Before even graduating from ASU, Corey Kossack started an online business that raked in sales of half a million dollars last year. 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.