Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latrease Price-Gistard.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to educate listeners on the mortgage industry, highlight the role and benefits of working with an independent mortgage broker, and provide practical advice on home financing options, credit challenges, and programs that support homeownership. It also shares Latrease’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned.

Key Takeaways

1. Background and Career Path

   • Latrease has a finance degree and started in investment operations in 1999.
   • Transitioned from auto financing and co-owning a car dealership to mortgage lending.
   • Became an independent mortgage broker in 2022 after being laid off during rising interest rates.

2. Role of an Independent Mortgage Broker

   • Holds her own license and partners with multiple lenders to offer tailored loan products.
   • Advocates for borrowers to ensure they get the right product, not just approval.
   • Specializes in helping first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and those with unique challenges.

3. Home Financing Insights

   • Reverse Mortgages: Typically for seniors 62+, often used by those 75+ with equity and limited retirement funds. Provides tax-free cash without monthly payments; debt settled upon sale or refinance.
   • Zero Down Payment Programs: Offers up to 3% for down payment, attached to the mortgage; other programs provide up to 5% for down payment and closing costs.
   • FHA 203K Program: Allows buyers to finance home purchase and renovations in one loan—ideal for fixer-uppers.

4. Credit Challenges

   • Programs exist for credit scores as low as 500, but require higher down payments (10–20%) and result in higher interest rates.
   • Latrease consults and provides “what-if” scenarios to help clients improve credit over time.

5. Entrepreneurial Lessons

   • Mistakes: Starting without enough capital and a strong pipeline; economic timing matters.
   • Advice: Build capital, secure a solid client pipeline, and understand market conditions before going independent.

Notable Quotes

• On independence:
  “As a broker, you serve as that advocate for your borrower to make sure they’re getting the right loan product.”

• On reverse mortgages:
  “The beauty of it is there are no monthly payments going back to the institution. The debt is paid off when the home is sold or refinanced.”

• On credit challenges:
  “Programs go as low as 500 credit score, but those borrowers need 10–20% down.”

• On entrepreneurial advice:
  “Make sure you have strong capital and a solid pipeline before stepping out on faith.”

• On perseverance:
  “It’s all about follow-through. It’s all about your dream and whether you want to make it happen.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Katrina Fitten.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to educate entrepreneurs—especially women business owners—on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan. It also highlights Katrina Fitten’s expertise as CEO/CFO of New Day for You Financial and her mission to help startups and small businesses access capital.

Key Takeaways

1. Funding Opportunities & Qualifications

   • Katrina helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less, with same-day approval and next-day funding.
   • Basic qualifications include:
     • Credit score of 680+
     • Existing credit lines (at least $10,000)
     • A clear business mission and low-risk profile.

2. Avoiding Scams

   • Beware of unsolicited emails/texts promising easy money.
   • Do your homework:
     • Check companies on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
     • Look for testimonials and partnerships with reputable banks (e.g., Chase, American Express).
   • Never share sensitive information without verifying legitimacy.

3. Importance of a Business Plan

   • Funding is not free money—you need a strategic plan.
   • Katrina calls it a “money mission”: know exactly how funds will be deployed.
   • Without a plan, money disappears quickly, leading to debt and bad credit.

4. Family & Friends Lending

   • Treat personal loans like business loans:
     • Have written agreements with terms, repayment schedule, and penalties.
     • Decide upfront if it’s a gift or a loan.

5. Services Offered by New Day for You Financial

   • SBA loans, equipment loans, purchase order financing.
   • Lines of credit and 0% interest credit cards (18–21 months).
   • Credit card stacking for higher funding amounts.
   • Credit restoration referrals for those with poor credit.

6. Success Story

   • Example: A tax accountant secured $160,000 in less than a week due to strong credit, revenue history, and a solid business plan.

