

Silent Sales Machine Radio
Jim Cockrum
Voted the #1 podcast for Amazon sellers in late 2024! Still the ONLY Amazon seller podcast that features 100's of RECENT, REAL stories and strategies for Amazon FBA sellers around the world!
Welcome to the most listened to and success filled Amazon/Walmart/eBay seller podcast on the web! This is the official podcast of the ProvenAmazonCourse.com course.
Inside the free 82,000+ member Facebook group for fans of the show (SilentJim.com has a link) you'll MEET and INTERACT with an amazing community that uses the strategies taught on this show to grow incredible businesses.
This show features "real people" from all walks of life who pull back the curtain on the struggles, victories and strategies that come with WORKING HARD to build a beautiful business online.
Nothing worth having comes easy, but prepare to be inspired by those who are charting a course towards building an amazing business online.
The hundreds of featured guests on the show are ProvenAmazonCourse.com students as well as some of the 7,000+ coaching students from our Ecommerce coaching program that's been operating with a great reputation since 2003.
The host, Jim Cockrum (SilentJim.com) has had a reputation as one of the most credible sources of eCommerce strategy advice to be found since 1999.
Bottom line:
Regardless of experience level, you'll learn proven online business strategies on this show and become an Amazon selling NINJA!
This show applies timeless, proven strategies to modern eCommerce challenges. This podcast is for anyone who is looking to build or start an online business the RIGHT way with advice from one of the most trusted names in online marketing.
With over 6.3 million downloads on iTunes heading into 2025, you've found the right place to launch and grow the online business of your dreams.
NOTE: This show and related content are not related to or endorsed by Amazon.com, nor are the success stories you'll hear representative of typical or average results you can expect. Results discussed are provided for demonstration of what is possible, but are not intended to imply that you'll achieve similar results or any results.
Welcome to the most listened to and success filled Amazon/Walmart/eBay seller podcast on the web! This is the official podcast of the ProvenAmazonCourse.com course.
Inside the free 82,000+ member Facebook group for fans of the show (SilentJim.com has a link) you'll MEET and INTERACT with an amazing community that uses the strategies taught on this show to grow incredible businesses.
This show features "real people" from all walks of life who pull back the curtain on the struggles, victories and strategies that come with WORKING HARD to build a beautiful business online.
Nothing worth having comes easy, but prepare to be inspired by those who are charting a course towards building an amazing business online.
The hundreds of featured guests on the show are ProvenAmazonCourse.com students as well as some of the 7,000+ coaching students from our Ecommerce coaching program that's been operating with a great reputation since 2003.
The host, Jim Cockrum (SilentJim.com) has had a reputation as one of the most credible sources of eCommerce strategy advice to be found since 1999.
Bottom line:
Regardless of experience level, you'll learn proven online business strategies on this show and become an Amazon selling NINJA!
This show applies timeless, proven strategies to modern eCommerce challenges. This podcast is for anyone who is looking to build or start an online business the RIGHT way with advice from one of the most trusted names in online marketing.
With over 6.3 million downloads on iTunes heading into 2025, you've found the right place to launch and grow the online business of your dreams.
NOTE: This show and related content are not related to or endorsed by Amazon.com, nor are the success stories you'll hear representative of typical or average results you can expect. Results discussed are provided for demonstration of what is possible, but are not intended to imply that you'll achieve similar results or any results.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 3, 2025 • 43min
#1010: Today we talk about how to get our popular Monday night live training from last week and our incredible conference deal in our weekend update!
The weekend episodes of our podcast contain important announcements as well as a great introduction to the community for anyone who is new to our community. Important and timely announcement LINKS: SilentJim.com/monlive - Get the training we did last week fof FREE! Note: you will need to be a member of the MST Facebook group to participate in our upcoming LIVE. You can join for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam TheProvenConference.com - Our May 2025 event - plan to join 100s of listeners to this show in Orlando May 29-31st, 2025! We've secured a fantastic room rate of only $109 at a gorgeous location! This event was recently voted the #1 event for RESELLERS in international voting! ProvenAmazonCourse.com/100 - Our pre-conference workshop titled Path to 100 ASIN's - The Replens Accelerator. Brian and Robin Joy are teaching live in Orlando in May! Show note links: SilentSalesMachine.com - Text the word “free” to 507-800-0090 to get a free copy of Jim’s latest book in audio about building multiple income streams online (US only) or visit https://silentjim.com/free11 SilentJim.com/bookacall - Schedule a FREE, customized and insightful consultation with my team or me (Jim) to discuss your e-commerce goals and options. My Silent Team Facebook group. 100% FREE! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam - Join 82,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world! ProvenAmazonCourse.com - The comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated free for life! SilentJim.com/kickstart - If you want a shortcut to learning all you need to get started then get the Proven Amazon Course and go through Kickstart.

