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

Founder and CEO of Prep Expert, a leading online test prep company. The conversation explores Patel’s journey from struggling test-taker to perfect SAT scorer, bestselling author, and successful entrepreneur. He shares how his personal experience inspired a mission to help students unlock scholarship opportunities and academic success.
👨🏽‍🏫 About Dr. Shaan Patel
• Founder & CEO of Prep Expert
• Scored a perfect SAT after self-study
• Secured over $500,000 in scholarships
• Partnered with Mark Cuban after appearing on Shark Tank
• Author of a bestselling SAT prep book published by McGraw-Hill
💡 Key Themes & Takeaways
📚 From Side Hustle to Scalable Business
• Started Prep Expert in college dorm room
• First course led to 376-point average score improvement
• Grew from local classes to a national online platform
• Now serves over 100,000 students with $100M+ in scholarships earned
💻 Online Learning & Accessibility
• Offers live, online SAT/ACT prep, tutoring, and admissions consulting
• Courses taught by 99th percentile instructors
• Emphasizes interactive, classroom-like experience with office hours and support
• Adapted quickly to online learning post-COVID
🎯 Mission-Driven Education
• Brand motto: “Change your score, change your life”
• Teaches life skills like time management and goal setting
• Aims to eliminate student debt through scholarship access
• Long-term goal: Help students earn $1 billion in scholarships
📈 Entrepreneurial Lessons
• Faced early rejection from publishers before landing a book deal
• Used storytelling to stand out on Shark Tank
• Built brand through word-of-mouth and authenticity
• Now generates 2M+ annual website visits
🌟 Vision for the Future
• Expand impact through scholarships and mentorship
• Continue empowering students to achieve academic and financial freedom
• Promote meritocracy and the American dream through education.

#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 Mela Lovett.

A serial entrepreneur with multiple businesses including:

• • Landscaping (Family Lawn Services)
  • Mortgage lending (commercial and residential)
  • Business consulting (especially on proper business structuring)

🌱 Entrepreneurial Journey

• Mela and her husband transitioned from retail management jobs (Walgreens and Walmart) to starting their own lawn care business.
• The motivation was to build generational wealth and leave a legacy for their children.
• They faced major setbacks, including the theft of their truck and equipment, but persevered and rebuilt.

🧘 Mental Health & Meditation

• Mila emphasizes the importance of mental health, especially for entrepreneurs.
• She shares her experience with postpartum depression and how meditation and journaling helped her heal and manage stress.
• She advocates for taking time to decompress and reset, especially when overwhelmed.

🌿 Lawn Care Insights

• Mila explains the difference between lawn maintenance and landscaping.
• She stresses the importance of quality work and customer trust.
• Rashawn shares a humorous but cautionary tale about hiring an unqualified landscaper who ruined his hedges.

💡 Business Advice

• Mela encourages:
  • Multiple streams of income
  • Proper business structure
  • Resilience in the face of adversity
• She highlights the importance of reputation and referrals in growing a service-based business.

#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 Keanna Sanders.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight Keanna Sanders’ entrepreneurial journey from fashion merchandising to founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center, a network of childcare facilities in Maryland. The interview explores her motivations, challenges, and vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education.

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Inspiration & Passion for Children

• Keanna’s love for children began at age 13, helping her grandmother care for infants and toddlers.
• Quote:

“I was always around children… babysitting cousins, neighbors, and helping my grandmother with single moms’ kids.”

2. Education & Certifications

• Studied Fashion Merchandising at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Fashion Institute of Technology.
• Earned childcare certifications (e.g., 45-hour and 90-hour credentials) to qualify as a teacher in Maryland.
• Quote:

“I went and got my certifications in childcare so I could make a little extra money.”

3. Entrepreneurial Drive

• Keanna always knew she wanted to be her own boss, even before understanding what entrepreneurship meant.
• Quote:

“I didn’t want to work a 9 to 5. I wanted to travel and make my own schedule.”

4. Serial Entrepreneurship

• Owned a car dealership called Trendy Motors before launching Sandbridge.
• Used profits from car sales and a bank loan to fund her childcare business.
• Quote:

“I sold my first car and said, ‘I’m going to start a car business.’ That success helped me launch Sandbridge.”

5. Founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center

• The name “Sandbridge” combines her last name (Sanders) with the concept of “bridging the gap” between parents and children.
• Quote:

“Sandbridge means bridging the gap between parents and kids.”

6. Curriculum & Learning Philosophy

• Uses Frog Street Curriculum for infants to age 5.
• Employs certified public school teachers through grants to prepare children for elementary school.
• Quote:

“We want children to be ready for school. We teach through themes, tummy time, reading, and physical activities.”

7. Family Engagement & Community Impact

• Hosts family nights, festivals, and educational field trips.
• Offers financial support, discounts, and free meals to families in need.
• Quote:

“We go above and beyond… sometimes I waive fees or help with scholarship applications.”

8. Franchise Vision & Branding

• Plans to franchise Sandbridge nationally with consistent branding across locations.
• Quote:

“I want every Sandbridge to look the same—like Chick-fil-A or Walgreens.”

9. Overcoming Bias & Embracing Identity

• Initially hid her ownership due to fear of bias but later embraced her identity and impact.
• Quote:

“You didn’t work this hard not to be recognized. People deserve to know who you are.”

10. Faith, Risk-Taking & Advice

• Attributes her success to faith, persistence, and taking risks.
• Quote:

“Out of ten no’s, you’ll get one yes. Be consistent, be persistent, and lean on God.”

📍 Current Status

• Operates six locations in Maryland: three full sites and three before/after care programs.
• Serves nearly 400 children.
• Actively working on franchising the business.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.