Want a clear way to replace your paycheck with rental income without turning your life upside down? We sit down with Axel Meierhoefer, founder of Ideal Wealth Grower, to unpack a practical, numbers-first system for building a cash-flow portfolio you can run in minutes a month. Axel shares how he went from Air Force officer to corporate executive to investor whose properties now cover his lifestyle—and the key pivot points that kept him from getting wiped out in 2008.

We get specific. Axel breaks down the 1 percent rule as a fast screen for deals, then shows how to validate taxes, insurance, maintenance, and financing so you’re confident before you buy. He defines what a true turnkey provider looks like—integrated construction or renovation, real estate sales with lender relationships, and full-service property management with clean accounting—and why building clusters of four to six properties in a single market gives you leverage and simplicity. You’ll learn why distance doesn’t matter when your team and processes are tight, and how forming an LLC helps you show up as a business owner who sets standards and holds partners accountable.

Market selection starts with purpose. If your goal is income replacement, target stable, mid-sized markets where price-to-rent ratios still cash flow; if your goal is asset growth, newer build-to-rent options with rate buy-downs might make sense even at breakeven. We dig into corridors like Dayton to Cincinnati, parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio for cash flow, plus select Florida pockets where new-build pricing is temporarily depressed. Axel also tackles the timing question head-on: inflation and dollar erosion make fixed-rate debt an asset, so waiting for the “perfect” price can be more costly than buying a property that fits your plan today.

By the end, you’ll have a blueprint: define your purpose, let the numbers lead, choose the right markets, and build a professional team that makes distance irrelevant. If you’re serious about replacing your W‑2 income with durable cash flow, subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review telling us your investment goal for the next 12 months.

Website: idealweathgrower.com 

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

The college price tag keeps climbing, but draining savings or delaying retirement doesn’t have to be your only option. We sit down with Lance Morgan, founder of College Funding Secrets, to map out a step-by-step approach for turning smart real estate moves and tax strategy into a reliable engine that pays for tuition while protecting your future. Lance pulls back the curtain on why many high earners miss out on aid, how 529 plans can quietly work against you, and where short-term rentals can create the kind of “tax scholarships” that rival the cost of a private university.

We get specific about the short-term rental advantage: active losses that can offset W‑2 income, the return of 100% bonus depreciation, and the FAFSA timing that makes junior year of high school a pivotal window. You’ll hear how to underwrite an STR with real data—occupancy, average daily rate, and seasonality—using tools like AirDNA, and why design, amenities, and ranking on page one are the difference between middling revenue and top-percentile performance. Lance shares practical operating tactics for a hands-off model with management baked into the numbers, so you’re not spending weekends washing sheets.

We also dig into asset positioning to avoid common aid mistakes. Learn which accounts count against you, why retirement vehicles often don’t, how to value property conservatively for aid forms, and when the CSS profile changes the rules for private schools. For liquidity and resilience, Lance explains using a properly structured life insurance policy as a source of low-rate loans for down payments and slow seasons, so you preserve compounding while keeping your real estate plan moving. By the end, you’ll have a clear playbook to fund college through cash-flowing assets, reduce taxes, and keep your retirement on track.

If this strategy guide helps, follow and subscribe, share it with a friend who’s staring down tuition, and leave a quick review so more families can discover smarter ways to pay for college.

How to connect with Lance?
Website: https://collegecostsecrets.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegefundingeducation/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-morgan-college-funding-secrets/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lance_CollegeFundingSecrets 

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Imagine turning a sketch into a sellable product without begging a factory for a slot or wiring cash for a risky MOQ. That’s the promise of CNC: computer-controlled cutting that gives you precision, repeatability, and creative freedom on your own schedule. We sit down with mechanical-engineer-turned-creator Winston Moy to unpack what CNC milling really is, how the workflow works, and why you don’t need an engineering degree to get real results.

We start with first principles: CAD for design, CAM for toolpaths, and hands-on setup for safe, accurate cuts. Winston explains what a capable $3k–$5k machine can do with wood, plastics, composites, and aluminum, and how clear product ideas shorten the learning curve and speed up ROI. We talk through the practical economics—paying off a machine in months, launching with ten units instead of a thousand, and using your shop as a prototype and pilot plant. When a product pops, you can outsource batches and keep your spindle focused on the next winner.

Support and community make the difference between tinkering and shipping. We highlight Carbide 3D’s training, cross-trained staff, and a “mistakes are on us” window that lowers fear and accelerates learning. Then we bridge art and engineering: choosing materials, toolpaths, and finishes that serve both function and feel. Winston also shares how storytelling turns process into marketing, from behind-the-scenes builds to niche product drops that customers can’t help but share.

We zoom out to the future of digital fabrication, where CNC lives alongside 3D printing and fast-turn services to erase friction between imagination and inventory. If you’re tired of long lead times, high MOQs, and guesswork, this conversation gives you a clear roadmap: pick one product, learn the minimal workflow, ship a small batch, gather feedback, iterate, and scale with confidence.

Enjoy the episode? Follow the show, share it with a maker friend, and leave a quick review—what would you build first with a CNC?

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

If Amazon ads now feel like a maze of rising CPCs, endless keywords, and dashboards that never sleep, you’re not imagining it. The platform has shifted from organic-first to pay to play—and the only sustainable response is smarter execution that blends learning systems with human strategy.

