We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrew Morgans. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrew below.
Andrew, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
While I have lived a life full of risk taking, my biggest risk I have taken would be the one that began my entrepreneurial journey, and the creation of Marknology. Marknology is an Amazon Brand Accelerator, and since it’s inception we have worked with over 200+ brands, have managed over 150 million in sales, have made 17 millionaires, hired 36 employees around the world, sold in 11 different countries, sold in 7 different languages, been involved in 12 business exits, have had 36 # best sellers on Amazon, saved at least 5 companies from closing their doors, launched 6 brands of our own, acquired 7 more brands, accepted into Amazon’s very first agency partnership program, named mentor of the year at UMKC in 2019, given a Masters of Entrepreneurship by Babson College, given a Masters of Design Thinking by Missouri State university, worked with not 1 but 2 fortune 500 companies, 3 shark tank winners, and most importantly developed one of the most powerful Amazon teams in the world.
We did all of this without outside investment, virtually no business experience, started in debt, no network to depend on, no mentors, no roadmap (the Amazon Industry did not exist), and literally clue what we were getting ourselves into.
I say we, because while I was the first one to dive into the world of Amazon, and the first one to form the idea of Marknology, I would be nowhere without the team that is now “Marknology”, and everything we have accomplished would not be possible without the “we”.
I share all that we have done, not to boast, but to instead paint a picture of what is possible, on the other side of your fear. Without risk there can be no reward, and the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
The idea to leave my 9-5 job as an e-commerce manager at a medium sized retailer, and start Marknology didn’t happen overnight. It was several distinct clarity moments in my life coming together. Below are a few of the things that came together to make the risk of not having a stable income, at a job I was crushing it at, worth it.
*I received a .20 an hour raise after making the company over a million dollars+ based on my own personal efforts.
*The company was making me write fake reviews for products on the website, and while this may seem small to you, to me I was being forced to do something I didn’t believe in.
* I am super close with my family, and they were living in another state. I was only able to get 2 weeks of vacation a year, and that still had to be approved. I simply couldn’t see the world that I wanted to see with 2 weeks of vacation.
* The company wasn’t listening to me in regards to my thoughts and direction revolving around Amazon and E-Commerce. I was young and they didn’t believe I knew what I was talking about. This was an issue because I wanted to be the BEST at E-Commerce in the world.
*I had to work nearly everyday with one particular person that i just couldn’t get along with. – It was my only negative mark on my annual review from my boss two years in a row.
*They wouldn’t let me work from home, and I hated not being able to get sunlight in the day. Judge me if you want, but this made me miserable.
* I had started freelancing on Upwork and Elance.com and after a few months I was getting a lot of side work revolving around Amazon, and before long I became a top 10 freelancer in the world in my category.
* During my first year at the company I went through a divorce, and my risk shrunk down to only needing to worry about me and me alone. I had nothing to lose.
Growing up in Congo Africa until I was 16 years of age, one can imagine that I have always been a little outside the box when it comes to what everyone else thinks is normal. This Amazon journey has been no different, I just happened to find e-commerce, which to me sits right in the middle of marketing and technology. You need to be proficient at both to succeed, and the fact that it was an industry that didn’t already have gatekeepers to entry, made it extremely enticing to me. There was no boys club to deny me entry, my dad didn’t need to know someone to get me in, my DNA didn’t matter, money didn’t matter, schooling didn’t matter. It was the wild west, and whoever could innovate, and execute the fastest would be standing at the end of the day. I was obsessed.
I had been building Marknology and my client base on the side as a freelancer for nearly a year when I finally drew a line in the sand to leave my job and go all in. I had done a lot of prep work, had dotted all of my t’s and my i’s, but as someone that didn’t even know what the word entrepreneurship meant when I started this company, the thought of doing something so bold felt out of reach. I doubted myself for months and months, until finally I told someone I was going to do it. After that, it felt like I had given someone my word that I was going to do it, and sink or swim, I had too much pride to not walk it like I talk about it, in the words of the artist Migos.
I told my immediate boss, who I respected quite a lot, that I was going to try and make a business out of helping businesses solve their problems on Amazon. He was extremely supportive, although I will say that the owner of the company himself did not like my pitch of hiring me back as a consultant to continue running their business on Amazon for a fraction of the price my annual salary cost them.
