This obviously assumes 100% sell through and that he just stocks those lower margin items for people that will not buy the M&M's. You could probably knock a few grand off the 45K number and get pretty close. The trouble is, that is not that much money in NYC. Thus, he may still be living in the hood, but at least he is controlling his own destiny :)
http://www.metrocandy.com/MM-PEANUT-FUN-SIZE-BAGS
23.6 pieces/pound * 6.3 pounds = 144.9 individual bags
55000/144.9 = 380 re-orders
380*25 = $9500 (cost of year supply of M&M's)
55000 - 9500 = $45,500 (total profit)
This obviously assumes 100% sell through and that he just stocks those lower margin items for people that will not buy the M&M's. You could probably knock a few grand off the 45K number and get pretty close. The trouble is, that is not that much money in NYC. Thus, he may still be living in the hood, but at least he is controlling his own destiny :)