May 1, 2025 • 45min
#1009: Big trends are in our favor as small sellers on Amazon and Walmart
Today's guest is the CEO of one of the largest software companies serving Amazon sellers. There are 500 employees at threecolts, and Yoda Yee manages all of it! He has a unique perspective on the momentum and direction of the Amazon selling opportunity. I had a great time discussing with him the current trends, challenges and favorable developments that all sellers should be aware of. He's a big sponsor of our upcoming TheProvenConference.com event in Orlando as well as one of the few events he attends - that's how much he loves Amazon resellers! We both agree that we are about to enter an incredible time of opportunity and growth for all Amazon resellers. The same conditions that were in place during covid are now presenting themselves again. If you're not aware, one of the greatest two-year periods in all of e-commerce happened during covid. Many sellers in our community made millions. The good news is, there's no disease this time, but the same market conditions are presenting themselves. If you understand the game the way we explain it today, you will be positioned to do very well the next 2 to 5 years. Enjoy today's conversation with my friend Yoda Yee CEO of threecolts. If you're ready to get started get into the ProvenAmazonCourse.com course - we will step you through it assuming you know NOTHING. Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/iokvzvFtKA8 Show note LINKS: ThreeColts.com - Yoda Yee the CEO of threecolts is our guest today Article by Yoda about the beneficial effect of tariffs in Amazon/Walmart reselling : https://www.threecolts.com/blog/trump-tariffs-reshaping-ecommerce/ TheProvenConference.com - Our May 2025 event - plan to join 100s of listeners to this show in Orlando May 29-31st, 2025! We've secured a fantastic room rate of only $109 at a gorgeous location! This event was recently voted the #1 event for RESELLERS in international voting! ProvenAmazonCourse.com/100 - Our pre-conference workshop titled Path to 100 ASIN's - The Replens Accelerator. Brian and Robin Joy are teaching live in Orlando in May! SilentJim.com/bookacall - Schedule a FREE, customized and insightful consultation with my team or me (Jim) to discuss your e-commerce goals and options. My Silent Team Facebook group. 100% FREE! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam - Join 82,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world! ProvenAmazonCourse.com - The comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated free for life! Guest: Yoda Yee with ThreeColts.com

Apr 30, 2025 • 35min
#1008: Aim, Commit, Follow Through: Winning Strategies for Business Growth
In this Coaches Corner episode, Brian and Robin Joy reveal how a simple golf lesson—check your aim—translates into powerful business strategies for Amazon sellers and entrepreneurs alike. They discuss the importance of consistent action, the hidden impact of missed shipments, and how commitment drives results. Plus, discover practical ways to put yourself "in the way of success" and fuel your growth with coaching, community, and proven systems. Special guest at the conclusion of today's show, Jeff Schick of JeffSchick.com answers the question: "If I put Jeff Schick's team on retainer for a few dollars per month, does it only cover Amazon?" Watch this episod on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/UTG_jof06fE Show note LINKS: TheProvenConference.com - Our May 2025 event - plan to join 100s of listeners to this show in Orlando May 29-31st, 2025! ProvenAmazonCourse.com/100 Our pre-conference workshop titled Path to 100 ASIN's - The Replens Accelerator. Brian and Robin Joy are teaching live in Orlando in May! SilentJim.com/keepa - Keepa is the only tool you need when starting off selling. Our Keepa podcast episode is number 369 at https://SilentJim.com. It is a great intro to what Keepa is and why it's our recommended tool. SilentJim.com/360 - The most comprehensive Keepa training course you'll find. Note: This course is now included inside the ProvenAmazonCourse.com library! ProvenAmazonCourse.com - The comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated for free for life! SilentJim.com/bookacall - Our guest today benefited tremendously from the coaching he's received! Inquire about your coaching options today! Let's connect! My Silent Team Facebook group. 100% FREE! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam - Join 82,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world! 3PMercury - SilentJim.com/thesystem - The seller automation tool that allowed our student Khang to build a $3million REPLENS business using a team of two people that ran his entire business!

