The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Podcast with Kevin Schaefer · SMA News Today

#138: Nolan and Blake Shofner, Brother Entrepreneurs

·39 min·1 clip

Prophecy of millions in impact—80M views later, it's real.

This episode features brothers Nolan and Blake Shofner, entrepreneurs with a marketing and apparel business called Mullet Bros. Host Kevin Schaefer interviews them about their business journey and growing up with Nolan's SMA. The brothers explain their first venture was an ice cream truck business used to raise money for missionaries. They transitioned to selling mullet-themed merchandise online after noticing the hairstyle's popularity around 2021. Their content creation took off after strangers in Tennessee recognized them from TikTok videos they had posted. Nolan uses a DTF printer to fulfill their apparel orders after early issues with third-party printing quality. The company now has one full-time employee, Cody, and has just hired two more to handle sales and fulfillment. Their social media following has grown to 280,000 followers across platforms since starting in July 2021. A surprising moment was when a stranger at a Christian conference told Blake God wanted them to "impact millions through business," which they feel their content has done. They credit dark humor as the primary tool that has helped them cope with life's struggles and SMA's challenges. The brothers have a goal to perform stand-up comedy together, which Nolan calls "sit-down comedy." They actively use their platform to answer questions about SMA and spread awareness through humor. Their dynamic includes Blake assisting with Nolan's care, like suction and BiPAP, while maintaining a typical brotherly relationship. The tone is highly conversational, humorous, and candid, filled with brotherly banter and personal stories. The style is uplifting and motivational, focusing on entrepreneurship and resilience without taking themselves too seriously. This episode is perfect for listeners interested in disability-led businesses, sibling dynamics, or social media entrepreneurship. Those seeking a highly clinical or solemn discussion about SMA might find the constant humor less engaging.

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