#TheGrind

#TheGrind

By Eric JamesBusinessEducation
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#TheGrind episodes

  • From Crisis to Capital: Building AI-Powered Access to Mortgage Lending

    This episode features Jojo Quiroz and Pavan Agarwal, founder and CEO of Angel AI, discussing how personal and professional resilience shaped their approach to entrepreneurship and financial technology. Jojo shares his journey pivoting from mortgage lending into media and back into real estate after the 2008 financial crisis, while Pavan recounts taking on leadership during the 2007 mortgage crisis and navigating a $100 million margin call—experiences that later informed SunWest Mortgage's push toward automation. The conversation dives into how Angel AI aims to reduce the subjectivity, workload, and potential bias inherent in manual mortgage underwriting, with Pavan citing an estimate that roughly one million borrowers may have been unfairly denied mortgages in 2025 due to overly complex or labor-intensive applications. Having recently raised $100 million from Japanese family offices and private wealth funds built over two decades of relationships, Pavan and Jojo outline the company's broader mission of expanding financial access for banked and underbanked people globally, including potential applications for veterans seeking housing in the Las Vegas area. 

    30 min
  • Angelica Reyes of VA Rep, Brian Ichikawa's Stacked Auto Lofts, and Antonio "Blink" Freeman's Las Vegas Black Music Awards

    Eric James hosts "The Grind," a program featuring local business entrepreneurs. He introduces three guests: Angelica Reyes, a real estate broker and president of VA Rep Veteran Housing Organization; Brian Ichikawa, who discusses his new business, Stacked Auto Lofts; and Antonio "Blink" Freeman, who talks about the Las Vegas Black Music Awards. Reyes shares her journey in real estate, overcoming challenges as a woman and minority, and her role in VA Rep. Ichikawa explains Stacked Auto Lofts, a secure car storage facility for high-value cars. Freeman discusses the evolution of the Las Vegas Black Music Awards, emphasizing the need to include younger talent.

    30 min
  • Eric James Hosts The Grind: Jordan Foster-James and Xavier James Talk with Ja'liyah, Laseth, and Sriya About Resilience, Sports, and Scholarships

    The Grind, hosted by Eric James, features his children Jordan Foster-James and Xavier James, along with their guests. Ja'liyah, a Texas-based actress and content creator, discusses her struggles with Crohn's disease and her aspirations to start a production company. Laseth, a football player, shares her journey from basketball to football, her concussions, and her plans to attend UNLV. Sriya, a rising freshman at the University of Virginia, talks about her dual majors in chemistry and political science, her million-dollar scholarship earnings, and her experiences with Positively Arts. The show also promotes their businesses, JX PetSwag and ScholarshipsUnlock.com.

    28 min
  • From TCBY to Property Investment to the Pulpit: Eric James and Guests Share Stories of Grit on The Grind

    Eric James hosts "The Grind," a show featuring local business entrepreneurs discussing their journeys and the local economy. Guest Abraham Arias shares his upbringing in a predominantly African American neighborhood and his protective nature. Victor Ingram recounts his first business, a TCBY, which failed due to poor location and timing, leading him to successful property investment. He also discusses his military service and transition to therapy. Jacoby, a Lebanese immigrant, talks about his military service, entrepreneurial journey, and pastoral work, emphasizing the importance of resilience and encouragement. Each guest highlights the grit and determination that shaped their success.

    30 min
  • Eric James Spotlights a Mortgage Pro, Assembly Candidate, and NFL Veteran Turning Personal Journeys into Community Impact

    Eric James hosts "The Grind," a show featuring local business entrepreneurs. Tania Geisinger, a mortgage professional, discusses her early interest in real estate, starting at age 11, and her journey from Fairfield, California, to Las Vegas. She balances her career with raising six children, including a son in the Navy. Cameron "CH" Miller, a Nevada State Assembly candidate, reflects on his diverse career in business, film, and politics, inspired by his parents' historical achievements in the casino industry. Morlon Greenwood, a retired NFL player, shares his draft day experience and his foundation's efforts to help over 13,000 youth through sports camps.

