Money Making Conversations Master Class

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cheryl McKissack Daniel. 

Topic: Legacy, resilience, and entrepreneurship of the McKissack family, as detailed in the book The Black Family Who Built America.

Cheryl shares the powerful story of her family's 230-year legacy in architecture and construction, making McKissack & McKissack the oldest minority woman-owned professional design and construction firm in the U.S. The conversation explores themes of generational resilience, Black excellence, business strategy, and personal growth.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Highlight the McKissack family’s historical and cultural impact on American infrastructure and Black entrepreneurship.
2. Promote the book The Black Family Who Built America as a record of legacy and inspiration.
3. Inspire small business owners and entrepreneurs with lessons on perseverance, succession planning, and self-identity.
4. Address the importance of preserving Black history in the face of cultural erasure.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🏗️ Legacy & Impact

• McKissack & McKissack has contributed to major U.S. infrastructure projects like:
  • Barclays Center
  • JFK Terminal One
  • LaGuardia Airport
  • Penn Station
  • Lincoln Financial Field

“We are the fifth generation. Right. And we're Black in America.”

📚 Historical Significance

• The family legacy began with Moses McKissack, who was enslaved and later became a builder.
• Cheryl’s ancestors were the first licensed Black architects in America (licenses 117 and 118 in Tennessee).

“They became the first Black licensed architects in America… and helped get licensed in 22 other states.”

💼 Business Wisdom

• Cheryl emphasizes the importance of:
  • Succession planning
  • Understanding both technical and political buyers
  • Building relationships before you need them

“You better have that relationship before you need it.”

🧠 The 5 Ps of Family Resilience

1. Perseverance
2. Persistence
3. Preparedness
4. Purpose
5. Prayer

“Sometimes you do get up in the morning and you say it's not for me… You have to come back and meditate on the fact that you're a winner.”

🧘‍♀️ Personal Growth & Mental Health

• Cheryl discusses overcoming stress, rediscovering herself after a difficult marriage, and the importance of meditation.

“Being yourself is what we're talking about… I recognize that I am currently feeling stressed out. So what do I need to do?”

👩‍👧‍👧 Women in Leadership

• Cheryl’s mother took over the business after her father’s stroke, despite societal barriers.

“She only knew the telephone number to the office at that time… but she knew deep inside that she wanted to hold on for the fifth generation.”

🎥 Representation & Media

• The book and Cheryl’s story aim to counteract negative portrayals of Black people in media and history.

“You may not have known about Black excellence. You just ignored it. But we exist.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Black people built America. Now, that's the point we're making here.”
• “You have to say the opposite to yourself. And you have to put one foot in front of the other.”
• “This book is a receipt to say we are around. We have a foundation. We're not going anywhere.”

 

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

 

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dami Kujembola. 

CEO and co-founder of Amplify Africa:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Promote the upcoming African Festival in Atlanta (Sept 18–20).
• Highlight Amplify Africa’s mission to reshape global perceptions of Africa.
• Discuss the power of media, culture, and entrepreneurship in bridging the gap between Africa and the diaspora.
• Share Dami’s personal journey as an immigrant entrepreneur and cultural advocate.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Amplify Africa’s Impact

• Reaches 12 million people monthly across the US, UK, Brazil, and Africa.
• Has hosted 200+ global events, including the Afro Ball.
• Focuses on cultural storytelling, media, and education to combat stereotypes.

“I think it’s representative of the need of people right now. People are looking for strong, real connections.” — Dami Kujembola

2. The African Festival in Atlanta

• Dates: September 18–20, 2025.
• Location: Gathering Spot (opening reception) and Omni Hotel (main events).
• Features:
  • Expo hall with 100+ businesses.
  • Pitch competitions for startups and filmmakers.
  • Cultural immersion: food, fashion, music, and film.
  • Support from Atlanta’s mayor and local organizations.

“Atlanta reminds me of home… the energy is infectious, and the support for everything Black is powerful.” — Dami Kujembola

3. Challenging Stereotypes

• Dami shares his experience of being asked if there are lions in Lagos.
• Emphasizes the modernity and vibrancy of African cities.
• Uses media to educate and reframe narratives about Africa.