We sit down with the CEO of Ava Commerce to unpack what “AI-driven” should actually mean for Amazon and D2C brands. Instead of black-box promises, we explore a configurable approach: let AI learn from your data across campaign creation, bid optimization, dayparting, and keyword negation, but keep owners and PPC leads in control with rules at the store, product, and campaign levels. You’ll hear how to tag products into portfolios with different TACOS goals, automate keyword isolation, and sunset underperformers quickly—freeing 65% of the grunt work so humans can focus on decisions that move margin.

Context still wins. We break down when to push for top-of-search visibility over strict ACOS, how to pair ads with pricing and promotions to lift conversion, and why creative and SEO matter more than ever for CTR and CVR. We also dig into audience strategy for DSP, where human insight crafts timing and intent—like targeting competitor buyers when they are most likely to repurchase—while AI handles the execution. Beyond ads, we touch on cash discipline through FBA reimbursements and vendor funds recovery, and why unlimited strategic support helps teams turn software into outcomes.

If you’re ready to scale profit, not just spend, this conversation offers a clear playbook: align creative with conversion, reclaim lost dollars, and deploy configurable AI that learns while you lead. Subscribe, share with a fellow seller who needs a smarter PPC plan, and leave a review with the one lever you’re automating first.

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

What happens when you sell your company, then buy it back to take it private again? We sit down with John Roman, CEO of Battle Brands, to unpack the bold moves behind Battle Box’s rise—from a Facebook-fueled launch to an eight-figure portfolio, a high-profile acquisition, and a decisive buyback that reset the roadmap on his terms.

John walks us through the early grind, the moment he left a comfortable corporate path, and the hard choices that unlocked growth: firing a non-performing partner, recruiting a top creator in-house, and making content the engine rather than a side project. We dig into why human storytelling beats hard selling, how raw behind-the-scenes moments build trust, and why community is the most defensible moat in e-commerce. If you’re aiming to reduce churn and raise LTV, you’ll hear how reframing “subscription” as “membership” unlocks recurring revenue with real perks, belonging, and out-of-box value that customers actually feel.

Then we go deep on live shopping. After years of hype, John explains why the U.S. market is finally ready, how Whatnot differs from doomscrolling on TikTok, and what it takes to scale from a 10-hour test to 45 hours of weekly programming with multiple hosts and show runners. The playbook is fast, vertical, and emotionally driven—short attention spans, quick decisions, and high intent. We connect the dots between creator-led content, membership benefits, retention strategy, and live shopping as an always-on touchpoint that turns fans into customers and customers into advocates.

If you’re building an e-commerce brand, this conversation delivers practical ideas on content strategy, community building, membership design, retention levers, and the live commerce stack. Subscribe, share this with a founder who needs a push, and leave a review with the one tactic you’ll test next.

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Cash flow should never hinge on a silent algorithm. We sit down with Lissa Fryxell from Easy Pay Direct to unpack the decision most founders make by default—aggregator versus dedicated merchant accounts—and why that single choice can determine whether your payouts keep flowing during spikes, launches, and headline shocks. Lissa shares the jaw-dropping story of a small business owner who ran one legitimate high-ticket transaction and lost access to $93,000 for more than a year, then breaks down how to prevent that scenario with smarter underwriting and proactive risk design.

We get practical about building a checkout that actually grows revenue. From one-click upsells and cross-sells to subscriptions and wallets, Lissa explains how to increase conversion and average order value without adding friction. She also weighs the tradeoffs of Buy Now, Pay Later and shows where it lifts sales versus where it can siphon off valuable upsell moments. If you run on Shopify, you’ll hear the real limits of aggregator-based payments during product launches and seasonal surges—and the alternative integrations that preserve control, support high-risk categories, and keep you as the merchant of record.

Chargebacks, holds, and mystery fees don’t have to be a cost of doing business. Learn the simple fixes that reduce disputes—clear statement descriptors, accessible support, and visible refund policies—plus how to use alerts and response windows to win more cases. We even share a quick way to calculate your true effective rate and decide when it’s time to negotiate or switch. If e-commerce growth is your aim, treat payments as a revenue system, not just a cost center.

Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share this episode with a founder who needs a payments tune-up, and leave a quick review to help more builders find us.

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Tired of guessing your way through stockouts, overstock, and Amazon’s ever-shifting fees? We sat down with Randy Thebeau—programmer, analyst, Amazon seller, and former 3PL owner—who turned years of warehouse chaos into SKU Compass, a practical system for sellers who want clarity, not dashboards for show. Randy shares how he set a hard revenue target and deadline to quit his bank job, then learned the hard way why spreadsheets crumble under daily sales swings, multi-channel expansion, and the hidden math of bundles and kits.

We unpack the habits that protect margins: treating safety stock as non-negotiable insurance, measuring coverage in days (not just units), and setting channel-specific thresholds so FBA stays lean while sales stay steady. Randy breaks down a hybrid approach to AWD and 3PL that speeds replenishment without surrendering your P&L to auto systems, plus a simple rule to cut long-term storage by taking manual control when FBA dips below a 30-day window. We also get tactical on returns triage for higher-ticket products, supplier standards that prevent rework (barcode at the factory or walk away), and why two manufacturers per SKU can save a launch when quality slips.