5 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 52min
#1007: New seller finds 45 products to sell fast by applying simple strategies
Today's podcast guest has only been selling a few weeks and he started with just a few hundred dollars buy he's finding great inventory consistently just by understanding how to read a KEEPA chart through the lens we teach in the ProvenAmazonCourse.com training. On some of his ASINs (products) he's even selling right alongside Amazon while being priced WAY higher and making sales! He breaks it all down in the episode. His next goal is $5,000 in sales per month and he's well on his way while working only about an hour per day and then a few hours each weekend. Come meet today's guest Jeremy and 100's of Amazon, Walmart and e-commerce sellers of all experience levels at our event in Orlando the last three days of May! That's May 29-31st - details at TheProvenConference.com (and we still have scholarships for free attendance if funds are tight!) Check out our episode sponsor Profit Cyclops - Realtime Order Tracking and Profit Calculation! Easy to view dashboards and charts in days, weeks and months. A staple to your everyday operations, everything that Amazon misses to show you. Show note LINKS: SilentJim.com/bookacall - Our guest today benefited tremendously from the coaching he's received! Inquire about your coaching options today! Let's connect! My Silent Team Facebook group. 100% FREE! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam - Join 80,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world! SilentJim.com/keepa - Keepa is the only tool you need when starting off selling. Our Keepa podcast episode is number 369 at https://SilentJim.com. It is a great intro to what Keepa is and why it's our recommended tool. SilentJim.com/360 - The most comprehensive Keepa training course you'll find. Note: This course is now included inside the ProvenAmazonCourse.com library! 3PMercury - SilentJim.com/thesystem - The seller automation tool that allowed our student Khang to build a $3million REPLENS business using a team of two people that ran his entire business! Today's guest: Jeremy Youngblood

Apr 26, 2025 • 45min
#1006: Another low price course sale, TheProvenConference details and an invite to our live Q&A are all in this weekend announcements for you
The weekend episodes of our podcast contain important announcements as well as a great introduction to the community for anyone who is new to our community. Important and timely announcement LINKS: TheProvenConference.com - Our May 2025 event - plan to join 100s of listeners to this show in Orlando May 29-31st, 2025! We've secured a fantastic room rate of only $109 at a gorgeous location! This event was recently voted the #1 event for RESELLERS in international voting! ProvenAmazonCourse.com/100 - Our pre-conference workshop titled Path to 100 ASIN's - The Replens Accelerator. Brian and Robin Joy are teaching live in Orlando in May! ProvenDiscontinuedSourcing.com course is now 90% off! Learn to spot “closeouts” and sell (or buy and hold them) for incredible net margins! This is a comprehensive strategy guide to help you tap into the massive opportunities found in the world of soon-to-be discontinued products! Our Monday LIVE training can be found at this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1504619260250942/1542319723147562/?active_tab=about Note: you will need to be a member of the MST Facebook group to participate in our upcoming LIVE. You can join for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/RbpLn4n3dOA Show note links: SilentSalesMachine.com - Text the word “free” to 507-800-0090 to get a free copy of Jim’s latest book in audio about building multiple income streams online (US only) or visit https://silentjim.com/free11 SilentJim.com/bookacall - Schedule a FREE, customized and insightful consultation with my team or me (Jim) to discuss your e-commerce goals and options. My Silent Team Facebook group. 100% FREE! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam - Join 81,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world! ProvenAmazonCourse.com - The comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated free for life! SilentJim.com/kickstart - If you want a shortcut to learning all you need to get started then get the Proven Amazon Course and go through Kickstart.

Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
#1005: Diversifying to Walmart after going big on Amazon
Today we meet a successful Amazon seller who was suspended for about a month on Amazon several months ago, so they decided to pivot to include Walmart selling as well. As a six figure plus seller on Amazon, it wasn't a perfectly smooth transition, but he's done it and he's doing well! We discuss: -who should consider Walmart in addition to Amazon -how he finds good inventory for Walmart -what it's like to sell on both platforms Watch this episode on out YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/dQLw9wCUs9s Show note LINKS: TheProvenConference.com - Our May 2025 event - plan to join 100s of listeners to this show in Orlando May 29-31st, 2025! Get to https://SilentiJim.com/free11 and grab a copy of the book that started it all! SilentJim.com/thesystem - 3PMercury - Check out the webinar and lock in the re-launch price! The complete Amazon reseller and Walmart workflow software that minimized the staff required to run your Amazon reselling business and helps the owner (you) become a hands free business owner! The System automates Amazon reselling. Marter/Nepeto: SilentJim.com/oaleads Bizmetrica- Get your free 14 day trial https://bizmetrica.com/silentjimdiscount https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam Join 80,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world! ProvenAmazonCourse.com The comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated free for life! ProvenAmazonCourse.com/walmart Today's guest - Christohper Carr

