This blog is to explain how I made 2.5 million (rough amount pre-tax) on my own, what I did with it, and how I lost it, and how I plan to get there again. This will be a story of facts, true events, and possibly more… This story is to be a reminder of myself that greatness can be achieved by anyone, and hopefully to inspire you and maybe inspire myself again. If you keep up with any of my blogs, you can tell I am a venter who has lost his Mojo. So let’s dig in to some of the details…
July to October 2005
Wow it’s hard for me to even believe it was this long ago? Four years ago I guess… Ugh, how time goes so quickly… July through October was where I was busting my ass off, literally, like you see in the movies, day and night programming. I was barely 18 years old now, just turned 18 in May 2005. I just moved to my 2nd apartment complex ever. My first roommate was Michael Bale, a friend I have had around since elementary school. Him and I have always had the same interests in making tons of money on the internet, ever since early high school, including having Counter-Strike 1.3 in common, haha. Him and I went our seperate ways for a little, and I moved in with Kurtis, my 2nd apartment as I just stated. I basically gave him free rent, food, etc… if he agreed to help me work on my websites. Photoshop websites, art community websites, myspace sites, etc… I had a few photoshop sites, and I forget the names to them, a humor website (thehumorworld.com), and iDesignThis.com an art community. I have always been a website guy, programmer, and entrepreneur at heart. I literally spent every waking second on the computer building websites, drinking 12 packs of soda every single day, fucking literally. I could down a 12 pack of any type of soda quicker than any human on this earth, guaranteed. Keep in mind, I dropped out of high school because I hated it, and wanted so badly to make money off the internet via Google Ads, banner ads, any type of internet advertising, because I knew it was there, I made small amounts of money off my photoshop websites, $20-$150/day depending on how well we did or how much work we put into it. This is how I was paying rent and for food, barely making enough to cover rent. Talk about stressful, living off internet revenue, not a stable job when your small time on the internet. This is where I picked up some momentum, I sold iDesignThis.com for $2000 cash on Sitepoint.com. Now this was my first website I have ever sold, and I built the entire thing myself, well, I lied… Kurtis designed the interface, and I programmed the entire community, front-end to back-end. I forgot to mention, I did get a few small side programming jobs as well that paid, a buddy of mine in New York got me a few small jobs doing PHP/MySQL work. So, I saw a MySpace website called chasebadkids.net, and I was so into MySpace, it was obvious to myself I needed to build a MySpace site. I’ve always built support, help sites, for some reason I just liked to help people out on the internet. So I purchased MySpaceSupport.com, Kurtis” actually gave me the domain idea, and built the first few user interfaces for MySpaceSupport.com, and of course I spent every waking second programming the site, building the profile editor, the tools, layouts, etc… Kurtis” helped me a pretty great deal with designs as well. Now I had Google Ads on this website, and was making only a few bucks a day off the site. This is when I got into MySpace Whoring, when posting bulletins and having a shit load of friends actually meant something. I still have 4 accounts with 30-60k friends each, means nothing now, but back then…. Big accounts were fucking gold mines, it took me hours and days of whoring to get all the friends I had, it was like building the most insane online image ever, everyone knew who I was, it was crazy… I would slowly go from 1k, 2k, 5k, to 30k, to 50k friends in a few months, I was in chats with big MySpace Whores, even a few times I ended up in chatrooms with Chris Crocker, Forbidden, etc… It’s funny as hell to think about how big they are now… So I started paying MySpace Whores to post bulletins for my site, and every time they would post a bulletin for me, my traffic would spike huge, naturally my site would grow and spread via Links, word of mouth, bulletins, SEO, and oh it did. My site grew faster than any website I have built in my entire life of being on the internet… I started making $100-$350/day easily with Google Ads, and then the magic month came…
November 2005
I switched from Google to Yahoo Ads. I remember this night like the I know the back of my hand… Michael Bale came over, and it was obvious I was doing better, my close friends knew I started making decent money now. The night he came over, I switched to Yahoo Ads, and in approximately 4-8 hours, I don’t know how long we were bull shitting around, but that night, my Yahoo account showed I made $2000 that fucking night. I was hysterical, freaking, saying wtf, there is no way. But there was, and it was real. Naturally my site kept getting bigger and bigger. I made $100,000 in November, and since Yahoo was a Net 45-60 company…
January 2006
I received my first check for One-hundred-thousand dollars around January 15th… My life was changed, it was real, the check was in my hand, I showed everyone, my friends, my step dad, and of course the bank. It took 10 days for the bank to clear it, but after the first one, they cleared every other one instantly.
