Kenzo Sobrie: The 22-Year-Old Entrepreneur Who Built a $70 Million Amazon Empire

At just 22 years old, Kenzo Sobrie has cemented his name in the eCommerce world, proving that with resilience, strategic thinking, and unwavering determination, success is possible at any age. From selling Pokémon cards as a child to building KZ International, a multi-million-dollar Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) business, Kenzo’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. His rapid rise in the industry, coupled with his data-driven approach and ability to pivot in the face of adversity, has made him an inspiring figure for young entrepreneurs worldwide.

The Early Hustle: A Born Entrepreneur

Kenzo’s entrepreneurial mindset emerged at a young age. As a child, he flipped Pokémon cards for profit and later ventured into selling custom-printed T-shirts in middle school. Unlike many of his peers, he was driven by an innate desire to create financial independence, always searching for the next opportunity.

At 15, he made a bold move by investing $2,500 money he had saved from construction jobs into a drop-shipping course. The decision paid off, and within nine days, he had made $1,900 on eBay. However, he quickly realized that the profit margins in drop-shipping were too thin to sustain a long-term business.

The Shift to Amazon FBA: Scaling Smartly

At just 16, Kenzo pivoted his focus to Amazon’s wholesale FBA model, where he sources well-known brand-name products at wholesale prices and resells them through Amazon’s fulfillment network. His first major investment in Sharpie markers, worth $7,500, generated a $3,000 profit in just weeks. This validation gave him the confidence to scale, and he rapidly expanded his inventory to include everyday consumer goods such as ChapStick, vegan soups, and electronics.

What set Kenzo apart from other Amazon sellers was his ability to leverage data and analytics. Instead of gambling on new product launches, he used software tools to track high-demand items, monitor pricing trends, and make informed purchasing decisions. This method enabled him to minimize risk while maximizing profitability, a strategy that propelled KZ International to unprecedented growth.

By 2020, his company had already surpassed $3 million in revenue. In 2021, sales skyrocketed to $14 million, and in 2022, he broke records with $50 million in annual revenue. Today, his company generates over $70 million annually, cementing his position as one of the youngest and most successful entrepreneurs in the Amazon FBA space.

Overcoming Challenges: Lessons in Resilience

While Kenzo’s journey has been remarkable, it hasn’t been without obstacles. In 2022, he faced one of his biggest setbacks when a supplier sold him illicit products, leading to a multi-million-dollar loss. Law enforcement raided his warehouse, seizing $2 million worth of inventory, and he was forced to refund customers an additional $1 million. This unexpected hit nearly brought his business to a halt, forcing him to sell personal assets, including luxury cars, real estate, and watches, to stay afloat.

Instead of letting adversity define him, Kenzo reinvented his business model. He tightened supply chain controls, implemented stricter vetting procedures for suppliers, and pursued legal action against those responsible. His ability to adapt and pivot quickly allowed him to rebuild his business stronger than before.

The Blueprint for Success: Scaling to $70 Million

Kenzo attributes his exponential growth to several key principles:

1. Selling High-Demand Products

Instead of gambling on new product launches, Kenzo focuses on selling well-established brands that people already trust. This approach reduces risk and ensures consistent demand.

2. Mastering Supply Chain Relationships

Building strong relationships with reliable wholesale distributors has been instrumental in scaling his business. By negotiating bulk deals and securing exclusive pricing, Kenzo maximizes profit margins while keeping inventory costs low.

3. Leveraging Amazon’s Fulfillment Network

Unlike traditional eCommerce businesses that require warehousing and logistics, Kenzo’s FBA model allows Amazon to handle storage, shipping, and customer service, freeing him up to focus on growth strategies.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making

Kenzo relies on advanced software tools to analyze pricing trends, demand forecasts, and competitor insights, ensuring that each product he sells is highly profitable.

5. Reinventing After Setbacks

Rather than being discouraged by setbacks, Kenzo embraces challenges as opportunities for growth. His resilience has allowed him to bounce back from major financial losses and emerge even stronger.

Living the Dream: A Lifestyle of Success

Kenzo’s financial success has afforded him a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars, high-end real estate, and global travel. At the peak of his success, he was spending $400,000 a month on personal expenses, including penthouse apartments, supercars, and watches. However, after experiencing the volatility of business firsthand, he has since scaled back his extravagant spending and is now focused on long-term wealth building.

The Future: Expanding Beyond Borders

Kenzo isn’t stopping at his current success. His future plans include:

• Expanding warehouse operations across the U.S. to improve logistics and scale further.
• Exploring international markets, including setting up operations in Brazil.
• Potentially selling KZ International for a high-value exit if the right opportunity arises.
• Mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs through his online platforms, sharing valuable insights and strategies for breaking into eCommerce.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Kenzo Sobrie’s journey from flipping Pokémon cards to building a $70 million eCommerce empire is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and adaptability. His story serves as an inspiration for young entrepreneurs looking to break into the world of online business.

Through his Instagram (@knzo) and TikTok (@kenzosobrie), he actively shares business tips, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his ventures, proving that age is no barrier to success.

"I started with nothing but a drive to succeed," Kenzo says. "If I can do it, anyone can."