Apr 23, 2025 • 50min
#1004: Where’s My Money? Cracking the Profitability Code
Struggling to understand where your profits are going—even with a strong ROI? In this episode of Silent Sales Machine Radio: Coach's Corner, Brian and Robin Joy unpack one of the most common pain points Amazon sellers face: Why am I not taking home more money? Inside this episode: A breakdown of gross vs. net profit (and why the difference matters) What overhead is REALLY costing you The dangers of depending on a single "unicorn" ASIN (The Anchor ASIN Trap!) How to scale without burning out Real-life coaching insights to help you move the needle They also share personal stories about navigating steep learning curves, building smart systems, and why diversity in your ASINs is key to long-term success. Whether you're just getting started or trying to 10x your Amazon FBA business, this conversation will give you practical strategies and fresh motivation. Special guest at the conclusion of today's show, Jeff Schick of JeffSchick.com answers the question: "What should I do if I get a 'cease and desist email or letter' from a brand I'm selling?" Watch this episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/Gmk1taVkzM4 Show note LINKS: SilentSalesMachine.com - Text the word “free” to 507-800-0090 to get a free copy of Jim’s latest book in audio about building multiple income streams online (US only) or visit https://silentjim.com/free11 TheProvenConference.com - Our May 2025 event - plan to join 100s of listeners to this show in Orlando May 29-31st, 2025! https://TheProvenConference.com/scholarship - Join us FREE in Orlando the last three days of May 2025! Come attend the event that has been voted the #1 RESELLER event for Amazon/Walmart in the world! Hurry, wee can't guarantee open spots. Click the link and fill out a quick questionare and we'll get back to you. SilentJim.com/bookacall - Schedule a FREE, customized and insightful consultation with my team or me (Jim) to discuss your e-commerce goals and options. My Silent Team Facebook group. 100% FREE! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam - Join 80,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world! ProvenAmazonCourse.com - The comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated free for life! https://SilentJim.com/kickstart - If you want a shortcut to learning all you need to get started then get the Proven Amazon Course and go through Kickstart.

Apr 21, 2025 • 28min
#1003: Buy on Amazon flip it back on Amazon - does this really work?
Amazon to Amazon flips are HEATING UP! You can source right on Amazon and sell right back on Amazon as a REPLENS seller! Today i talk to a coach on our team who recently did $60K in a month at 22net on AtoA flips! We are leading the charge as well in talking to Keepa to integrate new features that make flips easier to find and jump on! Today's guest is emerging as yet another incredible, successful leader in our community. He's traveling the world, doing work he loves, supporting ministries he believes in, meeting his Filipino VAs and creating great insights for our seller community! Today's episode is all about this exciting and wide open opportunity! Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/hGErrKN8uKE Show note LINKS: My Silent Team Facebook group. 100% FREE! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam - Join 80,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world! ProvenAmazonCourse.com - The comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated free for life! ProvenWholesaleSourcing.com (this training is included in the ProvenAmazonCourse.com library!) TheProvenConference.com - Our May 2025 event - plan to join 100s of listeners to this show in Orlando May 29-31st, 2025! SilentJim.com/1000 - Step by step instructions for your first $1,000 day selling on Amazon assuming you’re brand new : https://silentjim.com/podcast/episode-890-student-has-his-first-1k-day-just-a-couple-weeks-into-coaching/ SilentSalesMachine.com - Text the word “free” to 507-800-0090 to get a free copy of Jim’s latest book in audio about building multiple income streams online (US only) or visit https://silentjim.com/free11 SilentJim.com/bookacall - Schedule a FREE, customized and insightful consultation with my team or me (Jim) to discuss your e-commerce goals and options. ProvenAmazonCourse.com/a2a - The course about Amazon to Amazon flips coming Summer 2025, or come learn about it at the TheProvenConference.com event in late May! TheProvenConference.com - Come meet our guest today, Ryan Otwell and 100s of other high achieving warriors of ecommerce in Orlando FL May 29-31! Scholarship avaiable! TheProvenConference.com/scholarship - Join us FREE in Orlando the last three days of May 2025! Come attend the event that has been voted the #1 RESELLER event for Amazon/Walmart in the world! Hurry, wee can't guarantee open spots. Click the link and fill out a quick questionare and we'll get back to you. Today's guest: Ryan Otwell