“I’ve probably never seen a lion in my entire life living in Lagos… It’s so metropolitan.” — Dami Kujembola

4. Nollywood’s Global Rise

• Nollywood is the third-largest film industry globally.
• Netflix and other platforms are helping African stories reach global audiences.
• Dami’s company partnered with Regal Cinemas for a nationwide Nollywood release.

“There’s a big emergence coming up from the continent right now with African talent doing amazing things.” — Dami Kujembola

5. Community and Collaboration

• Dami credits his success to community support and collaborative efforts.
• Amplify Africa is built by a diverse team representing multiple African countries and diaspora communities.

“It’s really the work of the community… people coming together and saying, ‘We want this to succeed.’” — Dami Kujembola

📌 Notable Quotes

• “Stop reading other people’s success stories and start living your own.” — Rushion McDonald (Host)
• “Our goal is to make our world smaller… so if you’re in Atlanta, we want you to feel like you’re in Lagos.” — Dami Kujembola
• “Your dreams are valid, regardless of your skin color.” — Dami Kujembola

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jamie and Jilea Hemmings.

Business: Nourish + Bloom Market
Claim to Fame: The world’s first Black-owned autonomous grocery store

🧭 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight the Hemmings’ innovative approach to solving food insecurity through technology, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. The interview explores their journey from corporate careers to tech entrepreneurs and retail disruptors, emphasizing their mission to eliminate food deserts and build generational wealth.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Mission-Driven Innovation

• Nourish + Bloom Market was born from a personal need for healthier food options for their autistic son.
• Their stores use AI-powered, frictionless checkout to provide 24/7 access to fresh food in underserved areas.

2. Tech Meets Purpose

• Despite no formal tech training, they developed two scheduling platforms (for cannabis and pharma) before launching their grocery concept.
• They became the first in the U.S. to accept EBT/SNAP in an autonomous store environment.

3. Family & Legacy

• The Hemmings are raising three children and caring for an aging parent while running their business.
• Their children are involved in operations, reinforcing the idea of building legacy in real time.

4. Community Empowerment

• They focus on dignity in access, ensuring that all customers, regardless of income, can shop equally.
• They support local farms and promote workforce innovation to prepare communities for the tech economy.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “They are the visionary co-founders of Nourish + Bloom Market, the world’s first Black-owned, autonomous grocery store.”
• “Driven by a mission to eliminate food deserts and empower underserved communities.”
• “We’re building legacy in real time.”
• “Just because you need assistance doesn’t mean you should lose dignity.”
• “AI is here. It’s not going anywhere.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

 

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.

📝 Summary of the Interview

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, renowned public intellectual and author of over 20 books, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss his powerful work A Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America. The conversation explored systemic racism, police brutality, cancel culture, and the emotional toll of chronic injustice. Dyson reflected on the impact of smartphone technology in documenting racial violence, the trauma of Black death, and the need for hope-driven activism. He also emphasized the importance of storytelling, accountability, and redemption in the fight for racial justice.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Smartphones as Tools for Justice

• Smartphones have revolutionized racial justice by capturing police brutality and systemic abuse.
• Dyson calls it a “Gutenberg shift” in how Black communities document truth.
• Quote: “The smartphone has changed the game… It’s extraordinary.”

2. Emotional Toll of Chronic Injustice

• Dyson shares the deep emotional pain of revisiting historical and recent Black deaths.
• Visiting MLK’s room at the Lorraine Motel or watching documentaries evokes intense grief.
• Quote: “We are terrorized and we’re terrorized again.”

3. Purpose of His Book

• A Long Time Coming is structured as letters to victims like George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Hadiya Pendleton.
• Dyson aims to humanize their stories and provide context beyond media soundbites.
• Quote: “If they could endure the death, the least we could do is grapple with the hurt.”

4. Cancel Culture Critique

• Dyson critiques cancel culture as a form of modern-day digital lynching.
• He distinguishes between accountability and eradication.
• Quote: “Hold them accountable, make them responsible… but allow me a comeback.”

5. Hope vs. Optimism

• Dyson emphasizes hope as a deeper, more resilient force than optimism.
• Change requires action, not just prayer or wishful thinking.
• Quote: “Hope is something you believe in even when you can’t see the evidence.”

6. Detailed Storytelling

• Dyson meticulously documents the timeline and facts of cases like George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery.
• His research includes transcripts, video analysis, and legal proceedings.
• Quote: “I did the spade work… I wanted every element to be brought to the fore.”

