From gumball machines to AI stores: How an entrepreneur followed what's trending to build an 8-figure business
Entrepreneur Mike Burnett has built an eight-figure business empire by identifying and capitalizing on consumer trends over 27 years. His current venture, SmartMarket Solutions, utilizes AI-powered micro-stores to automate the retail experience.
Why it matters
Burnett's career trajectory illustrates the importance of trend validation and adaptability in long-term entrepreneurial success.
Serial entrepreneur Mike Burnett is the cofounder and CEO of SmartMarket Solutions. Courtesy of Mike Burnett Mike Burnett, CEO of SmartMarket Solutions, has a 27-year entrepreneurial track record. He's found success by spotting trends to stay ahead of the curve. To spot trends, he says, listen to the people closest to the customer. For 27 years, Mike Burnett has built businesses by getting ahead of the curve. In 1999, while working in sales and supporting a growing family, he started a side hustle placing tabletop games in restaurants. He bought a few machines to earn extra income. Then, the manufacturer asked whether he would consider becoming a distributor, selling the same opportunity to other would-be operators. Burnett and his friend-turned-business partner, Jeff Marsh, built a bare-bones website and, with little savings, used credit cards to buy newspaper ads. In their first month, they sold $20,000 worth of equipment.
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