Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ric Ross.
A 37‑year veteran of the music industry who transitioned from a successful career in entertainment to entrepreneurship as co‑owner of Big Peach Running Co.—South Fulton, the first Black‑owned specialty running store in Georgia.
Ric shares his journey from music promotions to health and wellness entrepreneurship, the importance of serving community, how running shaped his life, and how he built a thriving retail business that focuses on education, proper footwear, and customer experience.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Spotlight Ric Ross’s transition from music to entrepreneurship
He discusses how a longtime passion for running evolved into a thriving business.
2. Highlight Big Peach Running Co.—South Fulton
A specialty running and walking store serving a predominantly Black community and breaking stereotypes.
3. Educate listeners on proper footwear, running basics, and health benefits
Ric stresses correct shoe fitting, foot analysis, and the role of running/walking in overall wellness.
4. Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs
He shares business planning insights, overcoming stereotypes, navigating funding, and building community-centered ventures.
5. Emphasize service, legacy, and purpose
Ric’s nonprofit and community work underscore his philosophy of giving back.
💡 Key Takeaways
1. Running = Freedom, Clarity, and Mental Escape
Ric describes running as deeply emotional and freeing—a “runner’s high” that places him in another world.
2. His Journey from Music Executive to Running Store Owner
Ric’s path began when he walked into Big Peach’s first store as a customer.
Later, after years in the music business, the founder Mike Costantino encouraged him to open a location.
He spent a year quietly developing a detailed business plan before presenting it to his wife and banks.
Banks praised his plan as “the best they’d ever seen,” emphasizing how preparation creates opportunities.
3. Why He Chose South Fulton
Ric intentionally wanted the store in his own neighborhood, a fast‑growing, majority‑Black community of over 100,000 residents.
People questioned him—“Black folks don’t run”—but he knew the market, the growth of Black running clubs, and the need for proper footwear among everyday people.
4. Education‑Driven Customer Experience
The store focuses on:
Foot analysis using the Aetrex Albert scanner
Proper shoe fitting
Education for runners and walkers
A no‑judgment environment for customers with foot issues
He intentionally branded the store “Run Walk” to remove intimidation.
5. Health Benefits of Running & Walking
Ric shares how running lowered his blood pressure and improved his heart health, reinforced by his doctor's advice.
He emphasizes realistic lifestyle choices: eat what you enjoy—but control portions and stay active.
6. Competing in a Big-Box Retail Market
Despite large competitors, Big Peach’s success is tied to:
Community representation
Personalized service
Being the first Black‑owned specialty run store in Georgia
Cultural inclusiveness (e.g., redesigning their mascot “Peachy” to reflect the community) [
7. Community Impact Stories Drive His Motivation
Moments such as a 94‑year‑old man walking without a cane after being fitted for proper shoes remind Ric why the business matters.
8. Hiring Challenges in a Post‑Covid Workforce
He notes it’s difficult to find employees who are:
Personable
Hungry to learn
Good at customer engagement
He also addresses stereotypes about customers expecting discounts from Black-owned businesses.
9. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Ric offers foundational guidance:
Credit is king—maintain excellent credit to access capital
Be willing to sacrifice
Know your market
Learn continuously [
10. His Purpose: Music + Running + Serving
Ric founded the Music Education Group, a nonprofit now in 26 schools across 4 districts, teaching life skills through music, film, and digital media.
He discovered later in life that service had always been his purpose.
🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On running
“When I lace up and hit that road, I’m in a whole other world… it’s freedom.”
On opening his store
“I knew my avatar. I knew who I was marketing to.”
On entrepreneurship
“Credit is king… we may not have a million in the bank, but I can pop that 800 score on them.”
On community impact
“We are so glad you all are in the community”—he says this erases all doubt on difficult days.
On finding purpose
“My passion was music and running. My purpose is serving.”
On representation
“It’s time for Peachy to look like the community.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Just tell me what you’d like!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lisa Mulrain.
Summary of the Interview
On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Lisa Mulrain—CEO of Legacy Building LLC, a financial literacy and legal services entrepreneur with more than 30 years of federal government experience as a securities attorney. Lisa’s mission is to empower individuals and small businesses through financial education, credit repair, debt management, estate planning, and investment strategy.
The interview highlights her transition from government attorney to entrepreneur, the purpose behind Legacy Building LLC, and the unique combination of her legal expertise and financial coaching. She breaks down how underserved communities can close knowledge gaps, develop stronger money mindsets, repair credit, invest wisely, and protect assets through estate planning. She also explains the emerging opportunities in tokenized real estate, fractionalized Ginnie Mae securities, and the importance of research before investing.
The conversation is highly practical—covering everything from budgeting to Roth IRAs, 401(k) matches, brokerage accounts, credit consolidation, and asset protection through trusts and wills. Lisa stresses empowerment through education and long-term wealth building.
