In The Studio With J Haleem

What if the job everybody told you wouldn't make you wealthy became the foundation you used to become a millionaire?

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Kendrick Kumabe for a conversation about education, literacy, money, real estate, entrepreneurship, media—and building a legacy bigger than yourself.

Kendrick's story doesn't follow a straight line.

He grew up in Miami with his grandmother and experienced instability after losing her as a teenager.

He earned a full scholarship to college.

He learned about investing early.

He became a stockbroker.

He entered the classroom.

He became a school administrator and education leader.

He invested in real estate.

He became an author.

He built businesses.

And through all of it, one principle remained consistent:

Education.

Whether he's talking about teaching children to read, helping educators build wealth, helping families become homeowners or creating media that tells positive stories, Kendrick sees education as a tool for changing lives.

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Adam Kilburn, founder of Black Raven Films, for a brutally transparent conversation about entrepreneurship, filmmaking, money, relationships—and what really happens when you decide to chase a dream.

Before Adam was producing films in Las Vegas, he was a certified financial planner selling insurance and investments.

Then one night, he woke up in a cold sweat imagining himself at 80 years old with one major regret:

He never went after his dream of making movies.

That moment helped change the direction of his life.

Adam eventually launched Black Raven Films in Las Vegas in 2009, building a commercial production company while slowly creating the foundation that would allow him to pursue filmmaking.

But this isn't a story where somebody simply says:

“Follow your dreams and everything works out.”

Adam tells the other side, too.

The business makes money.

The movie?

That's been a very different financial story.

And that's exactly what makes this conversation so valuable.

What if one of the most powerful career resources in your community is a place most people think is only about books?

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Kelvin Watson, Executive Director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, for a conversation that completely changes the way we think about libraries, careers, leadership and literacy.

Kelvin's journey didn't begin with plans to become a librarian.

He grew up in St. Louis, attended HBCUs, studied business with an emphasis in finance and accounting, earned an Army ROTC scholarship, became a military officer, entered corporate America, worked in the publishing and book industries, pursued library science—and eventually became one of the country's leading library executives.

Along the way, he has repeatedly found himself being the first.

And his story offers an important reminder:

You don't always have to create your own company to create an extraordinary life. Sometimes the opportunity is learning how to build an extraordinary career.

What does it really take to build a successful gym when you're competing against some of the biggest fitness brands in the country?

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Chris Yakymchuk, owner of Yaks Fitness, for a conversation about fitness, entrepreneurship, taking risks, knowing your customer, reinvesting in your business—and building something designed to last.

J first discovered Yaks Fitness as a customer. After touring the facility, experiencing its premium atmosphere and meeting Chris personally, he became a member.

But what really caught J's attention wasn't simply the gym.

It was the business behind it.

Chris has built Yaks Fitness around a different model: premium equipment, limited membership, clean facilities, a more private environment and a clear understanding of exactly who the business is designed to serve.

Henderson. Nevada is growing—and with that growth comes major decisions about jobs, business development, technology, infrastructure, recreation and quality of life.

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero returns to the studio for a conversation about the changes happening throughout the city, the challenges that come with growth, and the priorities she says are shaping Henderson's future.

Mayor Romero was one of the early guests to support In the Studio with J Haleem after the show arrived in Las Vegas, making this return appearance especially meaningful as the podcast celebrates its first year in the Valley.

This time, the conversation covers everything from advanced manufacturing and workforce development to artificial intelligence, data centers, regional cooperation, family, leadership—and Romero's campaign for another term as mayor.

Is Las Vegas slowing down—or are we watching the city position itself for its next major era?

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present, and future of Las Vegas.

But this isn't just a conversation about tourism.

J takes the conversation beyond Steve's title to introduce viewers to the businessman, entrepreneur, economic-development leader, husband, father, and longtime Las Vegan behind one of the city's most influential organizations.

Steve has spent approximately four decades watching Las Vegas transform.

He arrived in 1987 after leaving Dayton, Ohio, when a business mentor offered him an opportunity to move west and start a company in the ready-mix concrete industry.

What followed was a front-row seat to—and an active role in—one of the most significant periods of growth in Las Vegas history.

From working on the original Mirage project to building a successful company, leading economic development for the State of Nevada, helping bring major companies and projects to Nevada, and ultimately becoming President and CEO of the LVCVA, Steve's career has developed alongside the city itself.

What does it really take to build a career in the music industry—and stay relevant as the business continues to change?

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with entertainment and marketing executive Mike Baro for an inside conversation about the business behind the music.

