Hugo Blankingship III is a highly respected attorney based in Washington, D.C., specializing in identity theft and false credit reporting issues. With over 30 years of experience, he has built a strong reputation for advocating on behalf of consumers who are struggling with inaccurate credit information. His mission is to help clients get incorrect data removed from their credit reports, allowing them to move forward with their financial lives.

A graduate of the University of Virginia (B.A., 1982) and the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary (J.D., 1986), Hugo began his career as a law clerk to the Honorable Albert V. Bryan, Jr., former chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. This foundation shaped his career and led him to become a passionate consumer rights advocate.

Throughout his career, Hugo has fought tirelessly against major credit reporting agencies like Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, ensuring they adhere to the rules. In 2004, he argued the case Nigh v. Koons Buick Pontiac GMC before the U.S. Supreme Court, and has represented clients before the Supreme Court of Virginia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Hugo's clients know him as a tenacious attorney who won't back down in the pursuit of justice.

Thomas B. Christiano received a B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1993 and a J.D. from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary in 1999. Mr. Christiano has handled numerous consumer protection cases and specializes in cases involving inaccurate credit reporting under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. He has reviewed the credit reporting procedure process from the major credit reporting agencies and the dispute investigation procedures of many banks who have furnished inaccurate credit information. As an experienced credit report lawyer, he can identify the actual damages associated with credit report problems, including emotional distress damages, the loss of employment opportunities, inability to obtain a mortgage, and loss of use of credit., Mr. Christiano also publishes a blog at yourfaircreditreportlawyernow.com, which is an excellent informational resource on the subject. Thomas B. Christiano has decades of experience helping clients who have been the victim of credit fraud and identity theft. Discover how he can help you!

During the show we discussed:

• Common credit report errors and their impact on consumers
• Effects of identity theft on credit and first steps to take
• Challenges in disputing false credit report information
• Overview of the dispute process with credit bureaus
• How bureaus respond to disputes and what to do if ignored
• Consumer rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
• Role of Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion in disputes
• What to do when bureaus don’t fix errors and how attorneys help
• Issues with mixed/merged credit files and how to resolve them
• Fraud tactics in credit manipulation and identity theft prevention
• Importance of checking credit reports and common review mistakes
• Steps to fix credit scores after finding report errors
• How bad credit affects loans, housing, and employment
• Benefits of working with a credit report attorney vs. doing it alone

Resources:

https://www.yourfaircreditlawyer.com/

Michael Jacobson became CEO of French Florist in late 2018, rescuing the company from near closure and driving it to $10 million in revenue by 2024, making it the largest flower shop in Los Angeles. His leadership has propelled the business into a new era of innovation, with a focus on technology and a robust model for global expansion through licensing.

Before French Florist, Michael honed his strategic skills at Slalom, a $1 billion consulting firm, and as a real estate broker. He also contributed to the Washington Hyperloop project, advising on innovative transportation solutions. These experiences shaped his ability to drive change and create growth across industries.

Outside of work, Michael is an avid swimmer and promotes wellness within his team. He supports the Little Miracles Foundation, helping orphans, and is an active member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), believing true success lies in both business achievements and societal impact.

During the show we discussed:

• Turning a struggling business into an 8-figure success
• The rise of “order aggregators” and why they’re the future
• How lack of innovation can kill your business
• Global floral industry size and future growth potential
• Most profitable floral segments: retail, events, online delivery
• Why tech and retention are key growth drivers
• Floral industry vs. others in market size and growth
• Why floral franchises are cheap and easy to start
• 5 unique ways to boost your business’s value
• The power of branding in a crowded floral market
• How florists use tech to boost efficiency and profits
• Is it easy to enter the floral industry?
• Big opportunity: franchising in the floral space

Resources:

https://frenchfloristfranchise.com/

Carter Cofield is one of the co-founders of Melanin Money, a platform dedicated to empowering Aspiring 1st Generation Melanin Millionaires.

He’s a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), is the Lead Advisor at Cofield Advisors, LLC. He is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to thrive by strategically navigating their taxes. Carter’s dedication to financial literacy led him to co-create Melanin Money, the #1 brand for wealth builders of color, with a mission to close the racial wealth gap by 10%.

Melanin Money was born out of the need to bridge the wealth gap for people of color. With a focus on providing trusted education, resources, and a supportive community, the platform equips individuals with the tools to start building wealth and securing financial freedom.

