Over the past two years, Senior Charles Romanowicz (CJ) has been operating a side business while still enrolled in school. He has made over $200,000 in revenue and about $50,000 in profit by running his own business using Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), a program that allows participants to outsource order fulfillment to Amazon and offer customers free, two-day shipping through Amazon Prime.
Romanowicz’s entrepreneurial journey began when he started buying products in bulk from distributors, reselling them online through Amazon.
“I buy stuff in bulk and wholesale from distributors and retail stores, and then I sell it on Amazon,” Romanowicz said. “I also package and distribute items for other sellers.”
Over the years, Romanowicz has expanded his operations significantly. Now, in addition to selling his own products, he handles distribution for other sellers as well. With a growing client base and increasingly high demand, Romanowicz turned to his friends to help manage the workload.
Senior Jace Baronner has been an instrumental part of the operation. Baronner, who works with Romanowicz packaging products and preparing them for shipment, speaks highly of his friend’s work ethic and growth.
“CJ is an amazing person and very inspiring,” Baronner said. “I’ve known him since the beginning of his FBA journey, and I’m very impressed by how far he’s come.”
While the work is demanding, Baronner notes the pay and flexibility make it worthwhile.
“Most of the work I do for CJ involves packaging products and getting them ready to be shipped out,” Baronner said. “I recommend others to work for CJ. Obviously, we are starting at a smaller scale right now, but I feel that this can really go to a large scale someday. I wouldn’t consider doing this on my own just because of the sheer amount of product flow. You really need a team to build a business with a constant flow of product and income.”
Senior Zakary Frederick also works for Romanowicz, handling packaging duties like labeling and organizing products.
“Just last week, he had me help him package up a lot of bottles of baby cologne,” Frederick said. “CJ is a great person, and I’d consider him one of my closest friends. He’s very laid back and loves to help people.”
Frederick, who is paid $12 an hour, appreciates not only the pay but also the fun and relaxed atmosphere at work.
“When I work for CJ, I have fun while working,” Frederick said. “It’s a good deal for someone my age, and the flexibility with hours makes it even better. I’d recommend working for CJ. He’s very flexible, pays well, and it’s enjoyable.”
While Romanowicz has achieved success, the road has not always been smooth. In September 2024, his Amazon account was temporarily suspended for a routine investigation, resulting in a major financial setback.
“In September of 2024, my account got shut down for investigation, and I lost thousands of dollars,” Romanowicz said.
Despite this hurdle, he bounced back and continued growing his business. He was even able to obtain a warehouse to help with his operations.
“The owner of the building is a family friend of ours, and my mom talked to him about my business,” Romanowicz said. “He offered me a space to grow, and that has really helped me take things to the next level.”
Romanowicz’s operation also benefits from the support of his long-time friend, senior Matthew Harkins, who works part-time for him. Harkins, who has known Romanowicz since ninth grade, helps with basic warehouse tasks such as packaging and bagging products for shipment.
“He’s fun to work for and very laid back. I’ve been friends with him since ninth grade and got closer this year. I would recommend working for him. It’s fun, he pays well, and the hours are flexible, ” Harkins said.
Harkins, who has also begun selling products on Amazon, has been inspired through seeing Romanowicz work first hand.
“I’ve done almost $1,000 in sales myself and plan on scaling further this year, and I intend on continuing to help CJ grow his business,” Harkins said. “I see how much work CJ puts into his business and would like to grow mine, too.”
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