The Rise of FRDM+: How a YouTube Personality Turned a Abandoned Speedway into a Thriving Subscription Service
In the world of motorsports, few personalities are as well-known as Cleetus McFarland, aka Garrett Mitchell. With over a million followers on YouTube, Mitchell’s channel has been a staple of grassroots motorsports enthusiasts. But in 2019, Mitchell realized that relying solely on YouTube’s ad revenue wasn’t enough to achieve financial independence. So, he took a bold step: he purchased the DeSoto Super Speedway, a three-eighths of a mile oval track in Bradenton, Florida, for $2.2 million.
The track, renamed Freedom Factory, was a far cry from its former glory. Weeds were growing through the asphalt, and the lights were out. But Mitchell saw an opportunity to create a unique playground for his fans. He hosted a pay-per-view (PPV) event in April 2020, which was a huge success, with 75,000 concurrent viewers. This led to a series of PPV events, and eventually, Mitchell launched his own subscription video on demand (SVOD) service, FRDM+, in 2022.
The Birth of FRDM+
FRDM+ is a subscription-based service that offers a vast library of automotive videos, including exclusive content not available on YouTube. Subscriptions start at $20 per month or $120 per year, and users can access the service via a web browser or through smart TV apps on Apple TV, Fire OS, and Roku OS. The service has come a long way since its early days, with a robust infrastructure that includes AWS bandwidth servers, Accedo connected TV apps, and Brightcove video player technology.
Challenges and Triumphs
The journey to launching FRDM+ was not without its challenges. Mitchell and his team faced numerous obstacles, including determining how to embed the livestream platform into his e-commerce site, navigating bandwidth issues, and dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the team persevered, and their hard work paid off.
The Future of FRDM+
Today, FRDM+ is a thriving subscription service with 21 livestreamed events scheduled for 2025. The service is constantly evolving, with new features and interactivity being added regularly. Mitchell and his team are committed to providing the best possible experience for their subscribers, and it’s clear that their hard work is paying off.
Actionable Insights
For entrepreneurs and innovators, the story of FRDM+ offers several actionable insights:
- Diversify your revenue streams: Mitchell’s decision to create a subscription-based service has allowed him to achieve financial independence beyond YouTube’s ad revenue.
- Be prepared to adapt: The COVID-19 pandemic forced Mitchell to rethink his plans, but he was able to pivot and find new opportunities.
- Invest in infrastructure: FRDM+’s robust infrastructure has been critical to its success, and it’s essential to invest in the right technology to support your business.
Conclusion
The rise of FRDM+ is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. From its humble beginnings as a abandoned speedway to its current status as a thriving subscription service, FRDM+ is a story that will inspire and motivate entrepreneurs and innovators alike.