Kyle Forgeard is a Canadian YouTuber, entrepreneur, and podcast host best known as the founder and leading personality of NELK Boys, the entertainment group behind the FULL SEND brand and the FULL SEND Podcast. He also co-founded Happy Dad, a beverage company that has expanded into mainstream retail distribution.
Born on July 12, 1994, in Mississauga, Ontario, Kyle is 32 years old in 2026. His career began with prank videos on YouTube before evolving into a business involving merchandise, digital entertainment, podcasting, and consumer products.
He gained international recognition through NELK’s viral comedy videos, particularly the 2015 “Coke Prank on Cops.” His subsequent business expansion attracted attention from major publications, including Forbes, which selected him for its 2022 30 Under 30 list in the Social Media category.
By 2026, Kyle’s professional activities extended far beyond YouTube. Happy Dad’s chief executive projected more than $100 million in annual company revenue, Kyle completed a 100-mile charity run supporting veterans’ cancer awareness, and NELK continued producing podcasts while exploring new entertainment projects.
His career has also included public controversies, changes in the NELK lineup, and disagreements involving former collaborators.
Who Is Kyle Forgeard?
Kyle Forgeard is a Canadian digital creator and entrepreneur who developed NELK from a YouTube entertainment project into a recognizable media and consumer-products brand.
His work combines online entertainment, creative production, merchandise, podcasting, and business development.
Kyle Forgeard’s Biography and Professional Background
Kyle John Forgeard grew up in Mississauga, Ontario, near Toronto.
He became interested in making comedy videos as a teenager and began experimenting with sketches and practical jokes.
In July 2010, he helped launch the YouTube channel NelkFilmz, which later became known as NELK.
The channel initially featured comedy sketches and prank videos produced with friends.
Kyle subsequently worked with Jesse Sebastiani, whose involvement helped shape the group’s recognizable style.
NELK expanded from public pranks into travel videos, challenges, celebrity collaborations, and lifestyle entertainment.
Kyle also developed business interests connected with the group’s audience, including FULL SEND merchandise, the FULL SEND Podcast, and Happy Dad.
These ventures established him as an entrepreneur whose career extended beyond conventional YouTube advertising.
Kyle Forgeard Quick Facts: Age, Birthday, Nationality and Profession
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Kyle John Forgeard |
| Known as | Kyle Forgeard |
| Date of birth | July 12, 1994 |
| Age in October 2026 | 32 years |
| Birthplace | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | YouTuber, entrepreneur, podcast host |
| Famous for | Founding and leading NELK Boys |
| Original YouTube channel | NelkFilmz |
| YouTube career began | 2010 |
| Education | Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University |
| Graduation status | Left university before graduating |
| Main entertainment brand | NELK / FULL SEND |
| Podcast | FULL SEND Podcast |
| Consumer brand | Happy Dad |
| Forbes recognition | 30 Under 30, Social Media, 2022 |
| @kyle | |
| Personal net worth | Not independently verified |
Kyle’s reported height and other physical measurements vary between online biographies and are not supported by a consistent authoritative record.
Why Is Kyle Forgeard Famous?
Kyle became famous through NELK’s prank videos and its unconventional approach to YouTube entertainment.
The group’s content often involved public reactions, unusual situations, parties, challenges, and unpredictable interactions.
One of NELK’s early breakthrough videos was “Coke Prank on Cops,” published in 2015.
The video helped introduce the group to a broader audience.
As NELK became more recognizable, Kyle began appearing with athletes, musicians, entertainers, and public figures.
His reputation expanded further through the FULL SEND Podcast and businesses associated with the group’s brand.
Is Kyle Forgeard the Founder or Owner of NELK Boys?
Kyle is widely recognized as NELK’s founder and central business figure.
He helped create the original YouTube channel in 2010 and remained involved as the group evolved.
However, the terms founder, owner, and majority shareholder are not interchangeable.
NELK has included numerous collaborators and has developed business relationships with other entrepreneurs.
The complete current ownership structure of every company associated with NELK has not been independently disclosed.
Kyle’s leadership role is well established, but precise ownership percentages should not be assumed without reliable corporate documentation.
How Kyle Forgeard Became a YouTuber, Podcaster and Entrepreneur
Kyle’s professional development followed three broad stages.