Notable Quotes

• “If you don’t have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan—and you’ll look up and it’s gone.”
• “We don’t want to be out here racking up good debt and then you’re not going to be responsible.”
• “You have to vet companies. Go to BBB, Google them, and check their credibility.”
• “If I give you money, I decide—is it a gift or a loan? There are rules to borrowing money.”
• “We say if you don’t get anything, we don’t get paid.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Christina Dukes Brown.

CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, NJ

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Raise awareness about the Boys & Girls Club’s impact on underserved communities in Paterson and Passaic, NJ.
• Issue a call to action for volunteers, mentors, corporations, and donors to support youth programs.
• Highlight challenges faced by marginalized communities and how the Club addresses them through education, nutrition, and character-building programs.

Key Takeaways

1. Community Impact

   • The Club serves 1,400 children and teens daily across two main clubhouses and 11 satellite sites.
   • Programs include academic support, tutoring, arts, athletics, and life skills development.

2. Challenges in the Community

   • High rates of homelessness, food deserts, and low literacy and math proficiency (only ~20% literate and ~15% proficient in math in Paterson).
   • Stereotypes and “deficit ideology” that assume poor or minority youth lack capacity for success.

3. Programs and Initiatives

   • Academic Support: Homework help, tutoring, and Saturday sessions.
   • Creative Outlets: Dance, musicals, and arts.
   • Sports & Aquatics: Swimming program praised for breaking stereotypes.
   • Young Adult Support (18–24): Internships, skill-building, and career readiness for those not pursuing college.

4. Call to Action

   • Volunteers and mentors needed to inspire youth.
   • Corporations and entrepreneurs encouraged to provide internships and teach business skills.
   • Donations critical—$4M annual fundraising goal to sustain programs.

5. Dr. Brown’s Motivation

   • Rooted in her upbringing in Jersey City during the crack era.
   • Believes in being part of the solution, not just complaining about systemic issues.
   • Emphasizes building “efficacious spirits” and affirming unique skills in youth.

Notable Quotes

• On Motivation:
  “I can’t complain about the position of Black and Brown people in society if I’m not going to do the work necessary to support its elevation.”

• On Stereotypes:
  “Deficit ideology assumes that if you are poor or minority, you do not have the capacity to be successful. We fight that every day.”

• On Community Support:
  “My community got me where I am today… I’m calling on the village to support what we’re trying to do.”

• On Youth Potential:
  “No matter where you come from, and no matter what you look like, you have the capacity to become great.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Travis T. Wade.

CEO of The Guardian, a private security corporation. The discussion focused on hiring the right people, leadership strategies, and the importance of HR in business success.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

The Importance of HR in Hiring

• Wade emphasized that HR is the backbone of any business, ensuring the right people are hired and retained.
• He shared insights on how HR principles translate into building a strong security team.

Finding the Right Employees

• The Guardian uses a conversational interview approach rather than traditional questioning.
• Wade believes that getting candidates comfortable reveals their true personality, helping assess their suitability for security roles.

Key Traits for Security Professionals

• Patience is the most important quality—impatient candidates are not a good fit for security work.
• Security officers must be calm, observant, and able to de-escalate situations rather than react impulsively.

Reducing Employee Turnover

• Wade stressed that treating employees well after hiring is just as important as selecting the right candidates.
• He shared strategies for lowering turnover by fostering a supportive work environment.

📘 About Travis T. Wade & The Guardian
Travis T. Wade is a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of corporate experience. His company, The Guardian, operates in Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina, providing armed and unarmed security, personal protection, and private investigations.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Paul Dashevsky.

Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maxwell, a platform focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as tiny homes:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To educate listeners on the growing trend of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), their practical uses, legal considerations, and how platforms like Maxwell help homeowners navigate the process of building or buying tiny homes—especially in light of new options like Amazon’s prefab homes.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. What Are ADUs?

   • Formerly known as tiny homes or granny flats, ADUs are small, secondary housing units built on residential properties.
   • They range from 150 to 1200 square feet and serve various purposes: rentals, studios, housing for aging parents, or personal retreats.