February 2006
Bought my first car in cash, 2006 BMW 330xi black on black, all options, paid $49k cash after tax, another $3k for plates and registration.
March 2006
Bought my first house in Littleton, CO. I put $80k down, $11k in closing costs, the house cost me $420k. I met Rose, we fell in love. I flew her to Hawaii last minute, we made the decision to go that night and bought the tickets that night to leave the following morning, 16 hours before departure, and my first trip ever overseas. We played UNO on the plane, cute right? Money does buy happiness, people who disagree are either A) Poor, B) Stupid, C) Envy the rich, D) All of the above
December 2006
I was unstoppable, rich, had a girl who loved me for me, my own house, my own car, an 11 foot Christmas tree, and spoiled the shit out of her. Probably spent 3-5k on her just for Christmas, not including the 5k photoshoot I paid for with Michael Vincent. 
April 2007
I flew to Miami with Rick, and his friend to completely give MySpaceSupport.com a face life, this was the month and the year that destroyed me. I didn’t know a lot about SEO. Did a complete site face lift, code restructure, URL Rewrites, etc… When you have a site that is #1 for a very competitive term on Google and Yahoo search engines… You can’t just change your site completely, changing the URLs killed my page rank, my authority, any power my site had, was dropped completely, and I fell off of the search engines. 40% of my traffic was from search engines, 10-20% direct, and the other 40% from MySpace Profiles. I spent approximately 15-20k in the redesign, and it made me lose hundreds of thousands of dollars. Leads me to believe, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fucking fix it.”
August 2007
Moved to San Diego with my ex-gf Rose for 6 months, then to LA for 6 months. Lost a lot of money, and wasted a lot of money on expensive rent.
August 2008
Moved back home to CO into my house, came up with the idea of beModel.com with Jamie.
April 2008
I sold MySpaceSupport.com on April 17th because it just kept dying, and getting worse, ever since the SEO drop, I was never able to get back to the top, traffic kept dying… I sold it for 75k cash.
Conclusion
Have you ever heard of “The Secret?” It’s a movie based on one theory, one law, one rule, The Law of Attraction. Let me tell you, my entire life, well ever since I started building websites around the 6th grade, and figuring out you can make money from it in the 9th grade, I have craved and wanted to make money so badly off the internet. It was my constant thought, and at some points I was making small amounts of money from the internet while in high school. I had no negative thoughts in my head, and I know it for a fact, how badly I wanted it, and it came, when I dropped out, cause I never stopped, ever. I programmed day and night working my ass off to make money from the internet. If I wasn’t skateboarding, I was on my computer 24 fucking 7, literally… All the way from grade 6 to grade 12, I went through my VB phase, C++ phase, Hacking/cracking phase, Subseven phase, and ended up sticking with PHP/MySQL/XHTML/CSS… The fact that what I wanted and saw in my head so bad came true? Making millions off the internet… Now that’s not the only law of attraction moment that happened to me… The entire time I was making millions, the entire two years, I was worried, worried to lose it all, worried my site would die, worried I would get banned or cut off. Guess what, it happened, which goes to show that “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.” — Buddha, so now you know how I did it, I had a vision and persevered. I hear two things a lot from people, I am ADHD and can’t ever concentrate (true), and that I am insanely persistent (true). If I want something, I never give up, ever… You must persevere, and I must continue to persevere, or I will never reach the top again. From these 4 years of experiences, I have lost a lot a faith in people, in relationships, my trust has basically been shattered, and have a hard time believing anyone anymore. People will say and do anything to get where you’re at. But if you want the fame, the money, that’s one of the consequences you must deal with, just keep you’re guard up. I feel I need to keep my guard up more, but that’s the story, that’s how I did it, and how I plan to do it again. Well it’s a little different now… beModel.com
Where it all went
What can I say, I was Young & Stupid – a book I am currently working on. Girls, cars, house, house upgrades, trips, toys, Vegas, strip clubs, taxes… Be smart with your money, invest it, don’t buy anything I did, I learned my lesson the hard way… Stocks, commercial real estate, accredited investor, hedge funds, IRAs, businesses, ugh, the list goes on… Not once will I let this happen again. The toys and Vegas trips were fun, but it ate my alive in the end. The top is where you can finally breathe, and live to your fullest. Trust me. Great thanks to my friends Kurtis”, and Michael Bale for being there when I needed you guys, and helping me out.
