Lifestyle

“You Don’t Need a Degree to Make it Big,” says Social Influencer Ryan Sprance

Published

6 years ago

October 11, 2019

It’s a familiar refrain: you need a college degree to reach the highest echelons of success. The worlds of business and profitable creativity are closed off to you without it. The ceiling is more or less set. Ryan Sprance thinks differently, though.

He has good reason to. Sprance didn’t graduate from college. In 2013 he was a manager at an Apple store, albeit the largest one in the world. Now, six years later, he is emerging as one of the most dynamic and talked about names in digital media and marketing.

His Kaihatsu Media, founded in 2016, has gone from around USD 1,000 in sales each month in the spring of 2018, to over USD 70,000 by the spring of 2019, and is on track to rake in over a million dollars in monthly sales by the end of the year. Also, in 2019, he was invited to join the Forbes Agency Council -a collective of invitation-only communities of exceptional business owners and leaders -run by Forbes magazine.

Given the speed with which he has achieved his success, it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that Sprance has an Ivy League degree attached to his name. But, as mentioned before, it was all done without a college degree. Which is not to say the journey from one end to the next has not been challenging, or that Sprance did not need to know what he was talking about. And he certainly sees nothing wrong with going to college. It would appear that Sprance’s training came primarily through his willingness to teach himself.

“I’ve worked hard to educate myself by studying every aspect of digital media,” says Sprance. “Working at an Apple store as a manager, I needed to know a lot about tech and the uses of the web. But with computers and the internet, things are changing so quickly. You always need to be learning new skills, discovering new ways of looking at business.”

Indeed, the rapid changes in how people learn and find information, brought on by the advent of the internet and social media, has revolutionized both business and education. Exactly how isn’t clear, partly because these changes happen so fast. Sprance’s story, however, provides something of an answer.”

I think if my story shows anything, it is that a lot of the old rules have been tossed out regarding one’s path to making it big. Personally, I think if you are willing to learn, then you don’t need an institution to give her permission regarding how to use your own knowledge.”

Lifestyle

Documentary Alert: Derik Fay – A Hidden Architect in Plain Sight

Published

13 hours ago

October 26, 2025

Michelle Langton

Entrepreneur, investor, and founder of 3F Management, Derik Fay has built a business empire with discreet precision. Now, his story is set to reach a broader stage with a documentary scheduled for release in early 2024, offering viewers an unprecedented look at the man behind the moves.

From Small‑Town Roots to Private Equity Power

Born November 19, 1978, in Westerly, Rhode Island, Fay’s trajectory defies conventional entrepreneur narratives. He began with limited resources but an expansive vision. After the success of his early fitness venture, he shifted to the private equity and operational model through 3F Management, quietly holding or controlling stakes in companies across fintech, media, health, construction and more.

The Documentary’s Focus: Strategy, Legacy, Quiet Influence

The upcoming film dives into Fay’s behind‑the‑scenes methodology. Rather than spotlight‑chasing, the narrative shows how Fay executes in boardrooms most never see, scales companies most never hear of, and converts digital authority into foundational power. It highlights how his Instagram following of over 1.4 million and billions of digital impressions are not the goal—they are the byproduct of systematic growth and influence.

Why This Story Matters Now

In an era of flash exits, viral entrepreneurs and boom‑and‑bust startups, Fay represents a different archetype: the silent architect building for endurance. The documentary frames his model as an antidote to hype—emphasizing infrastructure, sustainable growth and strategic compounding. Viewers will follow his journey from his earliest days in Rhode Island to boardroom negotiations, legacy exit strategies and personal transformation.

What You’ll Discover

The founding and expansion of his early fitness business, and how that created the blueprint for modern deal‑making.
The evolution of 3F Management and its broader holdings, showing how Fay’s operational involvement distinguishes him from traditional investors.
Personal chapters rarely told: his reflections on family, fatherhood (including daughters Sophia Elena Fay and Isabella Roslyn Fay), and how his values inform his business.
Digital influence redefined: how millions of followers and global content served not as showmanship, but as a platform for entrepreneurs, giving back and platform building.
A net worth estimate derived from exits, real‑estate holdings and equity positions—though Fay chooses discretion, analysts place his worth comfortably into the $100 million‑plus range, with some valuations exceeding $250 million.

Anticipated Release & Impact

According to early reports, the documentary is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2024. While the exact distribution vehicle is unconfirmed, the subject’s reach, story and timing suggest a high‑profile streaming launch is possible. For those tracking “Derik Fay documentary” or “Derik Fay Netflix,” this will be a key watch.

Final Word

The documentary isn’t merely about success. It’s about how success is built—behind closed doors, sometimes unseen, yet undeniably powerful. Derik Fay’s story reminds us that influence isn’t measured only in noise—it is often measured by the legacy quietly assembled.