In March 2024, I had the privilege of participating in a live webinar hosted by Tashfeen Rashid, Business Coach at Amazon Small Business Academy. The discussion brought together business owners, entrepreneurs, and Amazon experts to share real-world insights into the opportunities and challenges of scaling a small business.
Amazon’s Seller University is at the heart of these conversations, offering brands and entrepreneurs access to educational resources designed to help them thrive as Amazon selling partners. This live session gave me the chance to share my personal journey, from outsourcing manufacturing in the early days to ultimately acquiring and running my own rope and cordage factory.
Manufacturing: In-House vs. Outsourcing
One of the central topics we explored was the critical decision between outsourcing and manufacturing in-house. Both paths carry advantages and risks.
Benefits of Manufacturing In-House:
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Quality control and intellectual property protection
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Stronger brand identity
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Faster response to customer needs
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Long-term cost savings once operations scale
Benefits of Outsourcing:
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Lower upfront costs
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Faster speed to market
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Access to specialized expertise
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Flexibility in scaling operations
For Ravenox, outsourcing in the early stages provided agility and lowered risks. Over time, however, growing demand and supply chain challenges led us to acquire our own manufacturing facility, a decision that gave us greater control, improved product quality, and resilience through market disruptions.
Lessons From My Journey
During the Q&A, I emphasized the importance of:
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Leveraging early partnerships. Working with external manufacturers initially allowed me to learn best practices and focus on branding and growth.
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Drawing from leadership experience. My time in the Marine Corps and my MBA background taught me resilience, adaptability, and long-term planning, qualities that proved essential in scaling a business.
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Integrating technology. From ERP systems to CRM and supply chain management software, digital tools have been key to staying competitive and sustainable.
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Building the right team. Whether outsourcing or bringing production in-house, surrounding yourself with capable, committed people is the foundation for success.
Partnering With Innovative Small Businesses
An example I shared during the webinar was OhmniLabs, a robotics company whose telepresence and disinfection robots transformed how we operated in our factory. Their innovation not only improved efficiency but also aligned with my mission of supporting American manufacturing and labor. Partnerships like this highlight how small businesses can empower one another through collaboration.
Advice for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs deciding between outsourcing and in-house production, my guidance is simple:
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Start with outsourcing to validate your product and brand.
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Switch to in-house manufacturing once the indicators align, such as rising demand, quality concerns, or the need for customization.
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Stay resilient and adaptable. Business challenges are constant, but every obstacle is also an opportunity to grow stronger.
Why Amazon Matters
Selling on Amazon continues to be a cornerstone of our growth. It has provided unmatched visibility, global reach, and customer insights. While competition is fierce, and fees must be managed carefully, Amazon remains a powerful platform for entrepreneurs looking to scale quickly and efficiently.
Final Thoughts
My experience with the Amazon Small Business Academy reinforced a central truth: success in entrepreneurship comes from resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Whether you outsource or manufacture in-house, the key is to stay flexible, invest in the right systems, and always listen to your customers.