If multi-channel sales have turned your inventory into a guessing game, you’ll hear how bundling can push up average order value while SKU Compass handles the tricky component math across Amazon, Walmart, Shopify, WooCommerce, and ShipStation-powered channels. The throughline is simple: right-size your stock, protect cash flow, and make fewer—but sharper—decisions that compound over time. Subscribe, share with a seller who’s stuck in spreadsheet hell, and leave a review with your biggest inventory headache—we’ll queue it up for a future deep dive.

Randy Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/randy.thebeau
https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-thebeau/

SKU Compass Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566592928758
https://www.youtube.com/@SKUCompass
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sku-compass/
https://skucompass.com/

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Tired of hearing that Amazon FBA is “over”? We unpack why the opportunity didn’t die—it evolved—and how smart operators are winning by pairing founder-led insight with ruthless execution. Our guest, veteran seller and agency founder Andy Isom, takes us from his first experiments in the Jungle Scout era to the playbooks he uses today across dozens of live accounts. The big ideas: pick products you actually understand, design for shareability so people want to post what they buy, and respect logistics as a profit lever, not a back-office chore.

We break down the product criteria that still hold up—small, lightweight, and simple for beginners—and when to flip the script with oversized or “boring” items that live in quieter niches. Andy explains how Amazon’s algorithm increasingly rewards external traffic and brand search, why “me too” listings bleed on PPC, and how to choose between rank-first or profit-first ad frameworks. If you’ve ever felt stuck at break-even ACOS, you’ll hear clear ways to test, segment, and scale without gambling the whole account.

Looking for immediate upside? Build a seasonal portfolio. Seasonal SKUs consistently convert harder, advertise cheaper, and generate fast turns when timed well. We map how to stagger products across the calendar, forecast inventory to avoid painful fees, and use ocean freight, 3PL staging, and smarter placement settings to keep logistics costs in check. Along the way, Andy shares why he launched a boutique agency, the advantages of cross-account pattern recognition, and the mindset shifts that separate resilient brand builders from the crowd.

If you’re serious about Amazon in 2025—new seller or seven-figure operator—this conversation offers practical steps to protect margin, spark demand, and scale with precision. Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a better game plan, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Website: https://andyisom.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-by-business-amazon-fba-e-commerce-brand-building/id1497465347

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJx5K6buMEtislBGkLl4Pcw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andyisom100k/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandyisom/?hl=en

Twitter: https://x.com/amzwithandyisom?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52L8k1GbdWb4mngZNp92b7

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Behind every successful e-commerce business lies a crucial truth that most founders miss: profit matters more than revenue. Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective, knows this firsthand. After transitioning from professional baseball with the New York Yankees to the world of e-commerce, he discovered that building sustainable online businesses requires a fundamentally different approach than what most marketers preach.

The harsh reality? The median eight-figure e-commerce business operates on razor-thin 6.5% profit margins. This creates a brutal catch-22: growing businesses need capital for inventory, but their margins often don't generate enough cash to fund that growth. As Taylor explains, this is why so many entrepreneurs find themselves with impressive revenue figures but empty bank accounts.

What separates thriving e-commerce brands from struggling ones? Taylor identifies three key leverage points that the most successful companies exploit: organic audience reach that reduces customer acquisition costs, exceptional lifetime customer value that justifies higher initial marketing spend, or supply chain advantages that enable nimble inventory management. Without at least one of these advantages, businesses inevitably face commoditization as competition drives margins toward zero.

Taylor's "four-quarter accounting" framework offers a practical solution for e-commerce operators. By dividing the P&L into cost of delivery, customer acquisition, operating expenses, and profit—and aiming for roughly 25% in each category—founders can quickly identify and address imbalances. Most importantly, he advocates tracking contribution margin (gross margin minus ad spend) as the north star metric for evaluating marketing performance.

Whether you're struggling with cash flow despite growing sales, wondering why your marketing efforts aren't translating to actual profit, or simply looking to build a more sustainable e-commerce operation, Taylor's insights challenge conventional wisdom and provide a roadmap for building businesses that don't just generate impressive revenue but actually put money in your pocket. Isn't that the whole point?

How to connect with Taylor?
Website: https://commonthreadco.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@commonthreadco
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjtbFqsqVORPBJMein0zLWQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commonthreadco/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/common-thread-collective/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorholiday/?hl=en
Twitter: https://x.com/taylorholiday?lang=en

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

What if everything you know about SEO is becoming obsolete? Dale Bertrand, founder of Fire and Spark, brings a refreshingly technical yet human-centered perspective to digital growth strategy—a perspective forged through his journey from building government supercomputers to revolutionizing how businesses approach organic traffic.

"Rankings and traffic that don't convert are worthless," Dale asserts, challenging the vanity metrics that have dominated digital marketing for years. His "SEO for Revenue" methodology cuts through the clutter, focusing on customer acquisition rather than keyword rankings. This approach has yielded remarkable results, including helping GrabCAD achieve 30x growth in organic traffic that ultimately led to a successful acquisition.

As artificial intelligence reshapes search, Dale identifies three critical shifts: the tools marketers use, the algorithms powering results, and how customers seek information. This trifecta demands new strategies where content must be "semantically dense" and "snackable" for AI training. The counterintuitive outcome? Less traffic but more revenue—a concept many marketers struggle to embrace.

Perhaps most surprising is Dale's deceptively simple advice for understanding customer behavior: just ask them. "We've gotten used to hiding behind analytics," he notes, advocating instead for direct conversations that yield insights no dashboard can provide. This human connection extends to his recommendations for product selection, where he encourages entrepreneurs to find the sweet spot between passion for a customer community, viable sales channels, and healthy unit economics.

