Strawberry Letter

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ryan Richmond and Greg Bowman.
Co‑owners of Popcorn Remix, a Georgia‑based gourmet popcorn brand known for more than 60 innovative flavors ranging from King Crab Legs to Charlene’s Banana Pudding to chocolate‑covered strawberry.
Together they share their partnership story, the origin of Popcorn Remix, the explosive growth of their brand, how they built a powerhouse fundraising platform (WePowerFundraisers.com), their expansion into major sports and entertainment venues, and the unique combination of hustle, creativity, faith, and community service that drives their success.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview was designed to:
1. Highlight the Popcorn Remix brand and its explosive growth
From a storefront in Conyers, GA, to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Truist Park, the Georgia World Congress Center, the Atlanta Dream, and major convention centers.
2. Showcase their entrepreneurship journey as Black founders
They share how they partnered, overcame limitations, created their own lane, and scaled a product category long dominated by major national brands.
3. Promote their fundraising platform (WePowerFundraisers.com)
A system that gives organizations up to 50% of gross sales, ships popcorn directly to supporters, and supports churches, schools, nonprofits, cheer teams, and more.
4. Inspire entrepreneurs
Greg and Ryan share candid advice on partnership, sacrifice, differentiating your product, and believing in your gifts.
💡 Key Takeaways
1. A Powerful Partnership Built on Hustle, Trust & Alignment
Greg and Ryan met years ago through a men’s empowerment group and eventually partnered after Greg conceived the popcorn concept.
Ryan didn’t have the money but had “all the hustle in the world”—and that’s the partnership foundation.
They call themselves the Visionary & Executioner, committing to outwork anyone and always show up for each other.
2. Popcorn Remix Was Created to “Remix” What Popcorn Could Be
The brand name came from their church’s theme, “Year of the Remix.”
They wanted flavors never seen before: butter pecan, crab legs, chocolate‑covered strawberry, cookies and cream, lemon pound cake, jerk chicken, etc. [
Only three people in the world know the signature butter pecan formula.
3. Their Innovation Extends Beyond Flavors — Even the Kernels Are Different
They use “mushroom” kernels (round, fluffy) instead of standard “butterfly” kernels to prevent breakage, reduce seed fragments, and support orthodontic patients. [
Their popcorn is fluffier, smoother, and more versatile for gourmet coating.
4. The Storefront Is an In‑Person Experience
The Conyers, GA store provides:
Free sampling of all 60+ flavors
Music based on the time of day
Engaging, fun staff
Fresh gourmet popcorn made on-site
The storefront is intentionally designed to be a “vibe.”
5. Live Activations Are Their Secret Weapon
Their background in music and entertainment helps them:
Work crowds
Convert curious customers into buyers
Perform high‑energy demos
Showcase “activation flavors” like Lemon Pound Cake, which comes with instructions
These activations drew attention at Falcons games, arenas, conventions, and more.
6. Popcorn Remix Is in Major Venues Across Georgia
They have partnerships with:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (all levels)
Truist Park / Atlanta Braves
State Farm Arena
Atlanta Dream
Georgia World Congress Center
Georgia International Convention Center
They’re a favorite for cheer, volleyball, and large-scale events.
7. Their Brand Went Viral — Celebrities and even the White House Took Notice
Celebrity/luminary support includes:
Whoopi Goldberg
Daymond John
Sherri Shepherd
Anthony Hamilton
Cathy Hughes (Radio One/TV One founder)
The White House (Hip-Hop 50th celebration invitation)
Their popcorn has literally made it to the White House.
8. Their Fundraising Platform Is a Game-Changer
WePowerFundraisers.com gives:
Up to 50% of gross sales to organizations
Automated direct‑to-door delivery
No upfront costs
10‑day fundraiser windows
Ten curated flavors for easy purchase
They’re now targeting national Greek organizations (“Divine Nine”) to scale. [
9. Massive Growth: $1.5 Million in 3 Years
They realized they “had something” when they hit $1.5 million in revenue, without debt, and only two founders running things.
They even had to turn down a $4M deal because they didn’t yet have the production capacity—prompting them to invest heavily in a new warehouse.
10. They Reinvented Their Ops with Subscriptions & TikTok Shops
They recently added:
A monthly popcorn subscription
A TikTok Shop that allows creators to sell Popcorn Remix and earn revenue
These innovations help them scale nationally.
🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On their partnership
“He said, ‘I ain’t got a whole bunch of money… but I got all the hustle in the world.’”
On their role to each other
“I refuse to be outworked… whenever you call, I’m available.”
On Popcorn Remix’s purpose
“We want to remix popcorn… make it unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.”
On competition
“When you're going against a giant, you gotta have something real… We had a rocket launcher.”
On their breakthrough moment
“We grossed $1.5 million in three years… from popcorn. I knew we had something.”
On celebrity validation
“When Whoopi sent the picture… and then the White House… that was it.”
On entrepreneurship
“Dreams don’t expire. How you start is not how you finish.”