2. Growing Popularity

   • Driven by housing shortages and affordability issues, especially in states like California.
   • Governments are easing restrictions to allow more ADUs to be built, including San Diego’s initiative to allow unlimited ADUs if they’re affordable.

3. Use Cases

   • Rental income
   • Housing for retirees or aging parents
   • Studios (music, yoga), guest houses, or nanny quarters

4. Amazon’s Entry

   • Amazon now sells prefab two-story tiny homes under \$50,000.
   • While appealing, buyers must understand the additional costs and logistics: foundation, utilities, permits, and construction.

5. Legal & Practical Considerations

   • ADUs must be permitted and built to code to be safe and legally rentable.
   • Homeowners should consult their city’s building department before starting.
   • A certificate of occupancy is required for someone to legally live in the unit.

6. Maxwell Platform

   • Offers resources, videos, and guidance for anyone interested in building or buying ADUs.
   • Helps users find reliable contractors and understand the full scope of building an ADU.

7. Impact on Property Value

   • ADUs generally increase property value by adding rentable living space.
   • They are a viable wealth-building strategy through real estate investment.

8. Social Impact

   • ADUs could be a solution to homelessness by providing affordable housing options.
   • Cities like San Diego are already exploring this potential.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You’re not building a Lego kit here.” — Paul Dashevsky on the complexity of constructing ADUs
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Rushion McDonald, echoing the theme of entrepreneurship
• “Go down to your building department at your city and ask them what guidelines they have.” — Paul’s advice on starting an ADU project
• “If you invest in real estate… that’s a great way to build wealth.” — Paul on the financial benefits of ADUs
• “I wish America would look at the possibilities of seeing what ADUs can do for the homeless community.” — Rushion McDonald on the social potential of tiny homes

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed T. Dallas Smith.

Founder and CEO of T. Dallas Smith & Company, the largest African American-owned pure tenant rep commercial real estate firm in the U.S. The discussion focused on mentorship, breaking barriers in real estate, and transformative community development.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Breaking Barriers in Commercial Real Estate

• Smith shared his journey as a trailblazer in commercial real estate, overcoming industry challenges as a Black entrepreneur.
• He emphasized the importance of representation and mentorship in helping minorities enter the field.

Transformative Community Development

• His firm is focused on revitalizing marginalized communities through strategic real estate investments.
• He discussed the impact of Microsoft’s land acquisition near Bankhead Highway, which has led to new development opportunities.

Mentorship & Leadership Growth

• Smith launched the Wisdom Circle, a mentorship initiative to educate young professionals about commercial real estate.
• He believes that exposure is key to increasing diversity in the industry.

Atlanta’s Commercial Real Estate Boom

• As President of the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS®, Smith highlighted the $47.6 billion in transactions completed by its members.
• He stressed that brokers play a crucial role in shaping urban development.

📘 About T. Dallas Smith

1. Dallas Smith is a visionary leader in commercial real estate, dedicated to mentorship, community uplift, and industry transformation. His firm specializes in tenant representation, office space, industrial facilities, and land acquisitions.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin M. Lee.

Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase Dr. Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multi-industry entrepreneur.
• To inspire listeners with strategies for wealth-building through real estate, construction, and logistics.
• To encourage financial literacy, ownership, and collaboration within underserved communities.
• To issue a call to action for minorities to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP and real estate investment.

Key Takeaways

1. Early Career & Education

   • Started young in real estate, embraced discomfort in rooms dominated by older professionals.
   • Leveraged millennial tech skills (social media marketing) to help veteran brokers grow.
   • Earned a doctorate degree and became a licensed real estate broker.

2. Social Media as a Business Tool

   • Built a strong presence on TikTok (90K followers) and other platforms.
   • Helped older real estate firms thrive by creating digital visibility.
   • Emphasized that “business must look as good online as in person.”

3. Financial Literacy & Homeownership

   • African-American communities often lack foundational financial knowledge.
   • Key barriers: misunderstanding credit, fear of debt, and lack of exposure to ownership benefits.
   • Advocates teaching the difference between good debt (real estate) and bad debt (consumer credit).