For those building online businesses in 2023 and beyond, Dale offers a roadmap for navigating the transition from traditional SEO to what he calls "Generative Engine Optimization" (GEO). Early adopters who master these dynamics stand to benefit significantly, just as early SEO practitioners did years ago.

Connect with Dale at fireandspark.com or reach him directly at dale@fireandspark.com to learn how your business can thrive in the age of AI-powered search.

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Dylan Jahraus transformed from corporate e-commerce strategist to Etsy powerhouse, landing her shop in the top 0.1% worldwide and hitting $1 million in sales in just a few years. Now coaching over 4,500 Etsy sellers across 30+ countries, Dylan returns to share her expertise on the platform that changed her life.

This conversation dives deep into what makes Etsy different from Amazon and Shopify - from customer expectations to policy control. Dylan reveals that Etsy customers aren't expecting free returns and sellers maintain complete control over their policies, creating a fundamentally different selling environment. She shares how the platform's built-in trust eliminates the friction often associated with independent Shopify stores that might initially appear less trustworthy.

Perhaps most valuable is Dylan's contrarian take on Etsy ads. While many sellers pour money into advertising, Dylan built her million-dollar business primarily through organic growth. "I'm very passionate about exhausting your organic potential first," she explains, noting that in her experience, paid ads have only proven worthwhile for less than 20 people she's worked with. Instead, she recommends free marketing channels like Pinterest, which for one student generated over 1.1 million monthly impressions without spending a dime on ads.

The episode covers practical strategies for international expansion, personalization best practices, and the free shipping debate. Dylan suggests a hybrid shipping model where you might charge a nominal amount when shipping costs are higher while building the remainder into the product price. She also shares her testing methodology to determine what works best for your specific shop.

Whether you're considering Etsy as a new sales channel or looking to optimize your existing shop, this episode provides actionable insights from someone who's mastered the platform. Book a free call with Dylan to chat about your Etsy shop and see if her coaching program might be the right fit for your business goals.

How to connect with Dylan?
Website: https://dylanjahraus.com/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/etsy-seller-success-tips-for-starting-growing-and/id1647518076
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeO8Gmc2B-3G2fgcFnRR4Xw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylanjahrausofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanjahraus/

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

The screen time battle just got a revolutionary upgrade. Meet Britta Buchholz, the visionary entrepreneur who's flipping the script on how kids interact with technology through her groundbreaking app, Kidoo.

After watching her young children memorize complex passcodes to access their iPads while homework sat untouched, Britta had her lightbulb moment. What if those same devices that captivated children's attention could become powerful educational tools? What if kids had to answer educational questions to unlock their entertainment apps?

Drawing from her extensive experience running the Boomerang Group, a philanthropic consulting firm serving high-profile clients like Steve Aoki and Cesar Millan, Britta took the entrepreneurial leap. Despite having no background in tech development, she followed her instincts and pursued her vision with unwavering determination.

"I didn't even tell my husband for a few months later that I had started this company with this guy, that I had never met with this whimsical idea, that I had to invent an app which I had no clue about the technology industry," Britta shares with refreshing candor. Her journey wasn't without challenges – from facing critical feedback from early testers to navigating the technical complexities of app development and finding the courage to release a minimum viable product rather than waiting for perfection.

The result? A transformative tool that parents everywhere have been waiting for. Kidoo seamlessly integrates learning into screen time by requiring children to complete educational challenges before accessing entertainment apps. Unlike traditional educational apps that require parental navigation, Kidoo makes learning the gateway to entertainment, leveraging children's natural motivation to use devices.

Whether you're a parent struggling with screen time battles, an entrepreneur considering taking the leap, or simply fascinated by innovative solutions to modern challenges, this conversation offers valuable insights into both the practical aspects of startup development and the mindset required to bring transformative ideas to life. The future of family technology might just look brighter thanks to visionaries like Britta who dare to question the status quo.

How to connect with Britta?
Website: https://keydo.io/ 

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

The difference between struggling to get responses and filling your calendar with qualified leads often comes down to one thing: how you structure your offer. Perrin Monker, Principal at RevAscension.io, reveals the counterintuitive psychology that drives successful cold outreach campaigns.

Most entrepreneurs make a critical mistake when reaching out to prospects - they position themselves at the center of their messaging. "This is what I do and why I'm great" rarely moves the needle. What actually works is flipping the script to center everything around your prospect's desired business outcomes. As Perrin explains, "We want to be humble when we come up with go-to-market strategies...look at the competition, see what other sharks are in the water."

Beyond crafting compelling offers, this episode dives deep into the technical aspects of cold email that most marketers get wrong. We debunk common myths (like the value of tracking open rates) and reveal why sending fewer emails from more accounts dramatically improves deliverability. You'll discover why asking for a prospect's time is fundamentally flawed compared to generating interest - a resource that, unlike time, is infinite and can be created through strategic messaging.

Whether you're trying to reach e-commerce businesses, SaaS clients, or any B2B audience, Perrin shares the frameworks that have filled calendars for businesses across industries. From prospect list building techniques to the surprising truth about CTAs that actually work, this conversation will transform how you approach outreach.

Ready to stop guessing what works in cold email? Visit RevAscension.io to see how data-driven frameworks can create predictable lead generation for your business. Your next client is just one strategic message away.

