The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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 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

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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!
Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cassandra Lester.
🔹 Purpose of the Interview
The interview serves three main purposes:
1. Promote Access to Opportunity
Highlight Grow Give Prosper, Lester’s nonprofit focused on financial literacy and economic mobility
Publicize free Google Career Certificate scholarships for underserved communities
2. Educate on Financial Literacy
Emphasize the importance of credit, income, and financial decision-making
Break down real-world applications of financial literacy
3. Inspire Community Action
Encourage individuals to take control of their financial future
Demonstrate how grassroots leadership can drive community transformation
👉 Overall purpose:
Bridge the gap between financial literacy and economic opportunity—especially in underserved populations.
🔹 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Financial Literacy Is About Understanding, Not Status
Financial education is not tied to education level or profession.
Even highly educated individuals lack financial literacy.
“Financial education doesn't matter who you are… it's a matter of accessibility.”
👉 Insight:
The real issue is access and awareness, not intelligence.
2. “Grow, Give, Prosper” = Collective Economic Empowerment
Lester’s nonprofit is rooted in a community-first philosophy: Grow together
Give to each other
Prosper collectively

“I want us to grow together so that we can give… and then prosper as a collective.” [
3. Google Partnership Creates Life-Changing Access
Free certifications in high-demand tech fields:
Cybersecurity
Data analytics
Digital marketing & e-commerce
IT support
Project management
UX design

Program details:
Free (scholarship-based)
3–6 months
No prior experience required
Includes a job-ready portfolio

“You don’t have to have an Ivy League education… to make a livable wage.”
👉 Impact:
Removes traditional barriers to high-income careers.
4. Access to Income Is the First Step to Financial Literacy
You cannot effectively manage money if income is insufficient.
“You can't talk about managing finances if you really don't have anything coming in.”
👉 Insight:
Earning potential = foundation of financial stability
5. Credit Matters—Ignore It at Your Own Risk
Credit affects:
Loans
Interest rates
Employment opportunities

Practical strategies:
Pay down debt consistently
Don’t close old accounts
Monitor credit regularly

“You better care about that credit score… that’s going to make the difference in your borrowing potential.” [
6. There Is No “Quick Fix”
Financial improvement takes: Consistency
Discipline
Long-term habits

“There is no magic bullet… you have to be consistent.” [
7. Grassroots Work Drives Real Impact
Lester promotes the program through: Community centers
Adult education classes
Social media
Direct outreach (“boots on the ground”)

“I’m trying to shout it from the rooftops… you don’t want to miss this opportunity.”
8. Mindset Change Is the Hardest Barrier
Many people: Resist financial discussions
Distrust programs
Feel stuck in survival mode

👉 Reality:
Transforming belief systems is as important as providing resources.
9. Personal Experience Fuels Her Mission
Lester overcame: Identity theft at a young age
Damaged credit early in life
Financial hardship

👉 Result:
Her work is driven by lived experience and empathy
“My credit had already been ruined… I was paying more for the same services.”
10. Opportunity Requires Commitment
The only barrier to entry: Personal accountability

“The only thing we require… is a commitment and a desire to want to do better.” [
🔹 Memorable Quotes On Community Wealth
“Grow together… give to each other… prosper as a collective.”
On Access
“Financial education… is a matter of accessibility.”
On Opportunity
“You don’t have to have an Ivy League education… to make a livable wage.”
On Credit
“You better care about that credit score.”
On Consistency
“There is no magic bullet.” [
On Urgency
“You don’t want to miss this opportunity.” [
On Income First
“You can't talk about managing finances if you don’t have anything coming in.”
On Commitment
“All you need is a commitment to yourself.”
🔹 Bottom Line
This interview is a practical, community-focused blueprint for economic mobility, centered on:
✅ Free access to in-demand careers
✅ Financial literacy as a life skill
✅ Income growth as a starting point
✅ Discipline and consistency
✅ Empowerment through education
✅ Community-driven change
Core message:
👉 Opportunity exists—but you must commit, learn, and act to transform your life.
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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!Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cheryl McKissack Daniel.
Topic: Legacy, resilience, and entrepreneurship of the McKissack family, as detailed in the book The Black Family Who Built America.
Cheryl shares the powerful story of her family's 230-year legacy in architecture and construction, making McKissack & McKissack the oldest minority woman-owned professional design and construction firm in the U.S. The conversation explores themes of generational resilience, Black excellence, business strategy, and personal growth.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
Highlight the McKissack family’s historical and cultural impact on American infrastructure and Black entrepreneurship.
Promote the book The Black Family Who Built America as a record of legacy and inspiration.
Inspire small business owners and entrepreneurs with lessons on perseverance, succession planning, and self-identity.
Address the importance of preserving Black history in the face of cultural erasure.
🔑 Key Takeaways 🏗️ Legacy & Impact
McKissack & McKissack has contributed to major U.S. infrastructure projects like: Barclays Center
JFK Terminal One
LaGuardia Airport
Penn Station
Lincoln Financial Field

