I missed this! I watch Storage Wars on TV (yeah, I know it’s probably scripted and rigged) and I knew that a cast member committed suicide back in February, but I didn’t know that Mark Balelo operated a closeout and liquidation company called Balelo, Inc. In addition to this liquidation company, Mark operated a business in Simi Valley called The Game Store.
A few years ago Mark enjoyed a lucrative career selling luxury vehicles, but when the economy tanked back in 2008, Mark found himself out of a job. It did not take Mark long to realize he could make a living as an eBay auction seller, in fact, online auctions proved to be a turning point for Mr. Balelo as he quickly went from selling personal household items to dabbling within the world of liquidation merchandise. I’ve heard this story over and over again…eBay creating a spring board for many budding entrepreneurs.
Mark’s company Balelo Inc. sold liquidations, customer returns, and closeouts experiencing well over a million dollars in sales within the first six months of operations. Mark further grew revenue, and celebrity status, from his reoccurring role on the TV show Storage Wars.
I love any story related to personal success, but in Mark’s case, I’m saddened to hear about this tragic loss. My prayers go out to his family.