How to connect with Perrin?
Website: https://revascension.io/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrinmoncur/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@perrmoncur

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Ready to scale your Amazon business?
Click here to book a strategy call. 
https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

What if the path to e-commerce success was simpler than most "gurus" make it out to be? In this eye-opening conversation with Jim Cockrum—pioneer in online entrepreneurship and founder of the Proven Amazon Course—we discover why most people are looking at Amazon selling all wrong.

Forget what you've heard about market saturation. With less than 20% of all retail happening online, we're still in the pioneer stage of e-commerce. The blue ocean is expanding daily, and Jim reveals his "low-low-high" approach that's helped thousands build sustainable businesses with minimal risk and investment.

The real opportunity? Finding "underserved shelf space" in Amazon's massive warehouse network. Jim explains why focusing on everyday products that shoppers need quickly—rather than chasing the lowest price—creates a powerful advantage even for beginners. Through fascinating examples (like how one seller outperformed 200 competitors while charging the highest price), you'll understand why speed and convenience often trump price for today's consumers.

Jim dismantles common myths about Amazon selling, clarifying how the platform's increasingly consistent policies make it easier than ever to stay in good standing. He provides practical guidance on sourcing products properly, understanding the economics of profitable reselling, and avoiding the costly mistakes that trip up new sellers.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Jim shares his unconventional belief that relationships—not tactics or strategies—are the true predictor of entrepreneurial success. By the end of our conversation, you'll see why Jim's approach has stood the test of time while countless "get rich quick" schemes have faded away.

Whether you're just starting your online business journey or looking to diversify your existing e-commerce operation, this conversation offers a refreshingly straightforward path to building freedom and financial stability in the digital age.

How to connect with Jim?
Website: https://jimcockrumcoaching.com/
Podcast: https://silentjim.com/podcast-home/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimcockrum/
Facebook Group: SilentJim
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcockrum
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimcockrum/?hl=en
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2K55JmPu9WBAqmOtIaQAkf

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Ever wondered what separates wildly successful Amazon brands from those barely breaking even? Noah Wickman, VP of Sales and Marketing at My Amazon Guy, pulls back the curtain on the strategies driving $1.2 billion in annual revenue across 400+ brands.

Noah's journey from eBay reseller to e-commerce leader offers a fascinating backdrop to his practical insights. While many sellers feel discouraged by Amazon's increasing fees and competition, Noah brings a refreshingly optimistic perspective: "There are millionaires made on Amazon every single day." The difference? A willingness to invest in testing new approaches rather than operating from fear.

The conversation dives deep into advertising strategy, revealing that My Amazon Guy allocates approximately 89% of ad spend to Sponsored Products across their client base—challenging conventional wisdom about ad distribution. Noah also shares a startling finding: about 20% of most sellers' ad budgets are completely wasted, with zero sales resulting from those expenditures. His practical advice for auditing campaigns and identifying these inefficiencies could save listeners thousands.

Perhaps most valuable is Noah's framework for sustainable growth. He outlines the four unchanging pillars of Amazon success: catalog management, design, PPC, and SEO—with the latter being the consistent needle-mover for 90% of brands. "The more keywords you have, the more search volume you get. It's essentially just widening that funnel," he explains. Even brands doing $23+ million annually continue to optimize SEO monthly.

For those struggling with profitability, Noah offers an unexpected suggestion: test price increases. "You can usually raise prices about 15-20% before your conversion really takes a hit," he notes, provided your listing already ranks well. This single insight could transform margins for many sellers.

Ready to accelerate your Amazon business with strategies from someone who's seen what works across hundreds of brands? This episode delivers actionable tactics you can implement immediately. Subscribe now and join us as we continue to unlock the secrets of e-commerce success!

How to connect with Noah:
Website: https://www.myamazonguy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myamazonguy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-amazon-guy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/
Twitter: https://x.com/myamazonguy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/myamazonguy

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Jeremy Shapiro returns to the Firing the Man podcast with game-changing insights on scaling businesses beyond the hustle phase. With decades of experience helping established entrepreneurs break through growth plateaus, Jeremy unpacks the mental shifts and practical strategies required to build sustainable growth without burnout.

We dive deep into the concept of moving from "reactive chaos" to strategic growth. Too many business owners spend their days firefighting – constantly bailing water without patching the hole in the ship. Jeremy shares a powerful framework for carving out dedicated time to work ON your business, not just IN it, and explains how this simple shift transforms business performance.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Jeremy reveals his process-driven approach to scaling. He challenges the common misconception that systems are ever "done" and emphasizes creating a culture where team members own and evolve processes rather than having procedures imposed from above. For listeners struggling with "SOPs that die in Google Drive," Jeremy offers practical advice for keeping systems alive and relevant.

Perhaps most valuable is Jeremy's counterintuitive approach to pricing. Through a simple mathematical example, he demonstrates how modest price increases can potentially double profits, even accounting for customer attrition. This perspective-shifting insight reveals how fear-based pricing strategies leave substantial money on the table for many entrepreneurs.

For those feeling stuck at business plateaus, Jeremy offers hope through practical strategies that have helped thousands break through ceilings. He explains how growth typically follows S-curves rather than continuous hockey sticks, and how being open to new channels, products, or strategies that weren't right for your previous growth phase can catalyze your next expansion.

