Entrepreneur Matthew Hiller Thrives Amidst Anti-Elon Musk Sticker Business
While controversies surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk continue to swirl, Hawaii-based entrepreneur Matthew Hiller has found success with his anti-Elon Musk sticker business. Hiller’s stickers, which have been spotted on Teslas in recent months, have gained popularity among consumers who may not necessarily disapprove of Musk.
In a recent interview with NPR, Hiller revealed that some customers are purchasing his stickers for reasons beyond just dissenting against Elon Musk. This unexpected twist has contributed to the success of his business.
Business Expansion and Success
Hiller, who also works at an aquarium in Hawaii, launched his first anti-Musk sticker on his online shop MadPufferStickers in 2023. The sticker, which read “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy,” resonated with consumers who were growing disillusioned with Musk’s behavior. Despite once considering purchasing a Tesla himself, Hiller decided to distance himself from supporting Musk due to the CEO’s actions.
As his sticker business gained traction, especially following the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, Hiller expanded his product lineup to include popular designs like “Anti Elon Tesla Club,” “Elon is a dogebag,” and “Elon killed my resale value.” With sales reaching $100,000 in a single month, Hiller has sold approximately 70,000 stickers, magnets, and clings across various online platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, Redbubble, and eBay.
Diverse Customer Base
Hiller’s success has not only been attributed to customers who disapprove of Elon Musk but also to those who appreciate the humor or novelty of his stickers. Despite Musk’s controversial image, some customers purchase Hiller’s products as gifts for loved ones, with messages like “Happy birthday, from dad. This is to protect you on the mean streets of L.A.”
These sentiments highlight the diverse reasons behind purchasing anti-Elon Musk stickers, ranging from political dissent to a lighthearted approach to vehicle protection. The rise in Tesla vandalism incidents has also contributed to the demand for such stickers as a form of symbolic resistance against Musk’s perceived influence.
Balancing Business and Passion
Despite the success of his sticker business, Hiller remains committed to his job at the aquarium and has no plans to transition to full-time sticker sales. He acknowledges that his business was not initially part of his career plan and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between entrepreneurship and personal fulfillment.
As the future of Elon Musk’s controversies remains uncertain, Hiller remains content with the impact his stickers have made and the opportunities they have provided. Regardless of the ongoing debates surrounding Elon Musk, Hiller’s entrepreneurial journey serves as a testament to the power of creativity and resilience in the face of adversity.