Carl Radke: From Reality TV to Entrepreneurial Success and Sobriety Advocacy
Carl Radke is a name many reality TV fans recognize from Bravo’s hit show Summer House. But behind the television fame, Radke has built an impressive career as an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for sobriety and mental health. His journey from Pittsburgh to New York, from working in sales to launching businesses like Soft Bar + Cafe, shows the resilience and determination of a man who turned personal struggles into meaningful ventures.
This article takes an in-depth look at Carl Radke’s life, career, businesses, relationships, and personal growth—covering everything from his early education to his professional accomplishments and his current ventures in the non-alcoholic beverage industry.
Early Life and Education
Childhood in Pittsburgh
Carl Radke grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city that shaped much of his early life and work ethic. Coming from a close-knit family, Radke faced challenges along the way, including the devastating loss of his brother, Curtis, which deeply influenced his outlook on life.
College at Syracuse University
Radke attended the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University between 2003 and 2007. He majored in Radio, Television, and Film, where he laid the foundation for his eventual career in entertainment and media. This education not only prepared him for his later role on television but also gave him skills in production and communication that became useful in his business ventures.
Career Beginnings
Working Behind the Camera
Before stepping in front of the camera, Carl Radke worked in the entertainment industry behind the scenes. He was a production assistant for the hit show Criminal Minds under Disney ABC Television Group from 2007 to 2009. His responsibilities ranged from scheduling to production coordination, giving him firsthand experience in the world of television.
Transition to Sales and Business Development
Following his time in entertainment production, Radke shifted gears into corporate roles. He worked with companies like Danaher Corporation, Thommen Medical, and GLO Science, where he specialized in sales and account management. These roles sharpened his skills in leadership, client relations, and business growth.
Reality TV Fame
Summer House on Bravo
Carl Radke made his television debut in 2017 on the first season of Summer House. His charismatic personality quickly made him a fan favorite. Over the years, he has become a central figure on the show, with audiences watching his ups and downs, both professionally and personally.
Balancing Fame with Business
Unlike many reality TV stars who focus only on entertainment, Radke used the platform to launch entrepreneurial ventures. His involvement in the show opened doors to new partnerships, including a close friendship and business relationship with fellow cast member Kyle Cooke.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Loverboy Inc.
In 2019, Carl Radke teamed up with his best friend Kyle Cooke to join Loverboy Inc., a beverage company specializing in sparkling hard teas and cocktails. Radke first worked in sales business development and later became Vice President of Sales from 2020 to 2022. His leadership helped the company expand nationally, making Loverboy a household name in the alcohol beverage industry.
The Radke Boys, Inc.
In 2023, Radke launched The Radke Boys, Inc., a company reflecting his growing interests in business, wellness, public speaking, and film. The company allows him to combine his personal mission with professional pursuits, offering services and products aligned with mental health and sobriety advocacy.
Soft Bar + Cafe
Perhaps Radke’s most personal project is Soft Bar + Cafe, which opened in Brooklyn in 2024. Branded as a first-of-its-kind mindful consumption bar, Soft Bar offers premium non-alcoholic cocktails, mood-boosting drinks, and specialty coffee.
This venture reflects his personal journey of sobriety—Radke has been sober since January 2021. For him, Soft Bar is more than just a business; it’s a movement that encourages people to socialize without alcohol while still enjoying an elevated, stylish experience.
Advocacy and Sobriety
A Turning Point in 2021
After years of struggling with alcohol, Carl Radke made the life-changing decision to get sober in January 2021. He has since shared his story openly, becoming an advocate for sobriety, mindfulness, and mental health.
Honoring His Brother
The loss of Carl Radke’s brother, Curtis, in 2020 was a pivotal moment that motivated him to reexamine his lifestyle. Curtis’s struggles with addiction inspired Carl to pursue a healthier path and later advocate for others facing similar battles.
Personal Life
Carl Radke Girlfriend and Relationships
Over the years, Carl Radke’s romantic life has been a central theme on Summer House. Most notably, he was engaged to Lindsay Hubbard, his co-star and longtime friend. The two announced their engagement in 2022 but later called it off in 2023, which played out both on-screen and in the public eye.
As of 2025, Radke has not confirmed a new long-term girlfriend. He has expressed interest in finding someone who shares his values of family, health, and personal growth, but currently, his focus appears to be on business and self-development.
Age and Height
For those wondering, how old is Carl Radke? He was born on January 27, 1985, making him 40 years old in 2025. His height is another standout feature—at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters), he is one of the tallest personalities in the Bravo reality world.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Business and Television Income
Carl Radke’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million in 2025. His wealth comes from multiple sources:
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His long-running role on Summer House
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Leadership positions at Loverboy Inc.
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His entrepreneurial ventures including Soft Bar + Cafe and The Radke Boys, Inc.
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Speaking engagements and brand collaborations
Radke’s financial success reflects his ability to diversify income beyond television fame, building businesses that align with his personal values.
Other Professional Roles
Spotfund Technologies
Between 2018 and 2019, Radke worked as a Senior Advisor at Spotfund Technologies, a nonprofit fundraising platform designed for brands and influencers. This role allowed him to explore the intersection of technology, social impact, and community building.
Yotpo
He also worked as an Account Executive at Yotpo in 2017–2018, helping online businesses improve customer engagement through user-generated content. This position showcased his adaptability and strong communication skills.
Legacy and Impact
Carl Radke’s story is more than just that of a reality TV star. It’s the story of a man who:
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Faced personal struggles with addiction and loss,
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Found strength in sobriety,
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Built meaningful businesses like Soft Bar + Cafe,
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Advocated for mental health and wellness, and
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Continued to thrive on television while inspiring others with his journey.
Conclusion
Carl Radke has transformed his life from being a young professional navigating entertainment and sales jobs into a household name known for resilience, entrepreneurship, and authenticity. From his role on Summer House to his ventures with Loverboy Inc., The Radke Boys, Inc., and Soft Bar + Cafe, Radke has consistently pursued opportunities that reflect his growth and values.
At 40 years old, standing 6’5”, and with a net worth of $1 million, Carl Radke remains an influential figure in reality TV and business. More importantly, his openness about sobriety and his dedication to mental health advocacy continue to inspire thousands of people who look up to him as proof that it’s possible to overcome hardship and thrive.