Whether you're running an e-commerce business, service-based company, or any entrepreneurial venture trying to scale beyond six or seven figures, this conversation delivers immediately applicable wisdom. Grab Jeremy's new book "Your Business Growth Playbook" and start implementing these proven strategies to escape reactive chaos and build a business that grows on your terms.

How to connect with Jeremy?
Website: https://YourBusinessGrowthPlaybook.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayareamastermind/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyshapiro/

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur is challenging for anyone, but military veterans face unique hurdles despite possessing extraordinary skills for business ownership. In this eye-opening conversation, Zach Miller reveals how his company is changing the game for veterans seeking financial independence.

Growing up as the child of two Marines shaped Zach's disciplined approach to life, carrying him through careers in sports, music, advertising, and eventually high-powered digital sales roles where he helped orchestrate multiple company exits worth hundreds of millions. When COVID hit, his innovative digital platform saved $105 million in collegiate sports sponsorships, cementing his reputation as someone who thrives under pressure and creates solutions where others see only problems.

What's truly fascinating is how Zach connects his personal journey to his mission at Patriot Growth Capital. Rather than leaving veterans to start businesses from scratch, PGC acquires established, profitable companies and creates a structured pathway for veterans to learn, operate, and ultimately own these businesses. Their "Practical MBA" approach pays veterans a six-figure salary while teaching them every aspect of running a successful operation over a five-year period.

The statistics Zach shares are striking: only 5% of America's 6.2 million small businesses are veteran-owned, yet these companies employ over 7 million Americans. By increasing veteran business ownership, PGC isn't just changing individual lives—they're potentially creating an economic engine that benefits communities nationwide.

Whether you're a business owner considering your exit strategy, an investor looking for purpose alongside profits, or someone fascinated by innovative business models that create multiple winners, this conversation offers valuable insights into how entrepreneurship can be structured to maximize success while serving those who've served our country. Ready to learn how business acquisition might be the smarter path to entrepreneurial success?

How to connect with Zack?
Website: https://patriotgrowthcapital.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriotgrowth/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacksmiller/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriotgrowth/

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

What if the secret to entrepreneurial success isn't working harder, but aligning your life differently? In this eye-opening conversation with Rebecca Elizabeth Whitman – award-winning coach, bestselling author, and host of the Balanced, Beautiful and Abundant podcast – we explore how high-achieving entrepreneurs can escape burnout without sacrificing their ambition.

Rebecca shares her remarkable journey from Princeton graduate to direct sales professional, actress, and multi-faceted entrepreneur. Her philosophy of maintaining 3-5 income streams proved invaluable during the pandemic, allowing her to thrive when her primary revenue source disappeared overnight. This practical approach to financial resilience resonates with anyone seeking greater stability in uncertain times.

The heart of our discussion centers on Rebecca's transformative "Seven Pillars of Abundance" framework. Rather than positioning financial success as the primary goal, she reveals how spirituality, physical health, emotional wellbeing, romantic relationships, and social connections create the foundation from which financial abundance naturally flows. This counterintuitive approach challenges conventional entrepreneurial wisdom that often prioritizes hustle above all else.

For those caught in negative thought patterns, Rebecca offers her powerful "Four A's of Transformation": awareness, acceptance, action, and affirmation. This methodology provides a practical roadmap for shifting from victim mode to victor mindset – illustrated through her own recent experience with a challenging real estate deal. Her refreshing take on time management likens productive work to HIIT training, with intense focus periods followed by intentional recovery.

Perhaps most compelling is Rebecca's client transformation story, where an executive assistant set boundaries with her billionaire boss and unexpectedly catapulted her career to new heights. This narrative powerfully demonstrates how creating balance actually enhances performance rather than diminishing it.

Ready to transform your relationship with success? Discover Rebecca's free Abundance Journal and 777 Challenge that have helped countless entrepreneurs create alignment in their lives and businesses. Connect with her on Instagram @RebeccaEWhitman to continue your journey toward balanced, beautiful abundance.

How to connect with Rebecca?
Website: https://www.rebeccaelizabethwhitman.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKOWVJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5Und0VTNpYm5UNDJkZ2dpAR6dRLIszxhmxVbt2Y1QPD9sn1pL63zu4CdKW8_EuBYeoAYbWINKfrkj2_6EAw_aem_xAvrlHvVknkywdBjOHodNg

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PaOeXvkhIHue2hreB22Vw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaewhitman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.whitman

Pillar.io - https://pillar.io/rebeccaewhitman?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafi24x20CQBee3-u37W-ZbtLucwNXo2SzpKwMirmNDzi_wlNcwLg8XQFfHIsw_aem_tQQRuU4_OljDpxJmePfPGw

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

What differentiates successful entrepreneurs from those who struggle or fail? According to Daryl Urbanski, it comes down to eight critical success factors he's identified after interviewing more than 600 high-performing business owners.

Daryl's own path reads like a masterclass in entrepreneurial evolution. From humble beginnings shoveling Canadian driveways, he transformed into a business growth specialist who helped NeuroGym generate $1.6 million in just six months (which expanded to $7.5 million within three years). His approach has always been evidence-based - investing over $50,000 in research to identify the patterns that consistently produce results.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Daryl breaks down the difference between simply "doing the work" and actually "running a business." Many entrepreneurs fail to recognize that delivering a service is only one component of running a successful operation. As he explains: "When you go to McDonald's, they never say the drive-thru's closed because Sally's got a cold." This illuminates why some technically skilled professionals struggle to scale beyond their own capacity.

