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In Episode 34 of Marketplace Mavericks, John welcomes back Paulo for a deep, practical conversation about one of the biggest bottlenecks Amazon sellers face as they grow: funding. Paulo originally joined us to talk about his Amazon wholesale business, but this time the focus is squarely on credit, capital, and how sellers actually get the money they need to scale. This episode hits especially close to home because John is now a client of Paulo’s, navigating funding firsthand as his business moves beyond bootstrapping and credit card flipping. We cover: - Why Amazon scaling always hits a capital wall - The difference between having “good credit” and being fundable - Common mistakes sellers make applying for credit on their own - Why hard inquiries quietly kill your funding options - How younger sellers struggle with credit access (even when profitable) - When $20K–$30K is just a band-aid and why $50K+ changes the game - How Paulo’s done-for-you funding process actually works - Why cash flow is the hardest part of Amazon at every level Connect with Paulo: Credit Repair : https://bizsparksolutions.com/credit-repair?utm_source=JonMavs Business Funding: https://bizsparksolutions.com/funding-application?utm_source=JonMavs Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/paulo.azevedos.profit/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Paulo_Profit_Corner Website: www.bizsparksolutions.com If you’re approaching the $50K–$70K range and feeling stuck, this episode explains why and what to do next before you miss real opportunities. 📧 Contact the Mavericks: [email protected] Interested in joining Miles’ program? Put “MM” in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

In Episode 33 of Marketplace Mavericks, we’re calling it what it is, a farewell episode for Blake (for now). Blake is stepping away from Amazon and the podcast, not because Amazon doesn’t work, but because real life is loud. Between building a home (and being the GC), driving back and forth to Missouri, Amazon Flex, a full-time job, and other commitments, something had to give. He’s still keeping a foot in the game, and the door is wide open for a comeback whenever the timing makes sense. We also talk about the bigger truth behind this whole podcast: we’ve always been transparent about the journey. Most Amazon podcasts start after someone “made it.” We started at the bottom, figuring out printers, ungating, Keepa, SellerAmp, and learning as we went. This episode is a reminder that Amazon success looks different for everyone, and sometimes the best move is to pause, regroup, and come back stronger. Next week, we bring on Paulo to talk about funding and business credit, because when you hit the $60K–$70K monthly sales range and you’re ready to scale, you need a real capital plan to keep the engine fed. Reach us: [email protected] Interested in joining Miles' program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

Happy New Year, Mavericks. In Episode 32, all three hosts are back together to kick off 2026 with a real talk recap of 2025: what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned after our first full Q4. We dig into: - FBM vs FBA in Q4, and why our sales bumps did (or didn’t) show up - Setting realistic expectations vs. “lofty goals” - PPC: agency vs DIY, and how to choose partners without getting sold a dream - The hidden costs of scaling (VAs, software, bonds, ads) and how to think about them - Our 2025 numbers and what we’re aiming for in 2026, including exclusive brand goals and seasonal product plays -- Plot twist: Blake reveals something really interesting and has pics to prove it! - We’re locking in goals for 2026 and coming back in 12 months to see who hit what. Buckle up, the Marketplace Mavericks are here for the full year. Reach us: marketplacemavericks.gmail.com

In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon sits down with Brandon and Brad from Operation Amazon to break down what brand direct wholesale really looks like when you run it like a business.  They share how they met (yes, scanning at Marshall’s), how they scaled into brand direct relationships, what “Amazon-proofing” your business actually means, and why Amazon keeps pushing sellers toward authorized inventory and brand partnerships. They also talk seasonality, running lean with a warehouse team, and why most sellers quit right before the snowball finally rolls downhill.  If you’re transitioning from OA/RA to wholesale, this is the roadmap talk you want in your ears.  Connect with Brandon & Brad at Operation Amazon: IG:  ⁨@operationamz⁩  X:  ⁨@operationamz⁩   Interested in joining Miles' program?  Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

In Episode 30 of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon sits down with Kaj and Josh from Ecom Unlimited for a deep dive into building a real Amazon business through partnerships, systems, and long-term thinking. These guys started in private label, pivoted into RA and OA, and eventually found their stride in brand-direct wholesale. Now they’re running a multimillion-dollar operation with a tiny team and a whole lot of strategy. They break down what it takes to grow with a partner, how to divide strengths, when to hire VAs, how to avoid burnout, and why focusing on systems early unlocks everything else. They also talk coaching, community, prep workflows, building luck through consistency, and the weird way social media opens unexpected doors. Plus, a fun detour into the World Cup, Messi’s last run, and why every entrepreneur needs to experience a global soccer crowd at least once. Connect with today’s guest: Instagram / X: @CajuaRobinson If you’re transitioning from OA to wholesale, building a team, or trying to level up your ops, this one delivers. Interested in joining Miles’ program? Put “MM” in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment about where you are in your Amazon journey.

