Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Elliot Holland. The managing partner of Guardian Due Diligence. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics and highlights: Key Themes & Highlights Buying Small Businesses vs. Franchises Holland explains the differences between purchasing a franchise and acquiring an independent business. He highlights the risk-reward balance, noting that franchises offer a structured model, while independent businesses can be more lucrative but require deeper due diligence. Financial Strategies for Business Acquisition He discusses the SBA 7(a) loan program, which allows buyers to acquire businesses with 90-95% financing, making ownership more accessible. Holland explains how leveraging financing can turn a small investment into a million-dollar business. Due Diligence & Avoiding Bad Deals He emphasizes the importance of financial diligence to ensure buyers don’t acquire failing businesses. Holland shares red flags to watch for, such as misleading financials and sellers masking poor performance. Masterclass for First-Time Buyers Holland introduces his Business Buying Masterclass, designed to educate entrepreneurs on the acquisition process. He provides one-on-one coaching, helping buyers navigate financing, negotiations, and deal structuring. Success Stories & Case Studies He shares examples of clients who successfully acquired businesses, including a 24-year-old entrepreneur and a 60-year-old investor. Holland highlights how his expertise helped buyers secure financing, conduct due diligence, and close profitable deals. About Elliot Holland & Guardian Due Diligence Elliot Holland is a Harvard MBA, private equity investor, and business acquisition expert. He founded Guardian Due Diligence to help first-time buyers confidently purchase profitable businesses. His firm specializes in financial diligence, ensuring buyers make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Through his masterclass and consulting, Holland empowers entrepreneurs to build wealth through business ownership. #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marcus Sonnier. Founder of Snowie Atlanta: 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To showcase Marcus Sonnier’s journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, highlight the inspiration behind Snowie Atlanta, and share insights on financial literacy, legacy-building, and faith-driven decision-making. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. From Corporate VP to Entrepreneur Marcus left a successful career as VP of PR supervision at a financial services firm to start Snowie Atlanta. He worked both jobs for five years before fully transitioning. His leap was guided by faith and a desire for self-reliance. “I looked at my wife and said, ‘Hey, I'm getting one more bonus check. And then I'm jumping off the plane.’” 2. The Product: Shaved Ice with a Twist Snowie Atlanta offers customizable shaved ice with self-serve flavor stations. Inspired by childhood experiences in Louisiana with snowball stands. “We give away the shaved ice, but we sell you the smiles.” 3. Family Legacy & Financial Literacy Marcus started the business to teach his sons about money—earning, saving, investing, and giving. His sons were involved from the beginning, learning entrepreneurship firsthand. “I said, guys, look, we're going to be entrepreneurs in this business. We're going to do it together.” 4. Faith as a Driving Force Marcus credits divine guidance for his journey and connections. He views his business as a calling and a platform for community impact. “I could feel God in my spirit saying, ‘Oh, you trust me, you really do.’” 5. Community Impact & Expansion Snowie Atlanta is expanding into Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. The goal is to become a staple attraction and enhance the fan experience. “I want all kids to want to go to a Braves game… to get a Snowie and have an experience.” 6. Giving Back Snowie Atlanta participates in fundraising for schools, churches, and nonprofits. Marcus finds joy in writing checks back to organizations that serve the community. 💬 Notable Quotes “You may not get everything you work for, but you will work for everything you get.” “We serve memories.” “I’m just trying to be obedient and do what I think God wants me to do in this business.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Barbosa. CEO and Founder of International Supply Partners (ISP), about breaking into government contracting, navigating a male-dominated industry, and the complexities of supply chain management. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Breaking into Government Contracting Barbosa started her business by targeting government contracts, recognizing that the government is the largest buyer of goods and services. She explained how RFQs (Request for Quotes) and RFPs (Request for Proposals) allow new suppliers to compete for contracts. Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry She admitted that entering the industrial supply sector was challenging but credited her fearlessness and determination for her success. Barbosa emphasized that women entrepreneurs must focus on value and expertise rather than industry stereotypes. Supply Chain & Procurement Strategies ISP specializes in safety, PPE, industrial, janitorial, and construction supplies, ensuring cost-effective procurement solutions. Barbosa detailed how understanding supply chain logistics helped her compete with big-box suppliers. COVID-19 & PPE Pricing Surge During the pandemic, PPE prices skyrocketed due to high demand and supply chain disruptions. Barbosa explained how manufacturers shifted production to PPE, leading to price gouging and bidding wars. