Garrett Gee is 36 years old, born on November 6, 1989. He shot to international fame as the co-founder of the mobile app Scan, which he sold to Snapchat for $54 million, and as the patriarch of the viral travel brand The Bucket List Family. While many internet searches center on his exact age and sudden wealth, his path from a college student at Brigham Young University to a global digital nomad involves a series of calculated risks, major tech acquisitions, and a distinct approach to family life.
From College Startup to a $54 Million Snapchat Exit
Long before he was documenting tropical beaches and mountain ranges for millions of followers, Gee was an ordinary student with an eye for design and mobile technology. While studying at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, he teamed up with fellow students to build Scan, a QR code reader application for smartphones.
The startup ecosystem in the early 2010s was hungry for mobile utilities. Scan caught the attention of major investors, securing early funding that prompted Gee to drop out of college to run the company full-time. In 2014, Evan Spiegel’s Snapchat acquired Scan for $54 million. Overnight, a college dropout in his early twenties found himself with extraordinary financial freedom. Instead of immediately diving into another corporate tech role, Gee spent a brief stint working inside Snapchat as a director of design before stepping away to map out an entirely different lifestyle.
The Birth of The Bucket List Family
Following the acquisition, Gee, his wife Jessica, and their young children made a drastic lifestyle choice. They sold nearly all of their physical possessions at a giant yard sale, packed two boxes of photos and journals, bought one-way tickets, and started traveling full-time.
They branded their journey The Bucket List Family, chronicling their adventures across dozens of countries on Instagram, YouTube, and their official blog. Rather than fading into early retirement, Gee turned content creation into a new enterprise. Their digital footprint expanded rapidly, drawing millions of dedicated followers who tuned in to watch their children—Manilla, Dorothy, and Calihan—grow up on the road.
The family's media presence opened doors to major brand collaborations, public speaking engagements, and media features. Despite the glamorous facade of constant vacationing, Gee has frequently emphasized that their day-to-day operations require intense planning, video editing, and business management.
Net Worth and Financial Realities
Questions surrounding the family's wealth routinely follow their viral content. While various online trackers estimate their net worth anywhere from $20 million to upwards of $80 million when factoring in the original Snapchat buyout, brand deals, and digital products, Gee has historically maintained a grounded approach to money.
In early interviews following the sale, he noted that he and Jessica chose to live off modest budgets while keeping the bulk of the acquisition funds invested and untouched. Their primary revenue streams diversified over the years to include:
- Digital content production and ad revenue from YouTube and Instagram.
- Published children's literature, including books authored by Gee.
- Educational crowdfunding initiatives and entrepreneurial investments.
Current Life, Athletic Pursuits, and Post-Nomadic Balance
While the family spent many years living out of suitcases, they eventually established a home base in Hawaii. Gee balances his digital media career with personal passions, including physical fitness, bodybuilding, and competitive soccer. Having played soccer during his university years, he famously returned to the sport later in life, even participating in international representation.
His current focus reflects a shift away from relentless tech entrepreneurship toward creative storytelling, children's educational media, and sustainable family adventures. For deeper context on digital entrepreneurship trends, you can explore insights via Forbes. To see official travel updates and visual media projects from the family, check The Bucket List Family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Garrett Gee make his money?
He made his initial fortune by co-founding Scan, a mobile QR code application that was acquired by Snapchat for $54 million. He later multiplied his income through global digital content creation and brand partnerships.
Who is Garrett Gee married to?
He is married to Jessica Gee, his long-time partner and co-creator of The Bucket List Family brand. They married in 2009 and travel alongside their three children.
How many children do Garrett and Jessica Gee have?
They have three children: daughters Manilla and Dorothy, and a younger son named Calihan. Each child has grown up traveling the world and has maintained an active online presence supported by their parents.
Does Garrett Gee still travel full-time?
While the family still travels frequently for special projects and adventures, they transitioned away from pure 24/7 nomadism to establish a primary residential base in Hawaii.
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