Small businesses are struggling across the country, and host Tracey Williams-Dillard says a lot of that struggle is self-inflicted.

On this episode of Tracey's Keepin' It Real, Tracey sits down with Frank Brown, owner of Minuteman Press Uptown in Minneapolis, and consumer Tina Schlief for a candid conversation about what it really takes to run a customer-centered business, and what happens when owners get it wrong.

Frank breaks down why keeping a customer is far cheaper than winning a new one, and why the truth, not appeasement, is what actually retains clients. Tina shares her own experience as a consumer, including quietly walking away from a Black-owned event planner and caterer after being ignored while planning her 60th birthday. And Tracey pushes back hard on the idea that Black-owned businesses should offer discounts just because a customer shares their community.

Together they tackle the biggest myth in customer service, why silence is worse than bad news, how to build a service-first culture from day one, and the power of networking built on shared values.

Listen to the full conversation for real talk on doing business right.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard 

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard 

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In this episode of Tracy's Keepin' It Real, host Tracy sits down with 
Dara Beevas (CEO) and Shanaya Dungey (COO) of the African-American Leadership Forum - Minnesota's premier Black-led think and do tank - to discuss their  20-year mission to drive systemic change for Black Minnesotans.

Topics covered:
- The Forum's six pillars: education, health, public safety, generational wealth, economic prosperity, and environmental justice
- What a "think and do tank" actually does for the community
- Policy advocacy at the Minnesota State Capitol, including AI and jobs
- North Side Forward — a $1.5 billion community-led plan for North Minneapolis
- The Leadership Academy Fellowship — applications are open NOW
- How Black men can join the current health focus group
- How YOU can get involved and make your voice heard

🔗 Learn more & get involved: aalftc.org
📧 Health focus group inquiries: [email protected]

#AfricanAmericanLeadershipForum #BlackMinnesota #TracysKeepinItReal 
#MinnesotaSpokesmanRecorder #BlackCommunity #SystemsChange #BlackFutures
#NorthSideForward #BlackHealth #CommunityOrganizing #BlackLeadership

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard 

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In this episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real, Tracey Williams-Dillard sits down with Dr. Rahshana Price-Isuk to discuss women’s health, access to care, and community-based wellness.

Dr. Price-Isuk shares insights on preventative care, education, and the importance of culturally responsive healthcare in improving outcomes for women and families.

The conversation also highlights the work of NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, a nonprofit that has served North Minneapolis since 1968 by providing medical, dental, behavioral health, and human services.

Watch the full episode to learn more about how community healthcare systems are supporting healing and long-term wellness.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard 

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In this special Black History Month episode of Tracey’s Keepin It Real, Tracey is joined by Alexis Phillips, Supervisor at Webber Park Library, and Isy Ibibo, Librarian at Brooklyn Park Library, for a powerful conversation centered on storytelling, community, and the joy of reading Black history aloud.

The conversation invites listeners to the annual Black History Month Read-In at Sumner Library on February 22, from 1–4 PM, and explores what a read-in really is, how everyone can participate (even if public speaking isn’t your thing), and whether attendees can share their own creative work. Alexis and Isy also highlight recommended books and excerpts, reflect on the impact of last year’s read-in, tease what to expect this year, and discuss what makes Sumner Library such a historic and meaningful space — including the importance of the Gary N. Sudduth Collection.

This episode is a celebration of Black voices, Black literature, and the role libraries play in preserving culture, memory, and imagination. Whether you’re an avid reader, a writer, or simply looking for a meaningful way to engage with Black History Month, this conversation is for you.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard 

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In this inspiring episode of Tracey’s Keepin It Real, Tracey sits down with Marisa C. Williams, the newly appointed and trailblazing CEO of Girl Scouts River Valleys. Marisa brings a wealth of nonprofit and leadership experience to the role, having previously led transformative work at North Hills Affordable Housing and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. She steps into this leadership role with a bold vision to advance the Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character — championing initiatives that expand access, equity, and opportunity for youth across Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and beyond. Tune in as Marisa shares her journey, her passion for empowering the next generation of changemakers, and her commitment to reimagining what leadership can look like in communities today.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard 

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

As Minnesota marks 40 years of officially recognizing the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, this episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real explores what that legacy means today and where the work of equity must continue.

Host Tracey Williams-Dillard sits down with Ashley Oolman for a thoughtful conversation on justice, unity, and shared responsibility across Minnesota. The discussion is part of One Dream One Minnesota: Echoes of Unity, a week-long statewide observance honoring four decades of Minnesota’s MLK holiday.

Together, they reflect on how equity work shows up in education, workforce access, and civic life, and why accountability and community voice remain essential. The episode also highlights Echoes of Unity, a special commemorative edition from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder documenting the history, impact, and future of Minnesota’s MLK legacy.

This conversation reminds us that the MLK holiday is not just a moment of remembrance, but an ongoing call to action that lives far beyond one day.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on culture, leadership, and real community impact.

📖 Learn more about One Dream One Minnesota and Echoes of Unity at spokesman-recorder.com

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard 

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In this episode, we cut through the confusion and barriers surrounding funding—because too many entrepreneurs are still being shut out of the capital they need to grow. From grants and loans to investors, CDFIs, and community funders, the team breaks down what the funding landscape actually looks like and what funders are truly looking for.

A key focus of the conversation is documentation readiness—the stories, numbers, and financial clarity every entrepreneur needs before applying for any type of capital. The episode offers practical steps for auditing your finances, understanding your funding gaps, and building a “funding-ready” checklist that positions you for approval instead of rejection.

We also confront the harder truths:
Why accessing loans, grants, or lines of credit remains difficult, how predatory practices show up, and the systemic barriers that keep many business owners—especially BIPOC entrepreneurs—from traditional bank funding.

This episode is both a reality check and a roadmap, spotlighting local resources and success stories that prove entrepreneurs can secure capital when they’re equipped with the right preparation and strategy.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

Most businesses don’t fail because the owner lacks talent—they fail because the owner never shifts from doing it all to leading through others. In this episode, we break down the golden ticket for entrepreneurs: the mindset transformation that takes you from surviving to sustainably scaling.

The conversation dives deep into a powerful question:
Is your brain still operating in “beginner entrepreneur mode”—even though your business has grown beyond it?

From expanding capacity and delegating with intention to building a team that supports long-term growth, Episode 7 calls out the habits that keep entrepreneurs trapped in hustle mode. The hosts explore why slowing down, analyzing how you make decisions, and releasing control are essential steps toward legacy-building, succession planning, and true scalability.

This episode is a roadmap for anyone ready to evolve from grinding alone to leading a thriving, supported enterprise.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In Episode 6, we address one of the most common — and least discussed — reasons businesses close: burnout.

Owners grinding 80 hours a week, juggling every role, and carrying the pressure alone often face overwhelming stress and declining health. This episode breaks down how exhaustion affects our entrepreneurs and what it truly costs.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021