On community fundraising
“It’s one thing to ask for something. It’s another to give something back.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI
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Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Introduce Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones’ work helping entrepreneurs and professionals “bankroll their brilliance”.
Encourage listeners to monetize their unique talents and create multiple streams of income.
Inspire individuals to align their purpose with their profession for greater impact and fulfillment.
Share strategies for overcoming fear, embracing authenticity, and building scalable businesses.
🧠 Key Takeaways 1. From Casting to Coaching
Nicole’s early career in talent management and casting helped her develop a gift for recognizing people’s potential. She now uses that gift to help entrepreneurs and executives identify their “DNA” (Distinct Natural Ability) and turn it into income.
“I could see you and how you could fit into the script… That’s really what I do with entrepreneurs now.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
2. Purpose Is Your Power
Nicole emphasizes that purpose is the one thing you never get fired from. Aligning your work with your purpose leads to higher performance and deeper fulfillment.
“When you bless somebody with the thing that you do, they’re gaining—and you’re gaining for God.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
3. Multiple Streams of Income
She teaches clients to diversify their income by creating products, programs, and services that don’t require their constant presence—what she calls “money while you sleep” or “mailbox money.”
Examples include:
Lawyers creating online courses for clients who can’t afford billable hours.
Gymnasts licensing their training methods and renting out facilities.
“Your comfort zone is where your dreams go to die.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
“If you are physically tied to the money you make, you’re capping your potential.” – Rushion McDonald
4. Stop Giving Away Your Brilliance
Nicole warns against giving away intellectual property for free. She encourages professionals to recognize the value of their expertise and package it into paid offerings.
“You’re giving away your cookie for free… You have value that people will pay for.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
5. Create a Methodology
She helps clients build a blueprint for their expertise, turning routines and habits into teachable systems. Her metaphor: “You can’t see the label from inside the jar,” meaning people often overlook their own value.
“It’s really helping someone produce the value that is coming out of you effortlessly.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
6. Authenticity Is a Business Strategy
Nicole encourages people to embrace their full personality, even if it’s “too much” for some. She believes that being yourself is the key to attracting the right audience and opportunities.
“Stop letting people turn down your light. This is who I am. God made me this way.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Corporate doesn’t need more of corporate.”
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
“Each of us were born to disrupt whatever system we’re called to work in.”
🌟 Impact of the Interview
This episode is a masterclass in personal branding, purpose alignment, and entrepreneurial strategy. Nicole’s energy and clarity make her insights actionable and inspiring, especially for professionals looking to pivot, scale, or rediscover their value.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kevin Cohee.
Title: Owner, Chairman & CEO of OneUnited Bank
Host: Rushion McDonald
Podcast: Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Kevin Cohee discusses the mission, history, and future of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black‑owned bank and the first Black‑owned internet bank in the U.S. The conversation connects Black economic history, financial literacy, technology (AI), and wealth-building, positioning OneUnited Bank as a modern solution to long‑standing financial exclusion in Black and underserved communities.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview is designed to:
Educate listeners on why Black-owned banks matter historically and economically.
Explain how technology has transformed banking, making location irrelevant.
Address financial exclusion, particularly reliance on check-cashing services.
Promote financial literacy as the foundation of wealth creation.
Position OneUnited Bank as a practical, accessible tool for individuals, entrepreneurs, and communities to build equity.
Key Themes & Takeaways 1. A Mission Rooted in Black History
Kevin Cohee frames OneUnited Bank as part of a long historical vision, not a modern trend.
Leaders such as Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. all advocated for a national Black-owned bank.
Cohee’s own family legacy ties back to Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, including land ownership stemming from negotiated “40 acres and a mule” outcomes.
Takeaway: Economic independence has always been central to Black progress.
2. From Brick-and-Mortar to Digital Banking
OneUnited originally grew by acquiring small Black-owned banks nationwide.
The bank pivoted early toward technology-driven banking, recognizing that: Customers expect 24/7 access
Physical branches are no longer required
Digital reach enables national—and global—impact

