As the e-commerce industry has continued to evolve, the dropship model has brought in several smaller players such as Michael Dash, President of CarPartKings.com, a New York-based, auto parts online retail business. Built on the dropship model, the business doesn’t hold any physical stock, but lists 500,000 SKUs on its website with 2.5 billion fitment options, and sells to over 140 countries. With only 14 staff members spread across 8 different countries, Michael grew CarPartKings.com’s revenue by selling in the easiest way possible – through marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, Sears, and others, to the tune of more than $8 million dollars in only three years. He also co-founded Cooper Square Ventures (CSV), which has been the launchpad for several successful e-commerce businesses as well as an SaaS venture. With a solid customer base and an inbound marketing strategy, Michael plans to scale his company by further growing the product base, attracting higher conversions and pursuing excellent customer service.
Secret Entourage Academy
Secret Academy Episode – Joshua Lee
As CEO of so many companies we lost count, Joshua Lee is always looking for his next adventure and is a standout example of how to be successful as a serial entrepreneur. President and founder of the advertising agency LF Media, Inc., the brands under his corporation include Adfirmative, MySearchNetwork, LeadsandFeeds, CPCresults and Austin Advertising Alliance that control over 100 billion online impression every month. Josh has been featured on Forbes, Fox Business, CNN, Huffington Post, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Inc. Magazine, and Yahoo Finance to name a few. He’s most passionate about helping experts, executives and new entrepreneurs build their authority, and overcome online marketing and technology hurdles all while being able to maintain a healthy work-life balance and what he calls the “Four Pillars of Prosperity.”
Secret Academy Episode – Mickael Zibi
As a multi-platinum international producer, singer, songwriter, DJ, award winning director and owner of Cold Chamber Studios – Mickael Zibi is a top-notch example of a music entrepreneur who has successfully capitalized on more than just his artistic ability to create amazing sounds. Having a unique ability to connect-the-dots and see opportunities that others often miss, Mickael has been able to capitalize on many different verticals across the music industry, while simultaneously emerging himself in other ventures such as starting a creative agency that caters to commercial and corporate clients to branching into the screen printing business, all while still running his award winning studio in Houston. From humble beginnings working hard and recording his first songs in his closet to working with music industry titans like Snoop Dog, Busta Rhymes, and Baby Bash (to name a few), Mickael divulges the music industry secrets of success and gives us the scoop on what it really takes to become successful and make it big in the music business.
Secret Academy Episode – Louis Spagnuolo
A serial entrepreneur with a forte for leading new-market ventures, Louis Spagnuolo has established himself as a powerful influencer whose experience in internet monetization and asset acquisition has earned him bragging rights. As a nationally sought-after expert on building and scaling companies, he has been featured in more than 278 major media publications including Forbes and Fox Business News. Currently serving as chairman of Illuminati Trust and as a member of the prestigious elite networking group, Tiger 21, Louis has collaborated with national business leaders, professional athletes, and industry titans to the tune of more than $884 million dollars in deal participations. His knowledge and wisdom is bound to inspire you, motivate you, and teach you what it means to be extraordinary.
Secret Academy Episode – Richard Hollis
As a thirty-year veteran entrepreneur in the bio-tech and pharmaceutical industry, Richard Hollis took what some might have seen as a major risk when he pivoted his career into the digital space back in 2008. After spending more than five years studying the evolution of the internet while building and perfecting his product without making a dime, Hollis recently launched Holonis – a self-funded and disruptive new company that might just revolutionize the way small and medium sized business succeed online. Describing Holonis as an ecosystem that will democratize the internet and empower global commerce, Hollis is a brilliant and seasoned entrepreneur with an innovation that just might be a game-changer.
Secret Academy Episode – Brian Smith
A passionate author, speaker, and innovator, Brian Smith is one of the most sought after business leaders and branding experts in the country. Starting with only $500 and selling UGG boots from the back of a pickup truck, Brian’s leadership and ability to market his brand through customer service and loyalty allowed him to take his company to a record $15 million in sales in 17 years. As a media guest and inspiring entrepreneur, he is committed to teaching his breakthrough business strategies to entrepreneurs and translating personal vision into company culture and branding through his new book The Birth of a Brand.
Secret Academy Episode – Dan Price
Holding true to the principles and social responsibility that were ingrained in him while growing up in rural Idaho, 30-year Dan Price of Seattle-based Gravity Payments is a CEO who epitomizes the meaning of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Taking a $970,000 dollar pay cut to help afford raising the minimum wage to $70K at his credit card processing company is just one of many ways Dan has built his business based upon transparency, integrity, and an ability to serve others. Intent on setting a new standard for the way business is done and real value is created, Dan and Gravity have been making national headlines for earning the Entrepreneur of the Year Award recently and sparking a discussion around income inequality, igniting a shift in the business community that’s driven by a competitive necessity to do good.