I have never regretted a single day that I decided to risk it all, and bet on myself. My fear of living a life of monotony, far outweighed my fear of falling flat on my face. After all, let’s be honest with each other. No one really cares what you do, and no one can make you happy but yourself. I prefer to go all in on life, and either I’m going to win at whatever it is I decide to do with the 24 hours I’m given each day, or I’m going to die trying. If you’re facing some kind of similar situation as mine, I hope that you find a little inspiration in our story, and go all in on you.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
e is Andrew Morgans, and I love creating things and solving really challenging problems. I start paying attention when other people say it can’t be done. Call it a chip on my shoulder to show the world and myself what I’m made of. I want to be known as a man of action. A man from unconventional origins, that made the impossible seem possible in those that encountered him. A man not confined by the way things have always been, but how they could be.My story is not traditional, and I share it so people can understand what our company is all about, and feel inspired to chase their own goals and passions.My story starts in Montreal, Quebec where I was born. My parents were there at an immersion school learning French, to take it to French Africa as soon as they could.Bounced from Montreal, to Kansas City, MO and by the time I was three years old, we had moved to Cameroon, and my African childhood began here.Imagine having an African soul, with ginger hair, and pale skin. I have never had problems fitting in….Cameroon was “BUSH” as they called it, probably the Africa that many of you imagine in your heads. Memories consist of riding four deep on a small dirt bike to get through the brush and to save on gas. I’m pretty sure we went halfway up Kilimanjaro on it.We lived in a cement hut without AC or even screens on the windows. Many times we would find knives, spears, or tarantulas outside the house after our guard dogs had patrolled the night. My dogs were later poisoned by thieves that wanted to get past them.Our friends had a pet chimpanzee named Shelly. Things were different in those times, okay. Animal rights, the internet, “knowledge” in general was at a different pace.One memory I will never forget, we were headed to another remote village and it was already dark. It was several hours away and somewhere along the way our jeep broke down. My dad is not known for his automotive prowess, however this particular day he could have been mistaken for Indiana Jones.Worried that he would have his family stuck out in the bush, after dark, exposed he started thinking outside of the box.The belt had gone bad, and there aren’t stores nearby, or triple A to come save you. Only your wits and fast thinking and the tools you brought with you. To fix the Jeep, my dad ended up cutting up strips of the spare tire, to act as a makeshift belt to limp us to the next town.I’d like to think it was moments like these that taught me the skills I use today in entrepreneurship. How to make something out of nothing, and how to repurpose and be resourceful.After Cameroon, came Botswana, and Russia. My parents were teaching English with Christian curriculum and me and my sisters just tagged along for the ride. Russia in the early 90’s was not a place you wanted to be. Extreme poverty was everywhere, the police were corrupt and it was cold and wet almost every day of the year. As a kid raised in Africa up until this point I was way out of my comfort zone.I still can’t understand how there was a KFC, miles and miles in the middle of nowhere in the desert of Botswana. Africa is a strange place, and many of my memories I can’t remember if they are real or simply dreams I have had over and over.While Botswana and Russia were mostly peaceful experiences there were things that happened there that I will never forget.The Russian police tried to bang down our door
Seeing a woman hit by a car in the street, the car drove off and no one, on a crowded street ran to help her. She died in the street alone.
The circus and ballet costing .50 cents
The subways would be lined wall to wall with the homeless. Some of them just left for dead.
When we first arrived in Moscow, the airport was burning. Huge flames were billowing from inside our terminal, my mom was screaming at immigration to get her kids away from the smoke and fire, but they were refusing because of us being American.
In Botswana. The insects flew in massive amounts and were about an inch or more long. Shedding their wings and burrowing in the sand. It was crazy to see teachers participate as well.
Another time in Botswana, I was playing in the compound outside with my friend Robinson. He was an adopted refugee and my best friend at the time. We were playing cops and robbers when an army helicopter flew over the compound. We raised our toy guns and shouted bang, it wasn’t long before the helicopter circles, and flew dangerously low to us boys. Shouting and threatening that if we ever did it again they would kill us next time.
