proebayer

Kossack, a computer information systems senior, started Koss DVD - which sells DVDs, video games and books on eBay - two years ago.

This year's sales will surpass the 2005 numbers, but he doesn't know by how much, Kossack said.

The business became more successful as he learned how to build a positive reputation and get good deals from suppliers, he added.

But getting suppliers to take him seriously was tough at first.

"I learned how to ask the right questions," Kossack said. "I had to prove myself."

Kossack also got help from his mother, Stephanie Kossack, who now helps him manage inventory and process orders.

He said he's now living comfortably while also investing profits back in the business.

Despite working 70 hours a week, Kossack said he hasn't had trouble juggling work, school and his social life.

"I have a lot of passion for what I do," he said. "If I felt burdened by all this, I don't think I would be able to handle it."

Even though he's very busy, Kossack is also willing to give fellow entrepreneurs a helping hand, said his friend Mark Schmitz.

Kossack, who is also president of Club Entrepreneur at ASU, quickly got Schmitz in touch with the right people to get funding for his hip-hop record label.

Based on his experience running a successful business, Kossack also recently self-published a book and developed software that could help others make it big on eBay.

"A lot of entrepreneurs have the potential inside them, but they don't know how to get to it," Kossack said.

The book, "eBay Millionaire or Bust," was just released while ProfitBuilder Software, which helps users calculate decision-making risks and maximize profit, will be released next week, he said.

"I would have loved to have this information up front," he added. "The learning curve is pretty steep."

Kossack's not a millionaire yet, but expects to be one someday, he said.

His willingness to help others could also benefit eBay's more than 200 million users, said Catherine England, an eBay spokeswoman.

"We encourage our members to become a resource for one another because there's a lot of insight to be had from people who
have been selling on the site for a long time," England said.

After Kossack graduates in December, he said he will keep building up his business and working on his dream of being an entrepreneur.

Kossack has the potential to become successful because he listens well and he's humble, said Peter Burns, Kossack's mentor and former entrepreneurship professor.

"Some young people take a little bit of your information and they dash off thinking you can do everything yourselves," Burns said. "Corey does take the time to question."

In business, Kossack is realistic because he has vision but also keeps his eye on the bottom line, said Danny Kessler, a friend and nondegree-seeking graduate student.

"A lot of entrepreneurs think big but they're not really good with details," Kessler said.

More personally, Kossack is a nice, trustworthy guy who likes hanging out and watching sports, he added.

Kossack said wherever his businesses take him, friends and family will remain his top priorities.

"You could be king of the world, but if you don't have people who love you and care about you, none
of that matters," Kossack said.