The first time I saw one of Daniel Macdonald’s videos pop up on my TikTok For You Page, I assumed that the sunny shots of Ferraris, Porsches, and Alfa Romeos were taken on Rodeo Drive or in Calabasas. But then I saw the unmistakable, Spanish-style stucco buildings of Highland Park Village in the background, and realized this FYP pick was hitting closer to home.
The idea behind Macdonald’s videos is simple but effective: he sees rare, luxury cars and approaches the driver to ask, “what do you do for a living?” Many of the answers are what you’d expect–business owners, finance bros, real estate moguls. Others are humorously vague; one man just laughs and says “nothing” before adding “uh, investments.” Some are simply ridiculous. My favorite is a woman exiting a Maserati, Birkin bag in hand, who fires back, “What do you mean? I’m married.”
The videos are an addicting look into the lives of Dallas’ rich and flashy, and I’m not the only one who’s hooked. Since Daniel posted the first video of the series on September 27, his following has skyrocketed to 2.1 million.
It’s been a wild ride for the 23-year-old, who moved from his hometown of Tucson, Arizona to Dallas for a job in financial services just two months ago.
How did this all get started?
I started just over a month ago, and it kind of was a fluke incident. I had the idea for a couple months, and I went to Highland Park a couple times with some friends and saw the crazy cars there. Then, one day I ran into someone driving a Lamborghini with my friend, and I was like, ‘hey, it’s now or never.’ I posted the video and then it just blew up overnight. I had, like, 10 followers at the time. It’s crazy.
@itsdanielmac Asking Luxury Car Owners What they do pt. 3 #ferrari #mercedes #porsche #maserati #foryoupage #fyp #car #cars #carsoftiktok #explore #entrepreneur
How do people react when you ask them what they do for a living?
I mean, most of the time people are really nice about it–probably 90 percent of the time, which is kind of surprising. I [thought] more people would be like, ‘why are you asking me?’ It’s only been a handful of times where people will be like, ‘get out of my face.’ I’ve never gotten yelled at, but a lot of people are just like, ‘I don’t want to answer that.’ People recognize me now when I ask them, which is kind of cool.
What’s the most common answer to the question?
Definitely, real estate, 100 percent. It’s always real estate, and then I assume they’re commercial real estate, not houses, but they don’t really specify. Real estate, also private equity, and software, too.
Have you had any surprising interactions?
I’ve had some where just people will talk to me after–for the videos I cut it because I want to make it quick–some people will just talk to me for 15 minutes. I’ve gotten five different business cards from people [who said] ‘hey, I like your entrepreneurial spirit. Here you go.’ I got invited to a Christmas party from some billionaire.
Did you know much about cars before this?
I was into cars but I wasn’t a car fanatic. I’ve become way more into the cars since doing it. Now I can recognize most cars I see. At the start, I would occasionally need to get help from some of my bigger car friends. I know it’s a Ferrari, but what kind? Now I’ve gotten more into it for sure.
Has doing this inspired your dream car?
Probably the 488 Ferrari Pista. I took a ride in one this past weekend–the guy gave me a Gucci bag–he had one, so I got to drive one, which was so cool. Maybe like a Porsche 911–I just love those.
What’s the craziest car you’ve seen in Dallas doing this?
Definitely the Bugatti Chiron I saw. It’s the only one in Texas, and one of 20 in America, and some billionaire that lives here was driving it. I think there’s only been 200 ever made worldwide, and only 500 will ever be made.
It’s so funny that you say that, because I remember writing an article a few years ago about someone in Dallas being gifted one of those Bugattis! They had a party for it.
Yeah, he’s really nice, too! I see him everywhere. I saw him again in his Rolls Royce. He said maybe he’d let me go inside the Bugatti sometime, so I’m holding out for that.
Nice! Do you have any other ideas for TikTok series that you want to start?
I’m thinking about maybe going to mansions in Highland Park and doing some tours. People who have seen my TikToks might let me do that.
