"In order for me to be who I am, I had to be me. I couldn't conform to what people thought."

In this episode of The Forte Podcast, hosts Dominic Epps and Randall Sten sit down with Renee Battle, also known as the 'Funeral Service Diva,' who shares her journey of modernizing the family funeral home business. Renee discusses her transition from aspiring attorney to funeral director, her experiences on Capitol Hill, and the impactful changes she has brought to the family business in Suffolk, Virginia. The conversation dives into the generational shifts in the funeral industry, the importance of personalized services, and the balance of maintaining family traditions while innovating for the future.

In this episode, Renee shares:

✅ Her background and career journey from Capitol Hill to the funeral industry

✅ Community engagement and continued education for the industry

✅ Building personal connections with clients and creating an uplifting environment

✅ Overcoming traditional family business dynamics

✅ The importance of personalization and empathy in funeral services

🎧 Watch now!

Guest & Hosts:

🎤 Guest: Renee Battle - https://www.instagram.com/reneeabattle/

🎤 Co-host: https://www.instagram.com/1domenickepps/

🎤 Co-host: https://www.instagram.com/randallmonfiston/

#TheFortePodcast #MatthewGilliard #FranchiseOwner #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #HealthAndWellness #CommunityImpact #PodcastDrop

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

00:20 Welcome to the Forte Podcast

03:42 Special Guest Introduction: Renee Battle

04:38 Renee's Background and Career Journey

08:42 Insights into the Funeral Industry

12:25 Capitol Hill Experience

15:27 The Shift Towards Modernization

15:57 Embracing Personal Style

17:03 Renovation and Client Reactions

20:35 Personalization in Funeral Services

23:46 Balancing Tradition and Innovation

25:22 Navigating Family Business Dynamics

32:43 Future Vision and Expansion

35:15 Contact and Social Media Presence

💡 "Awareness is the key to success. In this episode, Andre Prince, a financial advisor, and former engineer, shares his incredible journey from civil engineering to becoming a financial mogul.

Andre discusses the importance of financial awareness, managing emotions in investment decisions, and the rule of 72. He also dives into the significance of building a cash flow machine and the discipline required to achieve financial freedom.

Don't miss Andre's insights into the psychology of money, the power of residual income, and his future goals of expanding his financial team.

In this episode, Andre shares:

✅ How financial awareness changed his life

✅ The rule of 72 explained

✅ The importance of managing emotions in financial decisions

✅ Strategies for building residual and compounding income

✅ How to invest wisely and develop financial discipline

Get ready to elevate your financial literacy and take control of your wealth-building journey!

Guest & Hosts:

🎤 Guest: Andre Prince

🎤 Co-host: @1domenickepps

🎤 Co-host: @randallmonfiston

#TheFortePodcast #AndrePrince #FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding #Financialawareness #EntrepreneurMindset #InvestingWisely #SuccessTips #PodcastDrop

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

00:20 Welcome to the Forte Podcast

03:20 Guest Introduction: Financial Advisor Andre

03:51 Andre's Journey: From Engineering to Finance

06:43 Challenges and Realizations

08:25 Cultural Background and Early Life

11:34 College Life and Career Beginnings

19:18 Financial Awareness and Advice

28:12 Understanding What Banks Want

29:02 The Importance of Cash Flow

30:13 Financial Education and Asset Protection

31:08 Transition from Engineering to Finance

33:15 The Concept of Residual Income

36:34 The Rule of 72 Explained

48:38 Emotional Intelligence in Financial Decisions

56:47 Building a Financially Secure Future

58:23 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

💡 "Your health is your wealth, and business is a journey."

Mathew Gilliard dives into the realities of being a multifaceted entrepreneur, owning a successful franchise, and balancing a government job, fatherhood, and business ownership.

From his experience with failed partnerships to finding the right mentor and investing in Nectar Juice Bar, Mathew's story is one of resilience and dedication to community health.

In this episode, Mathew shares:

✅ The intricate details of starting and running a franchise

✅ How personal health challenges inspired his business

✅ The importance of partnerships and mentorships

✅ Balancing a 9-5 job with entrepreneurship

✅ Expanding his business while managing a team

Mathew's journey is a testament to overcoming challenges and staying committed to your dreams.

