Tim Burton (SF 01-06), widely recognized in the automotive world as Shmee150, has become a global name synonymous with luxury supercars, captivating vlogs, and entrepreneurial ventures. A proud Rugbeian, Tim has forged a remarkable career by transforming his passion for cars into a thriving global brand. His journey from School Field to international acclaim is one of inspiration, innovation, and relentless drive. 
 

Rugby School Days: A Foundation for Innovation 

Tim’s time at Rugby School was a precursor to his future career. Always the tech-savvy student, he would link friends’ laptops to play car games, create videos of school events like the First XV rugby matches, and even document the school ski trips. With a keen interest in mathematics, further mathematics, and photography, Tim’s A-level subjects (of which he did five!) mirrored his fascination with engineering, statistics, technology and visual storytelling. Lessons in IT and computing laid the groundwork for programming and video editing skills which were to fuel his creativity in business. 

Tim graduated in 2006, just as Facebook was gaining traction. He and his contemporaries were among the first to experiment with social media, unknowingly setting the stage for a future where online platforms would become pivotal to their careers. 

The Birth of Shmee150 

Just one day after attending the Rugby School Leaver’s Ball, Tim embarked on a European road trip with a friend—an adventure that sparked his passion for travel. During the trip, he began casually sharing car photos and videos on social media, without any specific goal or agenda. These early posts would later become the foundation of his Shmee150 brand. 

In his first job in London, Tim’s boss supported his creativity by allowing him time off to make YouTube videos. Since then, he has uploaded a video to YouTube every single day, building a platform with over 10 million followers. This unyielding dedication was pivotal during the platform’s early years when success was far from guaranteed. 

“I’d uploaded over 1,000 videos before YouTube even introduced advertising,” Tim shares.  

Living the Supercar Dream 

Shmee150 is more than just a YouTube channel; it’s a comprehensive brand that includes merchandise, a book, consultancy work, event partnerships and a physical headquarters called the 'Shmuseum'. Once a milking parlour, the Shmuseum is now home to Tim’s impressive car collection and serves as a filming studio for manufacturers and collaborators. 

Tim’s tagline, “living the supercar dream,” encapsulates his philosophy. Through his videos, he offers viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the exclusive world of luxury cars. “Cars are like a universal language,” he explains. “They create an immediate connection, no matter who or where you are.” 

From consulting with automotive giants such as BMW and Bugatti to filming surreal adventures like chasing elephants in a £1 million Mercedes G-Wagon convertible, Tim’s career is filled with unforgettable moments. 

Entrepreneurship and Innovation 

Tim’s business acumen extends beyond content creation. He’s the founder of ‘Exclusive Car Registry’, a tool that provides essential data for dealers and auction houses. Employing 15 people, the company has become the go-to source for high-end car market insights and is poised for significant growth. 

“The reaction to our pitch deck has been extraordinary,” Tim reveals, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon. 


Full Circle: Returning to Rugby School 

In March 2025, Tim will return to Rugby School to speak at the Careers Convention, a moment that brings his journey full circle. He vividly remembers attending the same event as a student in the LXX, where an entrepreneur’s talk and BMW 1 Series car left a lasting impression. “That event inspired me to become an entrepreneur,” Tim reflects. “It’s surreal to now be in a position where I am able to return to the same event, to inspire the next generation.” 

Advice for Rugbeians 

Tim’s message to current students and alumni pursuing unconventional careers is simple yet profound: “Take the risk! It’s true that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Most importantly, work hard and believe in your vision.” 

We eagerly await Tim’s return to Rugby in March and look forward to hearing more about his remarkable journey.