CEO of Pudgy Penguins expresses disappointment in the praise he receives, calling it “pretty sad”: NFT Creator
A Brave New World for Pudgy Penguins: The Rise of Luca Schnetzler
Since its minting in July 2021, Pudgy Penguins has seen a dramatic story of high suspicions and drama after the project’s founder came under suspicion of potentially rug-pulling the project. However, the clouds of doubt and suspicion cleared when Luca Schnetzler stepped in a few months later. With an extensive history of successfully building and leading internet businesses, Schnetzler purchased the project and its intellectual property of 8,888 tiny Pudgys for $2.5 million in April 2022.
A New Vision and a Turnaround
Schnetzler saw potential in the project and believed in his ability to turnaround the once dubious project. According to Schnetzler, “I saw this thing that I was hugely invested in before I bought it that I thought had all of the potential. I was complaining and crying on a daily basis to the founders about how they sucked, and how they could do better. Rather than just doing that, I just stepped up to the plate.” With his leadership and vision, the narrative quickly shifted from potential failure to hope and optimism, rallying behind his new vision for the project.
Pudgy Penguins CEO Schnetzler
Since he took over as CEO, Pudgy Penguins floor has surged from around the 1 ETH mark to an impressive 6.32 ETH. Indeed, Schnetzler’s game plan has been successful, and he has executed it well, much to the satisfaction of the holders and the wider NFT community. Notably, the brand has pushed the boundaries and spread its reach across social media platforms and traditional crypto channels, such as Instagram, crossing 1 million followers, and GIPHY with over 10 billion views
Beyond Business as Usual
Despite the remarkable success, Schnetzler is not a stranger to hard work and persistence. His entrepreneurial journey started when he was only 15, growing up in difficult circumstances. For him, character building and brand building are distinct yet notable feats. He regards his brand as a limited characteristic of love, and is optimistic about its future.
Walmart Deal and Legacy Building
The most notable and groundbreaking partnership came with retail giant Walmart in September 2023. The deal allowed Pudgy Penguin toys to be sold in over 2,000 Walmart stores across the U.S., marking a significant milestone for NFTs and the Web3 world. Surprised as he was at the achievement, Schnetzler knew that he was building a brand that was unprecedented.
Building a legacy brand with no playbook
In response to critics and skeptics questioning the value tethered to the project, Schnetzler laid out his comprehensive plan. His aim is to build a brand that lasts, akin to Hello Kitty or Star Wars. He grapples with the uncertainties but remains resolute and ambitious about his vision for Pudgy Penguins.
Through his unique and visionary approach, Schnetzler has managed to position Pudgy Penguins as an NFT project leader during its toughest times, leading the way and dispelling doubts. While others continue to sing his praises, he remains steadfast in his commitment to building something remarkable and enduring in the NFT world.
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