🎧 Watch now! https://youtu.be/WnLJfDSHnbw

Guest & Hosts:

🎤 Guest: Mathew Gilliard

🎤 Co-host: @1domenickepps

🎤 Co-host: @randallmonfiston

#TheFortePodcast #MatthewGilliard #FranchiseOwner #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #HealthAndWellness #CommunityImpact #PodcastDrop

00:00 Welcome to the Forte Experience

00:43 Introduction to the Forte Podcast

01:30 Family Reunion Highlights

02:56 Upcoming Forte Events

05:04 Meet Our Special Guest: Matt from Nectar Juice Bar

07:13 Matt's Journey: From Government Job to Juice Bar Owner

10:46 Balancing Entrepreneurship and a 9-to-5 Job

13:06 The Challenges of Running a Business

27:21 The Inspiration Behind Nectar Juice Bar

32:52 Next Steps After Tasting the Smoothie

33:12 Flipping Houses and Early Business Ventures

34:17 Lessons from Failed Partnerships

34:46 The Importance of Business Partnerships

37:48 Personal Growth and Business Maturity

38:46 Meeting a Business Partner on Craigslist

41:53 The Franchise Journey Begins

45:54 Challenges of Setting Up a Franchise

49:38 Goals and Future Plans

54:45 Engaging with the Community

58:51 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

💡 "Breaking the social barriers through technology. Bianca Ross, the Captain turned entrepreneur, joins us to discuss her innovative app,

Talk Don't Text, designed to enhance networking at events by connecting attendees instantly. From her upbringing in Savannah, Georgia to her service in the Army, Bianca brings a unique perspective on communication and social interaction.

In this episode, Bianca shares:

✅ How her near-death experience inspired the creation of Talk Don't Text

✅ The challenges and process of developing and launching the app

✅ How Talk Don't Text breaks down social barriers and improves networking

✅ Her vision for the app's role in the future of social interactions

✅ Why emotional intelligence is her forte Join us as we explore the journey of turning a personal mission into a powerful tool for social connection.

🎧 Watch now!

Guest & Hosts:

🎤 Guest: Bianca Ross

🎤 Co-host: @1domenickepps

🎤 Co-host: @randallmonfiston

#TheFortePodcast #BiancaRoss #Networking #EmotionalIntelligence #Events #AppDevelopment #EntrepreneurMindset #SocialInnovation #TechForGood #PodcastDrop

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

00:20 Welcome to the Forte Podcast

03:10 Guest Introduction: Bianca Ross

04:23 Bianca's Early Life and Upbringing

17:46 College Decision and Experiences

25:09 Joining the Army: A Path to Stability

26:41 Introducing Talk Don't Text

28:28 The Near-Death Experience That Sparked an Idea

31:00 Developing the App: From Concept to Reality

34:20 How Talk Don't Text Enhances Networking

44:10 Future Vision for Talk Don't Text

47:03 Final Thoughts and Event Details

🌟 "Balancing family, health, and success in business is not just a dream; it's a reality." Edyta Satchell, a wellness coach and entrepreneur, joins The Forte Podcast to discuss her transition from 20 years in the travel industry to founding her own company that emphasizes wellness for frequent travelers and corporate employees.

In this episode, Edyta shares:

✅ Key techniques for achieving a powerful state of being

✅ How affirmations can transform your mindset and business

✅ The importance of work-life balance and prioritizing family

✅ Challenges of growing up in a communist country and how it shaped her approach to wellness

✅ How she pitches her wellness programs to corporations Her journey is a testament that prioritizing your health and family can lead to greater success and fulfillment.

🎧 Watch now!

Guest & Hosts:

🎤 Guest: Edyta Satchell

🎤 Co-host: @1domenickepps

🎤 Co-host: @randallmonfiston

#TheFortePodcast #EdytaSatchell #Wellness #WorkLifeBalance #Entrepreneurship #HealthAndWellness #PodcastDrop

Conversation Outline

00:00 Introduction to the Forte Podcast

01:01 The Forte Experience: What to Expect

04:01 Special Guest Introduction: Edyta Satchel

05:53 Edyta's Background: Growing Up in Poland

10:46 Transition to Entrepreneurship

16:54 The Importance of Wellness in Travel

23:53 Powerful States of Being and Affirmations

31:15 The Challenge of Changing Mindsets

32:04 Corporate Culture and Senior Management Buy-In

34:19 Personal Growth and Overcoming Setbacks

38:15 Pitching to Corporations and Early Challenges

44:51 Balancing Family and Business

56:46 Future Vision and Contact Information

59:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🌟 "You always gotta take a step down to go up."