In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, the guys sit down and unpack their very first Q4 as Amazon sellers, from the hype to the actual numbers on the screen. John breaks down how he quietly doubled his business over Black Friday, what actually moved, and why Q4 for wholesale is a completely different animal than Q4 for OA. He talks about running coupons, squeezing margins for higher velocity, and how some wholesalers are locking in seasonal inventory as early as August and September for massive holiday runs. Pete shares how he and his wife went full road warrior in Central Texas, running a 250–mile RA loop through Walmart to scoop up Advent calendars, FBM them, and sell through all 40 units by Black Friday. They dig into why seasonal timing matters, how to read demand in tools like SellerAmp, and why some SKUs only have a 4–6 week window to shine. Blake talks Cyber Monday, seeing more random but giftable items selling, and what a “small bump” looks like when you are still in the early stages of building your catalog. The guys get honest about expectations: coming into Amazon in January, hearing the legends of Q4, and then experiencing the more nuanced reality. From there, they pivot into systems and scaling: - Why John ditched SellerBoard and moved to ConnectBooks + QuickBooks Online - Tracking true SKU level profitability, fees, returns, and cash flow - Using POs, invoices, and shipment linking to get accurate P&Ls - Setting up financial systems now to be ready for serious volume in 2025 and 2026 - Trimming unused software and “cutting the fat” from the tech stack If you are in your first or second Q4, this episode gives a grounded look at what actually happens, how to think about seasonal inventory, and why building systems matters just as much as sourcing. 📧 Have questions or want us to cover a topic on the show? Email us at: [email protected] Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 If you enjoy the episode, hit like, subscribe, and drop a comment with how your Q4 is going so far.

In Episode 28 of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon and Blake sit down for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the emotional and strategic side of building an Amazon business. No guests this week, just two sellers talking openly about burnout, building your brand, fighting doubt, finding momentum, navigating social media, and trying to create something bigger than yourself. This one hits different. If you’re grinding through RA, OA, wholesale, brand-direct, or you’re stuck somewhere in between, this episode will feel like a mirror. It's the side of entrepreneurship nobody sees on Instagram. We cover: • Why burnout sneaks up on every seller • Letting go of perfection so you can actually win • Dealing with the messy middle of building a brand • What creating content really feels like • Why consistency beats motivation • The identity crisis of moving from OA to wholesale • How to keep going when nothing feels like it’s working • Support systems, relationships, and the people who keep us grounded • What’s next for Marketplace Mavericks Whether you're brand new or deep in the game, this is one of the most relatable episodes we’ve ever recorded. 👇 Drop a comment with where you're at in your journey. We read everything. Interested in joining Miles’ program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

How does a couple go from a Tinder date to running a full-scale Amazon prep center with 20+ seller clients? Andrew and Amanda Thompson from New Hampshire join the Marketplace Mavericks to share their story and it’s packed with hustle, heart, and heavy boxes. What started as casual RA runs after work turned into: 🛍️ Road trips to Delaware for Carhartt and Columbia flips 📦 Packing orders in a spare bedroom until mom kicked them out 🏢 Scaling into a 2,000 sq ft warehouse and launching a prep center—by accident In this episode, the Mavericks dig into: In this episode, the Mavericks dig into: - The realities of building a 2-person prep center from scratch - Balancing a warehouse, a family, and full-time jobs (for years) - Why communication is their #1 differentiator in the prep space - The types of clients they serve (hint: mostly OA, not wholesale) - Managing Q4 staffing, burnout, and Buffalo Wild Wings dinners - How networking at a single event led to 20+ clients without advertising 📈 If you’re a seller thinking about outsourcing prep or dreaming of building your own 3PL one day, this is a masterclass in real-world hustle and relationship-driven growth. 💬 Connect with Andrew & Amanda on IG: @allouttompsons 🎧 Like what you hear? Smash that subscribe button and never miss an episode! Interested in joining Miles' coaching program? Put “MM” in your application so he knows we sent you: 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 📩 Contact the Mavericks: [email protected]

