Case Studies

From Drowning to $100K in the Bank

See how we help eCommerce founders escape debt, fix broken operations, and build profitable businesses.

3 Months Average Turnaround

$200K+ Debt Eliminated

20-30% Net Profit Achieved

$100K+ Cash Reserves Built

Case Study #1

From Losing Money to $100K in the Bank

A founder on the brink of shutting down now runs a profitable 7-figure brand

Starting Revenue $70K-$80K/mo

Starting Debt $60K-$70K

Initial Profit Negative

Current Profit 20-30%

The Background

This founder came to Sportao operating at $70,000–$80,000 per month in revenue, but despite the topline, the business was losing money every month. The founder was overwhelmed and uncertain about the future.

The brand carried $60,000–$70,000 in Shopify Capital debt, and the founder was seriously considering shutting down the business altogether. To make matters worse, there was no clear accounting system, and the founder didn't know what he owed in sales taxes—creating hidden liabilities and increasing stress.

The Struggle

Significant Shopify Capital debt ($60K–$70K)
Losing money even at $70K–$80K monthly revenue
No accounting system, no clarity on sales tax liabilities
The founder was overwhelmed and confused, lacking financial literacy tools
Business was unpredictable and unsustainable
The founder was close to abandoning e-commerce entirely

The Partnership

Sportao approached this brand with a stabilization-first strategy. Instead of pushing growth, we focused on building a solid foundation:

Established a Real Financial Framework

Implemented structured accounting, tax tracking, centralized banking, and clear financial reporting so the founder finally understood the true numbers.

Tackled Sales Tax Confusion

Calculated outstanding obligations, educated the founder on compliance, and integrated ongoing tax management into the workflow.

Provided Founder Education & Support

We didn't just fix issues—we taught the founder to understand financial statements, forecast profitably, and make decisions with confidence.

Deployed Support Teams

Financial operations, growth strategy, and DL Media's elite creative and paid ads operators—all at partnership-based terms.

The Results

20–30% net profit margin every month

Over $100,000 in the bank

Consistent, stable cash flow

Clear financial controls and growth plans

Positioned to scale into a multi-million-dollar brand

"I went from not being able to pay myself to having $100K in the bank and true clarity on my business. Sportao didn't just save my company—they taught me how to run it."

Case Study #2

From $200K in Debt to Debt-Free in 3 Months

How we helped a father of six escape crushing debt and build financial stability

Starting Revenue $70K-$80K/mo

Starting Debt $220K

Initial Profit $8K-$9K/mo

Time to Debt-Free 3 Months

The Background

This brand was created by a former infantryman and father of six whose family relied entirely on the business for income. Despite generating $70,000–$80,000 per month in revenue, the business was barely profitable—just $8,000–$9,000 a month, with thin margins and constant operational overwhelm.

The real burden was the debt: nearly $200,000 in Shopify Capital debt, plus another $20,000 owed to a growth agency. The founder felt ashamed and overwhelmed, often unsure how he would sustain his family under the financial pressure.

The Struggle

$200K in Shopify Capital debt + $20K owed to an agency
Low net margins despite strong revenue
No financial controls or visibility
Founder drowning in operational demands
No access to credit due to debt and poor credit score
Emotional strain: shame, fear, uncertainty about supporting six kids

Without intervention, the business—and his family's stability—were at serious risk.

The Partnership

Sportao stepped in to stabilize and transform the business with a comprehensive approach:

Renegotiated Supplier Costs

Using Sportao's enterprise-level pricing, we immediately improved cost of goods, raising margins to 20%–30% net profit. This alone created thousands of dollars in monthly savings.

Introduced Financial Controls

Clear accounting, centralized banking, clean expense categorization, and ongoing financial operations support.

Provided a Line of Credit

This was critical. Due to existing debt and poor credit, the founder had no ability to buy inventory. Sportao provided a line of credit that broke the vicious debt cycle.

Deployed Full Support Teams

Financial operations, growth strategy, and DL Media's elite creative + media buying pod. He was no longer alone.

The Results

Paid off entire Shopify debt in 2-3 months

Business became consistently profitable

Cash flow turned positive

Moved from shame and stress to confidence

Secure future for his family of eight

"This isn't just a business turnaround—it's a family transformation. I can finally see a future where I'm not drowning."

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We Build People Who Build Businesses

Founders arrived overwhelmed, in debt, and without clarity

Sportao provided financial structure, education, credit, and operational support

DL Media provided elite growth execution

Founders gained confidence, clarity, and control

Businesses became profitable, stable, and scalable

Sportao doesn't just fix businesses. We develop the people who run them—and build the systems that help them thrive.

Your Turn

Your turnaround starts here.

Struggling with debt, thin margins, or operational overwhelm? Let's talk.

Apply for Partnership

We review every application personally. Expect a response within 48 hours.