Purpose of the Interview
1. To introduce Lisa Mulrain’s financial literacy and legal services mission
The interview showcases how Legacy Building LLC helps clients improve credit, manage debt, understand investments, and plan estates.
2. To educate listeners about emerging financial trends
Lisa explains tokenized real estate, fractional Ginnie Mae securities, and policy changes that create new wealth-building opportunities.
3. To emphasize financial empowerment for underserved communities
She focuses on shifting money mindsets, breaking cycles of scarcity, and building generational wealth.
4. To highlight the importance of estate planning
She stresses that wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are foundational—not optional.
5. To offer actionable investing and credit strategies
Listeners gain practical tools to start improving their finances immediately.
Key Takeaways
1. Financial literacy begins with mindset
Before fixing credit, individuals must understand their past beliefs about money and scarcity.
Many financial mistakes originate from “lack mentality.”
2. Credit repair requires root-cause analysis
Lisa teaches clients to:
Identify how they fell into debt
Negotiate with creditors
Remove charge-offs when possible
Avoid repeating harmful financial behaviors
3. Estate planning is essential for everyone—not just older adults
A proper estate plan includes:
A trust (primary document)
A “pour-over” will for missed assets
Healthcare proxies & POAs
Instructions for managing assets during incapacity or after death
Common tragedies—Prince, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson—show how lack of planning complicates estates.
4. Invest intentionally and consistently
Key investment tools Lisa recommends:
Maximize 401(k) contributions, especially employer matches
Favor S\&P 500 index options in retirement plans
Fund a Roth IRA for tax-free growth
Open brokerage accounts with established firms (e.g., Schwab, Fidelity)
Buy fractional shares to invest even with small amounts
Focus on time in the market, not timing the market
5. Tokenized real estate and fractionalized Ginnie Mae securities are groundbreaking
Lisa explains how changes in federal policy and crypto infrastructure enable new low-barrier investment opportunities—such as Ginnie Mae-backed fractional securities for as little as $50.
6. Research, research, research
Before buying any stock, investors should monitor:
Long-term trends
Earnings calls
Layoffs (strategy vs. crisis)
Market cycles
Influential investors’ moves
7. Legacy Building LLC merges financial education + legal protection
Her dual firms allow clients to:
Learn how to build wealth
Legally protect their assets
Create generational stability
8. Wealth building requires discipline—not brand-driven spending
She warns against sinking money into luxury goods without appreciating assets to match.
Notable Quotes
(All pulled directly from the transcript.)
On why she does this work
“Helping people has always been at my core.”
“I wanted to get involved in finance because that was the one central factor that made the difference between the haves and the have nots.”
On mindset & credit
“Let’s examine your money mindset.”
“We adopt a lack mentality… we already start from a place of ‘we don’t have it.’”
On estate planning
“Whatever you’ve accumulated… you don’t have a plan.”
“It could take years for it to go through probate.”
“Your trust is the main document.”
On investing
“You are leaving money on the table if you don’t get that 401(k) match.”
“Don’t time the market… it’s about time in the market.”
“Scare money don’t make money.”
On financial habits
“Be diligent in your acquisitions.”
“You cannot make any money if you are not investing. Period.”
On opportunities in new investment tech
“Tokenized real estate is very new and novel… real physical assets backing crypto.”
“Ginnie Mae securities are now eligible for fractionalized shares… with guaranteed repayment.”
#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 Trey Haley.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Inspire creatives and entrepreneurs by sharing Trey Haley’s journey in the entertainment industry.
Highlight the importance of persistence, self-belief, and strategic networking.
Promote Haley’s current work, especially the BET+ series The Family Business.
Educate listeners on the realities of Hollywood and the long-term mindset needed for success.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Origin Story & Early Influences
Trey Haley grew up in Dallas-Fort Worth, with a mother in corporate sales and a father who was a criminal defense attorney.
His passion for entertainment began early, influenced by music, Spike Lee scripts, and editing during college at North Texas.
2. Leap of Faith to Los Angeles
Moved to LA with no backup plan, driven by passion.
Took a courier job to network and eventually landed an internship with Morgan Freeman’s company, Revelations Entertainment.
3. Building Tri Destin Studios
Co-founded Tri Destin Studios with Nikita De Brown Jones.
Emphasized creating their own lane and owning their content.
Their goal: “Change the perception of the world” through storytelling where “we always win.”
4. The Family Business
Based on Carl Weber’s bestselling book series.
Independently produced before BET+ picked it up.
Features a star-studded cast including Ernie Hudson, Valerie Pettiford, Michael Jai White, and Javicia Leslie.
5. Industry Wisdom
Success in Hollywood is about relationships, consistency, and character.
Warns against shortcuts and “hook-up culture” in entertainment.
Encourages young creatives to focus on talent, value, and long-term growth.
🗣️ Notable Quotes
On taking risks:
“My mother said, go jump off the ledge and go fly like a bird.”