4. Real Estate Process

   • Initial onboarding: credit score, income, tax filing.
   • Connect clients with lenders, secure pre-approval, then negotiate and close within 30–45 days.
   • Uses property tours as motivation even for those not yet approved.

5. Pooling Resources for Wealth

   • Industry dominated by white men and foreign investors who use syndication.
   • Dr. Lee created a private family fund with fraternity brothers and friends.
   • Acquired 150+ apartment units and commercial properties by pooling resources and forming LLCs.

6. Amazon DSP Opportunity

   • Owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business (42 trucks, 200 employees).
   • Offers minorities a chance to apply for DSP with $10K grant.
   • Taught him true CEO skills: HR, payroll, compliance, and scaling operations.

7. Construction Business

   • Entered construction after experiencing exploitation in fix-and-flip projects.
   • Learned the business side (permits, change orders) and got licensed.
   • Built major projects like a 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant in Atlanta.
   • Advocates for Black representation in construction, an industry dominated by whites and Hispanics.

8. Personal Background

   • Raised in New Orleans during Katrina by a single mother and grandparents.
   • Mother invested FEMA checks into real estate, teaching him property management and renovation skills early.
   • Believes knowledge is power and emphasizes planning and consistency.

Notable Quotes

• On embracing discomfort:
  “I learned to embrace the uncomfort and make it one of my biggest strengths.”

• On social media:
  “You have to make your business look the same way online as in person.”

• On financial literacy:
  “Real estate is always going to be good debt. Bad debt is the Macy’s card.”

• On collaboration:
  “Pooling resources shows how far we can go and how fast we can go—but together.”

• On planning:
  “If you don’t plan, you plan to fail. All you have to do is stick to the plan.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keith Milner.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by sharing Keith Milner’s journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship. It emphasizes discipline, leadership, risk-taking, and strategies for building generational wealth, particularly for underrepresented communities.

Key Takeaways

1. Foundational Lessons from Childhood

   • Growing up in a disciplined, hardworking family taught Keith accountability, integrity, and the principle of choices and consequences.
   • Education was highly valued in his household, shaping his drive for success.

2. Corporate vs. Entrepreneurial Mindset

   • Corporate careers can feel secure but are often riskier because you lack control over your destiny.
   • Entrepreneurship offers greater control and potential for generational wealth.

3. Leadership and Teamwork

   • Lessons from sports—teamwork, discipline, and leadership—translate directly into business success.
   • Establishing a common goal and coaching employees is crucial, but underperformers must eventually be let go.

4. Risk and Value

   • Many African-Americans view entrepreneurship as risky, but Keith argues it’s less risky than employment in an at-will state.
   • Success depends on creating value that customers are willing to pay for.

5. Franchising Journey

   • Relationships opened doors to Jersey Mike’s franchise ownership.
   • Entrepreneurship requires hands-on involvement—Keith still works in his stores when needed.

6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

   • Adopt a growth mindset and positive attitude.
   • Follow the Five P’s: Plan, Prepare, Produce, Pivot, Persevere.
   • Understand that entrepreneurship is a daily grind—“Every morning in the jungle, the lion wakes up running.”

Notable Quotes

• On discipline and accountability:
  “If you said you were going to do something, you did it. If you were told to do something, you got it done.”

• On choices:
  “We make choices every day, and if you don’t make the right choice, there are consequences.”

• On entrepreneurship vs. employment:
  “Entrepreneurship and small business ownership is the best way to create generational wealth.”

• On leadership:
  “There are very few things in life you can do alone. You need people, you need a team.”

• On success formula:
  “You control the inputs, and therefore you can charge what you want—as long as you generate enough value.”

• On entrepreneurial mindset:
  “Plan, Prepare, Produce, Pivot, Persevere.”

• Swahili proverb:
  “Every morning in the jungle, the lion wakes up running… The question becomes, who’s going to run the fastest?”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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