Garrett Gee Journey: From Tech Startup To Global Fame

Garrett Gee transitioned from a college student building software in Utah to a globally recognized digital creator and tech founder. Best known as the driving force behind The Bucket List Family, his path combines high-stakes venture creation with modern adventure storytelling.

Before building an online empire of millions of followers, Gee co-founded Scan, a mobile QR code application while attending Brigham Young University. When Snapchat acquired the company for $54 million in 2014, Gee and his wife Jessica made a definitive choice: rather than settling into traditional corporate roles, they sold their physical possessions, packed two bags, and took their young children around the world.

The Early Years and Collegiate Ventures

Born on November 6, 1989, Gee grew up with a strong background in athletics and community involvement. After graduating from high school, he completed a two-year mission for his church in Vladivostok, Russia. During this service, he met Jessica Settie, who would later become his wife and partner in their global adventures.

Upon returning to the United States, Gee enrolled at Brigham Young University to study industrial design and entrepreneurship. While balancing his coursework, he maintained a spot on the BYU soccer team. Juggling a rigorous athletic schedule alongside early-stage software development taught him valuable time-management habits. He often noted that physical exercise kept him grounded while his initial business ideas began scaling.

Building and Selling Scan

Fascinated by the rising potential of QR codes, Gee conceptualized Scan alongside co-founders Kirk Ouimet and Ben Turley. At the time, Gee lacked formal coding or advanced software engineering experience, so he taught himself user interface concepts through independent freelancing.

The application allowed smartphones to read barcodes seamlessly, positioning itself at the frontier of mobile interaction. As adoption surged, the startup caught the attention of major tech investors, including Google. In 2014, Evan Spiegel’s Snapchat acquired Scan for $54 million. Following the acquisition, Gee spent a brief stint working directly inside Snapchat’s corporate ecosystem in California before deciding that traditional desk employment didn't align with his long-term personal goals.

The Birth of The Bucket List Family

Faced with a sudden financial windfall and complete professional freedom, the Gee family confronted a major life crossroads. They chose to liquidate nearly all their worldly belongings through a large garage sale, keeping only essential photo journals and two suitcases.

In August 2015, Garrett, Jessica, and their two young children—Dorothy and Manilla—boarded a plane for what was initially planned as a six-month sabbatical. They launched a digital journal and YouTube channel named The Bucket List Family to document their experiences. What started as a temporary holiday evolved into a permanent nomadic lifestyle spanning dozens of countries. A third child, Calihan, was born later during their travels.

Through cinematic video production, the family chronicled immersive cultural experiences across more than 80 nations. Their online presence expanded rapidly across YouTube and Instagram, transforming family travel journalism into a viable, modern media enterprise.

Beyond Travel: Products and Philanthropy

As their digital footprint matured, the Gees diversified their business model far beyond ad revenue. They launched educational storytelling projects, published children's literature such as There's a Monster in My Crib, and developed family-oriented mobile utilities.

Garrett Gee also utilized crowdfunding platforms to back creative initiatives, including animated children's entertainment designed to translate travel lessons into accessible formats for young audiences. Throughout these business expansions, the family eventually established a home base in Hawaii, balancing periods of rest with international expeditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Garrett Gee's first major business?

Garrett Gee co-founded Scan, a mobile app centered on QR code reading technology, which was later acquired by Snapchat for $54 million.

How many countries have The Bucket List Family visited?

The family has traveled to nearly 90 countries together, documenting local traditions, wildlife preservation, and outdoor adventures.

Did Garrett Gee finish college?

He attended Brigham Young University but chose to leave formal studies after his software startup secured backing and scaled rapidly.

How does The Bucket List Family fund their lifestyle?

Beyond the initial capital from the Snapchat acquisition, the family generates revenue through digital media production, brand partnerships, published books, and consumer products.