We would visit family in Kansas City, sometimes there long enough to go to a semester of school. Me and my sisters would live with my grandparents who had a church in Kansas City, while my parents would raise money to go back to Africa and travel the country.We were in Kansas City, for a couple years somewhere between 10 – 12 years old. My timelines are a blur, probably because I don’t have “grades” really to differentiate my years in time.After Kansas City, my dad sold everything that we owned. Packed up our lives into a few suitcases and we were going to the DRC. Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike our other missions appointments, there were no missionaries there to receive us. WE WERE 100% ON OUR OWN, IN THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE ON EARTH PRE 9/11. At least that is what the US Marines that were stationed there told me. I know for a fact, that it is the worst place on earth to be a mother in the entire world.The first night that we stayed there, I had over 150 bug bites, my mom didn’t sleep through the night. We woke up to a HUGE spider in the shower that probably was larger than my hand. We had to find a new place to stay, or I was going to go into shock from the bites.My dad called a wonderful Muslim lady we had met on the plane. Madam Malika, who graciously offered one of her homes to us.We had been settled for a few weeks, when my dad asked me to go on a walk with him around the neighborhood to get a lay of the land. Typical practice for us to see what we could discover and any chance to get out of the house.We had probably walked a few miles, before a car rolled up beside us.A gun was protruding through the window and they told us to get in. It was the police, and they were robbing us.They argued with my dad in French, I didn’t understand what was going on.They stayed with us most of the day, still arguing with my dad but driving us outside the city. I don’t remember all of it, it was pretty traumatic. However it ended with them taking everything but our passports, and they dumped us outside of Kinshasa (12 million + city). We were without money, or a phone, my dad was shaking and crying when they left. I had never seen my dad afraid before. We started walking, and finally found a man willing to take us all the way back into the city (You couldn’t buy gas back then, and 99% of the city is unemployed). He took us on trust, believing that we would pay once we got home.Some more Congo Highlights:The city was under siege, and unemployment was at an all time high. We went to a church event that my dad was invited to on New Years Eve. It was held at an old Beglian Soccer stadium that was still being used. They stopped letting people in a few hours after it began, as the stadium had reached maximum capacity. Myself, Veronika and my dad were the only ones that went this time. My sister Brooklyn was too young, and my mom was sick with malaria. We were the only 3 white people amongst thousands upon thousands of Congolese.
They took us down to the middle of the field to sit with the other pastors as the stadium started filling up. They were singing and dancing like a performance only fit for thousands of people. Once they told the people there was no more room, and shut the gates. Rioting started.
The gates broke down, and the people outside the stadium started rushing the field. That moment was one of the scariest moments in my life. The pastor with security holding people back from overrunning the little platform, grabbed the microphone from the singers and sat cross legged on the ground. He then asked everyone else in the stadium to do the same and asked them to remain peaceful. Several minutes later, we were escorted to safety.
Rats the size of dogs
Playing video games frequently with mercenaries that worked for President Kabila.
Those same mercenaries, shot and robbed.
We held handfuls of raw uncut diamonds, Uranium, mercury, you name it. Congo has it.
I would frequently go with my dad to exchange US Dollars on the black market. 14 years old, and carrying thousands of dollars under my clothes. Weaving through dark rooms, and alleys to end up at a desk with a lady looking like a kingpin willing to exchange money with us.I would frequently go with my dad to exchange US Dollars on the black market. 14 years old, and carrying thousands of dollars under my clothes.have stories on stories just like this one, but there is more I took from Africa than just fear, and trauma.Being raised in Africa taught me how to be happy with nothing, how to treat others with respect regardless of their income level, and to never think of myself as a victim. NO ONE OWES ME ANYTHING. It is up to me to go get it if I want it.I learned to not take what I have been given for granted. Things like my white skin, being American, having opportunity.My thankfulness started early. Thankful for ice cream, and clean water. Thankful for my family, when we had nothing else.Thankful for medicine, and air conditioning, thankful for the ability to have three jobs if I need them.I learned how to never give up on something just because it is hard. There is almost always a way if you think outside the box.My upbringing, while traumatic, set me up to embrace change, to be grateful in everything and to be WIRED for entrepreneurship.My life has been full of adventure and life’s learnings ever since Africa. It most definitely did not end there.Being African, but red headed as a junior in high school. It wasn’t easy for me. I was picked on, and fought often.
I didn’t understand social norms, or how to talk to girls.
I started my junior year with 0 credits. They made a deal with me where if I passed an upper level class, they would give me credit for the pre-qualifying classes. So, instead of “work release” like a lot of other seniors. I was working after school for credit hours, taking classes with the “trouble kids” to get additional credit, and taking classes I had no reason to be taking. My homeschooling or even Christian schooling didn’t match up exactly to public schools in the US. The “SYSTEM” made me feel dumb because I didn’t know how to pass their tests.
Moved to Hawaii, and started going to community college. I knew how to “act” American a little better, and Hawaii was a little easier for me than Kansas City.
3 Years in Hawaii, then we moved back to Kansas City, to take care of my grandparents that were needing help.
I transferred to Park University, and tried out for a band on craigslist.