Kelli Sweat, the founder of The Vent Movement, shares her incredible journey from humble beginnings in Franklin, VA to creating safe spaces for community healing and empowerment.

In this episode, Kelly discusses:

✅ The challenges and rewards of starting her non-profit organization, Rosewood Garden

✅ The importance of collaboration over competition in community work

✅ How her experiences in ministry and activism shaped The Vent Movement

✅ Tips for creating safe spaces for open dialogue & holistic health Kelly's story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the importance of creating spaces where people can heal and thrive.

🎧 Watch now! https://youtu.be/T4GkyfnjBFU

Guest & Hosts:

🎤 Guest: Kelli Sweat

🎤 Co-host: https://www.instagram.com/1domenickepps/

🎤 Co-host: https://www.instagram.com/randallmonfiston/

#TheFortePodcast #KellySweat #CommunityHealing #NonProfitLeadership #HolisticHealth #SafeSpace #Empowerment #CommunityImpact #podcastdrop

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

00:20 Welcome to the Forte Podcast

02:30 Defining Your Forte

05:36 Guest Introduction: Kelli Sweat

07:04 Kelli's Background and Upbringing

22:02 College Journey and Experiences

28:48 Choosing Political Science

32:18 Community Initiatives and Dignity

33:55 Founding Rosewood Garden

36:31 Challenges and Collaboration

46:08 The Vent Movement

56:17 Upcoming Events and Future Vision

01:02:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

🌿 "Turning raw potential into refined success."

Chasity Pritchett is not just the CEO and Founder of Emblem Olive Oil; she’s a pioneer transforming the face of the olive oil industry.

From starting her business with just $200 to securing multi-million dollar government contracts, Chasity’s journey is a testament to faith, determination, and ingenuity. In this episode,

Chasity shares:

✅ How she identified a gap in the market and turned it into a thriving business

✅ The health benefits of consuming extra virgin olive oil

✅ The rigorous process behind producing high-quality olive oil

✅ Overcoming barriers and gaining trust in a competitive industry

✅ The plans for taking Emblem Olive Oil to the next level Her story is not just about building a business; it’s about creating a legacy and making a lasting impact on health and wellness.

🎧 Watch now! https://youtu.be/l8xq9StLhVc

Guest & Hosts:

🎤 Guest: Chasity Pritchett

🎤 Co-host: @1domenickepps

🎤 Co-host: @randallmonfiston

#TheFortePodcast #ChasityPritchett #OliveOil #EntrepreneurJourney #HealthBenefits #BusinessGrowth #SuccessStory #FaithAndBusiness #PodcastDrop

00:00 Introduction and Initial Costs

00:20 Meet the Hosts and Guests

00:58 Inspiring Stories and Achievements

01:15 Real Estate and Investment Insights

01:30 Motivational Insights and Success Tips

02:24 Welcome to the Forte Podcast

03:10 Introducing Chasity Pritchard

05:23 Chasity's Background and Journey

13:15 The Olive Oil Business

19:03 Health Benefits of Olive Oil

23:14 The Importance of Glass Bottles for Olive Oil

26:07 Where to Buy Emblem Olive Oil

27:32 The Olive Oil Production Process

30:45 Packaging and Branding of Emblem Olive Oil

32:51 Infused Olive Oil Flavors

35:52 Challenges and Successes in the Olive Oil Business

42:08 Future Goals and Final Thoughts

💡 "Some people’s projects are other people’s paradise."

Fred Walker Jr. didn’t wait for opportunities—he created them. From buying his first car at 15 to purchasing his first home at 19, his journey is all about hustle, vision, and reinvestment. Now, as the owner of Walker’s Market and The Establishment, he’s building businesses that serve his community.

In this episode, Fred shares:

✅ How he built his real estate portfolio from the ground up

✅ Why homeownership & generational wealth matter

✅ The mindset shift from short-term money to long-term stability

✅ How he transitioned from real estate into hospitality & wellness

✅ Why giving back is just as important as building wealth

His story is proof that when you see the bigger picture, you can change your future. 🎧 Watch now!

Guest & Hosts:

🎤 Co-host: @1domenickepps

🎤 Co-host: @randallmonfiston

#TheFortePodcast #FredWalker #RealEstate #GenerationalWealth #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #WealthBuilding #SuccessTips #CommunityImpact #PodcastDrop