original barstool employees

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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25-02-2025

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The Original Barstool Crew: Where Are They Now?

Meta Description: Dive into the history of Barstool Sports! This article explores the original Barstool employees, their contributions to the brand's explosive growth, and what they're up to today. From the early days in Boston to their current ventures, discover the stories behind the personalities that shaped a media empire. Learn about Dave Portnoy, Big Cat, and more!

H1: The Original Barstool Employees: Then and Now

Barstool Sports. The name conjures images of controversial takes, viral videos, and a fiercely loyal fanbase. But behind the brand's brash persona lies a story of unlikely success, built on the foundations laid by a small group of original employees. This article explores their journey, their contributions, and where they are today.

H2: The Genesis of Barstool: Dave Portnoy and the Early Days

The story starts with Dave Portnoy, the founder and self-proclaimed "El Pres." His initial vision was a simple one: a sports blog catering to a niche audience. From humble beginnings – a print newspaper in Boston – Portnoy laid the groundwork for what would become a digital media behemoth. His relentless work ethic and uncompromising style shaped the company’s culture from the start. His initial team were integral to this early growth.

H3: Key Players in Barstool's Early Success

• Dave Portnoy: The undisputed leader, Portnoy's aggressive personality and unwavering dedication fuelled Barstool's early growth. His One Bite pizza reviews remain a cornerstone of the brand.

• Big Cat (Dan Katz): One of the original voices at Barstool, Big Cat's comedic timing and insightful sports analysis quickly gained a devoted following. He's now a prominent figure in the Barstool universe, co-hosting the wildly popular "Pardon My Take" podcast. His partnership with PFT Commenter was crucial to the podcast's success.

• KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) Radio: While not a single person, KFC Radio (featuring Matt Cahill and others) helped establish Barstool's comedic sensibility and gained traction through its raw, often irreverent, sports commentary.

• Prestigio: The early blog's writers and contributors, collectively known as "Prestigio," played a crucial role in building Barstool's initial online presence and establishing its distinct voice.

H2: The Rise to Prominence: From Blog to Media Empire

The original Barstool crew's collective efforts transformed the company. Their unique blend of sports commentary, irreverent humor, and relatable personalities resonated with a wide audience. This success attracted investors and broadened the platform's reach exponentially.

H3: Key Strategies for Early Growth**

• Niche Audience: Barstool focused on a specific audience (sports fans), allowing them to build a dedicated community.
• Authentic Voice: The raw and unfiltered style of the original employees connected with viewers.
• Viral Content: The team embraced viral marketing, leading to explosive growth through social media.
• Strong Community: A sense of community and shared identity among fans was fostered by the original crew.

H2: Where Are They Now? The Original Crew's Current Ventures

While many original employees have moved on, their contributions continue to shape Barstool's identity. Some have launched their own successful ventures, while others remain key figures within the company. The success of the company has allowed for many spinoffs and individual brands.

H3: Notable Examples

• Big Cat: Continues his work at Barstool, hosting "Pardon My Take" and expanding his media presence.
• Dave Portnoy: Remains the face of Barstool, actively involved in its management and expansion.
• Other Original Employees: Many others moved onto different successful careers inside and outside the media.

H2: The Lasting Legacy

The original Barstool employees, with their unique personalities and unwavering commitment, laid the foundation for a media empire. Their influence is still felt today, shaping the brand's identity and continuing to influence the digital media landscape. Their willingness to push boundaries and embrace a unique style continues to resonate.

H2: Frequently Asked Questions

• Who founded Barstool Sports? Dave Portnoy founded Barstool Sports.
• What is Pardon My Take? It's a hugely popular Barstool Sports podcast hosted by Big Cat and PFT Commenter.
• What happened to the original Barstool blog? The original blog evolved and expanded into a multi-platform media company.

Conclusion:

The story of Barstool Sports is intrinsically linked to its original employees. Their combined talents, unique personalities, and shared vision propelled the company from a small Boston sports blog to a multi-million dollar media empire. While the landscape has changed, the legacy of those early days remains a vital part of Barstool's identity.