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.

AeroMarine Products started with one man who had a great vision. He had been in the chemical industry for about 20 years when he started selling products out of the trunk of his car. Soon after, he moved to a small warehouse, where he later sold his business to a private corporation. Today, Holly Richardson serves as the Senior Manager of AeroMarine Products. The business focuses on the sale of epoxy resins, silicone mold making rubber, pour foam and other specialty products used in the manufacturing of items such as surfboards, candles, soaps and boats.

In the early 1990s, the Johnson family emigrated from Canada, where Willis, Kelly’s father and co-owner of UneekSupply, had been a farmer. Willis chose to move the family to the Bakersfield community because it was both family and business friendly. UneekSupply’s start was not exactly deliberate. When the economy took a turn for the worst in 2008, the Johnson family was forced to sell their brick-and-mortar business, then known as Car Stereo Wholesalers. To rid the business of the excess inventory, Willis began selling items online.

Frederickson’s is a family owned and operated tire and appliance store, which first opened its doors in Sheffield, Alabama in 1946. Mr. Frederickson, the founder of the company, hired Tony’s father in 1961. Tony’s father worked his way up the company until he bought the business in 1978. While Tony’s father was the owner, he was able to expand the company, going from just three employees to a 34 employee operation. Tony and his two brothers have both worked for the business since they were old enough to hold a broom.

In 2008 Mace Brasher started selling jerseys and other athletic apparel online. At the time, he was selling as a means for extra income while working as the manager of a call center. Creating his business online allowed Mace certain flexibilities as his sales steadily began to grow. The Internet enabled him to work from home to be closer to his family, as well as create his own schedule, and keep his sales going 24/7. Through hard work and perseverance, Mace has been able to radically grow his business, doubling the company's sales every year for the last four years.

Nationwide Surplus got its start in 2007, when founder Rick Krug decided to start a business selling refurbished computer components and electronics. The business quickly turned to the eBay marketplace to grow sales. As the venture became increasingly successful, Chris Ko, a long time investor in small and medium sized businesses, decided to partner with Rick. ER2 - Electronic Responsible Recyclers works with corporations to recycle their electronics to refurbish and reuse, which are later sold through the Nationwide Surplus brand.