“We are the fifth generation. Right. And we're Black in America.”
📚 Historical Significance
The family legacy began with Moses McKissack, who was enslaved and later became a builder.
Cheryl’s ancestors were the first licensed Black architects in America (licenses 117 and 118 in Tennessee).
“They became the first Black licensed architects in America… and helped get licensed in 22 other states.”
💼 Business Wisdom
Cheryl emphasizes the importance of: Succession planning
Understanding both technical and political buyers
Building relationships before you need them

“You better have that relationship before you need it.”
🧠 The 5 Ps of Family Resilience
Perseverance
Persistence
Preparedness
Purpose
Prayer
“Sometimes you do get up in the morning and you say it's not for me… You have to come back and meditate on the fact that you're a winner.”
🧘‍♀️ Personal Growth & Mental Health
Cheryl discusses overcoming stress, rediscovering herself after a difficult marriage, and the importance of meditation.
“Being yourself is what we're talking about… I recognize that I am currently feeling stressed out. So what do I need to do?”
👩‍👧‍👧 Women in Leadership
Cheryl’s mother took over the business after her father’s stroke, despite societal barriers.
“She only knew the telephone number to the office at that time… but she knew deep inside that she wanted to hold on for the fifth generation.”
🎥 Representation & Media
The book and Cheryl’s story aim to counteract negative portrayals of Black people in media and history.
“You may not have known about Black excellence. You just ignored it. But we exist.”
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Black people built America. Now, that's the point we're making here.”
“You have to say the opposite to yourself. And you have to put one foot in front of the other.”
“This book is a receipt to say we are around. We have a foundation. We're not going anywhere.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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 Robert Fitzpatrick.
A Navy veteran, business consultant, fraternity brother (ΩΨΦ), and now the owner reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue legacy. The conversation dives deeply into Fitzpatrick’s upbringing, his father’s groundbreaking barbecue business in 1950s Texas, his educational and military journey, his corporate career, and his decision to launch Dewey’s Barbecue Market in Skokie, Illinois—honoring his father’s original recipes and values.
The interview blends entrepreneurship, legacy, cultural history, and personal transformation, while highlighting the courage of Fitzpatrick’s father and the humility and faith-driven foundation of his family.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Inspire entrepreneurship and legacy-building
Fitzpatrick’s story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.
2. Highlight resilience, faith, and leadership
His upbringing in a household rooted in Christian humility, strong expectations, and boundary-breaking courage provides a blueprint for character-driven success.
3. Educate listeners on transitioning careers
Fitzpatrick exemplifies pivoting from engineering and corporate consulting to pursuing passion-driven entrepreneurship.
4. Promote Dewey’s Barbecue Market
The interview introduces the Chicago-area community—especially the Skokie region—to his upcoming restaurant built on a 70-year-old Texas barbecue tradition.
Key Takeaways 1. A powerful family legacy rooted in courage
Fitzpatrick’s father, Dewey, opened a barbecue restaurant in 1951—before desegregation—and insisted that Blacks and whites could eat together.
He enforced respect and safety in his establishment, even confronting racist patrons.
2. Education was non-negotiable in the Fitzpatrick household
Robert is the youngest of seven siblings, all college graduates; five hold master’s degrees.
He himself holds an MBA and an MS in Management Information Systems.
3. A bridge between technology and business
Fitzpatrick spent decades in consulting with major firms (EDS, Dell, Arthur Andersen, KPMG) focusing on business process improvement.
His dual MS/MBA made him a translator between tech and finance.
4. Military discipline shaped his personal and professional life
Served in the U.S. Navy from 1986–1990, plus reserve duty (including deployment to Iraq).
Balanced military service with graduate studies and advancing his corporate career.
5. A calling to revive his father’s barbecue
His wife recognized his talent early, telling him for years he should be barbecuing.
A shortage of good Texas barbecue in Virginia pushed him to recreate his father’s recipes.
6. Skokie, Illinois: the ideal launchpad
After moving to the Great Lakes Naval Base area for a federal role, Fitzpatrick began scouting locations.
Skokie offered: active support from city leadership
grants
an ideal building
community enthusiasm

7. Dewey’s Barbecue Market offerings
Meats: brisket, sausage, hot links, smoked boudin (monthly special)
Sides: potato salad (egg/mayo base), pineapple vinegar coleslaw, fried okra, smoked pinto beans
Desserts: apple cobbler, blueberry cobbler, sweet potato pie, possibly fried pies
Bread: sliced “light bread” for dipping—traditional Texas style
Experience: dine-in with 60s–80s “feel-good” music
8. A commitment to doing things the right way
Fitzpatrick refuses to launch unless he can deliver “the best product on the planet.”
Focuses on simplicity, authenticity, and quality.
Notable Quotes About his father and legacy
“He said anybody who wants to eat here can eat here.”
(His father defying segregation laws in the 1950s.)

