Was really hoping I had a bed to sleep on for more than 1 night. But my old friend Abdulrahman was shocked on the next day, as well as me. For those following the vlog (v-log, lol) I thought I was “safe” for a few weeks. An angel – well David on Wechat, re-connected me with an old friend Abdulrahman …
Cancelled Flights & Locked Down in Cebu
I have been running away from an avalanche for a week now – lockdown in Manila, lockdown in Bohol – and in Cebu booking flight to China. Thought I would make it – literally by the skin of my teeth – with a Tuesday March 18, 2020 flight to China – with 2 connections – for 800USD. But failed. The …
Drastic Times, Drastic Measures: Mask Trading & Re-launching Sourcing business
My wife has been pushing me for weeks to do this, and I have been resisting. As always, the wife is always right. We need to change our business models and do what is most needed – for the world and for our businesses. I’m bringing back the old Shadstone Sourcing trading business – Shadstone-sourcing.com – and will be focusing …
Quoted in Wall Street Journal: Amazon not accepting inbound shipments
The crisis continues – this time hitting the Western world and distribution. Last month it was about factories being closed and not able to make the product- now it is about Western countries / USA – being able to receive and ship it. Can you believe yesterday, March 17, 2020 amazon suddenly announced it will not accept new inbound shipments …
Company Retreat in Bohol Turned Operation: Evacuation
Writing this up from my hotel room in Bohol under much different circumstances than I expected for our team retreat. Rushing to the airport on Thursday, Marc told me that Manila is considering going on full lockdown. I wasn’t sure if I could make my flight before the lockdown was announced or what would even happen. Flight went like normal …
On “My Worst Investment Ever” Podcast Sharing Biggest Business Failure!
Still on a roll getting the word out online and was invited on the “My Worst Investment Ever” podcast with the amazing host Andrew Stotz to share my biggest business failure. Was a pleasure to be on – and it was a bit painful to share and dig up those memories (and the money lost) – but we need to …
Update: My Kids Are Allowed to Play Outside in China
Seeing this quick photo and video on my “Family wechat group” yesterday got me to sit up and get excited. My kids are allowed to leave the apartment and play in the garden of the apartment compound. It has been now almost 2 months since I last saw them. Watching them wearing their masks and play in a quiet and …
Meeting Mica From Wizards of Amazon in Manila
Meeting Mica From Wizards of Amazon in Manila Trying to make the most of my time here in Manila and meet as many people as I can – one of them is Mica on the Wizards of Amazon team (headed by Carlos Alvarez). We have been talking since I first arrived about meeting – and the volcano erupted so it …
Inspirational Support From my College Freshman Liberal Arts Professor
Inspirational Support From my College Freshman Liberal Arts Professor We never know what to expect in life. The coronavirus has truly shaken up everything in my life, from personal to business. But there are always hidden gems in every situation. Today I want to talk about one of them – my college professor from freshman year – Dr. Silvio Laccetti …
Oped in Fredriksburg: My Wife & Children are Under Quarantine in China
So much has been happening – earlier in Feb my article was published in Fredricksburg.com (VA) – Dr. Silvio Laccetti is my PR mentor, thanks Doc! Read the article here https://www.fredericksburg.com/opinion/commentary-my-wife-and-children-are-under-quarantine-in-china/article_f2c4d7ea-ec4e-5b76-a899-ec17b4f0d228.html
Watch a Budding E-commerce Community Grow – Trip To Baguio, Philippines
Catching my breath after two 7 hour bus trips to Baguio and back in a few days- but it was quite the experience! Note – if you go to Baguio – bring a light jacket – it is cold. 5,000 meters above sea level, you will take a coach bus for 7 hours and towards the last hour you will …
On Misfits & Rejects Podcast: Sharing Insights on Starting Ecommerce & Amazon FBA
I had the honor to be a guest on Chapin Kreuter’s podcast – with an awesome podcast name of “Misfits and Rejects” Podcast – because to be awesome -you can’t be normal! He interviewed me about the time in China and Asia and starting e-commerce businesses and Amazon FBA – with the Ecommerce Gladiator journey too – definitely listen in, …
Doubling Down on Personal Branding
Further Re-Defining Oneself & Skills/Value Since arriving in Manila – it has only been a month and a half but feels like a year! What started as a business development trip to get to know the partners at Alpha Rock Capital more while my wife takes care of her mom in China has turned into another major shift and turning …
Looking For An Online Teaching System For My Kids (Stuck in China)
Makes me think back to the John Graham story of “Stuck in China” – but now it is my wife and kids. Been so tempted to book a flight and head out to China, but even my wife has been telling me to hold off on hitting the buy now button on that travel site. Schools are still closed in …
That Feeling of a Father Who Isn’t There For His Family
How did I get in this situation? Those following the vlog, saw it – but today I just want to step back and review how it turned out I’m in another country while my wife and kids are experiencing the next SARS is in China and it is spreading. It started back in November, 2019 – when I returned to …