    30 min
  • John Richard Brings AI and Revenue Innovation to Las Vegas While Coach Hollywood and QB1 Arvell Nelson Rally the Community Behind the Las Vegas Rockers

    Eric James hosts "The Grind," a radio show featuring local business entrepreneurs. In this episode, he interviews John Richard, an entrepreneur from Bradford, England, who discusses his journey from Nigeria to America, his background in finance, and his company, Revarri, which focuses on revenue operations and AI software development. Coach Hollywood and QB1 Arvell Nelson from the new Las Vegas arena football team, the Las Vegas Rockers, join the show. They talk about their team's goals, community involvement, and upcoming game against the Stugart Stallions on May 31 at the Orleans Arena.

    30 min
  • Eric James Sits Down With Attorney General Aaron Ford and Berna Rhodes-Ford on 'The Grind,' Exploring Family Roots, Legal Journeys, Community Values, and Aaron's Gubernatorial Run

    Eric James hosts "The Grind," a talk show featuring local business entrepreneurs. In this episode, he interviews Attorney General Aaron Ford and his wife Berna Rhodes-Ford. Berna shares her upbringing in Terrell, Texas, a town of 14,000, and her journey to becoming a lawyer inspired by Thurgood Marshall. Aaron discusses his motivations, including his desire to improve opportunities for his children and his experiences growing up in challenging neighborhoods. Both emphasize the importance of community, family, and staying grounded. Aaron also touches on his political aspirations, including his run for governor, driven by a commitment to addressing affordability and supporting all Nevadans.

    30 min
  • Eric James Hosts The Grind, Showcases Tunes’ Musical Journey, Highlights Eduardo Buller’s Veteran Advocacy in Real Estate, and Spotlights Mo Owens’ Last Shot Hydration Expansion

    Eric James hosts "The Grind," a show featuring local entrepreneurs. Guest Tunes, a musician from a diverse background, shares her journey from Texas to Oregon, influenced by her Laotian heritage and experiences. She performs her songs "I Just Wanna Love You" and "Not Sober," and provides her social media handles. Eduardo Buller, a mortgage loan officer and board member of VA Rep, discusses his multicultural background, including his time in Germany, and his role in supporting veterans in real estate. Mo Owens, CEO of Last Shot Hydration Drink, talks about his entrepreneurial journey and the drink's availability in 5,000 stores and online.

    30 min
  • Eric James Spotlights Entrepreneurs Who Turn Discipline, Resilience, and Self-Belief Into Business Success

    Eric James hosts "The Grind," a show featuring local business entrepreneurs. Guest Brad Wolf, a real estate broker and president of VA Rep, discusses his disciplined upbringing, military service, and near-fatal stabbing at 16, which shaped his positive outlook. Logan Summit, a content creator and eSports announcer, shares his journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to a successful media career. Ricky Barlow, a former politician and now commercial real estate agent, talks about his transition and the establishment of LV Access, which helps developers with land use and licensing. All guests emphasize the importance of self-belief and resilience in their success.

    30 min
  • The Grind Showcases Entrepreneurial Reinvention, Cultural Journeys, and the Power of the Hustle

    Eric James hosts "The Grind," a show featuring local entrepreneurs discussing their business journeys and insights. Kevin Neal, a New York native, shares his transition from hip-hop dancing to becoming an AI consultant in Las Vegas, emphasizing the importance of resilience and continuous learning. Leroy Longsworth, originally from Belize, discusses his path from bodybuilding to the mortgage industry, highlighting the challenges of balancing family and work. Hugo Hernandez, a welder from Mexico, talks about starting his own business, the challenges of family dynamics in business, and the importance of adapting to new responsibilities. Each guest underscores the grind of entrepreneurship and the need for reinvention.

    30 min

About #TheGrind

From the publisher's feed

The Grind, hosted by business entrepreneur Eric James, is a talk show about local business professionals, entrepreneurs, politicians & people of interest, that chose to bet on themselves & embraced the daily hustle that we call the Grind.