YOUTUBE Gary Owen Explains the Business of Comedy: Door Deals, Specials, and Real Estate Money Moves AdminOctober 23, 202504 views Comedian Gary Owen sits down with Jerome D. Love on the Black Money Tree Podcast to unpack the business of comedy—from door deals vs. guarantees and the real cost of shooting a stand-up special, to social media strategy, cancel-culture, and how clips drive ticket sales. Gary also opens up about growing up poor, money habits, the Mo’Nique/Will Packer controversy, being left off the Think Like a Man poster, life after divorce, and why he’s investing in real estate while touring. If you’ve ever wondered how comedians really get paid—or how to turn laughs into long-term wealth—this episode is a masterclass. What you’ll learn How stand-up comics make money (guarantees, door deals, bonuses, and routing) The true cost to film a comedy special—and when to own vs. license it Why YouTube first releases can beat traditional networks Gary’s money mindset: from trailer park to headliner, saving, and “broke habits” to keep Cancel-culture, crowd phones, and why live shows are still a free-speech safe zone Real estate plays (flips, permits, partnerships) and building post-tour income Fatherhood, divorce lessons, and setting expectations in relationships & careers #GaryOwen #BlackMoneyTree #StandUpComedy #ComedyBusiness #HowComediansGetPaid #DoorDeals #ComedyClubs #ContentStrategy #CancelCulture #RealEstateInvesting #WealthBuilding #Entrepreneurship #MoNique #WillPacker #ThinkLikeAMan SUBSCRIBE to get latest Black Money Tree content: https://www.youtube.com/theblackmoneytree Chapters 0:00 Cold open – comedy teaser 1:27 Show intro & theme 2:01 Why Gary moved to Houston (taxes + travel) 4:09 H-Town staples + DJ Screw “June 27th” 5:12 Sponsor: The Collective 6:25 Stage persona vs real life 7:38 The Black Church bit — origin & rise 10:40 Growing up broke → money mindset 12:49 Fear of going broke; saving & first jobs 19:03 Feeling at home in Black spaces 22:55 Mo’Nique vs Will Packer explained 26:05 Cancel culture & phones vs live shows 27:54 Image, frugality & first-date economics 32:12 Crustaceans story & “no Plan B” focus 36:05 From Navy/Comic View to today’s stand-up economy 39:37 Stand-up vs sketch content 41:51 How comedians get paid (guarantees vs door deals) 50:25 Left off the Think Like a Man poster 53:19 What a stand-up special really costs 55:22 Two specials in one weekend (+ non-race hour) 59:04 Own it or YouTube it? Distribution strategy 1:01:54 Divorce & money freeze; rebuilding 1:03:36 Real estate plays (flips, partners, permits) 1:08:39 Parenting on tour → twins & values 1:15:06 What still excites Gary + new TV idea 1:17:53 If starting over & if 20 today 1:21:55 Closing & tour link The Collective https://www.communitycollectivehouston.org/ Speaking Engagements https://jeromedlove.com/ Personal Coaching https://consulting.theblackmoneytree.com/sales-page1649477479505 Shop Shop Closing the Wealth Gap: How to Build Wealth in Black Communities by Investing in Rea Estate Shop About The Black Money Tree NAACP Image Award-winning Podcast spearheading a movement dedicated to transforming communities through real estate investment and entrepreneurial ventures. Together, we’re bridging the wealth gap, fostering self-sustainability, and leaving a legacy of prosperity for generations to come. Tune in to cultivate financial literacy, explore wealth-building strategies, and be inspired to plant seeds of economic empowerment. Let’s grow our collective economic power and cultivate a brighter future for all. Our Team Jerome D. Love, Creator and Host Misty Starks, Producer Jonathan Omoyeni, Director of Photography source