What if you could build a profitable, lifestyle-driven Amazon business that could eventually sell for millions, even without prior e-commerce experience?
In this episode, Neil Twa, CEO and Co-Founder of Voltage Holdings, opens up about his 17-year journey of building, launching, and acquiring e-commerce brands. After leaving a senior role at IBM, Neil became an early pioneer on Amazon, creating multiple FBA brands, generating tens of millions in revenue, and helping more than 1,000 entrepreneurs through consulting, coaching, and mentoring.
Neil shares how Voltage has grown to 12+ in-house brands and 40+ client brands, why they recently closed a $12M acquisition, and the systems that allow him to scale businesses without traditional employees. He also explains Voltage’s proprietary “green light process” for validating products and how partnerships and timing often matter more than resources.
Together with his business partner Reed Larsen, Neil co-authored the book Almost-Automated Income with FBA, a #1 new release that provides a step-by-step guide to building and exiting a profitable Amazon business. This conversation dives into resilience, priorities, and creating businesses that provide both freedom and lasting value.
[00:02:29] Catching Up with Neil
Returning as the podcast’s first-ever guest after 3 years.
Reflections on 300+ episodes of Million Dollar Relationships.
Why relationships multiply opportunities.
[00:05:12] What Voltage Does
Helping entrepreneurs build 7-figure businesses with physical products.
12+ in-house brands and 40+ client brands.
The thrill of building something from nothing.
[00:10:08] Scaling and Acquisitions
Moving from launch to systemization and scale.
Closing a $12M acquisition deal.
Growing brands for long-term exits.
[00:11:02] From Brands to Software
Proprietary platform for product research and brand development.
The “green light process” for product validation.
Scaling without employees by empowering operators.
[00:12:40] Partnerships and Timing
Why do the right opportunities show up when you’re not looking.
Meeting collaborators at the perfect time.
Growing through trusted relationships.
[00:16:15] Training Operators Instead of Hiring Employees
How Neil partners with entrepreneurs as operators
Splitting profits instead of salaries
Building smarter teams through collaboration
[00:20:48] Launching Brands That Last
From product validation to brand identity
Mistakes most new sellers make
Building businesses designed to scale and sell
[00:25:30] The Shift Toward Brand Acquisitions
Why acquisitions accelerate growth
How Neil evaluates acquisition opportunities
Building value for long-term exits
[00:30:12] Almost-Automated Income with FBA
Why Neil and Reed Larsen wrote their book
A blueprint for lifestyle-driven e-commerce success
Lessons for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs
[00:34:55] The Role of Mentorship and Coaching
Guiding over 1,000 entrepreneurs
Why mentorship accelerates growth
Creating impact beyond revenue
[00:40:34] Evergreen Power of Physical Products
Why physical products outlast trends.
Building brands with longevity.
Why resilience and due diligence matter.
[00:47:07] Final Reflections & Life Principles
Neil on being a dad, entrepreneur, and conservative voice.
The importance of priorities and imperfect action.
Why resilience and perseverance are keys to success.
“Your opportunity begins at the end of your excuses.” — Neil Twa
“We help entrepreneurs build seven-figure businesses using physical products.” — Neil Twa
“Imperfect action beats perfect inaction every time.” — Neil Twa
Connect with Neil TwaGet the Free Book — use code MAXRESPONSE
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