Entertainment
MrBeast’s Move to Greenville Presents Challenges for New Staff

Greenville, North Carolina – For many aspiring media workers, landing a job with YouTube’s top creator, MrBeast, is a dream come true. However, moving to Greenville, a college town with 90,000 residents, presents its own set of challenges.
Many new hires find it difficult to adjust to the lifestyle in Greenville, which caters primarily to the 27,000 students at East Carolina University. One former MrBeast creative emphasized that the environment is “the polar opposite” of big-city living, where entertainment workers often thrive.
MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, launched his successful YouTube channel from his childhood bedroom in Greenville. Today, he operates a full-scale production studio in the city, and recently secured a $15 million grant from the state to film his new show for Amazon Prime Video.
Despite some locals not following YouTube closely, Donaldson’s presence often permeates conversations. Gabby Bishop, a senior at ECU, noted that many of her friends have appeared in MrBeast’s videos, and sightings of him at local restaurants are common.
Although MrBeast’s creative staff is expected to relocate to North Carolina, not all of them do. Some members work remotely from cities like Chicago. However, the bulk of the 300 employees in Greenville find that their social lives center around work.
“It was almost entirely Beasters hanging with Beasters,” a former producer stated, reflecting on the tight-knit community within the company.
New hires transitioning from Los Angeles or other major cities sometimes find Greenville’s slower pace jarring. One ex-staffer described the shift from urban life to a rural college town as “quite a shock.”
This trend isn’t unique to MrBeast. Reports indicate that ESPN staffers have also expressed concerns about relocating from LA to Stamford, Connecticut, highlighting a broader discomfort among Hollywood creatives.
When MrBeast employees aren’t shooting videos, many frequent local hangouts such as Pitt Street Brewing Company or Still Life nightclub. Some choose to party at the apartments provided by the company.
Natalie Williams, a bartender at Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint, frequently sees MrBeast staff and noted that her manager has appeared in some videos.
Staff members have shared that they often form friendships while working in Greenville, with some noting that salaries stretch further in the smaller city compared to New York or Los Angeles. To help new hires assess their compatibility, the company has implemented a “vibe check” that lasts for 90 days. During this, contractors receive temporary housing and rental cars while they determine if they fit within the company culture.
The aim is to prevent situations where individuals uproot their lives only to realize the move isn’t a good fit. Understanding MrBeast’s content style is key for potential hires, as the creative approach differs from traditional filmmaking.
For MrBeast, establishing strong ties with Greenville officials has benefits, especially when executing high-profile stunts that could attract police attention. The sheriff’s office has previously collaborated with MrBeast’s security team to ensure safety during productions.
As the company continues to grow, employees argue that fully immersing oneself in MrBeast’s culture can lead to career advancement. “People who did well at the company were younger, didn’t have significant others, and could completely buy into the mission,” one former staff member explained.
While the lifestyle and culture of Greenville may not resonate with everyone, many recognize the potential career opportunities associated with working for MrBeast.