They were lucky. And Smith had a good ear for pop culture. They also have a very specific niche. Truthfully, most of the guys who start with even a modicum of talent end up doing commercials because it pays so well. Why spend three years or more trying to get a movie off the ground and completed when you can make a couple of hundred thousand in two weeks? Frame for frame commercials are the most expensive film shot.
Smith is also very down to Earth with his fans. He posts on the Message Board on his website all the time. His fans are very loyal.