Through a combination of financial education, branded initiatives, and merchandise, Melanin Money is creating a movement to help individuals of color build generational wealth and leave a legacy for future generations.

During the show we discussed:

• Understand the $100B wealth gap and how to close it.
• Learn how to reach your first $1M in net worth.
• Discover legal ways to pay less in taxes.
• Use proper strategies to shelter money from the IRS.
• Turn everyday expenses into tax deductions.
• Apply income shifting to reduce taxes.
• Invest while saving on taxes using real estate and other assets.
• Know key financial principles before investing.
• Believe wealth is possible to achieve it.
• Avoid common mistakes new investors make.
• Align investments with business growth goals.
• Assess risk and diversify your portfolio.
• Invest wisely with limited time and resources.
• Choose the right assets to grow your wealth.
• Balance business reinvestment with personal investing.
• Structure finances for business and personal wealth.
• Build passive income while growing your business.
• Balance short-term and long-term investments.
• Explore overlooked wealth-building opportunities.
• Plan taxes smartly to boost investment returns.
• Leverage compound interest for long-term gains.

Resources:

https://melaninmoney.com/

Israel Duran is a passionate business growth partner, speaker, and trainer dedicated to helping purpose-driven leaders discover, design, and deliver their unique gifts to the world. His mission is to empower individuals to build generational wealth by leveraging the power of the internet.

With a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs worldwide, Israel specializes in unlocking potential and guiding clients to profit with a purpose. Through his business optimization strategies, he equips entrepreneurs to create and scale profitable businesses that make a meaningful, positive impact on the world.

Whether you're scaling your business to 6 or 7 figures, are a speaker, a celebrity, or the CEO of an 8-figure Fortune 500 company, Israel’s expert insights and tailored approaches can help you achieve your goals. Explore how you can work with Israel and take your business to the next level.

During the show we discussed:

• Find your identity to attract ideal clients through branding
• Discover your true purpose and align it with your business
• Know when to pivot and when to stay your course
• Use speaking engagements to scale your business
• Take the first step to grow your business through speaking
• Leverage the "Beach of Abundance" to fuel growth
• Identify and fix profit-draining leaks in your business
• Apply the 5-level framework for real business growth
• Build a personal brand that drives growth through speaking
• Balance value and sales when speaking to your audience

Resources:

https://israelduran.com/

Dr. Sherry Peel Jackson is a retired IRS agent, CPA, and Certified Fraud Examiner with over 35 years of experience in tax reduction and wealth building. Through her proprietary KPGSystem, Dr. Jackson has helped over 100,000 individuals and businesses Keep, Protect, and Grow their wealth.

As a trusted expert in financial security, Sherry empowers professionals to safeguard their earnings and create lasting wealth. She is the author of impactful books, including "How to Escape The Rat Race," and reaches an audience of over 44,000 followers on social media, where she shares her knowledge on achieving financial freedom and building a legacy.

Dr. Jackson’s speaking, books, and consulting work go beyond education, offering actionable strategies for financial success and long-term wealth creation. A sought-after guest, Dr. Jackson is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their financial potential and secure their future.

During the show we discussed:

• Identify common tax pitfalls that small business owners should be aware of.
• Understand what triggers an IRS audit and how to avoid becoming a target.
• Learn why the IRS often targets small business owners for audits.
• Explore ways to maximize income while minimizing tax liabilities.
• Discover the first step a small business owner should take to reduce taxes.
• Learn when groceries, travel, and meals can be written off legally.
• Understand the benefits of hiring your kids as a tax strategy.
• Use innovative strategies to build wealth while minimizing tax burdens.
• Legally reduce taxes as a small business owner without risking an audit or penalty.
• Having multiple income streams for tax reduction and wealth building.
• KPGSystem helps protect and grow earnings in today’s financial environment.
• Navigate complex tax laws effectively to safeguard business earnings.
• Implement key tax-saving strategies from the very beginning of a business.

Resources:

https://shop.sherrypeeljackson.com/

Beau Eckstein: Franchise & SBA Loan Expert, Business Ownership Coach, and Investor. With over 26 years of experience in lending, franchising, and business acquisition, Beau Eckstein is a trusted authority in business ownership. He has helped thousands of entrepreneurs secure funding, navigate SBA loans, and find the right franchise or business to own. Through his extensive network and expertise, Beau guides clients through the financing process and connects them with the best opportunities.

