In the fast-paced heart of New York City, where every second is a currency of its own, one man turned the art of waiting into a full-fledged profession. His name is Robert Samuel, and he earns up to $38 an hour doing what most people dread: standing in line. What started as a spontaneous hustle during the launch of the iPhone 5 has grown into a solid business with over a decade of experience and a team of 45 employees. His company, Same Ole Line Dudes, doesn’t just wait—it redefines how time is valued in the age of instant gratification.
A Side Hustle Born on the Sidewalk
It all began in 2012. Samuel was working at AT&T when the iPhone 5 hit the market. Sensing an opportunity, he posted an ad on Craigslist offering to wait in line for others. A client hired him for three hours but later canceled the job after securing the phone online. Instead of walking away, Samuel sold his spot in the line for $100. Then he did it again. By the end of the day, he had earned $300 just by sitting on the sidewalk. It was a revelation. A flash of entrepreneurial clarity.
Since that day, his idea evolved into a structured company. Same Ole Line Dudes now offers a wide range of services: waiting in line for concert tickets, Broadway shows, product launches, limited-edition sneakers, and even the iconic cronuts—the croissant-donut hybrid that had New Yorkers queuing for hours.
The Business of Waiting
The model is as simple as it is effective: people want products and experiences, but they don’t want to waste time in line. They’re willing to pay someone else to endure the wait for them. Prices start at $25 per hour and go up to $38, with a two-hour minimum. There are surcharges depending on the conditions: $3 per hour for bad weather (rain, snow, or extreme temperatures), $15 for overnight waits, and a $20 fee for same-day urgent requests.
During New York’s “peak line seasons”—like Christmas or major product launches—rates increase. Even lines outside courthouses, such as those for the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, are covered by the business.
Samuel has managed to turn a universal urban nuisance into a profitable service. But he hasn’t just sold his time—he’s built a recognizable brand, a stable business, and a reliable client base in a city where trends change weekly.
Observation: The Hidden Entrepreneurial Skill
Samuel shares a piece of advice that may sound simple but hits deep for any would-be entrepreneur: “Observe everything around you. When people complain, look closer—maybe there’s a solution.” That’s exactly what he did. He tuned into the everyday frustrations of New Yorkers stuck in endless lines, and saw an opportunity hiding in plain sight.
Today, his company is more than a novelty—it’s a thoughtful response to a modern discomfort. His team steps into the shoes of busy professionals, impatient foodies, die-hard fans, and hypebeasts, offering not just a spot in a line but access to exclusive moments.
The Price of Patience
In a world obsessed with speed, patience has a price. And selling it can be far more lucrative than simply possessing it. Samuel’s story reminds us that even the simplest act—waiting—can become a business, if you know how to listen and where to sit.
Sometimes, luxury isn’t about getting what you want immediately. It’s about not having to wait for it yourself. And if someone’s willing to sit in the cold for hours so you don’t have to—well, that’s time, quite literally, turned into gold.
#goalpress
