An Empire State Of Mind
In today’s fast-paced world, the traditional 9-5 job can often feel like a limiting path—one that trades away time and flexibility for security. But for those willing to think outside the box, there are endless opportunities to redefine what a "successful career" looks like. Sal Rich is one of those individuals. As a seasoned ecommerce professional and real estate investor, Sal has carved out a life that grants him the freedom to pursue his passions, set his own schedule, and create a lifestyle that’s truly his own. His story isn’t just one of financial success but a testament to the possibilities that open up when you step away from convention.
My name is Sal Rich. Originally from New York, I moved to Arizona to attend ASU, where I earned my Master’s in Engineering in 2019. Despite my degree, I knew the 9-5 life wasn’t for me, so I started exploring other paths. That’s when I discovered Amazon selling and was able to turn it into a full-time business. As my success with Amazon grew, I realized I wanted to diversify my income streams and invest in something that offered long-term stability and tax benefits—real estate, a sector that has served as a reliable source of passive income for years.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning to e-commerce and real estate investment, and what mindset shifts were crucial to overcoming them?
Trial and error are a constant in entrepreneurship—out of every 10 things you try, only one might succeed, while the other nine fail. That’s the biggest mindset shift you need to make because, for most people, failure leads to giving up or feeling overwhelmed. But in this space, you have to keep pushing forward and stay positive, no matter how many setbacks you face.
Can you share a key strategy that helped you scale your businesses in both e-commerce and real estate? How do you assess and manage risk across these industries? How difficult was/is it to overcome the "anxiety or fear" associated with taking risks?
In life, everything comes with risk, especially when it comes to investments. But unlike past generations, we have the advantage of the internet, where research and multiple opinions can help guide us and minimize mistakes. It’s all about taking things step by step—investing is a process where you learn as you go. Taking these kinds of risks is easier when you’re young, and doubts are just part of the journey. You’ve got to push through those moments of uncertainty and trust the process as you build experience over time.
How important is building a strong community or network to your success in these fields, and what steps did you take to cultivate it?
Your network is your net worth, and I’ve found that to be especially true in my journey. I love using Facebook to connect with like-minded people and surround myself with individuals who inspire me. I rely heavily on Facebook groups that are specific to my investment targets—they’re faster, more concentrated, and focused, offering a wealth of insight in a short amount of time. I first realized how powerful these groups could be during my undergraduate studies, and since then, they’ve become an essential tool for networking and making informed decisions.
Beyond financial success, what legacy do you hope to leave in these sectors? What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to diversify into e-commerce and real estate, or perhaps a different field?
I’m a huge animal lover, and one of my dreams is to open a no-kill shelter. When it comes to entrepreneurship, I always tell people that money isn’t everything—you should find a way to give back to causes you’re passionate about. But before you can make that leap, it’s important to start small. I recommend building a side hustle and scaling it up to match your current income before leaving the 9-5. The hardest part is staying consistent, putting in the extra time after work to grow your business. It’s tough, but that dedication is what eventually pays off and gives you the freedom to pursue what really matters to you.
How do you maintain a balanced lifestyle while managing your e-commerce and real estate ventures? Can you share any tips or routines related to exercise, nutrition, and overall well-being that help you stay productive and healthy while overseeing these various projects?
I treat going to the gym the same way someone treats eating a meal—it’s a daily necessity. It’s crucial for both my physical and mental health, so I always carve out time in my day to get a lift in. That balance is possible because I’ve learned to delegate where I can. For example, I use property management companies to handle certain aspects of my real estate investments, which frees up my schedule to focus on other business ventures. Having good business partners is also key, and maintaining constant communication ensures everyone is aligned on current and future projects. That way, we’re always on the same page and can keep things running smoothly.
You can check out more of Sal's journey below on his Instagram where he regularly shares updates about his entrepreneurial endeavors
Instagram: Salrich_