As the host of The Investor Financing Podcast, Beau has created content that has generated millions in funded deals, helping entrepreneurs transition from employees to successful business owners. He advocates for leveraging virtual assistants and AI to streamline operations and increase profitability, empowering businesses to scale effectively.

In addition to being a licensed California real estate broker, Beau offers actionable insights through his platform, businessownershipcoach.com, where he helps individuals explore franchising or elevate their existing business ventures. Beau’s passion lies in helping people break free from the corporate grind, build wealth, and create lasting legacies.

During the show we discussed:

Who franchising is ideal for
How to secure financing to purchase a franchise
How to buy franchises with 10% or less down payment
How to obtain SBA financing to purchase a franchise
How to use SBA financing to build or acquire a new business
How to qualify for SBA financing
Why SBA loans under $500K don’t require additional collateral
How to use SBA financing to start a new business based on projections
What a seller carry on full standby is and how it helps reduce your cash down
How to use creative financing to meet SBA loan down payment requirements

Resources:

businessownershipcoach.com
beaueckstein.com
Bookwithbeau.com

Since 1995, Jonathan Mast has been at the forefront of digital innovation, blending marketing expertise with cutting-edge technology. Over the past two years, he has become a leading authority on AI prompting, helping entrepreneurs and businesses increase profits, save time, and deliver exceptional value through actionable AI strategies. His unique ability to simplify complex AI concepts has made him a trusted resource for businesses seeking to integrate AI into their operations.

With a dedicated community of over 400,000 AI enthusiasts and entrepreneurs—comprising 330,000+ members in a private Facebook group and 80,000+ email subscribers—Jonathan’s influence is widespread. Known for his approachable style, he provides practical tools and strategies that drive immediate results, making him an influential voice in the AI space.

Jonathan’s expertise extends to over 100 podcast appearances and thousands of trained students, showcasing his ability to connect with diverse audiences. Whether through training, speaking, or consulting, Jonathan continues to empower businesses and individuals to harness the transformative power of AI for sustainable growth.

During the show we discussed:

• Mastering AI prompting boosts efficiency and streamlines operations.
• Use today’s top AI platforms for better business outcomes.
• A 4-step prompt framework covers most AI prompting needs.
• AI strategies can elevate marketing performance.
• AI drives sustainable growth and long-term profits.
• Knowing AI trends helps stay ahead of competitors.
• AI will transform industries over the next five years.
• Use AI to scale, save time, and improve results.
• Automate tasks with AI to focus on high-value work.
• Top AI tools can supercharge marketing efforts.
• Build engaged communities around AI-driven products.
• Startups should integrate AI from day one.
• Non-tech founders can adopt AI without overwhelm.
• Bust AI myths to make it accessible to everyone.

Resources:

https://whitebeardstrategies.com
https://jonathanmast.com/linktree/

Carrie Kerpen is the go-to resource for women looking to transform their lifestyle businesses into life-changing assets. Known as The Exit Whisperer, Carrie has guided hundreds of women in scaling their businesses to prepare for successful exits. After scaling and selling her own agency, Likeable Media, she identified The Exit Gap—the disparities in exit values for female-led companies—and developed a methodology to help women avoid common pitfalls during the exit process.

Carrie is the founder and CEO of The Whisper Group, the #1 Exit Readiness Advisory Practice for Women-Owned Businesses, and the creator of The Whisper Collective, the only community exclusively for exited female founders. An accomplished entrepreneur, author, and podcast host, Carrie shares her expertise as the host of The Exit Whisperer, a podcast spotlighting exited female founders. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), she lives in Port Washington, New York, with her husband, three children, and their dog, Homer.

During the show we discussed:

• The Whisper Group stands out from other exit-readiness firms.
• Knowing why you want to exit is crucial.
• Learn how to get the exit value you deserve.
• They Got Acquired offers great industry exit data.
• Revenue and income impact your exit value.
• Your “secret sauce” can increase your worth.
• Profit drives maximum exit value.
• A sustainable business model is essential.
• Revenue is vanity; profit is sanity.
• The Whisper Group helps you decide to sell or stay.
• The Exit Gap affects female-led businesses.
• Women-owned businesses get just 0.08% of exit dollars.
• Whisper addresses women’s unique exit challenges.
• Women’s exits are rarely talked about.
• Mindset shifts are key to exit success.
• “Whisper” stands for seven traits of a sellable business.
• The “Roar Factor” strengthens your negotiating power.

Resources:

https://www.carriekerpen.com/
https://www.wearethewhispergroup.com/