The first was content creation, when he concentrated on building an audience through comedy videos.
The second involved developing FULL SEND merchandise and other ways of generating revenue from that audience.
The third expanded into podcasting and consumer products.
This progression allowed him to build businesses connected with NELK’s public recognition.
By 2026, his work involved managing an established entertainment identity rather than simply creating prank videos.
Kyle Forgeard’s Early Life, Family and Education
Kyle’s early years in Canada provided the setting for his interest in comedy and video production.
Although parts of his personal life remain private, his hometown and educational background are well documented.
Growing Up in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Kyle was born and raised in Mississauga, a city within the Greater Toronto Area.
Growing up near Toronto exposed him to a large metropolitan environment with opportunities in entertainment and media.
He developed an interest in making humorous videos with friends.
His earliest content relied on simple concepts rather than expensive equipment or elaborate production.
These projects eventually became the foundation of NELK.
However, detailed information about his childhood schools and early family circumstances is limited.
Kyle Forgeard’s Parents, Siblings and Family Background
Kyle has occasionally referenced his family in public content.
In August 2021, he attracted attention after buying his mother a car.
He has also discussed family relationships during interviews and personal challenges.
However, reliable information about his parents’ full names, occupations, and the identities of all his siblings is limited.
Some celebrity websites publish additional family details without clear supporting evidence.
Those claims should not be treated as established facts simply because they appear across multiple biography pages.
His Early Interest in Filmmaking, Comedy and YouTube
Kyle began experimenting with filming before YouTube became his full-time career.
His early work included comedy sketches and practical jokes made with friends.
The appeal of YouTube was that creators could publish videos directly without first securing television distribution.
This allowed Kyle and his collaborators to test different formats.
They could observe which videos attracted viewers and adjust their approach.
The early experience also introduced him to filming, editing, and coordinating productions.
These skills later became useful when NELK developed larger projects.
Attending Ryerson University in Toronto
Kyle attended Ryerson University in Toronto, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University.
The institution has programs in media, communications, business, and other professional fields.
However, his exact course of study is not consistently documented in reliable biographical material.
Forbes identifies him as a university dropout.
It would therefore be inaccurate to describe him as having graduated or earned a particular degree without additional evidence.
His time at university overlapped with his growing interest in online content creation.
Why Kyle Forgeard Dropped Out of College to Pursue YouTube
Kyle eventually left university to focus on building his YouTube career.
The decision allowed him to dedicate more time to filming, editing, and developing NELK.
However, leaving university involved professional uncertainty.
At that stage, there was no guarantee that the channel would become financially successful.
His subsequent achievements demonstrate that independent content creation can become a viable business.
They do not establish that dropping out is a generally reliable route to success.
Kyle already had practical experience and a developing creative project before making that decision.
Kyle Forgeard’s YouTube Career and the Founding of NELK Boys
NELK began in 2010 and developed through several different creative lineups.
Kyle remained a central figure as its videos gained popularity and the brand expanded.
Starting the NelkFilmz YouTube Channel in 2010
Kyle helped establish NelkFilmz in July 2010.
The original channel featured short comedy videos, sketches, and practical jokes.
Early productions included videos titled “What The **** Moments – The Business Meeting” and “What The **** Moments – THE SHOWER.”
The content was relatively simple compared with NELK’s later productions.
The channel gradually evolved toward public pranks and longer entertainment videos.
As its audience grew, the group adopted the shorter name NELK.
Creating Early Videos With Niko and Marko Martinovic
Niko and Marko Martinovic were among the creators associated with NELK’s early development.
Some biographical accounts identify the Martinovic twins alongside Kyle as early founders.
Other accounts also identify Lucas Gasparini, Elliot Slater, and Nick Porter as participants in the original channel.
These descriptions differ because the group’s lineup changed during its early years.
It is therefore important not to treat every list of early collaborators as a definitive corporate founding record.
What is established is that Kyle worked with several Canadian creators before the lineup most viewers later recognized.
How Jesse Sebastiani Became Part of NELK
Jesse Sebastiani became involved with NELK in 2014.
Accounts of the group’s history describe Kyle meeting Jesse at an MTV Canada event in August of that year.
The two began producing videos together.
Jesse brought a distinctive personality and willingness to participate in unpredictable pranks.
