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Andrew Lansford

The Geniuses Behind Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime Hydration

Updated: Apr 23

KSI and Logan Pauls' very own Prime Hydration has taken the beverage market by storm, becoming one of the most sought-after sports drinks in a remarkably short period; Prime Hydration generated over a whopping $250 million in revenue while being featured extensively in stores throughout the U.S. such as Walmart, Kroger, local gas stations, and a plethora of other retail locations While many attribute Prime's success to YouTubers Logan Paul and KSI, the true masterminds and founders behind this thriving brand are not quite at all the YouTube stars at the face of Prime.


What is Prime?

Prime Hydration emerged as a joint venture between KSI and Logan Paul, two popular YouTubers with a massive following, although their involvement in the company extends beyond mere endorsements. Yes, KSI and Logan Paul played a pivotal role in creating Prime Hydration from scratch: The brand's inception was a collaborative effort driven by their vision to build a better lifestyle beverage resonating with millions of fans worldwide. However, while KSI and Logan Paul may have provided the star power, the true architects of Prime Hydration are two men still in their twenties, Max Clemons and Trey Steiger, co-founders of Congo Brands. Congo Brands, a Kentucky-based firm, specializes in manufacturing and distributing innovative products for the outdoor and travel markets. Clemons and Steiger recognized the potential of partnering with influential individuals and leveraging their massive platforms to scale consumer businesses rapidly. Congo Brands is the backbone of Prime Hydration, overseeing its distribution and day-to-day operations. Max Clemons and Trey Steiger are the owners of Prime Hydration, reinforcing their integral role in the company's impressive accomplishments and their part in working behind the scenes to ensure Prime's success. The genius partnership between Congo Brands and KSI, and Logan Paul allowed the YouTubers to focus on marketing and promotion while relying on Congo Brands' expertise in manufacturing and logistics. This business model employed by Clemons and Steiger is a testament to their strategic acumen, as they recognized the power of influencer marketing and forged partnerships with KSI and Logan Paul, tapping into their vast reach and dedicated fan base. This collaborative approach allowed Prime Hydration to penetrate new markets and challenge established beverage giants like Gatorade and Powerade.


Prime's Success

Prime Hydration's impact on the sports drink market has been extraordinary. Within its first year, the company sold over 100 million bottles. This remarkable success propelled Prime Hydration to become the country's 6th largest sports drink brand in just one year, surpassing many established competitors. The demand for Prime Hydration remains incredibly high, with resellers capitalizing on scarcity by selling six-packs for exorbitant prices. Prime Hydration secured high-profile partnerships with industry leaders to solidify its position further. Notably, the brand became the official drink sponsor of Premier League side Arsenal, ensuring its presence at the iconic Emirates Stadium throughout the 2022-23 season. This collaboration elevates brand awareness and guarantees increased sales and exposure to a global audience. Prime Hydration's partnership with the UFC also grants the brand visibility in 175 countries through integration into critical UFC assets and collaboration on original content with Logan Paul and KSI.


Behind the Scenes Masterminds

Max Clemons and Trey Steiger, the masterminds behind Congo Brands and Prime Hydration, are no strangers to entrepreneurial success. Former classmates at Pleasure Ridge High School in Louisville, Kentucky, Clemons, and Steiger embarked on their first drinks venture in 2017 after completing their studies in accountancy and finance. Their relentless drive and business acumen have propelled them to heights, with Clemons residing in a $4 million luxurious high-rise apartment in Nashville and Steiger enjoying a $4 million lavish residence in Sarasota, Florida. The success of Clemons and Steiger's business model extends beyond Prime Hydration. They have applied a similar playbook in other ventures, showcasing their ability to harness the power of influencers and leverage their expertise in manufacturing and distribution. Examples include Alani Nu, which has partnered with the world-famous Kim Kardashian to create Kim's flavor of Alani, "Kimade." These ventures exemplify the effectiveness of partnering with influencers and experts to create successful consumer businesses. Prime Hydration's journey has only begun, and its future appears incredibly bright. With plans to eightfold and expand its retail footprint from 20,000 locations to over 160,000 in the coming year, Prime Hydration is poised for exponential growth. The brand's commitment to delivering high-quality, low-sugar hydration drinks and energy beverages positions it as a formidable competitor, with seemingly only the best to come for Clemons and Steiger in the coming years.


KSI and Logan Paul's decision to join forces with Max Clemons and Trey Steiger to create Prime Hydration marks a pivotal moment in their careers, as the success of this joint venture showcases the power of collaboration and the ability to transform rivals into business partners. Prime Hydration's rise to prominence serves as a testament to the vision and strategic prowess of Clemons and Steiger, cementing their place as industry leaders. While Prime Hydration's association with KSI and Logan Paul has garnered significant attention, we must remember the true founders behind the brand's success: Max Clemons and Trey Steiger. Their partnership with Congo Brands has been instrumental in Prime Hydration's rapid growth and market penetration. Their strategic approach, leveraging influencers and their manufacturing expertise, has propelled Prime Hydration to become a significant player in the sports drink industry. As Prime Hydration continues to captivate consumers worldwide, the visionary founders behind the brand remain committed to shaping its future and leaving a lasting legacy in the beverage market.

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