7. Black-on-Black Violence Contextualized

• Dyson reframes it as “neighbor-to-neighbor violence,” noting similar patterns in white communities.
• He highlights the tragedy of Hadiya Pendleton’s death and its broader implications.
• Quote: “People kill where they live… That’s where the drama is.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “We’ve been telling y’all the police act out of hand… now the video proves it.”
• “I don’t want to turn it into the pornography of Black death.”
• “Cancel culture is a white supremacist fantasy.”
• “Let me have a chance to be redeemed, to be restored.”
• “Change won’t happen because we hope it into existence… we must act.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kem.

Platinum-selling R&B artist, author of Share My Life

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To explore Kem’s memoir Share My Life, which chronicles his journey from addiction and homelessness to musical success and personal healing. The interview aims to inspire listeners by highlighting the power of vulnerability, perseverance, and self-transformation.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Healing Through Storytelling

Kem wrote Share My Life to help others heal, just as others’ stories helped him:

“Any healing and transformation that I have experienced… is because somebody shared their story with me.”

2. Overcoming Self

Kem emphasizes that the biggest obstacle in life is often oneself:

“All of life is about overcoming self… My biggest problem has always been me.”

3. Family Dynamics & Silence

Kem discusses the generational silence in his family and how it shaped his emotional struggles:

“We didn’t talk about stuff… You’re left to fend for yourself emotionally, spiritually and psychologically.”

4. Addiction & Recovery

Kem’s sobriety began on July 23, 1990, marking a turning point in his life:

“When the student is ready, the teacher appears… I surrendered.”

5. Entrepreneurial Hustle

Kem self-funded his breakout album Chemistry using a $17,000 American Express loan:

“I figured this will either work or I’ll have the largest credit card bill in America.”

He learned the music business in real time—creating barcodes, consignment sheets, and selling CDs in local stores.

6. Letting Go to Move Forward

Kem found success when he stopped obsessing over getting a record deal:

“I didn’t stop making music, but I let go of the idea that this was the only thing I could do.”

7. Fatherhood & Growth

He reflects on fatherhood, relationships, and the ongoing process of aligning his life:

“I’m always in the process of lining my life up… It’s not a place where you arrive.”

8. Education & Redemption

Kem returned to earn his high school diploma after dropping out, choosing that path over the GED:

“It was always a point of shame… I may as well go back to school.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• On vulnerability:

“In the telling of my story to help others, I’m also helping myself.”

• On entrepreneurship:

“Entrepreneurship is doing the next right thing.”

• On music’s role:

“My music is therapeutic… It’s uplifting, emotional, motivational.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tiffani Neal. 

Founder of Barlow’s Foods. Here's a detailed summary of the key themes and takeaways from this episode:

🥞 Guest Spotlight: Tiffany Neal, Founder of Barlow’s Foods 🚀 From Corporate Sales to Pancake Mix

• Tiffany transitioned from a corporate sales career to launching a food brand from her home kitchen.
• The idea sparked when friends raved about her homemade pancakes, prompting her to explore turning it into a business.

🧁 The Birth of Barlow’s

• Named after her grandfather, whose photo inspired the brand name.
• Started by testing pancake mix recipes and packaging them in ice cream pint containers for friends and family.
• Positive feedback (except from one friend!) encouraged her to refine the product and move forward.

🛒 Product Line & Expansion 🥞 Barlow’s 3-in-1 Mix

• One mix, three uses: pancakes, waffles, and biscuits.
• Vegan-friendly base—no dairy or animal byproducts.
• Just add milk, egg, and butter (or alternatives) to prepare.

🍯 Syrup Line

• Started with a homemade peach cobbler syrup that won the Flavor of Georgia 2023 Product of the Year.
• Now includes seven syrups, such as:
  • Peach Cobbler (flagship)
  • Strawberry Bourbon
  • Blueberry Lemon
  • Sweet Potato
  • Gingerbread
  • Maple (imported from Canada)
• Seasonal flavors rotate throughout the year.

🏪 Retail Growth & Strategy 🛍️ From Trunk Sales to Store Shelves

• Began selling out of her car and at local farmer’s markets.
• Entered contests to gain exposure—winning Flavor of Georgia led to a deal with Fresh Market.
• Now in 45+ Food Lion stores across Georgia and expanding.