His partnership with Kyle helped shape NELK’s more recognizable entertainment style.
The group subsequently attracted a much larger audience.
Jesse became one of the most familiar faces associated with NELK during its period of rapid growth.
The Viral “Coke Prank on Cops” Video in 2015
One of NELK’s best-known early videos was “Coke Prank on Cops.”
Published in January 2015, the video involved interactions with police officers in which the creators referred to having “coke.”
The prank relied on the officers initially interpreting the word as a reference to cocaine rather than the soft drink Coca-Cola.
The misunderstanding created the video’s central joke.
The video attracted substantial attention and helped establish NELK’s reputation for public pranks.
It also generated criticism because police interactions can create safety concerns and unpredictable consequences.
How Public Pranks and Comedy Challenges Built NELK’s Audience
NELK’s content increasingly centered on surprising situations and public reactions.
The group filmed pranks in stores, public places, and other environments.
Its videos also developed a recognizable presentation style involving informal conversations, rapid editing, and recurring personalities.
Viewers began following the creators themselves rather than watching only for individual jokes.
This created stronger audience loyalty.
The channel later expanded into travel videos, challenges, parties, and celebrity interactions.
However, some early stunts attracted criticism for disrupting public spaces or involving people who had not agreed to participate.
NELK Boys’ Journey From a Canadian YouTube Channel to a Global Brand
NELK’s growth reflected more than the popularity of individual prank videos.
The creators developed recurring personalities and language that audiences associated with the group.
The phrase “FULL SEND” became particularly important.
Merchandise featuring the expression allowed viewers to participate in the group’s identity beyond watching videos.
The business subsequently expanded into podcasts and consumer products.
By the early 2020s, NELK had become a recognizable creator-led entertainment brand with an audience extending beyond Canada and the United States.
Kyle Forgeard and the NELK Boys: Members, Changes and Group History
NELK has never operated with an entirely fixed on-camera lineup.
Members joined, departed, changed responsibilities, or developed separate projects as the entertainment business grew.
Original NELK Members vs. the More Recognizable Later Lineup
The earliest NELK videos involved Kyle and several Canadian collaborators.
Over time, Jesse Sebastiani became one of the group’s leading personalities.
Later recognizable participants included SteveWillDoIt, Salim the Dream, Aaron “Steiny” Steinberg, and other recurring creators.
These individuals did not all join at the same time.
They also played different roles in filming, podcasting, entertainment, and business operations.
Consequently, the original channel lineup should be distinguished from the broader collection of people associated with NELK today.
Kyle Forgeard’s Role in Leading the Group
Kyle has remained the most consistently recognizable leader associated with NELK.
His work includes appearing in videos, coordinating entertainment projects, hosting podcasts, and participating in business development.
However, the organization also depends on producers, editors, managers, business partners, and other contributors.
The group’s growth cannot be accurately attributed to one person’s work alone.
Kyle’s importance lies in helping establish the identity of the brand and remaining involved throughout its development.
Jesse Sebastiani’s Departure and the Reported Buyout
Jesse gradually reduced his involvement in NELK’s main content.
By 2020, he had publicly discussed difficulties associated with fame and the group’s demanding lifestyle.
He subsequently became more focused on activities connected with FULL SEND and other interests.
Public discussions have also referenced possible ownership and buyout arrangements.
However, the exact financial terms of Jesse’s departure have not been independently verified.
A later absence from videos does not automatically establish that someone sold every ownership interest.
Claims about complete buyouts should therefore be treated cautiously unless supported by direct statements or appropriate financial documentation.
Working With SteveWillDoIt, Salim the Dream and Other Creators
SteveWillDoIt, whose real name is Stephen Deleonardis, became closely associated with NELK around 2019.
He developed a large audience through extreme challenges and giveaway-oriented content.
Salim Sirur, known as Salim the Dream, became recognizable for his comedy and prank videos.
Other collaborators contributed podcast hosting, editing, filming, and entertainment ideas.
These personalities expanded the range of content associated with NELK.
Their involvement also helped the brand remain recognizable as its original members became less active.
How the NELK Content Format Changed Over Time
NELK’s early videos focused heavily on public pranks.
Later content increasingly featured travel, lifestyle entertainment, celebrity appearances, and behind-the-scenes interactions.
