Here are CNBC episodes (3-4 min. video clips) about 9 ordinary people who made millions with their “small” businesses.
(ht – Alan Sun)
1.) 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
High school drop out makes millions from an idea in McDonald’s drive-through.
2.) Bert’s Bee
See how a single mother from Maine makes her millions – compare her pay day with her business partner’s whose face and name are the brand.
3.) LoveSac
Reinventing the bean bag makes this guy an accidental millionaire.
4) Super Soaker
You won’t believe how much in royalty checks this engineer gets for his squirt gun!
5.) SSI Shredder
6.) Corn Maze
7.) Ginger Ale
8.) Popcorn Seasoning
9.) Head Blade, razor for balding men
So which of these do you like the best and why? Comment below and let us know!
CSPAN Interview: Janet Tavakoli on the Financial Crisis
Warren Buffett Says, Stop Coddling the Super Rich!
Mort Zuckerman Discusses the Economic Recovery Roadmap
Sam Zell Speaks at Milken Conference about Commercial Real Estate
Buying Real Estate for Cash Flow: Summary
Invest Like Jesse Livermore, Technical Trend Trader
Invest Like Philip Fisher, Father of Growth Stock Investing
Invest Like William O’Neil, Inventor of CAN SLIM
Michael, I haven’t been able to find that episode on YouTube to link to. Perhaps it will show up later.
Hello,
I am searching for an episode of \"How I Made My Millions\" that was aired on CNBC on Sunday afternoon at approximately 5PM AST. The show was about how an individual started making his fortune dealing with rebates and marketing. I would appreciate it if you could forward the video or text version of this show to my address as indicated; higginsma@eastlink.ca
Thank You,
Michael Higgins
I loved the corn maze . This idea must have reached as far away as New Zealand where they had the “Maze in the Maize” and my sister said she needed to go to the maze before the season was over.I of course did not know it was a natural maze and said “what’s the hurry do they close it down ?” and she said “no they harvest it”. And then she explained it to me and I thought what a great innovative idea and also helps the farmers out big time. I enjoyed these thanks David and Amber – “DnA”
I love them ALL!!
But Joan Rivers is a far more entertaining host.
While most Americans choose to play the “complain and blame game” these days, we need more of these type of shows that feature those of us who choose to thrive (and help our clients do the same) regardless of whatever general conditions exist.
Thanks for putting these all together, Amber and David!
Couldn’t resist sharing my notes on some other videos.
==> Bert’s Bees
I like Roxanne’s “accidental encounter” with her future business partner, Bert the beekeeper. You never know who you’re going to meet or how they’re going to affect your life.
Note the success of personal branding (Bert) and all-natural products (a trend).
It takes a marketing person as a “catalyst” to build big business out of something already out there (Bert’s bees) – the pair reminds me of Steve Jobs and Woz.
Also interesting is the scale of payout to the product person (Bert $4 mil) vs. the marketing/business person (Roxanne, hundreds of mils).
==> Love Sac
It’s interesting that the business flourished despite the inventor’s resistance of going into this business and wanting to quit (good thing he has good support from family & friends).
I guess in this case a better mouse trap (or bean bag) does attract a following. This is not a new product idea but essentially an “improvement” w/ clever branding. Simple product – reminds me of “snuggie” and how surprisingly well it did.
==> Super Soaker
Nice to see a nerdy scientist get paid, big time! Royalty income is nice to have.
I like 1-800-GOT-JUNK the best – it shows that you don’t need much formal education to succeed in the business world. In fact, high school dropouts seem to be more entrepreneurial than people with PhD’s.
I love that GOT-JUNK pioneered in a cottage industry by having clean trucks, good service, professionalism and “wow”‘d their customers. It takes a “big business” mindset with teams and systems (not DIY). We’re starting to see some consolidation in cottage industries like shipping, dentistry, laundromats, etc.
Also like their branding – catchy and easy to remember. Franchise model is good for this kind of biz that requires local operations. Non-sexy business (Warren Buffett would approve). Millionaires club for successful franchisees is cool (share the wealth and opportunity).