Key insight: Technology allowed OneUnited to become a national Black bank without national branches.
3. Financial Technology Built for Real-Life Problems
Kevin Cohee emphasizes that OneUnited designs products around how people actually live, not just traditional banking norms.
Examples include:
Second-chance checking accounts
Emergency small-dollar loans
Alternative credit criteria
Nationwide surcharge-free ATM access
AI-powered tools that help users understand: Cash flow
Assets vs. liabilities
Net worth (or debt)
Financial decision-making in real time

Takeaway: Banking should help people function—not punish them for past mistakes.
4. Financial Literacy Is the Real Wealth Gap
Cohee states that 90% of Americans are financially illiterate, largely because: Financial literacy is not taught in K–12 education

He compares this to not teaching reading—and then blaming people for illiteracy.
OneUnited uses AI and data aggregation to help customers make expert-level decisions without being experts.
Key message: Financial literacy, not income alone, determines long-term wealth.
5. Ending Dependence on Check-Cashing Services
Kevin sharply criticizes high-fee check-cashing businesses that dominate underserved neighborhoods.
OneUnited offers digital check deposits, debit cards, and ATM access—removing the need for physical branches.
Anyone, anywhere in the U.S., can bank with OneUnited via oneunited.com.
Takeaway: Lack of access is no longer an excuse—awareness is the missing link.
6. Technology as the New “40 Acres”
Kevin draws a powerful parallel: Land ownership was once the primary source of wealth.
Technology and financial literacy are today’s equivalents.

Entrepreneurs no longer need to manufacture products—branding, distribution, and digital reach are the new leverage.
Key insight: Technology levels the playing field—if people understand how to use it.
7. Mandatory Financial Literacy as a Policy Solution
Kevin advocates for required financial literacy courses in all U.S. schools.
He cites research showing: One required high-school financial literacy course can generate $100,000+ in lifetime net worth per student.

He frames this as a matter of equity, not preference.
Takeaway: Systemic problems require systemic solutions.
Notable Quotes
“The concept of a national Black-owned bank goes all the way back to slavery.”
“We’re not behind in technology—we are the party.”
“Ninety percent of Americans are not financially literate.”
“You don’t have to go to check cashers and get ripped off.”
“Technology is the new 40 acres.”
“Financial literacy alone can generate over $100,000 in net worth per person.”
“There has never been a better time to build a business than right now.”
Overall Impact
This interview is both a financial masterclass and a historical lesson. Kevin Cohee reframes banking as a tool of empowerment, not just transactions, and positions OneUnited Bank as:
A modern solution to historic exclusion
A technology-first institution built for underserved communities
A catalyst for financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation
Final message: Access + education + technology can finally close the racial wealth gap—if people choose to engage.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Williams.
Thanks! The transcript from this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass features a powerful and informative interview with Teri Williams, President, COO, and owner of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in the United States. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. OneUnited Bank’s Mission & Reach
Formed by merging four Black-owned banks in Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles.
First Black-owned digital bank (since 2005).
Serves customers in all 50 states.
Offers accessible, affordable financial services and promotes financial literacy.
2. Digital Banking for Underserved Communities
OneUnited provides: Mobile check deposit (via smartphone).
Early direct deposit (get paid 2 days early).
Access to 100,000+ surcharge-free ATMs (including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank).