Mike's career didn't begin with a corner office or executive title.

It started with curiosity, education, carrying crates for DJs, passing out flyers, filming emerging artists, building relationships, accepting internships, and putting himself in rooms where he could learn.

Those early experiences eventually helped take him from the streets of Pittsburgh and New York to a major-label career spanning Republic Records, Capitol Records, Warner Records, and Universal Music Group, where he worked in marketing with artists across hip-hop, R&B, pop, and other genres.

Throughout the conversation, Mike shares lessons from working with artists including Drake, Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd, Migos, Lil Yachty, Rich Homie Quan, Zaytoven, Amy Winehouse, Nick Jonas, the Jonas Brothers, and many others.

But this episode isn't about celebrity stories.

It's about the business behind the success.

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Troy Roques, Executive Director of Vegas for Athletes, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, relationships, community impact, and protecting the next generation of athletes.

Troy’s journey proves that success rarely follows a straight line.

From the Marine Corps, to working a grocery-store job, to finding opportunities in Las Vegas hospitality and entertainment, Troy learned early how important it is to show up, build relationships, provide great service, and recognize opportunities other people overlook.

Those lessons eventually helped him build businesses, develop relationships throughout Las Vegas, work around professional athletes and influential people, and ultimately use his experience and network to serve his community.

Today, that purpose is reflected through Vegas for Athletes.

J Haleem and Troy talk candidly about what it takes to build something from the ground up.

Troy shares lessons from working around successful people, creating opportunities in the nightlife industry, and understanding that sometimes the biggest opportunities come from simply being dependable and solving a problem.

The conversation also explores an important reality of nonprofit leadership: having a mission doesn't eliminate the need for a sustainable business model.

For Troy, the skills and relationships developed throughout his entrepreneurial journey are now helping him build an organization designed to make an impact on young athletes and their families.

J Haleem and Troy discuss:

• Troy’s journey from the Marine Corps to entrepreneurship
• How ordinary jobs can create extraordinary opportunities
• Building relationships throughout Las Vegas
• Why relationships are one of the most valuable currencies in business
• Lessons learned from working around professional athletes and influential people
• Turning opportunities into businesses
• Customer service, dependability, and the importance of showing up
• Recognizing business opportunities other people overlook
• Why nonprofit organizations still need sustainable business models
• The creation and mission of Vegas for Athletes
• The Vegas for Athletes Summer Games
• The realities of youth sports and AAU culture
• The financial investment families make in athletic development
• Sudden cardiac arrest awareness among young athletes
• Free ECG heart screenings
• The role of parents, coaches, sports organizations, and businesses
• Using professional athletes and sports organizations to expand awareness
• Building meaningful community partnerships
• Sponsorship and corporate involvement
• Giving back after achieving business success

In this episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, J Haleem sits down with Shana Emily, co-founder of Thrifters Anonymous, for an honest and inspiring conversation about grief, friendship, personal style, entrepreneurship, and giving yourself permission to live fully.

Shana shares how the loss of her mother became the unexpected beginning of Thrifters Anonymous. After inheriting some of her mother’s clothing and jewelry, she began wearing the pieces, documenting her outfits, and using fashion as a way to remain connected to her mother while navigating grief. What began as a personal blog eventually grew into a community centered on confidence, individuality, secondhand fashion, and self-expression.

The conversation goes far beyond clothing. Shana opens up about her longtime friendship and creative partnership with Edwina Registre, her career in employee benefits, her experience appearing on Storage Wars, her work as an actress and stylist, and the next chapter she envisions for the Thrifters Anonymous brand.

At its heart, this episode is about freedom—the freedom to wear what you love, pursue more than one passion, honor where you came from, and create a life that feels authentic.

What happens when you combine military discipline, technology, entrepreneurship, investing, and a willingness to say YES to opportunity?

In this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J Haleem sits down with Dorian Cougias, a technology entrepreneur, cybersecurity and AI expert, inventor, investor, and military veteran whose career has placed him at the forefront of major shifts in technology.

Dorian shares how growing up in South Chicago and joining the Army changed the direction of his life. After scoring highly on the ASVAB, he entered military communications and eventually worked in advanced communications and intelligence environments as the world began transitioning from analog technology to digital communications.

That early exposure ultimately helped shape a career spanning cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, entrepreneurship, and technology innovation.

With 21 patents, Dorian has spent decades studying how technology changes—and why today's entrepreneurs must think differently about protecting their competitive advantage.