phil entered adulthood and moved to Los Angeles in search of financial stability, he found himself reflecting on those joyful childhood moments. Remembering how much he enjoyed watching game shows, he had a lightbulb moment: why not seize the opportunity to become a contestant on one himself? 

What started as a fun experiment quickly transformed into something significant. He dedicated his time to studying the intricacies of different game shows, mastering strategies, and honing his trivia skills. His efforts paid off as he appeared on various game shows and, remarkably, accrued winnings totaling over $200,000. This journey not only brought him financial rewards but also rekindled the excitement and joy he experienced in his youth, proving that sometimes, following your passions can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.

The Path to $200K: Game Show Winnings Breakdown

Schraeder’s game show journey began with The Price Is Right, where he won $900 in cash, an amusement park popcorn cart, and a grandfather clock. While these weren’t life-changing prizes, they fueled his enthusiasm for the game show world.

His biggest win came on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, where he walked away with a whopping $175,000. He also took home $22,500 from the Dick Clark Pyramid Show and secured smaller earnings from other shows. In total, his game show appearances added up to over $200,000—proving that a fun side hustle can turn into a serious income stream.

How You Can Apply These Lessons to Your Own Side Hustle

While game shows may not be for everyone, the principles that led to Schraeder’s success can be applied to virtually any side hustle. Here’s what you can learn from his journey:

1. Leverage Your Unique Strengths and Passions

Schraeder’s approach to selecting a side hustle was intentional rather than random; he carefully chose one that resonated with his personal interests and areas of expertise. This is an important strategy for anyone looking to create a successful side hustle. 

To get started on building a profitable endeavor of your own, first take the time to reflect on your unique skills and the activities you genuinely enjoy. Consider what you are naturally good at—this could be anything from gaming and writing to coaching or crafting. When you align your side hustle with your strengths and passions, you are more likely to remain motivated and engaged, making it easier to turn your pursuits into a source of income.

Furthermore, it’s worth exploring various avenues within your chosen area. For example, if you’re a skilled writer, you could look into freelance opportunities, self-publishing, or starting a blog. If gaming is your forte, you might consider streaming, creating tutorials, or even developing games. By tapping into what you love and identifying ways to monetize those talents, you can build a rewarding side hustle that not only supplements your income but also brings you personal satisfaction.

2. Seize Local Opportunities

Living in Los Angeles gave Schraeder access to countless game show auditions. Your location might offer unique side hustle opportunities as well. For example:

• If you live in a tourist-heavy city, you could start a guided tour business.

• If you’re in a college town, tutoring or textbook reselling could be a goldmine.

• If you have access to a car, ridesharing or delivery services can provide extra income.

3. Do Your Homework and Prepare Like a Pro

Schraeder didn’t just show up to game shows and hope for the best—he studied the formats, practiced answering questions, and strategically positioned himself as a strong contestant. Preparation is key for any side hustle. If you’re launching an online business, research SEO and digital marketing. If you’re freelancing, build a strong portfolio. Success rarely happens by accident.

4. Embrace the Unconventional

Game shows are not the most common way to make money, but Schraeder’s experience proves that unconventional paths can pay off big. Think outside the box—passive income, niche content creation, or even renting out assets (like your car or camera gear) can all be lucrative.

Integrating Side Hustles into Your Career and Lifestyle

Beyond the financial benefits, Schraeder’s side hustle shaped his career unexpectedly. As the CEO of GumGum, he encourages employees to pursue their passions, understanding that personal fulfillment leads to professional growth. This mindset can be a game-changer, whether you’re an entrepreneur or working a 9-to-5.

Your Side Hustle Could Be Hiding in Plain Sight

Phil Schraeder’s story powerfully reminds us that unconventional side hustles can be just as lucrative—if not more—than traditional ones. Whether it’s game shows, digital products, or unique services, your ideal side hustle might be something you’ve been passionate about for years without realizing its potential.

The key is to:

✔ Identify your unique skills and interests

✔ Look for niche opportunities others overlook

✔ Commit to preparation and strategic action

✔ Be open to unconventional income streams

By applying these principles, you could create your own success story—one that combines fun with financial freedom.