Ryan Detert Biography: Leading the Influencer Revolution

Ryan Detert, born in 1981 in California, is the CEO of Influential, the world’s largest influencer marketing company by revenue. His journey from a shy mentee to a digital media pioneer inspires many. This Ryan Detert biography explores his early life, career growth, struggles, comeback, current influence, and lesser-known facts, highlighting his transformative impact on advertising.

Ryan Detert’s Early Life

Growing Up in California

Born to a middle-class family, Ryan Detert faced challenges as a shy child in California. His early years were marked by self-doubt, but a pivotal mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters, led by his mentor Clayton Roth, gave him confidence. This support shaped his drive to succeed and give back.

Education and Early Ambitions

Ryan attended Rollins College, earning a Bachelor’s degree. Initially unsure of his path, he explored technology and media, drawn to their creative potential. His early interest in digital platforms and storytelling laid the groundwork for his future in influencer marketing.

Ryan Detert’s Career Growth

Early Ventures in Media

Before Influential, Ryan Detert served as Head of Music Division at Seambi and Vice President of Corporate Sponsorships at American Rebel Public Relations. These roles honed his skills in connecting brands with audiences. He also built social media accounts like @Travel and @FashionAndStyle, amassing millions of followers.

Founding Influential

In 2012, Ryan founded Influential, a mobile-first influencer platform. Partnering with IBM Watson in 2016, he integrated AI to match brands with influencers, revolutionizing marketing. By 2025, Influential led campaigns for global brands like Walmart, Nike, and the United Nations, with offices in Beverly Hills, NYC, and Las Vegas.

Struggles and Down Phases

Overcoming Personal Shyness

As a child, Ryan struggled with shyness, which limited his social interactions. This made early career networking challenging. Despite his ambition, self-doubt often held him back, requiring years of mentorship to build the confidence needed for leadership.

Political and Professional Setbacks

In 2016, Ryan ran as a Republican candidate for California’s 3rd Congressional District but lost in the primary. His campaign faced criticism for its anti-establishment stance, and he lacked major GOP endorsements. Additionally, early business ventures, including tech startups, saw failures due to market challenges, testing his resilience.

Comeback and Rise to Fame

Despite setbacks, Ryan’s vision soared. Influential’s 2024 acquisition by Publicis marked a milestone, following a five-year partnership. His innovative use of AI, like the Audience Brief Genius tool powered by OpenAI, streamlined campaigns, earning him recognition as a Forbes Agency Council member and AdAge 40 Under 40 honoree. His leadership in campaigns for brands like Pepsi and Toyota boosted his global influence.

Current Status and Influence

Leading Influential and Philanthropy

As of June 2025, Ryan Detert leads Influential, managing a network of 3.5 million creators. His net worth, estimated at $10–20 million, reflects his success in digital media. In January 2025, he donated $1 million to Big Brothers Big Sisters, launching the Changemakers Challenge to raise $5 million for youth mentorship, co-led with Michael Kassan.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Ryan lives in Miami Beach, focusing on his career and philanthropy. He advocates for youth mentorship, inspired by his own experience, and promotes ethical influencer marketing. Despite occasional X criticism over his political past, his transparent leadership inspires trust and innovation in the industry.

Lesser-Known Facts

• Mentorship Impact: Mentored for 30 years by Clayton Roth.
• Political Run: Ran for Congress in 2016, focusing on jobs and immigration.
• Social Media Roots: Built @Travel and @Automotive accounts with millions of followers.
• AI Pioneer: Partnered with IBM Watson for AI-driven marketing in 2016.
• Philanthropist: Donated $1 million to youth mentorship in 2025.

Category	Details
Full Name	Ryan Detert
Born	1981, California, USA
Profession	Entrepreneur, CEO, Influencer Marketing Expert
Notable Work	Influential, Changemakers Challenge, Forbes Agency Council
Marital Status	Not publicly disclosed
Net Worth	~$10–20 million (2025)
Awards	AdAge 40 Under 40, Forbes Agency Council Member

Conclusion

This Ryan Detert biography showcases a journey of grit and innovation. From overcoming shyness to leading Influential, Ryan Detert transformed influencer marketing with AI and data. His $1 million donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters and industry leadership inspire millions, proving mentorship and vision can drive lasting impact.