Johnny Hilbrant on Going Viral, Building the PE Guy Brand & Making Millions Laugh

In this episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, Brett Gilliland sits down with comedian and creator Johnny Hilbrant, the mastermind behind the viral Private Equity Guy (PE Guy) character. Johnny shares his journey from working behind the scenes at The Ellen Show and teaching SoulCycle classes to becoming one of social media’s fastest-growing comedy creators. He opens up about how one satirical character unexpectedly launched a career built on millions of views, brand partnerships, and a loyal online audience. Known for his sharp, hilarious take on corporate culture, Johnny has built a brand by exaggerating the ego, quirks, and everyday absurdities that often come with professional success. While the PE Guy is rooted in the world of private equity, the humor resonates across every industry because it captures the familiar behaviors, conversations, and personalities that professionals encounter every day. Johnny explains how authentic storytelling, consistency, and a willingness to simply hit record helped transform relatable observations into one of today’s most recognizable comedy brands. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, content creator, business professional, or someone looking to build a personal brand, this conversation is packed with insights on creativity, social media growth, entrepreneurship, and staying authentic in a world chasing viral success. Johnny also shares why making people laugh has always been more important than chasing algorithms, offering valuable lessons on taking risks, embracing opportunities, and creating work that genuinely connects with people. Watch the Full Episode Here!