Part 2: Young & Stupid: How I Lost My Millions
Part 5: How I Rose again, making 5 figures per month (coming soon)
I always wondered how you were connected to Mikie. My little cousin helped change your life, interesting. :3
Mikie? Refresh my memory!
That's what we called him when he was little and I babysat him. Michael Bale as you spoke of.
Oh wow, you're his cousin? Crazy!
Inspiring story. Inspiration I greatly need right now. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, glad you liked it!
lol testing, that interview was dope though. good shit
really good story, im actually a vivid user of The Secret (i basically own everything of the secret. the movie, the book, audiobook, gratitude book, and the hemisync). I do like BeModel alot, its 10x better than MM, but I feel it lacks users. Are you looking to build a marketing department?
Live and learn. You'll get there again, if you're not already on your way! This was very inspiring. Time to push even harder.
Fascinating story, Andrew! I'm going to keep reading…
Thank you!
my eyes were glued to my monitor reading this story…LOL i wanted to read it faster and faster to see what happened.
very intense.
keep up the great work!
-G
Haha, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Aww. Your honesty is inspiring. I seriously do hope you make your millions (2.2 right?) back!
Keep writing. Its really good, helpful, insightful stuff!
You are wise for your age despite the money woes. Many take a lifetime to acknowledge the flaws of their ways. Keep paving the path so if you ever have to put it in reverse for a minute, the ground will be smooth.
Hello Andrew,
Wonderful account of your experiences, thank you for your candor and honesty, you learned this invaluable lesson early, many people don’t ever learn that your destiny is driven by your thoughts. Live in faith not fear, faith that you will succeed vs. fear (false evidence appears real) that you will fail.
thanks for your story man…its hard to reveal to the world your mistake and flaws. i look forward to your comeback
Very intriguing story…inspiring to all entrepreneurs who are trying to make things happen.
» Remember Myspace? Two Comma Dream
Media Buzz Gone Viral « Andrew Fashion
By the large volume of comments here, it seems that this article did it’s job and got people stirred up. Hey, at least it’s generating a conversation. That’s always a good thing.
wicked blog cheers for posting.
The Daily Online Marketing Blog
regarding bemodel.com …
there somewhere on the homepage should be a very obvious way to find out what the site is and why someone would want to sign up.
Good point.
Cool story bro.
You are not the first dumb ass to get `sudden wealth syndrome` on the internet thinking they are king web developer and then go and spunk it all away.
Happens all the time so you aren’t the last.
Good luck to you in catching the next big wave though.
Haha, appreciate it
Dumb ass 
LOL
Lol, man I was a huge myspace whore around the same time, earned $300-$500/day with about 2 hours of work a month, but never got to $2.5 million lol. I blew most it away as well, young and stupid indeed. Wish I reinvested instead of buying a bunch of random shit and expensive dinners.
Ya man, sucks
Your story is so awesome. Everytime I get depressed and I need some motivation, I read this blog post. It pumps me up and gets me motivated again to keep working on my business.
Money should come before bitches
But yeah you are right,
anything i have wanted , i have got,,,
just need to be productive about the way i think,, you know what i mean
Yessir
Amazing story bro. I read it several times. And out of the entire story ,I really liked these phrases. “Money does buy happiness, people who disagree are either A) Poor, B) Stupid, C) Envy the rich, D) All of the above”
Indeed. And I am sure,you are going to be a millionaire again.Not all people can be millionaire at age 21.
Good luck bro..
Haha! Ya it’s a little harsh and blunt, but it’s fact. Thanks for the support!
wow amazing story. Keep up the good work, Some how i came across your articles from myyearbook.com about how young people make their millions. I’ve never finish reading anyone blog before but your blog by far make me actually keep reading. I can see you have the passion in your eyes. The eyes of wanting more and the desire to succeed. I’m young just like you but i don’t have as much as talent like you did. I actually went around the internet and actually visit the bemodel website and think it was a great idea. Andrew you have the talent and the desire to succeed and you will hit it. I didn’t do so well on my first business but with your inspiration from your blog it motivate me harder. Carpe Diem Seize the opportunity, Seize the Day like you said.