Ever wonder how top Amazon sellers use discounted gift cards to supercharge profits? This episode is for you. Jon, Blake, and Pete are joined by Taylor Thomas, founder of ArbitrageCard.com, the only discounted gift card platform designed specifically for online arbitrage (OA) sellers. We dive into: 🎯 How Taylor evolved from sneaker flipping & manufactured spending into launching ArbitrageCard 💳 Why retailers offer gift cards below face value (hint: breakage & customer acquisition) 🔥 Game-changing features like a Chrome extension, custom-amount gift cards, and automated balance checker 🧠 Why gift cards sometimes get canceled (and how to avoid it) 🔐 Taylor’s fraud protection system and why some platforms sell compromised cards 📱 Future roadmap: building an RA-friendly mobile app for in-store gift card use 💬 Real talk on team building, seller trust, and scaling profitably in low-margin environments This is the episode for anyone who’s ever asked: “Can I trust these gift card companies?” Or… “How do I actually make gift cards work in my OA system?” 🎙️ Guest Bio – Taylor Thomas Taylor Thomas is the founder of ArbitrageCard, the only discounted gift card platform built specifically for online arbitrage sellers. Through innovative tools like a Chrome extension, automated balance checker, and custom-amount gift cards, his company helps sellers streamline operations and boost profit margins. 📧 Contact Taylor: [email protected] Instagram: @arbitragecard_ 📬 Want to work with the Mavericks? Email us: [email protected] 🚀 Interested in joining Miles’ coaching program? Put “MM” in your application so he knows we sent you: 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

Recorded live at the Sellers United Conference, this special episode of Marketplace Mavericks features returning guest Omar, now a 3x guest, diving deep into one of Amazon’s most talked-about programs: the Amazon Influencer Program. 🎯 Omar shares how he evolved from RA/OA selling into building multiple income streams by reviewing everyday products, earning affiliate commissions, stacking bonuses through Amazon’s Creator Connections, and landing free gear. 💡 Whether you're an Amazon seller, side hustler, or content creator, this episode breaks down: - How the Amazon Influencer Program actually works (onsite vs offsite videos) - How to get accepted, what gear to review, and why velocity still matters - Secret sauce: Airbnb product reviews, dad-centric branding, and bundled product links - Scaling strategies: 500 videos, strategic outreach, and maximizing commissions - Real talk about free stuff, product selection, and optimizing for long-term passive income - Omar and Jon also talk mindset, content efficiency, and why this gig isn’t just for “influencers”—it’s for hustlers with a camera, a voice, and a strategy. 🎁 Bonus: Omar even does a live unboxing of some Amazon review products on the episode—don't miss the beverage blaster moment 🤣 Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon returns from the Sellers United Conference with a suitcase full of takeaways, connections, and momentum. We dive into: 🧠 Big insights from top Amazon sellers & tool creators (SmartScout, Aura, Arbitrage Card, SellerAmp) 🔥 How Jon’s new LinkedIn strategy brought inbound leads from brand owners 💼 What made the conference so valuable, even for smaller sellers 🎤 How in-person networking opens new doors (and future podcast guests!) 🛠️ A behind-the-scenes look at the Amazon tools we all use and who really runs them 🏁 Plus: Jon’s next exclusive brand deal might just come from a tattoo aftercare product line If you've ever wondered if going to Amazon seller conferences is worth it, this episode gives you a real look at what happens when you show up, ask questions, and start building. 📬 Got a question or want to share your experience? Email us at: [email protected] 🚀 Interested in joining Miles’ program? Put "MM" in your application so he knows we sent you: https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 🎧 Upcoming guests include Taylor from Arbitrage Card and more sellers Jon met at Sellers United. You won’t want to miss what’s coming.