Designed to combat financial deserts and predatory check-cashing services in Black communities.
3. Financial Literacy & Trust
Teri emphasizes the need for Black communities to trust Black-owned institutions.
OneUnited is FDIC-insured and uses cutting-edge technology, including AI.
Financial literacy is key to building generational wealth.
4. WiseOne AI Tool
An AI-powered financial assistant that: Tracks spending and subscriptions.
Offers insights on saving and debt reduction.
Aggregates data from multiple accounts to show net worth, cash flow, and financial health.

5. Youth Financial Literacy – “I Got Bank” Contest
15th annual contest for kids ages 8–12.
Participants submit an essay or artwork based on a financial literacy book.
Ten winners receive $1,000 savings accounts.
Book: I Got Bank by Teri Williams (available free at oneunited.com/book).
6. OneTransaction Concept
Focuses on six key financial transactions to build generational wealth: Homeownership
Life Insurance
Investments
Profitable Business
Credit Score
Savings

Encourages individuals to focus on just one to start their wealth-building journey.
Learn more: oneunited.com/one transaction
💬 Notable Quotes
“We are a real bank, not a fintech. We are FDIC-insured.”
“We are great with money. We just haven’t always had access.”
“Focus on one transaction. That’s all it takes to start building generational wealth.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Heather Younger.
Founder and CEO of a leading employee engagement and workplace culture consulting firm:
🎙️ Interview Summary
Guest: Heather R. Younger
Role: CEO, workplace culture consultant, author, speaker
Topic: Employee engagement, workplace culture, self-leadership, and overcoming fear
🧭 Purpose of the Interview
To explore Heather Younger's journey as a workplace culture expert, her insights into employee engagement, and her new book The Art of Self-Leadership. The conversation centers on empowering individuals to lead themselves, navigate workplace challenges, and overcome fear to unlock personal and professional growth.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Employee Advocacy & Engagement
Heather has read over 30,000 employee surveys and facilitated 100+ focus groups.
She emphasizes active listening and creating safe spaces for employees to express concerns.
Her mission is to amplify the voices of employees, especially during organizational transitions like mergers.
2. Self-Leadership & Personal Growth
Heather encourages individuals to be their own advocates and not wait for others (including HR) to “save” them.
She promotes intentional reframing—shifting negative thoughts into rational, empowering ones.
Her new book, The Art of Self-Leadership, includes exercises like fear mapping to help readers identify and overcome internal barriers.
3. Navigating Fear in the Workplace
Heather outlines five ways fear holds people back professionally:
Fear of feedback – avoiding growth due to fear of criticism.
Fear of retribution – hesitating to speak up.
Fear of speaking truth to power – lacking psychological safety.
Inherited fears – generational or cultural fears that shape behavior.
Fear of regret – not taking action and living with “what ifs.”
4. Daily Practices for Mental Strength
Reflect nightly on what went well and what you controlled.
Practice gratitude and mindfulness.
Prioritize sleep, hydration, and mental clarity.
Treat each day as a chance to iterate and improve.
💬 Notable Quotes
“I needed to be the change I was seeking.”
“Feedback is a gift—even if it hurts.”
“You have to fight tooth and nail for your own mental space.”
“Don’t wait to be invited—ask.”
“See yourself as a work in progress, not a finished product.”
📚 Book Mentioned
Title: The Art of Self-Leadership
Focus: Empowering individuals to lead themselves through fear, change, and uncertainty
📞 Contact Info
Website: HeatherYounger.com
LinkedIn: Heather R. Younger
Social Media: Active on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
#AMI
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