“I can call an undertaker or an ambulance. Which one do you prefer?”
(Dewey enforcing respect from a belligerent white customer.)

“That was my barbecue.”
(On being raised around his father’s legendary pit.)

About family and humility
“We are firmly rooted in Christ. If you try to get too big, He has a way of humbling you.”

“Seven kids, all with degrees… that’s normal to you. But we know that’s not normal.”
(McDonald highlighting the family’s extraordinary achievement.)

About his calling
“If I didn’t think I was bringing the best product on the planet, I wouldn’t even do it.”

“My wife tasted the barbecue and said, ‘This is what you need to be doing.’”

About launching in Skokie
“They really want me to be there… the economic development team didn’t treat it like just another restaurant.”
Short 3–5 Sentence Summary (For Quick Use)
In his interview with Rushion McDonald, Robert Fitzpatrick shares his journey from Navy veteran and Fortune 500 consultant to entrepreneur reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue. He describes growing up with a courageous father who defied segregation in 1951 by serving Black and white customers together, and a family culture steeped in education, discipline, and humility. Fitzpatrick’s passion for barbecue and encouragement from his wife led him to bring his father’s 70-year-old recipes to Skokie, Illinois through Dewey’s Barbecue Market. The interview emphasizes legacy, faith, courage, and the pursuit of purpose.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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 Tremayne Thompson
Summary of Tremayne Thompson's Interview with Rushion McDonald
Thompson discussed his entrepreneurial journey from concert promotion in Chicago to establishing a thriving venue in Birmingham, Alabama, and later expanding into the Atlanta market. Throughout the conversation, he emphasized faith, service, community engagement, resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of mentorship in business.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview was intended to:
Share the entrepreneurial journey behind The Perfect Note.
Highlight the importance of community-driven business practices.
Discuss how entertainment, food, and culture can create meaningful experiences.
Provide lessons on business ownership, leadership, and perseverance.
Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams while remaining committed to service and excellence.
Key Takeaways 1. Build Around Service, Not Profit
One of Thompson's strongest messages was that his business was never built solely to make money. Instead, it was created to serve people, provide memorable experiences, and create a place where adults could enjoy music, food, and fellowship.
2. Faith Guided the Business Journey
Thompson repeatedly credited faith and spiritual guidance for helping him and his wife navigate challenges, including economic uncertainty, growth decisions, and the pandemic.
3. Start Small and Do the Work
The Perfect Note began with humble roots. Thompson and his wife personally set up tables and chairs, decorated venues, handled operations, and tore everything down after events. Their success came from hands-on commitment and consistency.
4. Adaptability Creates Survival
During COVID-19, when many businesses struggled to remain open, Thompson and his wife pivoted quickly. They transformed their operation into a parking lot food service model, maintaining customer relationships and supporting employees during a difficult time.
5. Community Support Drives Long-Term Success
By serving the community during challenging periods, The Perfect Note earned lasting goodwill. Thompson believes that businesses that genuinely support people often receive that support back many times over.
6. Mentorship Is Essential
Thompson advised aspiring entrepreneurs to seek guidance from people who have already navigated the challenges of business ownership. Learning from experienced mentors can help avoid costly mistakes and accelerate growth.
7. Create Experiences, Not Transactions
The Perfect Note's success comes from providing more than food or music. It offers an environment where people connect, celebrate, build relationships, and create lasting memories.
8. Continuous Learning Matters
Before entering the restaurant business, Thompson intentionally worked at Waffle House to learn kitchen operations and food preparation. He stressed the importance of understanding every aspect of a business before investing in it.
Notable Quotes
"Our purpose is to be able to have grown folks something for them to continue to still do."
A reflection of The Perfect Note's mission to provide a quality entertainment experience for mature audiences.
"It wasn't motivated by making money. It was motivated by serving."
Perhaps the most powerful statement in the interview, highlighting the philosophy behind the business.
"When we knew how to serve, the money came."
A lesson that sustainable success often follows value creation and community impact.
"When this is over, how you've reached out to the community, they're going to reach back out to you."
His description of how community support helped the business survive and thrive after the pandemic.
"Always get a mentor, somebody who has been in it."
Advice to entrepreneurs about seeking guidance before and during business ownership.
"Information is free. I don't own it."
A statement reflecting his belief in sharing knowledge and helping others succeed.
"Go all in or go home."
His summary of the commitment required to build a successful business.
Bottom Line
Tremayne Thompson's interview is a powerful story of entrepreneurship, faith, perseverance, and community leadership. His journey demonstrates that long-term business success is built on service, relationships, adaptability, and a willingness to do whatever work is necessary to achieve a vision. Through The Perfect Note, Thompson and his wife have created more than a venue—they have built a cultural gathering place that brings people together through food, music, and meaningful experiences.
#STRAW #BEST #SHMS
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.