This week on Marketplace Mavericks, the guys toss the script and hit record. No agenda. No outline. Just Jon, Blake, and Pete catching up, talking shop, and keeping it real. Inside this off-the-cuff convo: 🎥 Tease for next week's guest: Omar returns to talk Amazon Influencer Program 🎟️ Jon’s heading to his first-ever Sellers United Conference 🧠 Why content creation might be the side hustle Amazon sellers need 🤝 Building community in the most unexpected Amazon spaces 🚕 BONUS: Jon’s epic taxi cab confession (you won’t believe his brother’s response to a fare runner) Whether you're driving, prepping, or just burnt out from sourcing - this one is meant to be a breath of fresh air. Sometimes the best episodes are the ones that just happen. 📬 Have a question or want to share your own wild story? Email us: [email protected] 👉 And don’t forget - if you're applying to Miles’ program, enter ‘MM’ in the referral field: https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 🎙️ Coming next week: Omar joins us to go deep on making money with the Amazon Influencer Program, product review videos, and repurposing your content into passive income streams. Stay tuned.

The Mavericks are back in full force! Jon, Blake, and Pete reunite to break down their current Amazon moves as Q4 kicks into high gear. Whether you're launching a private label, stocking up for FBM chaos, or building brand-direct relationships, this episode has something for every seller trying to win big this holiday season. We cover: 🚀 Jon’s plan to launch 2 exclusive brands by Black Friday 🛠️ Building a VA-powered team (graphic design, PPC, outreach) 🧠 Blake’s leap into his first brand-direct exclusive 🕯️ Pete’s wife's launch of Positive Llama Co. and navigating handmade/private label on Amazon 🧾 PPC strategy: why you must understand your ad spend even when outsourcing 📞 Cold call hacks, brand registry access, and how Jon uses LinkedIn as a sourcing secret weapon 🏗️ Why Amazon sellers are really just project managers in disguise This is your Q4 momentum check-in. Don’t miss the real talk, tactical gems, and signature Maverick laughs as the guys gear up for their first full holiday season in the trenches. 💥 Want to join the coaching program we recommend? Put 'MM' in your application so Miles knows we sent you! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 📬 Got questions? Feedback? Wanna join us? Email us: [email protected]

Ever wondered what it really takes to start and run a successful Amazon prep center? In Episode 21 of Marketplace Mavericks, we sit down with Joel and Laura Smith of Zero Tax Prep Center (Delaware) for a transparent, behind-the-scenes look at their journey from full-time logistics professionals to prep center entrepreneurs. We cover: 💰 How much it costs to start a prep center (startup vs monthly overhead) 🛠️ Managing staffing, forecasting, and fluctuating clients 📦 The difference between seller-prepped vs. brand-prepped inventory 🧾 What kind of insurance coverage prep centers need 🧑‍👩‍👧‍👦 Running a family-run business (employee #1 is Dad!) 🗨️ Why communication is the #1 reason prep centers succeed or fail Plus, Jon shares how Joel’s team helped him catch a sketchy OA shipment before it went to Amazon, and Pete digs into the pros and cons of FBM support from a prep center during Q4. Whether you're thinking of starting your own prep center, or just want a better partner for your Amazon business, this episode is a must-watch. 💼📦 📍 Connect with Zero Tax Prep Center Website: zerotaxprepcenter.com X: @zerotaxprep2 📬 Got questions? Drop a comment below or email us at: [email protected] Interested in joining Miles' program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

While Blake’s off adventuring in Alaska, Jon and Pete hold down the fort with a focused two-man update and this one’s packed with practical gems. 💎 With Q4 just around the corner, Pete shares how he and his wife are stockpiling inventory using GAP cash and seasonal discounts. Meanwhile, Jon goes deep on why he’s ditched OA for good and is going all in on brand-direct wholesale exclusives. In this episode, we cover: 📦 The shift from OA to wholesale (and why Jon’s not looking back) 🔐 Locking in exclusive Amazon contracts that guarantee margin & reduce risk 🔁 Using contracts to eliminate returns, ungating, and price tanking 🧱 How to build a foundation for six-figure months 🛒 Q4 sourcing strategies and planning inventory flow 🔍 What to expect from next week's guest: a military vet–turned–prep center owner If you're still on the OA hamster wheel or stressing over returns and ungating, this one is your wake-up call. Jon breaks down the numbers, the pitch, the contracts and how this shift has changed everything for his Amazon business. 👀 Next Week's Episode Teaser: We sit down with the owner of Zero Tax Prep Center, a military logistics vet who opened a prep center in Delaware and he’s giving us the full behind-the-scenes tour of what it takes to run one. 📬 Want to reach us? Drop a comment, it's easier for us than email. You can also find our social handles in the channel bio! Interested in joining Miles' program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056