Apr 19, 2025 • 32min
#1002: Our most recent announcements and weekend update for you
The weekend episodes of our podcast contain important announcements as well as a great introduction to the community for anyone who is new to our community. Important and timely announcement LINKS: TheProvenConference.com - Our May 2025 event - plan to join 100s of listeners to this show in Orlando May 29-31st, 2025! We've secured a fantastic room rate of only $109 at a gorgeous location! This event was recently voted the #1 event for RESELLERS in international voting! ProvenAmazonCourse.com/100 - Our pre-conference workshop titled Path to 100 ASIN's - The Replens Accelerator. Brian and Robin Joy are teaching live in Orlando in May! Show note links: SilentSalesMachine.com - Text the word “free” to 507-800-0090 to get a free copy of Jim’s latest book in audio about building multiple income streams online (US only) or visit https://silentjim.com/free11 SilentJim.com/bookacall - Schedule a FREE, customized and insightful consultation with my team or me (Jim) to discuss your e-commerce goals and options. My Silent Team Facebook group. 100% FREE! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam - Join 80,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world! ProvenAmazonCourse.com - The comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated free for life! https://SilentJim.com/kickstart - If you want a shortcut to learning all you need to get started then get the Proven Amazon Course and go through Kickstart.

Apr 17, 2025 • 56min
#1001: Are bundles dead on Amazon? Let's talk about it.
Have you ever seen bundles on Amazon? It's a listing where two or more complimentary items are sold together (examples would be a needles and thread for sewing or a coffee bean grinder and a bag of coffee beans etc.) Is it safe to sell bundles on Amazon? Is it within Amazon policy to combine complimentary items and create a new listing? Can I include brands I don't own? What are the risk? Is this idea dead without a letter of permission from the brands I sell? (also called an LOA or Letter Of Authorization) In the summer of 2024 Amazon made some policy changes for creating and regulating bundles. A good handful of sellers were suspended for having created bundles improperly and their bundles were removed from the catalog. To our knowledge, all those sellers were reinstated thankfully, but it caused a bit of a stir at the time. After the dust settled entirely, we decided it was time for us to revisit the bundle topic and see how sellers are doing in this arena. A leading bundle expert and coach in our community is Leanna Crocco. She has been thriving with bundles on Amazon for over a decade at this point and she has some incredible insights into what has changed and what the landscape of opportunity now looks like as she continues to use the strategies taught in the ProvenAmazonCourse.com to expand and flourish! Stick around for the last few minutes of the episode today to hear an update about "The System". The System (aka 3PMercury found at SilentJim.com/thesystem) is the software that completely automated Khang’s $3 million replens business with 10,000 ASINs while requiring only a team of only 2 people! Hundreds of users are now using The System to successfully automate their ProvenAmazonCourse.com REPLENS businesses - and you can as well! TODAY'S INSIGHT: "The System" will soon manage all your shipping challenges with Amazon and Walmart! So many exciting updates being added at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE! Lock in your price while the software is in beta use! Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/PW7g39sLPvA Show note LINKS: TheProvenConference.com - Our May 2025 event - plan to join 100s of listeners to this show in Orlando May 29-31st, 2025! ProvenAmazonCourse.com/100 Our pre-conference workshop titled Path to 100 ASIN's - The Replens Accelerator. Brian and Robin Joy are teaching live in Orlando in May! ProvenAmazonCourse.com - The comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated for free for life! SilentJim.com/bookacall - Our guest today benefited tremendously from the coaching he's received! Inquire about your coaching options today! Let's connect! My Silent Team Facebook group. 100% FREE! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam - Join 80,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world! 3PMercury - SilentJim.com/thesystem - The seller automation tool that allowed our student Khang to build a $3million REPLENS business using a team of two people that ran his entire business!