📦 Packaging & Branding

• Designed to be bold and nostalgic, with a red label and illustrated pancake stack.
• Packaging is intentionally clear to help customers easily identify the product.

🧠 Business Insights & Advice 🛠️ Operations & Manufacturing

• Recently expanded to a larger production facility.
• Works with UGA and food scientists to ensure quality and compliance.
• Handles everything from production to in-store demos and staff training.

👥 Team Building

• Focuses on hiring people who are passionate about startups and flexible with evolving processes.
• Emphasizes the importance of documentation and clear expectations.

📈 Keys to Success

• “Do the work.” Tiffany credits her success to hard work, focus, and persistence.
• Believes in setting goals and taking consistent action to achieve them.

🌍 Vision for the Future

• Tiffany aims to make Barlow’s a global pantry staple and a legacy brand that evokes nostalgia and family tradition.

 

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ashley Joi Boyd.

A Grammy-nominated songwriter, music producer, real estate developer, and author of Financially Fly: Mastering Money and Wealth for Women. Ashley shares her journey from co-writing Justin Bieber’s hit “Yummy” to overcoming bankruptcy and becoming a financial literacy advocate. The conversation explores the music business, financial empowerment, generational wealth, and the importance of mindset and self-investment.

🧭 Key Points 🎵 Music Industry & Songwriting

• Ashley is a co-writer of Justin Bieber’s “Yummy” and has worked on multiple albums.
• She emphasizes the importance of publishing rights and owning your work.
• Songwriting is a spiritual and intuitive process for her, not reliant on playing instruments.

💰 Financial Journey & Bankruptcy

• Filed for bankruptcy during the 2008 housing crash.
• The experience led her to rebuild her financial knowledge and become an advocate for financial literacy.
• She now owns a music publishing company and is a real estate developer.

📘 Book: Financially Fly

• Written to empower women to take control of their finances.
• Encourages open conversations about money, especially in communities where it’s taboo.
• Focuses on mindset, structure, and generational wealth.

🏠 Real Estate Development

• Developed rental properties in Los Angeles.
• Aspires to build affordable housing in Detroit.
• Passionate about design and creating sustainable housing solutions.

💡 Financial Tips

• Invest in yourself: Treat yourself as a line item in your budget.
• Portion your income: Prioritize savings like a bill.
• Build habits: Small sacrifices now lead to long-term gains.
• Generational wealth: Structure your finances with trusts, insurance, and estate planning.

💬 Notable Quotes

“Songwriting is the heart and soul of a song. It’s what makes it memorable.”

“Just because you know how to make money doesn’t mean you know how to maintain or grow it.”

“Generational wealth means your family doesn’t need outside help to survive.”

“Invest in yourself. Put your name on the bill list and don’t miss that payment.”

“You deserve everything you desire. Shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.”

“You can use the truth about your finances as a stepping stone—not a setback.”

“The alarm clock isn’t waking you up—God is. Have a plan for your day.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lamar Tyler.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Lamar Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey, the growth of his platform Traffic, Sales & Profit (TSP), and to share actionable insights for Black entrepreneurs on building scalable, profitable businesses from side hustles.

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Branding with Purpose

• Lamar emphasizes the importance of clear, relatable branding.
• His previous brand, Black and Married with Kids, succeeded because the name instantly resonated with its audience.
• Quote:

“If they can hear the name, they can see it and say, ‘Hey, that’s for me.’”

2. Side Hustle to Main Hustle

• Most Black entrepreneurs start businesses while working full-time jobs.
• Success requires treating the side hustle like a real business from day one.
• Quote:

“There is no perfect time. The time to get started is now.”

3. Consistency & Growth

• TSP’s first event in 2016 had only 47 attendees, half of whom came for free.
• Growth came from consistency and listening to the community.
• Quote:

“Sometimes all you need is confirmation.”

4. Customer Experience & Branding

• Inspired by Disney’s “unexpected touchpoints,” Lamar expanded branding beyond the event space to include the hotel exterior and even airport baggage claim.
• Quote:

“We brand everything from the lobby to the pool… to make it feel like home.”

