Ever wondered how a commercial airline pilot could pull off a million-dollar Amazon business success? Join us as David Lang, the Lufthansa pilot turned e-commerce entrepreneur, shares his incredible journey from the cockpit to conquering the Amazon marketplace. Learn the secrets behind his dual career, and discover how the meticulous systems and numbers-driven strategies in aviation perfectly translated to his booming online business.

Peel back the curtain on aviation myths and misconceptions with David, who demystifies common fears like turbulence and clarifies the dynamic roles of captains and co-pilots. His unique story of balancing a demanding airline career with academic pursuits and a project management role at Lufthansa sets the stage for his leap into the world of e-commerce. From reverse-engineering a product failure to a game-changing success, David reveals the strategic planning and keyword wizardry that skyrocketed his sales to $1.2 million in just five days.

As we wrap up, David takes us through the exhilarating process of selling his business and achieving financial freedom. Is life after a successful Amazon FBA business exit all it's cracked up to be? Hear about the ongoing thrill of e-commerce, the benefits of strategic business networks, and future plans like his appearance at the Billion Dollar Seller Summit in Iceland. Don’t miss this inspiring episode brimming with actionable advice and captivating stories from David’s dual careers.

In episode 415 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and David discuss:

• 00:00 - From Commercial Pilot to E-Commerce Success
• 04:49 - Commercial Pilot License Requirements and Opportunities
• 09:53 - Pay Discrepancies in the Airline Industry
• 11:52 - Misconceptions About The Aviation Industry
• 14:24 - Perceptions of Pilot Profession
• 16:53 - Entrepreneurship While In The Airline Industry
• 22:18 - Achieving Success Through Reverse Engineering
• 25:26 - Calculated Risk Pays Off Big
• 26:59 - Amazon Keyword Manipulation for Brand Success
• 31:03 - Working With 8Fig for Business Funding
• 38:36 - Life After a Successful Business Exit
• 43:40 - Distressed Amazon Seller Turnaround Plan
• 44:45 - Business and Aviation
• 50:11 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom

Picture this: Two pharmacists trading their lab coats for entrepreneurial hats, diving headfirst into the world of Amazon FBA. Janine and Brian's journey from selling closeout tanning lotion and books on eBay to becoming successful Amazon sellers is nothing short of inspiring. This episode captures their transition, highlighting how their complementary skills—Brian’s keen analytical mind and Janine’s marketing flair—propelled them to success. You'll hear about their experiences at a brainstorming event with Perry Belcher in Las Vegas, where open and honest discussions led to breakthrough business insights.

We also explore their story as Amazon entrepreneurs who scaled their business to an impressive $5 million in annual revenue through strategy and grit. The path wasn’t always smooth; from facing major safety complaints and grueling IP disputes to navigating a nightmare Amazon business exit, every challenge presented a learning opportunity. This journey emphasizes the importance of resilience and problem-solving in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.

Beyond Amazon, we dive into the diverse world of entrepreneurship. Janine and Brian share their adventures in turning around a struggling Amazon brand that they acquired after their exit and managing multiple Airbnb properties. They reveal their plans to leverage their pharmacy backgrounds by starting IV hydration clinics, illustrating their knack for balancing multiple ventures while maintaining steady income streams. This episode is packed with practical advice and motivational stories, underscoring the power of partnership, resilience, and the human connections that drive business success. Don't miss out on this episode full of entrepreneurial wisdom!

In episode 414 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin, Brian, and Janine discuss:

• 00:00 - Brian and Janine's Amazon FBA Business Success
• 03:24 - Amazon Sellers Share Insights at Event
• 06:01 - From Pharmacists to Amazon Entrepreneurs
• 10:33 - Success Story of Taking Action
• 14:20 - Immediate Business Success Stories
• 15:25 - Navigating Amazon Growth and Selling Journey
• 20:14 - Advice to Sell Brand and Grow
• 22:31 - Amazon Brand Suspension and Patent Dispute
• 31:02 - Negotiation for Brand Acquisition
• 32:20 - Resolving IP Dispute With Faithful Conversation
• 35:58 - Business Dispute Resolution Conversations
• 40:42 - Turning Around a Nightmare Amazon Business Exit
• 40:46 - A New Brand Acquisition for $40,000
• 45:53 - Airbnb, Amazon, and New Entrepreneurial Ventures
• 49:37 - Damage Control Strategies
• 52:07 - Business Networking and Persistence in Amazon
• 53:11 - Maximizing Amazon-Selling Success
• 53:40 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Listen to this insightful episode as we chat with Steve Yates, the founder of Prime Guidance, who brings a wealth of experience from his time at Dick's Sporting Goods, Amazon, and Woot. Steve shares valuable strategies for liquidating inventory, controlling the buy box, and optimizing brand presence on major platforms like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. We explore the benefits of using Woot for your inventory liquidations and discuss effective methods for brands to establish and enhance their e-commerce footprint.

In our discussion, we cover the intricacies of e-commerce consultancy and growth strategies, highlighting the options available for liquidating or donating excess inventory and the benefits of each approach. Steve explains how Prime Guidance supports sellers in optimizing their marketplace presence by providing tailored consultancy services, training internal teams, and offering strategic advice. We also touch on the challenges brands face when transitioning to Amazon and the importance of channel control policies and managing their own sales to improve profitability.

Finally, we talk about the complexities of inventory and pricing strategy, discussing the importance of channel control, product serialization, and the Amazon Transparency program. Steve shares insights on maintaining good relationships with retail giants and the significance of product differentiation in retail success. We also explore the emerging e-commerce opportunities on platforms like Walmart.com and TikTok, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt their strategies to each platform's unique algorithms and consumer expectations. Tune in to learn how to navigate the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape and accelerate your brand's growth.

In episode 413 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Steve discuss:

• 00:00 - Opportunities in E-Commerce for Big Brands
• 01:38 - Amazon's Acquisition of Woot.com
• 06:16 - Retail Strategy of Daily Deal Website
• 08:26 - E-Commerce Consultancy and Growth Strategy
• 14:40 - Revenue-Based vs. Fixed Fee Agency Services
• 17:21 - Navigating Resistance to Amazon Marketplace
• 20:25 - Strategies for Brand Channel Control
• 26:11 - Controlling Inventory and Pricing Strategy
• 28:50 - Dealing With Amazon Resellers
• 32:54 - Channel Strategy and Marketplace Differentiation
• 33:59 - Business Strategies for Retail Success
• 37:35 - Key Price Points for Product Placement
• 40:40 - Brand Strategy in E-Commerce Marketplaces
• 45:21 - Branding Strategies for Amazon Success
• 47:27 - Emerging E-Commerce Opportunities
• 50:59 - Optimizing Walmart Listings for Success
• 54:20 - Unscripted Conversations on AM/PM Podcast