The launch of the FULL SEND Podcast created another major format.
Rather than relying exclusively on unpredictable public situations, Kyle could build episodes around conversations with recognizable guests.
By 2026, the group’s output included podcast discussions and consideration of scripted entertainment.
The shift reflects a broader effort to adapt the brand as its creators and audience grow older.
Is NELK Still Together and Active in 2026?
Yes. NELK remained publicly active as of October 2026.
Its entertainment activity continued through the FULL SEND Podcast and related content.
The official podcast network listed an episode titled “Nelk Boys On Shane Gillis Controversy & Internet Beef!” on October 15, 2026.
However, the presence of new content does not mean every former member has returned.
NELK operates with a changing group of collaborators, and some creators have pursued independent projects.
The group is better understood as an evolving entertainment business than a fixed team of friends appearing together in every video.
Kyle Forgeard’s Business Empire: FULL SEND Brand
FULL SEND became one of NELK’s most important commercial ventures.
The brand developed from a phrase associated with the group’s videos into a business identity used across merchandise and entertainment projects.
How FULL SEND Evolved From a Catchphrase Into a Business
The phrase “FULL SEND” became associated with NELK’s energetic and risk-taking entertainment style.
Fans began recognizing the expression as part of the group’s identity.
Kyle and his collaborators used that recognition to develop branded merchandise.
The business eventually expanded beyond apparel.
FULL SEND became associated with media production, podcasts, and other commercial activities.
Its development demonstrates how a recognizable phrase can evolve into an independent consumer brand.
FULL SEND Clothing, Merchandise and Limited-Edition Drops
FULL SEND has sold clothing and accessories featuring its recognizable branding.
Products have included hoodies, shirts, hats, and other merchandise.
Limited-edition releases became an important part of the business.
These releases encouraged customers to pay attention to specific launch dates rather than expecting every product to remain available permanently.
The strategy also allowed the brand to connect merchandise with videos, personalities, and events.
However, historical sales figures and launch records should not be interpreted as proof of current product availability.
Building a Direct-to-Consumer Business Around a YouTube Audience
Direct-to-consumer businesses sell products through channels controlled by the brand rather than relying entirely on outside retailers.
NELK used its existing audience to promote FULL SEND merchandise.
This reduced the need to develop brand awareness from nothing.
Viewers were already familiar with the creators, phrase, and visual identity.
The business nevertheless required operational capabilities beyond content creation.
These included product development, inventory management, customer service, order fulfillment, and financial planning.
Building an audience created an opportunity, but operating a merchandise company required a different set of skills.
FULL SEND Entertainment and Its Business Activities
FULL SEND Entertainment operates as an identity connected with NELK’s broader media activities.
These have included online videos, podcast production, brand partnerships, and merchandise.
The business has also worked with outside production and distribution partners.
For example, the FULL SEND Podcast is associated with the SHOTS media organization.
Different companies may own or manage particular products, intellectual property, or distribution rights.
It would therefore be inaccurate to describe every FULL SEND-related activity as belonging to one legal entity without examining the relevant agreements.
Why NELK Expanded Beyond Traditional YouTube Advertising
NELK experienced restrictions on monetizing some of its YouTube content.
Forbes discussed this issue when profiling Kyle for its 2022 30 Under 30 recognition.
Videos involving pranks, mature humor, or controversial situations can create difficulties with platform advertising policies.
This made direct merchandise sales particularly valuable.
Rather than relying entirely on advertising revenue, NELK developed businesses that could generate income through product sales and other commercial arrangements.
The approach reduced reliance on one revenue source.
However, merchandise and consumer-product businesses introduce their own financial and operational risks.
The Difference Between NELK, FULL SEND Entertainment and Happy Dad
These names are closely connected but describe different parts of Kyle’s business activities.
| Brand | Main purpose |
| NELK Boys | YouTube entertainment and creator group |
| FULL SEND | Merchandise and broader entertainment identity |
| FULL SEND Podcast | Interview and conversation-based media production |
| Happy Dad | Independently operated beverage business associated with the creators |
The distinctions matter because popularity, revenue, and ownership may differ between these businesses.
NELK’s YouTube audience is not the same as Happy Dad’s customer base.
Similarly, FULL SEND merchandise sales should not be combined with Happy Dad revenue without clear financial information.