Wow, thank you, and I’m glad my stuff could help motivate
Means a lot!
Young & Stupid: How I Lost My Millions « Andrew Fashion
Andrew, you will get there again and even BIGGER next time as you know now, you are a bit older but much wiser. I am forwarding your blog to my daughters, they need to read stuff like this.
You mentioned Buddha in your blog also, yes, you are what you think! I have many stories also and will one day tell mine.
Good luck baby boy, ( my nick name for you because I wish I had a son like you) I have 2 daughters and no sons. Anyway, I will be hearing about how rich and powerful you become because I KNOW YOU WILL DO IT AGAIN AND THIS TIME INVEST RIGHT and be CAREFUL. BLESS!
Andrea
ANDREAFAY Interior Design
http://www.andreafay.co.uk
Interesting tale. I earn an average wage yet save 66%+ after tax. So from my perspective, whether I have $2.5 million or $2.5 thousand is immaterial, it’s just a few extra zeros on my bank statement. I have a great quality of life, family and friends to share it with. I don’t understand why other posters are egging you on to accumulate millions of $$$ all over again. Making money for the sake of it is senseless (to me). Instead I’ll say, I wish you the best, innovating a product or service that will benefit people’s lives around the world. Dancing is my passion, I am obsessed with it. I suppose some people are motivated by $$$, others by artistic expression. Funny that I used to dislike art and now I love it. :s
Everyone values things differently. In my sense, I value money as freedom and time, helping others, and spending time with loved ones. Without money, unfortunately it’s hard to give people jobs, and help feed hungry families, et cetera, this list goes on and on. And that’s why I strive to build a company and make millions, is to give. I’m not a spirtual blogger, and I don’t like blogging about giving all the time, because I enjoy the game of business, so that’s what I blog about.
Young & Stupid: The Story Of My Depression « Andrew Fashion
Mr. Thompson I hope you’re reading this, but damn bro, 2.5 Million in 1 year? I was reading the story and pondering and saying to myself if it was me I would’ve done it differently but the honest truth is I’m not better and probably would’ve blown it in 2 months.
I admire your motivating and enthusiastic spirit. It’s quite oobvious you’re going places in life. It definitely shouldn’t be hard for you to regain momentum and get back all the riches you lost and more. You should be pleased to know I’m one of your supporters because I myself have the same attitude you do. One of my life’s rules is to get rich or die trying, not literally but you get my drift
Life is too short is waste on clubbing, girls, partying etc. All that for me is over my mindset is changed and your story is also one of the factors that helped motivate me. At this point my mindset just set at the top and I won’t stop till I get there so all I have to say is see you at the top Brother.
I am Brazilian, I live in Brazil, his incredible story of losing everything, I know that you are recovering your money, I’m sure now you’ll be billionaires.
I want to keep in touch with you, I did not get to be a millionaire, but also lost all my money, you want to use as an example, also would be important to have your personal help.
I believe we can help. how do we keep in touch?
Great story, Andrew! Keep moving forward…I have no doubt you’ll be at the top again very soon! Good luck with your new venture.
Steve Hawk
Appreciate it!
Thanck you ANDREW! I ‘ll learn how to make my life from you.
Now try to be inteligent
Don’t worry
We are with you
thank you!
Andrew, don’t give back … you did somehting wrong maybe based on your lack of experience having too much money, but there is something that you did well, you shared and help people online through your tutorials and other things. YOU will get that money back, I warranty you … just get focus and help us to follow the right path. I still proud of you.
Diego
thanks man, appreciate the kind words
Hello dude, definitely you had left with a nice sensation how to make business on line,
here in Colombia we are growing in business but not like US, so for us take us time but i believe i like money and want a lot of money and believe and like to hear people that are succesful i like a lot, well i hope you read my comment from another country many thanks.
I read it, and thank you!
So wait, did you switch to yahoo ads as in, YOU advertised your site on Yahoos site, Or Yahoo put ads on your website? And if you did the first option, was it expensive? Thanks :] Great Post
Put Yahoo Ads on my site.
Damn Well iv’e really bin trying to find the site of that for months now but i cant find it Can only find the one were U can make advertisements could u tell me the page plz Thanks and Good luck bud