Kevin Smart Says the 'Smartest' Business Moves Follow This Specific Rule

May 13, 2026 - 17:27

The comedian turned serial entrepreneur Kevin Smart has built a reputation for turning laughs into profits, but he insists his success is no joke. In a recent interview, Smart laid out what he calls the single most important rule for making the "smartest" business moves. According to Smart, the rule is deceptively simple: never invest in something you cannot explain to a child in under thirty seconds.

Smart argues that most failed ventures suffer from overcomplication. Founders get lost in jargon, market projections, and complex models, losing sight of the basic problem they are solving. He shared that his own portfolio, which includes a chain of comedy clubs and a food delivery app, was built entirely on ideas that passed this "kid test." If the core value proposition is not instantly clear, he believes the business model is likely flawed.

He also warned against chasing trends. Smart stated that the smartest moves often look boring on the outside. He pointed to his investment in a commercial laundry service as an example. It was not glamorous, but the need was obvious and the explanation was simple. "We clean clothes for hotels. That's it," he said. For Smart, clarity is the ultimate competitive advantage, and complexity is just a mask for a lack of conviction.