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in Business Barbosa’s company is certified as a minority-owned and women-owned business, but she emphasized that quality and service—not identity—should drive business success. She believes that DEI initiatives should not be the sole reason for doing business, but rather a tool for leveraging opportunities. 📘 About Jennifer Barbosa & International Supply PartnersJennifer Barbosa is a visionary entrepreneur and supply chain specialist, leading International Supply Partners (ISP) in streamlining procurement for businesses and government agencies. ISP is a trusted provider of essential goods, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and competitive pricing. #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Shiloh Bigles. A certified functional nutrition counselor and founder of Level Minds CBD Health Club, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss how CBD, functional nutrition, and holistic wellness help individuals manage pain, anxiety, and autoimmune disorders. She shares her personal experience overcoming lupus and Crohn’s disease through natural remedies. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Understanding CBD & Its Benefits Every mammal has an endocannabinoid system with CB1 and CB2 receptors that regulate neurological and immune functions. CBD products help create balance (homeostasis) in the body, improving heart, kidney, liver, and digestive functions. Top Reasons People Seek CBD Sleep Issues & Anxiety – Many customers struggle with post-pandemic insomnia and high stress. Pain Management – Whether from sports injuries, chronic conditions, or muscle strains, CBD offers natural relief. Autoimmune Disorders & CBD Shiloh personally overcame lupus and Crohn’s disease without steroids or medication. CBD helps calm the immune system, reducing inflammation and preventing the body from attacking itself. Different CBD formats—oils, gummies, and edibles—support various conditions depending on where the inflammation occurs. CBD vs. Common Misconceptions CBD ≠ Weed – While CBD comes from cannabis, THC-free products exist, allowing users to experience benefits without feeling high. Many professionals, including military personnel, firefighters, and police officers, use CBD to manage stress safely. Products available include gummies, chocolates, topicals, and drinks, catering to different needs. Family-Friendly CBD & THC Options Level Minds CBD offers a THC-free “family & professional” line that’s safe for kids and pets. For those seeking a mild calming effect, low-dose THC drinks help relieve stress without alcohol-like side effects. Many customers have quit alcohol entirely, preferring CBD for relaxation and emotional balance. Entrepreneurship & Passion for Wellness Shiloh’s business started as a pain and wellness therapy spa before expanding into CBD. She built her company on word-of-mouth marketing, prioritizing education, personal connections, and community trust. She believes passion drives success, emphasizing that true dedication leads to financial rewards. 📘 Resources & Contact InformationShiloh Biglis’ products are available through:🔗 Website: Level Minds CBD🔗 Phone: (678) 765-2228🔗 Social Media: @LevelMindsCBD #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Rod Griffin. Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To educate listeners on fraud prevention, identity theft, credit management, and financial literacy. The conversation aims to empower individuals—especially those in underserved communities—to take control of their financial health using tools and resources provided by Experian. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Fraud & Identity Theft Awareness Identity theft is increasingly sophisticated, often driven by AI. Quote: “The currency of today isn’t necessarily cash—it’s information.” 2. Experian’s Role Experian is one of the three major credit bureaus. Offers tools for fraud detection, identity verification, and credit monitoring. Quote: “We help protect people from fraud and identity theft… and help them improve their financial lives.” 3. Understanding Credit Scores Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with categories from “Poor” to “Excellent.” Key factors: payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit, and recent activity. Quote: “Banks like people who are boring. Just pay the bills on time and keep balances low.” 4. Free Resources Free credit reports available weekly via AnnualCreditReport.com. Experian offers free monitoring, alerts, and FICO scores. Quote: “There’s no real reason to pay for a credit report today.” 5. Establishing & Rebuilding Credit Tools like Experian Go and Experian Boost help users build or rebuild credit using non-traditional data (e.g., rent, utilities, streaming services). Quote: “You can go from no credit history to having a report and score in the 630 range—in minutes.” 6. Financial Savviness Being financially savvy means controlling your money, not letting it control you. Use credit cards strategically for rewards and pay balances in full. Budgeting and goal-setting are essential. Quote: “Start from a goal perspective… What do you want to do in life?” 7. Insurance Savings Experian’s auto insurance marketplace helps users compare and save. Average savings: ~$800/year. Quote: “We’ll monitor for you… and tell you if we find a better rate.” 8. Practical Tips Audit monthly bills for hidden charges. Use loyalty programs and coupons to save on groceries and gas. Quote: “I shop so much I get free food… $6, $8, $9 savings add up.” 🧠 Final Message Rod Griffin emphasizes that financial literacy is about empowerment. By understanding your credit, using available tools, and setting clear goals, you can take control of your financial future. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.