5. Faith & Execution

• Faith plays a central role in Lamar’s business philosophy.
• He encourages entrepreneurs to act on the opportunities they pray for.
• Quote:

“You pray to get the opportunity, now you want to do all the work too.”

6. Scaling vs. Growing

• Growth increases revenue and expenses; scaling increases revenue without proportional expense growth.
• TSP Scale is a new event focused on helping businesses reach this level.
• Quote:

“Scale is where the real money comes in.”

7. Lever-Driven Growth System

• Lamar outlines systems for:
  • Proposal processes
  • Upselling
  • Referral systems
  • Creating experiences that justify premium pricing
• Quote:

“If you create an experience around what you do, you can charge two, three, four times more.”

8. Platform & Community

• Lamar transitioned from doing all the speaking to empowering others in his community.
• He believes in giving others a platform to grow.
• Quote:

“Too many artists try to hold on too tight… and miss out on the blessing.”

🌟 Notable Guests & Surprises at TSP Events

• Surprise appearances by Magic Johnson, Issa Rae, Master P, Jermaine Dupri, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
• Quote:

“If you want to be it, you need to see it.”

📍 Event Details

• New Event: TSP Scale
• Location: Atlanta Westin Gwinnett, Gwinnett County, GA
• Website: TSPScale.com

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

 

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dennis Earls (Chairman & CEO) and Mikael Pyles (Vice President) of the Haltere Group.

A Black-owned real estate syndication and development firm. The conversation centers on financial empowerment, real estate investment, and community education, particularly within the Black community.

🧑‍💼 Guest Backgrounds Dennis Earls

• Chairman & CEO of the Haltere Group
• 25+ years in commercial real estate
• Brokered over $3 billion in transactions
• Founded Haltere Group during the COVID-19 pandemic to empower Black and Brown communities through real estate education and investment

Mikael Pyles

• Vice President of the Haltere Group
• Serial entrepreneur; co-founder of Quick Lick, the first Black-owned alcohol delivery service
• Graduate of Clark Atlanta University
• Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

🏢 About the Haltere Group

• A real estate syndication company focused on multifamily properties
• Founded by four Black professionals with expertise in finance, development, and brokerage
• Mission: “Born from within” – empowering individuals to build wealth from their own potential
• Raised $15M+ and acquired $40M+ in assets in just 3 years
• 133 of their 135 investors are Black

💡 Key Points & Highlights 🔑 Purpose & Vision

• Democratize access to high-value real estate investments
• Educate the Black community on commercial real estate
• Build generational wealth through collective investing

💰 Investment Model

• Minimum investment: $10,000
• Offers:
  • Quarterly dividends
  • Tax benefits via K-1 forms
  • Equity appreciation over time
• Focused exclusively on multifamily properties (not strip malls or retail)

🎓 Education First

• Emphasis on financial literacy over sales
• Inspired by Magic Johnson’s quote: “We’re experts in fashion and entertainment, but lagging in financial literacy.”

🎙️ Podcast: The HOW with Halter

• HOW = Helping Others Win
• Covers topics like investing, entrepreneurship, and financial wellness
• Available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Podcasts

💬 Notable Quotes

“I got tired of building wealth for others who do not look like us.” – Dennis Earl

“We’re not pitching—we’re educating.” – Mike Pyles

“The world is hard on us. So we have to be hard on ourselves to prepare.” – Mike Pyles

“Take those dollars, put them into an investment, sit on it, and watch it grow.” – Dennis Earl

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tim Mercer.  

Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. Background & Journey

   • Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances.
   • His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship.

2. Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy

   • The term “bootstrap” symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
   • Mercer emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight—it requires grinding, planning, and faith.

3. Importance of a Business Plan

   • A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth.
   • Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning.

4. Cadence Ventures, Inc.

   • A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors.
   • Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral.

5. Government Contracting

   • Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business.
   • He stresses that while it’s complex and paperwork-heavy, it’s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
   • Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech’s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process.

6. Success Requires Sacrifice

   • Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice.
   • His book’s first chapter, “See the Glory, Don’t Know the Story,” encapsulates this message.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won’t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won’t do.” — Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Tim Mercer
• “You can only make as much as the customer that you have.” — Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts
• “See the glory, don’t know the story.” — Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire

#SHMS

#BEST

#STRAW

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.