Garrett Mitchell, widely recognized by his alter ego Cleetus McFarland, has carved a unique niche in the automotive world as a YouTube personality, entrepreneur, and racing driver. Born on April 5, 1995, in Omaha, Nebraska, Mitchell’s journey from a law student to a celebrated car enthusiast showcases his passion for automobiles and innovative content creation.

Early Life and Education

Growing up in Omaha, Mitchell was introduced to the automotive scene through his father’s mobile detailing business and taxi service, which primarily utilized Crown Victoria vehicles. This early exposure ignited his interest in cars. After high school, he pursued legal studies in college, but his enthusiasm for automobiles led him to a different path.

The Birth of Cleetus McFarland

In 2015, during an automotive event in Florida, Mitchell spontaneously created the character “Cleetus McFarland.” Donning a redneck accent and attire, he humorously portrayed a stereotypical car enthusiast, which resonated with audiences and quickly went viral.

Recognizing the potential, Mitchell adopted Cleetus McFarland as his online persona, infusing humor and high-octane automotive content that attracted a substantial following.

YouTube Career and Content Creation

Mitchell launched his YouTube channel on January 28, 2009, while serving as the social media manager for 1320Video, a car media company. Eventually, he left 1320Video to focus entirely on his channel, which features car builds, racing events, and automotive humor.

Notable projects include Leroy, a bodyless Chevrolet Corvette C5 with an exo-cage, and Mullet, a customized Chevrolet El Camino. These builds have garnered significant attention and a dedicated fan base.

The Freedom Factory

In January 2020, Mitchell expanded his ventures by purchasing the abandoned Desoto Speedway in Manatee County, Florida, renaming it the Freedom Factory.

This 1/3-mile asphalt oval and figure-eight track serves as a venue for various automotive events, including the popular “Cleetus and Cars” gatherings, which celebrate car culture with races, burnouts, and other automotive festivities.

Racing Endeavors

Beyond content creation, Mitchell has pursued a racing career. He debuted in the Stadium Super Trucks series in April 2022 at Long Beach, California, driving the No. 1776 truck.

Despite leading on the final lap, a spin after the last jump cost him the victory. He continued to compete in various events, achieving his first podium finish with a third-place at Bristol Motor Speedway in October 2022.

Personal Life

Garrett Mitchell, better known as Cleetus McFarland, has experienced significant personal milestones alongside his professional achievements.

In 2021, he married Madison Madi Lutz, an entrepreneur who owns Sunna Swim, a swimwear brand. Their partnership has been a cornerstone of his personal life, with Madi often appearing in his videos and supporting his ventures.

The couple expanded their family with the birth of their son, Ripper, in November 2022. Embracing fatherhood, Garrett shared his experiences with his audience, highlighting the joys and challenges of parenting. In 2024, their family grew again with the arrival of their daughter, Ella.

Garrett and Madi have been open about their journey as parents of two young children, providing glimpses into their family life through social media and YouTube updates.

Balancing his roles as a content creator, entrepreneur, and family man, Garrett continues to engage his audience by sharing both his professional projects and personal experiences. His transparency about family life has endeared him to fans, showcasing a relatable and human side to the automotive enthusiast.

For a more intimate look into Garrett and Madi’s life, including their wedding and family updates, you can explore their YouTube channel, where they document significant personal events and day-to-day moments.

Net Worth and Income Streams

As of 2024, Cleetus McFarland’s estimated net worth ranges between $2 million and $10 million, reflecting his diverse income sources. His YouTube channel, boasting over 4 million subscribers and more than 1.6 billion views, generates substantial ad revenue, with monthly earnings estimated between $18,000 and $30,000.

Additionally, his merchandise line, featuring automotive-themed apparel and accessories, contributes significantly to his income. Sponsorships with brands like Holley, Motion Raceworks, and Nitto Tire further enhance his financial portfolio.

Conclusion

Garrett Mitchell’s transformation into Cleetus McFarland exemplifies the fusion of passion and entrepreneurship. Through engaging content, business ventures like the Freedom Factory, and active participation in motorsports, he has solidified his status in the automotive community. His journey underscores the impact of innovative content creation and a deep-seated love for cars in achieving success.