On self-belief:
“Who told you you could be an attorney? Nobody. You figured it out. I’m going to figure it out too.”

On breaking into the industry:
“I took a courier job just to meet people in the studios. I dressed like I worked there so they’d see me the way I needed to be seen.”

On creating value:
“The most powerful people create their own companies, their own stories, and tell them consistently.”

On longevity:
“If your roots aren’t settled and strong, anything can take you out.”

On perspective:
“Your perspective in life is the key. If you see negative, you’ll get negative. If you see the win, you’ll fly high.”

📺 Current Project Highlight
The Family Business
Streaming on BET+
Multi-season crime drama with layered storytelling and strong character development.
Haley serves as executive producer and director.
#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 Dr. Glynis Lee.
An accomplished executive specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), human resources, and technology. The discussion focused on mentorship, community uplift, and bridging the digital divide.
🔑 Key Themes & Highlights
The Power of Mentorship & Networking
Dr. Lee emphasized that success isn’t just about what you know, but who you know.
She shared how mentorship and networking have shaped her career and helped others advance.
Bridging the Digital Divide
She works with InspiredU Atlanta, an organization that provides technology access and skills training for underserved families.
Her mission is to equip young creatives with the tools needed to succeed in tech-driven industries.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in Business
Dr. Lee believes that DEI should be an integral part of business strategy, not just a checkbox.
She helps organizations implement cultural transformations that prioritize access and opportunity for all.
The Ann Cephus Family Fund
She serves on the Board of Directors for the Ann Cephus Family Fund, which supports young creatives in pursuing successful careers.
The fund provides scholarships, mentorship, and educational resources to bridge the gap between technology and creative industries.
📘 About Dr. Glynis Lee
Dr. Glynis Lee is a versatile executive with expertise in human resources, technology, and strategic program management. She has held leadership roles in global organizations, driving cultural change and business innovation.
She is passionate about mentorship, inclusion, and empowering future leaders through education and community engagement.

#BEST
#STRAW
#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mark Mascarenhas.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to educate listeners—especially entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring millionaires—on financial planning, wealth management, and risk mitigation strategies. It emphasizes the importance of discipline, clarity, and professional guidance in achieving financial success and sustaining wealth across generations.
Key Takeaways
Financial Planning is Foundational
A written financial plan is the first step before any investment portfolio is built.
Success is defined individually—financial, health, or lifestyle goals.

Diversification & Risk Management
Digital assets like Bitcoin should only make up 2–3% of a portfolio for high-net-worth clients with high risk tolerance.
Fear and greed drive markets; advisors help clients maintain discipline.

Long-Term Care & Insurance
Planning for long-term care is essential, typically starting in your 50s.
Term life insurance early locks in health; whole life policies provide stability and living benefits.

Tax Strategy
Use tax-loss harvesting, asset location strategies, and estate planning to minimize tax burdens.
Estate planning focuses on transferring wealth tax-efficiently to future generations.

Millionaire Mindset
Millionaires are clear, disciplined, optimistic, and collaborative.
74% of millionaires work with financial advisors vs. 34% of the general population.

Power of Compounding
Compounding interest is the cornerstone of wealth accumulation—requires patience and discipline.
Avoid lifestyle creep and impulsive spending, especially for younger millionaires and influencers.

Fiduciary Responsibility
Advisors act in the client’s best interest; success is mutual.
Trust and transparency are critical in client-advisor relationships.

Notable Quotes
On Risk & Bitcoin:
“You could potentially double your money, but you could also potentially lose 70% of it.”

On Financial Planning:
“Every dollar needs a job description.”

On Millionaire Mindset:
“Successful people view us as CFOs—they’re the CEOs.”

On Compounding:
“If you could win 72% of the time, would you play that game? Yes. That’s the stock market.”

On Retirement Success:
“Living the same or better lifestyle in retirement than you do today while working.”

On Fiduciary Role:
“We make more money when the client makes more money.”

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.