Perhaps most valuable is Daryl's strategic blueprint for building a six-figure business in just 90 days. Rather than focusing on low-ticket, high-volume offerings, he advocates identifying high-value solutions you can genuinely deliver, proving the concept through pre-sales, and maximizing face-to-face interactions with potential clients. "It's easier to make income selling $10,000 items than $10 items," he notes, reminding us that the effort to make a sale often remains similar regardless of price point.

The episode culminates with profound insight into what truly sets successful entrepreneurs apart - their relationship with time. Daryl maintains strict discipline around time management, scheduling his day in 30-minute blocks and eliminating distractions that most people consider normal. His recitation of Arnold Bennett's poem on the finite nature of our daily 24 hours serves as both inspiration and warning: "We shall never have any more time. We have, and we have always had, all the time there is."

Ready to transform your business through automation and strategic growth? Connect with Daryl at bestbusinesscoach.ca or search for "The Best Business Podcast" wherever you listen.

How to connect with Daryl?
Website: https://members.bestbusinesscoach.ca/podcasts-homepage/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-business-podcast-with-daryl-urbanski/id953821164
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DarylUrbanski
Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/darylurbanski
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillsforsuccess/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarylUrbanski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealDarylUrbanski/

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

What if the very success you've worked so hard to achieve is now preventing your business from reaching the next level? This fascinating conversation with Scott Ritzheimer, founder of Scale Architects, reveals the hidden barriers that stop entrepreneurs from scaling successfully.

Scott unpacks a revolutionary framework of seven distinct growth stages that every business passes through. What makes these transitions so challenging is their invisibility—no one warns you when you've moved from one stage to the next, leaving many founders implementing yesterday's solutions for today's problems. As Scott explains, "Whatever's creating success or not creating success right now is dependent on the stage you're in right now."

The conversation dives deep into leadership dynamics, with Scott challenging conventional wisdom about what makes someone an effective leader. Rather than focusing solely on visionaries with big ideas, Scott introduces three other essential leadership styles: operators who execute relentlessly, processors who create systems, and synergists who harmonize the team. Knowing which type of leader your business needs at each growth stage can mean the difference between breakthrough and burnout.

Perhaps most valuable is Scott's candid sharing of his own entrepreneurial journey, including the painful "whitewater stage" where his company's success began creating more problems than profits. By restructuring his leadership team, reimagining the organization chart, and implementing the right operating systems, Scott's company tripled their bottom line in just 13 months.

Whether you're struggling with scaling challenges now or preparing for future growth, this episode offers a clear roadmap for breaking through each ceiling you'll encounter. Listen now to discover how to stop being the bottleneck in your own business and scale with confidence.

How connect with Scott?
https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders - Free book and assessment.

Website: https://www.scalearchitects.com/secrets/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-of-the-high-demand-coach/id1637723680

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChLj9yjac5P7UMFxoWuG8Zw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.ritzheimer.official/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottritzheimer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottritzheimer/

Twitter: https://x.com/scottritzheimer

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

What if the biggest obstacles to your success aren't external challenges but the stories you tell yourself? In this revealing conversation with attorney, success architect, and podcast host Amber Fuhriman, we unpack the limiting beliefs that keep entrepreneurs trapped in cycles of frustration and self-doubt.

Amber shatters the common myth that successful entrepreneurs have some secret knowledge or inherent advantage. "Nobody knows what they're doing," she explains. "We act with uncertainty, evaluate our decisions, figure out what worked, and figure out what didn't." This refreshing honesty cuts through the carefully curated social media personas of success, particularly what Amber calls the "Lambo, plane, and Rolex watch" images that trigger more skepticism than inspiration among seasoned entrepreneurs.

The conversation takes a surprising turn when discussing high-stress environments. Rather than pushing harder, Amber advocates for intentionally slowing down—scheduling "breathe time" throughout the day and working in focused 45-60 minute blocks. This counterintuitive approach has transformed her productivity and mental clarity, especially after discovering the power of breathwork when traditional meditation failed her.

We explore the fascinating connection between childhood experiences and entrepreneurial drive, with Amber explaining how our earliest programming shapes our definition of success. "Money equaled success, success equaled happiness," she shares about her own journey, "and that meant all the pain I felt in my life was going to disappear." The revelation came when success didn't deliver the promised emotional fulfillment, leading to anxiety attacks and a profound reexamination of her goals.

Perhaps most valuable is Amber's advice for entrepreneurs feeling stuck: "The antidote to feeling stuck is taking a step, whether you think it's in the correct direction or not." She challenges listeners to examine whether they have data supporting their perceived plateau or if they're simply justifying inaction, noting that "the distance between deciding and action will decide who makes the most money."

Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to break through to your next level of success, this conversation provides the mindset tools to recognize and overcome the internal barriers holding you back. Connect with Amber at successdevelopmentsolutions.com or amber@amberfurman.com to continue your journey toward authentic success.

How to connect with Amber?
Email: Amber@amberfuhriman.com 

Website: https://fuhrimanlaw.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/break-your-bullsh-t-box/id1475272089

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amberfuhriman668

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2320358498239185

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberraefuhriman/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuhrimanlaw/

Twitter: https://x.com/FuhrimanLaw

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Ever feel like you're pouring endless effort into your e-commerce store with minimal results? You might be focusing on the wrong things entirely.