Kyle Forgeard and Happy Dad Hard Seltzer
Happy Dad is one of the most significant consumer businesses connected with Kyle Forgeard.
The brand launched in 2021 and expanded through retail distribution and additional beverage products.
How Kyle Forgeard Co-Founded Happy Dad in 2021
Happy Dad launched in June 2021.
Kyle became associated with the company’s founding alongside other NELK personalities and the Shahidi brothers.
The business originally focused on hard seltzer.
Its marketing used the recognizable NELK audience while developing a product identity intended to reach customers beyond YouTube.
The company subsequently expanded through wholesalers and retail stores.
This marked a major development in Kyle’s career because the business required distribution and operations outside digital entertainment.
The Roles of Sam Shahidi, John Shahidi and Other Business Partners
Sam Shahidi serves as Happy Dad’s chief executive.
John Shahidi has been closely involved in the broader creator-media businesses connected with NELK and FULL SEND.
Their experience includes media production, brand development, and partnerships with online personalities.
Other creators have also held interests in Happy Dad.
Kyle’s relationship with the Shahidi brothers combines his audience and entertainment identity with their business experience.
However, the precise ownership percentages held by each participant are not comprehensively disclosed in authoritative public financial filings.
Happy Dad’s Brand Identity and Creator-Led Marketing Strategy
Happy Dad developed a distinctive visual identity, including its recognizable smiling-face logo.
Its marketing has used online creators, branded entertainment, and in-person promotional activities.
This helped introduce the product to audiences already familiar with NELK.
The company also pursued customers who had no direct connection with the group’s videos.
That distinction is important for long-term consumer-product development.
A brand cannot depend indefinitely on the original audience alone if it wants broad retail distribution.
Happy Dad’s expansion has therefore involved conventional beverage-industry activities alongside creator-led promotion.
Retail Distribution and Business Expansion Across North America
Happy Dad expanded through retail and wholesale distribution in the United States.
The company also developed a presence in Canada.
Its products have appeared through beverage retailers, convenience stores, and other authorized outlets, depending on regional distribution agreements.
Retail expansion differs from online merchandise because it involves wholesalers, inventory planning, shelf space, and regulatory requirements.
Alcoholic beverages are also subject to age restrictions and jurisdiction-specific rules.
The company’s distribution growth should be understood as a commercial achievement rather than simply a consequence of its social media following.
Happy Dad’s Reported Revenue Growth and Business Performance in 2026
In March 2026, Happy Dad reported a significant business milestone.
According to the company’s account of chief executive Sam Shahidi’s appearance at the Roth Conference, Happy Dad was on pace to exceed $100 million in annual revenue during 2026.
The company also reported that Circana retail-sales data showed nearly 37% year-to-date dollar growth within the specified reporting channels.
Happy Dad highlighted expansion beyond hard seltzer into hard lemonade and other products.
These figures indicate reported business growth.
However, a revenue projection is not the same as a completed annual financial result.
Because 2026 has not yet ended, the final year’s revenue cannot be established from the March forecast.
The official Happy Dad business update published in March 2026 provides the company’s own account of these figures.
How Kyle Forgeard’s Ownership Interest Differs From the Company’s Valuation
Kyle’s association with Happy Dad does not mean that he personally owns the entire company.
Businesses may have multiple shareholders, different classes of equity, and financial obligations.
Even if a company receives a particular valuation, an individual shareholder’s stake represents only a portion of that amount.
Furthermore, valuation is not the same as cash available for withdrawal.
A private company’s estimated value can change based on revenue, profitability, market conditions, and investor expectations.
Kyle’s exact ownership percentage has not been independently established through complete public financial disclosures.
Therefore, Happy Dad’s revenue or possible valuation should not be used as a direct estimate of his personal wealth.
Kyle Forgeard’s FULL SEND Podcast Career
The FULL SEND Podcast became an important extension of NELK’s entertainment business.
It allowed Kyle to move beyond prank videos and conduct longer conversations with public figures.
Adam Pearson is a Celebrity Expert and Writer at Caption Disk, covering all aspects of celebrity news, entertainment, Hollywood, famous personalities, celebrity biographies, net worth, lifestyle, and trending stories. He shares engaging, informative, and easy-to-understand content to keep readers updated on the world of celebrities and entertainment.