Little did I know I would be in that band for the next 4 years, world tour all over the United States, and had essentially started my first business.After I graduated from Park University with a Bachelors in Computer Science (Paid my own way), tired of being poor as a musician, I took a job at Mastercard, as a NOC Technician.I was making more money than I ever had, but hated going from touring the US, creating music and running a business essentially to sitting in a dark cube waiting on networks to break or need fixed.I needed a change.My issue here was that I knew A WHOLE LOT, about the outside world compared to most people. BUT. I didn’t know Andrew Morgans.What I did know is that IT, at least as far as I knew at this point, was not for me. Mastercard seemed like a place where IT people go to die. My soul was dying.Change happened when I got married, and moved to Tampa Florida. I took a job at an E-Commerce startup.E-Commerce, equal parts marketing, and technology was a perfect fit for me. The competition was just what I had been looking for in a career, and an innovative business landscape kept my need for change at bay as it is impossible to get bored as rapidly as e-commerce changes.While I was finding success at this startup, my new marriage was struggling. In my mind everything was going right. I had a good job and had just gotten four promotions. I was renting us a house five minutes from the beach, we had a nice car, you know “Happiness”. What wasn’t working was my marriage. She was miserable and didn’t like living in Tampa. The move, all the change, me working all the time, she was unhappy and asked me to move us back to Kansas City. So I did.I moved us back to Kansas City, and found a job immediately as an E-Commerce manager. It was a step up and I was excited to see what I could learn.Then she left me. I had never been more devastated in my life. Embarrassed, depressed, ashamed for my part in it all. I was in debt from moving back and forth, and the down time between jobs. I decided to focus my efforts on getting my finances right, at least it would give me something to focus on.WORK FOR YOURSELF
I made several million dollars for that company, but they wouldn’t listen to my ideas, and rewarded me with a .20 cent raise.
FALSE PROMISES, AND NOT INVESTING IN MEPromising me training, employees, raises, equipment but never backing it up.I was tired of driving for two hours in traffic every single day. I was tired of only getting two weeks of vacation a year. Tired of being broke and unable to live without stress around finances, and most importantly tired of following leaders that didn’t have my respect. I didn’t care about owning a business or being an entrepreneur, what I wanted was freedom.DON’T MAKE EXCUSES
I didn’t make excuses or waste any time complaining. Instead I started reading financial blogs, then freelancing, and not long after quickly rose to one of the internet’s top E-Commerce / Amazon consultants.
Several months later, I leaped and started my own ECommerce Agency, Marknology. Marknology has worked with over 300+ brands worldwide, achieved partner status with Amazon as an Advertising agency, and currently employs 12+ Kansas Citians.It is one thing to be good at something, and be a successful freelancer or consultant. It is something else entirely to scale an agency, and build a team.Every single time I took a step I wasn’t ready. I never knew what I was doing. Still don’t. I’m convinced that no one knows what they are doing.What I do know. Is that I refuse to settle for a life that isn’t absolutely full. Full of happiness, freedom, love, joy, passion, creativity, authenticity, hope, possibilities, dreams.I continue to take steps into areas unknown to me, and yes I am afraid every single time.Modelling – Did this for fun to conquer some of my insecurities I carried since childhood about my appearance.
Speaking – I used to shake uncontrollably when I’d get on stage or have a microphone in my hand. As of 2019, I have spoke several dozen times across the United States.
Ideas – People used to laugh at my ideas. Now I charge several hundred dollars an hour for a strategy session
Launched a clothing company
Launched a property management business
Launched a logistics business
Mentoring – I started mentoring other students at UMKC. Something about helping others that fuels me. In 2019, I received mentor of the year at the UMKC Business Bloch for Entrepreneurship.
I hope that by sharing my unorthodox story, and some of my failures or speed bumps something speaks to you. Focus on what makes your eyes light up and your hands get sweaty and push yourself to your absolute limits.No one cares, so quit worrying about what they think. Follow your heart and let’s change the way we live.Live intentionally and with purpose. Nothing will make you feel more alive than living a life by design.The things I’m most proud of:
My Team and backing up every promise I’ve ever made to them.
Taking my dad, who had lost his teeth, to Turkey and literally giving him back the smile he had lost.
Retiring my mother from a job that she used to come home from way too often with tears.
Working with my three sisters, and defying all the odds together that are often said about family working together.
Buying my mom a house.
Buying my dad a house.
All the jobs at Marknology that we’ve created are filled by people that wanted more out of life than they currently had at jobs they hated.
All the businesses we have made better by the team’s efforts.
Doing everything we’ve done with no investors, and bootstrapping it ourselves.
Lastly I’m proud of being part of a company that supports each other, while supporting others, and does it with class and with unrelentless tenacity.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
See last two fields. TOOO Many stories to count.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
See my previous field, I think I added too much! There’s a story about this in there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marknology.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmorgans/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarknologyKC/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amorgans/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Pn27IrNLg&t=7s
Image Credits
These are all mine taken by my team at Marknology. Would love to submit larger photos, and can send by email. Internet is poor in my location. Wouldn’t upload.