Scott Austin, owner of Jade Puma and host of the Shopify Solutions podcast, delivers a wake-up call for entrepreneurs stuck in the trap of website obsession. With decades of experience working with businesses from startups to industry giants, Scott cuts through the noise with a refreshingly honest take: "Your website is not your business. Your business is your customer acquisition strategy."

The hard truth is that entrepreneurship isn't for everyone. While countless YouTube videos promise "start your Shopify store in 3 minutes," Scott reveals why success actually takes years of consistent effort and strategic pivoting. He shares why immigrant entrepreneurs often succeed, how the "four-hour work week" concept has been rendered obsolete, and why understanding your customers' decision-making process is the secret to conversion rate optimization.

Scott explains why Shopify has widened its lead as the undisputed platform for brands under $10 million, offering practical advice for leveraging its capabilities. He outlines a three-pronged approach to customer acquisition that works for new stores: start with SEO from day one, implement Google Shopping ads, and develop a remarketing strategy to stay top-of-mind.

Most importantly, Scott challenges store owners to stop treating their websites as product catalogs and instead transform them into decision-making engines that guide customers to the perfect purchase. This shift in mindset—from simply displaying products to solving customer problems—separates thriving e-commerce businesses from those that struggle to gain traction.

Whether you're just starting your e-commerce journey or feeling stuck after years in business, Scott's practical insights will help you focus on what truly matters: doing the right work, not just working hard. Ready to transform your approach to e-commerce? This episode is your roadmap to sustainable growth.

How to connect with Scott?
Website: https://jadepuma.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jadepumaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JadePumaAgency
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadepumaagency/Twitter: https://x.com/jade_puma

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

Ever wonder why your business shows profits on paper but your bank account tells a different story? Rocky Lalvani, the Profit Answer Man, joins us to shatter conventional accounting wisdom with a simple yet revolutionary approach: take your profit first.

Most entrepreneurs follow the traditional formula of sales minus expenses equals profit, making your financial reward an afterthought—whatever happens to be left over. Rocky flips this equation, teaching that successful businesses approach it as sales minus profit equals expenses. This fundamental shift ensures you get paid first, forcing your business to operate within its means.

Through riveting breakdowns of real-world scenarios, Rocky illuminates why even businesses with strong sales often struggle financially. From e-commerce sellers battling slim margins after marketplace fees to service businesses failing to account for their own time, the root problem usually traces back to incomplete math from the beginning. "If you didn't do the math on your business when you started," Rocky explains, "how did you know it would be profitable?"

The conversation takes a fascinating turn examining the cash conversion cycle—how long it takes for a dollar invested to return with profit. For many e-commerce businesses, this cycle stretches beyond 160 days as products move from manufacturing to customer delivery to payment processing. This extended timeline creates a dangerous trap where growth actually threatens survival, as each new sale demands more cash before previous investments return.

Rocky's airplane analogy perfectly encapsulates the entrepreneur's journey: "Running a business is like flying an airplane—you need to know your destination, have enough fuel to get there, and constantly course-correct along the way." Many businesses crash because they build an aircraft designed to carry more than it can handle, without enough runway to take off or fuel to reach their destination.

Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or working to scale an existing business, this episode provides the financial clarity needed to build a company that serves your life rather than consuming it. Visit ProfitComesFirst.com to access free resources that will help you implement these principles right away.

How to connect with Rocky?
Website: https://profitcomesfirst.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/profit-answer-man-implementing-the-profit-first-system/id1508245322

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitComesFirst

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-lalvani/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profit_answer_man/

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show

What will you leave behind when your entrepreneurial journey ends? It's a question few business owners ask themselves early enough—but one that can transform how you build, grow, and eventually transition your company.

In this profound conversation with legacy planner Angelina Carleton, we explore the crucial distinction between simply building wealth and creating a meaningful, enduring legacy. Angelina shares how her observations of successful real estate entrepreneurs who lacked long-term planning led her to pioneer a specialized coaching practice helping leaders craft legacies that reflect their values and vision.

The discussion delves into practical strategies entrepreneurs can implement today, regardless of where they are in their business journey. From adopting a "100-year plan" to identifying core values that guide decision-making, Angelina offers a roadmap for thinking beyond quarterly profits. She explains how legacy planning influences everything from business structure to succession planning, highlighting how legal instruments like trusts can protect what you've built while supporting your broader impact goals.

Perhaps most valuable are the mindset shifts Angelina describes—moving from success to significance, from control to stewardship, and from outcome-focused to principle-driven leadership. Through examples of successful multi-generational family businesses worldwide, she demonstrates that lasting impact isn't reserved for the ultra-wealthy but is accessible to entrepreneurs at any level who approach their work with intention.

Ready to start thinking about your legacy? Angelina concludes with three actionable steps anyone can take today: define your legacy vision (perhaps by writing your own obituary), document and live your values, and invest in your personal development. These foundational practices can transform not just your business's future but your understanding of entrepreneurial success itself.

How to connect with Angela?
Website: https://www.angelinacarleton.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJZrjhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHb98js1oWtTnsDlMOWRSV0SlcJby_yAN3TYy2M9jYJPv0pv5DbJmhMW3dw_aem_cOxHCnNzPOBO6yM8Ep4tFQ

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/design-your-legacy/id1562218846

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Your-Legacy

Facebook: facebook.com/DesignUrLegacy

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/angelinacarleton

Twitter: twitter.com/DesignUrLegacy

Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

Support the show