Before he was acting opposite Colin Firth or playing a protein-chugging disaster bro on The White Lotus, Patrick Schwarzenegger was running his own side hustle — one that practically screams “nepo baby,” but with just enough heart to make it weirdly endearing.

In a new CBS News interview, Patrick shared that when he was just 10 years old, his dad — yes, that dad — put him in charge of selling Arnold Schwarzenegger memorabilia. We’re talking framed photos from Muscle Beach, signed Conan swords, and glossy movie prints. “I took a replica of the Conan swords and got him to sign them,” Patrick said. “I would sell them for $10,000 a pop. It was all for nonprofit. I didn’t make any money, but it was to understand how to sell.” 

Let’s pause there. A ten-year-old in the early 2000s moving high-ticket Conan swords while most kids are figuring out how to use GameShark? That’s pretty peak nepo. But also — the idea of a father teaching his son sales tactics by having him hawk Terminator collectibles is so specific it circles back to charming.

It’s also part of a much longer effort, Patrick says, to build a career outside his family’s shadow. The actor admitted he considered dropping the Schwarzenegger name early on, worried it might block him from being seen seriously in Hollywood. But after years of acting classes, rejections, and small parts, he landed his biggest role yet — as Saxon Ratliff in The White Lotus — and may have finally silenced the doubters. Even his dad didn’t recognize him in character. “It would be a little bit alarming if he did,” Patrick joked.

Still, the family connection is impossible to ignore — especially when Arnold shows up in Variety interviews reminding everyone, “Now I can take credit.” To Patrick’s credit, he seems in on the joke. He’s just hoping the hustle speaks louder than the name.

And if not? Well, there’s always another Conan sword to sell.

Before you go, click here to see more celebrity kids following in their parents’ acting footsteps.