# Matt Ragland

> Matt Ragland is a creator-economy builder, founder of HeyCreator, and host of The HeyCreator Show podcast. He went from camp counselor to ConvertKit employee #5, to full-time creator, building a 100,000+ audience across YouTube, newsletters, and social media. Through HeyCreator and Good People Digital, he helps creators turn their expertise into sustainable businesses via courses, communities, and newsletters. Known for radical transparency, outdoor adventures, and a systems-first approach to creative work.

- **Role:** Founder & Host at HeyCreator
- **Organizations:** HeyCreator, Good People Digital, 1000 Rounds Media, Digital Dads
- **From:** Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** B.S. Recreation & Tourism Management, University of Florida
- **Known for:** Employee #5 at ConvertKit during hypergrowth phase, Built YouTube channel to 104,000+ subscribers on bullet journaling and productivity, 100,000+ total audience across newsletter, YouTube, and social media

## Career timeline

- **2006** — Graduated University of Florida
- **2009** — Became Assistant Director at Camp Rockmont for Boys, Black Mountain, NC
- **2013** — Launched Story Signals Podcast (30 episodes, interviewed James Clear and Jeff Goins)
- **2013** — Started freelance WordPress development (~$30K first year)
- **2015** — Joined ConvertKit as Employee #5, Onboarding Lead / Customer Success
- **2017** — YouTube bullet journal video went viral, gained 350+ subscribers in one week
- **2018** — Joined Podia as Director of Customer Success
- **2020** — Left Podia, went full-time as independent creator
- **2021** — Founded The Whatever Co (creator agency, profitable in first year)
- **2022** — Whatever Co acquired by Good People Digital; became Managing Partner
- **2022** — Earned blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- **2023** — Launched HeyCreator as primary brand; launched 35+ newsletters via Automatic Evergreen
- **2023** — Converted a near-failed launch into a $360,000 revenue partnership
- **2023** — Turned 40; completed EMDR therapy (12 sessions)
- **2024** — Hosted HeyCreator Summit (January 22-26); expected 4th child summer 2024

## Achievements

- Employee #5 at ConvertKit during hypergrowth phase
- Built YouTube channel to 104,000+ subscribers on bullet journaling and productivity
- 100,000+ total audience across newsletter, YouTube, and social media
- Launched 35+ newsletters through Automatic Evergreen in 2023
- Converted a near-failed client launch into a $360,000 revenue partnership
- 40% year-over-year income growth in 2022
- HeyCreator Show ranks in top 0.5% of podcasts globally (Listen Score 52)
- 324+ podcast episodes hosted
- First course (Sketchnote Starter, $27) scaled to $500 courses generating $15,000+
- Hosted backcountry fly fishing retreat for 12 men in 2022
- Completed ultrarunning races
- Earned blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2022)
- Read 28 books in 2023

## Latest updates

- **2024-01** — Hosted HeyCreator Summit (January 22-26, 2024)
- **2024-06** — Expected 4th child, summer 2024
- **2023-12** — Published 2023 year-in-review documenting therapy breakthrough and record personal revenue
- **2023-06** — Began daily posting on Twitter/X about newsletters and creator growth
- **2023-01** — Launched Automatic Evergreen newsletter service, onboarding 35+ clients in year one

## Links

- Website: https://mattragland.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattragland
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mattragland
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLH7F4dM2fNtxy_Hr1Gtq0Q
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattragland
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattislive

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/matt-ragland
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-04-24