Andrew Borakove, owner of Gongs Unlimited, began the journey of launching his own business in 2004. At the time, he was working in Hollywood as a comedy writer, and decided to try his hand in online retail. While sitting at the beach, he came up with the idea of selling gongs. Shortly thereafter, he began selling gongs online to customers around the world. Since it would be difficult for a brick and mortar store to support such a niche product, the online marketplace has been essential to Andrew’s success.

Jon Golberg first started Outdoor Bunker in 1979 as an agricultural exporting business. About eight years ago, Jon decided to partner with another North Dakota businessman and they repurposed the business to focus on selling a variety of hunting, camping, and survival gear. Since 2006 the business has flourished, expanding the product line, moving into a larger space and hiring more employees. They started out with very limited resources, operating out of a basement, and now have expanded into a storefront and warehouse totaling 45,000 square feet.

Thirteen years ago Colleen's husband Jeff got a job offer and the Rast family relocated from the Philadelphia area to Montana. Unfortunately, Colleen had difficulty finding a job in her field of Project Management. Because she was unwilling to travel extensively and leave her family behind for the sake of a job, she began buying and selling items on eBay, mostly as a hobby. However, what started as just a hobby quickly grew into a small business for Colleen. Then her husband's company closed due to the economic downturn, so the couple decided to take Great Sky Gifts Inc. to the next level.

Countryside Pet Supply has been a family-owned and operated business since 1988. The business is owned by Ken & Cathy Bengson and their daughter Heather Hill is the CEO. In the early years, Countryside Pet Supply operated as a kennel. The family decided to move into selling quality pet supplies at low prices, and in 1988 produced their first paper catalog. In 1999, The Bengson family adapted to the changing retail landscape by adding an online component to their business.

Before launching his entrepreneurial career, Mike Hadad spent 22 years of his professional life working in the technology industry, most recently as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for a web-based human resources software company. Before that, Mike rose through the ranks of other software companies, focusing on sales, sales management, and senior management. In August of 2005, Mike decided to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. He loved the idea of selling items for customers on eBay, which at the time was a relatively new concept.

Marc Ducey started his career as a U.S. Naval Officer. After his military service, Marc transitioned to a sales career. While in a sales capacity, Marc saw an opportunity for an eCommerce business and he began selling golf equipment on eBay for additional income. After three years of selling online part-time, Marc decided to take the entrepreneurial leap and dedicate himself to his business full-time. He began buying more inventory and focused on the value and quality of his products. To this day, GolfEtail is a family owned operation passing great products onto consumers for great prices.

Bob Faut, founder of AutoParts Midwest, launched the business in 1980 after leaving Xerox Corporation. He spent 11 years with Xerox working in marketing and sales, but felt the need to expand his horizons and follow his entrepreneurial dreams. AutoParts Midwest was created as a distribution system in the emerging import auto parts market. With the onset of online retail, Bob had to make some major adjustments to his business model. He shut down some warehouses and moved into one location to focus more on online retail, which he credits with the salvation of his business.

After a number of less successful business ventures, the Novocins found themselves at a breaking point. With practically no income, Norb used his uncertainty as a motivation to begin selling items on eBay, in an effort to earn a living for his family. When an item called “The Cigarette Eliminator,” a device for rolling cigarettes, sold for over $500, the couple quickly realized eBay could be the solution to their problems.

Scott Wool and his business partner started their business in 1987 as a brick-and-mortar store, but online retail saved it. Scott now has two brick-and-mortar locations, but running specialty shops like Omni Comics & Cards has become impossible without an Internet presence. According to Scott, people are busier and have less disposable income these days and as a result, specialty stores cannot survive on foot traffic alone. Today, Scott runs one of the largest online novelty stores in the country, and even purchases items from walk-in customers to sell on eBay.

Founded in 2000, Sonic Electronix is an audio and electronics specialist dedicated to delivering sound savings and expert advice. With over 2,000 shipments per day, including exports to countries like Canada and Australia, Sonic Electronix understands everything it sells. Nate has lived in California his entire life. As a member of his local community, he not only provides employment for 120 individuals, he also participates in fundraising for local charities, church groups, and The Boys and Girls Clubs of America.