Behind the mask of Johnstown’s Moneyman: “I’m working to make this place even better”

Moneyman and the winner of a mini scavenger hunt at a Mill Rat game. Photo: Provided.

Last year, there was an Easter egg hunt in Johnstown. And while most community egg hunts don’t make the news, this one did — big time. The first thing that set it apart were the two grand prizes — diamond earrings and an iPhone 13 Pro. The second thing about it was the organizer: the mysterious Moneyman who only appears in public wearing a glossy black motorcycle helmet.

Since 2019, Moneyman has been organizing events and giveaways, partnering with sponsors to create big ticket prizes like $10,000 in cash or concert tickets. And no one knows who he is. Well, almost no one. 

Moneyman recently sat down to a Zoom interview (camera off) to talk about his community events, that black helmet, why he’s investing so heavily in Johnstown, and how Startup Alleghenies is helping him create change in his community. Read on.

Can you give me a little bit of the background of becoming Moneyman? How did it start, and how have community resources help you grow?

It was a shower thought that I had in 2019. I thought to myself, ‘This is such a good idea but doesn’t exist. If I don’t do it, no one will do it.’

In total, I’ve done about 10 real-life events and around 30 online. 

I’ve gotten support from local businesses to help these ideas come alive. Ameriserv bought into it the very first year, and in return, they got 750,000 views across social media. Mattress by Appointment was part of a bunch of recent events — a Rockzilla concert ticket giveaway and a Valentine’s giveaway that went to five local teachers were two of the most recent.

How did Startup Alleghenies help you get started?

Way back when I started the Moneyman idea, I didn’t know what an LLC was and now, I found [Startup Alleghenies Coach] Blake Fleegle. I still go to him for help. I’ll tell him ‘I have a crazy idea’ and he gives me some good advice.

Moneyman has been planning giveaways and events since 2019, and his identity is a mystery. Photo: Provided.

What’s the reason for the anonymity? What has it allowed you to do that might be difficult otherwise?

Well, I don’t like attention, and it’s more fun this way. It’s more unique. 

But, it was definitely hard to start up these giveaways from an anonymous standpoint. I have a posse of about five people and have to work through them to meet with local businesses. 

By the way, I am not always in the helmet — during the 2022 Easter egg hunt, I was out hunting for eggs just like everyone else, but I had in AirPods and was directing my team while I was out there. No one knew who I was.

Can you tell me a little bit about this posse of yours?

Yeah, I have five people who help out with the events. One of the people who helped me at first was a cameraman, and he learned a lot about his craft by doing these events. Now, he’s a cameraman for a YouTuber who has 500,000 subscribers. I’m really happy for him. What we do is definitely a team effort.

Moneyman’s $10,000 scavenger hunt presented by Ameriserv was held in 2021. Photo: Provided.

Do you ever plan a “big reveal” to show your identity?

No, I don’t think I ever will — that’s the simple answer.

Can you reveal anything about yourself — do you have a day job in the area, did you grow up in Cambria County, etc?

Yes, I have a real-life job, but it’s not very exciting … which may be why I am doing this. 

What has been your all-time favorite event to plan?

There is an event coming up that will be a combination of all of my good ideas into one event. It will involve the whole town. I can’t really reveal anything else about it quite yet, but stay tuned. 

Can you tell me about some of the winners — what have been some of the reactions, or after-effects of the prizes? 

The prizes are really cool, but honestly, the games themselves are what is really cool. They are so unique, so random. Our first $10,000 scavenger hunt really got a lot of feedback from players all over town. In the second year, we added more locations that sent players to local businesses that they didn’t even know existed. And at the end of it, someone wins $10,000, which is obviously pretty cool.  

A 2022 Easter egg hunt had grand prizes of diamond earrings and an iPhone 13Pro. Photo: Provided.

What’s your WHY? What motivates you to do what you do?  

I was part of this group who said that this place [here in Johnstown] sucks. I wanted to change that perception and make this town more fun. If I don’t do it, no one will. I want to be part of making it bigger and better. I am trying, I’ll say that. 

I love Johnstown. There is a lot to do here and I’m trying to add to it. 

Follow along and learn more about upcoming events on Facebook and Instagram @moneymanmf!

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.