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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

#SHMS

 

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

#SHMS

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

---

📝 Summary of the Interview

Miko Branch shares the inspiring journey of building Miss Jessie’s, a premium hair care brand for curly hair, alongside her late sister Titi Branch. The brand was born at their kitchen table in Brooklyn and named after their paternal grandmother, Jessie Mae Branch. Miko discusses the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in product development, and how Miss Jessie’s became a trusted name in the textured hair care industry. The conversation highlights the brand’s commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their natural hair and the evolving trends in beauty and self-expression.

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase the entrepreneurial journey behind Miss Jessie’s.
• To highlight the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in building a brand.
• To discuss the impact of natural hair acceptance and evolving beauty standards.
• To inspire listeners with a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.

---

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Authentic Beginnings

• Miss Jessie’s was founded in a Brooklyn brownstone at the kitchen table.
• Inspired by their grandmother Jessie Mae Branch, who was the first female CEO they ever saw.
• Quote: “She ran her family from her kitchen table.”

2. Product Innovation

• First product: Curly Pudding—a game-changer for curly hair.
• Products are designed for all textured hair types: wavy, curly, kinky, transitional, and multicultural.
• Quote: “We just try to come up with a solution to be helpful.”

3. Education is Key

• Miss Jessie’s provides detailed information on hair types and how to use products.
• The website includes guides for identifying hair texture and selecting the right products.
• Quote: “Information and communication is key to success.”

4. Social Media & Word of Mouth

• Early growth came from chat forums and word-of-mouth before social media existed.
• Social media is now an additional platform to connect and educate customers.
• Quote: “Way before social media, women were chatting and spreading the word.”

5. Inclusivity & Representation

• Products are for everyone—men, women, children, and all ethnicities.
• Focus on embracing natural beauty and rejecting outdated beauty ideals.
• Quote: “Hair has no color… we’re all looking for solutions.”

6. Salon as R&D Hub

• Their salon served as a testing ground for product development and customer feedback.
• Quote: “We built our business in the salon… it became our R&D and testing ground.”

7. Natural Hair Movement

• Natural hair is no longer a trend—it’s a cultural shift.
• Seen on public figures like Oprah and Michelle Obama.
• Quote: “Natural hair is preferred… it’s how people want to express themselves.”

---

💬 Notable Quotes

• “We started our business in our brownstone at our kitchen table.”
• “We didn’t go to business school—we went to Jessie Mae Branch’s kitchen.”
• “Curly Pudding did everything it said it was going to do.”
• “We realized our work was not finished—we had to educate.”
• “Natural hair is not a trend—it’s here to stay.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

---

📝 Summary of the Interview

Miko Branch shares the inspiring journey of building Miss Jessie’s, a premium hair care brand for curly hair, alongside her late sister Titi Branch. The brand was born at their kitchen table in Brooklyn and named after their paternal grandmother, Jessie Mae Branch. Miko discusses the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in product development, and how Miss Jessie’s became a trusted name in the textured hair care industry. The conversation highlights the brand’s commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their natural hair and the evolving trends in beauty and self-expression.

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase the entrepreneurial journey behind Miss Jessie’s.
• To highlight the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in building a brand.
• To discuss the impact of natural hair acceptance and evolving beauty standards.
• To inspire listeners with a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.

---

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Authentic Beginnings

• Miss Jessie’s was founded in a Brooklyn brownstone at the kitchen table.
• Inspired by their grandmother Jessie Mae Branch, who was the first female CEO they ever saw.
• Quote: “She ran her family from her kitchen table.”

2. Product Innovation

• First product: Curly Pudding—a game-changer for curly hair.
• Products are designed for all textured hair types: wavy, curly, kinky, transitional, and multicultural.
• Quote: “We just try to come up with a solution to be helpful.”

3. Education is Key

• Miss Jessie’s provides detailed information on hair types and how to use products.
• The website includes guides for identifying hair texture and selecting the right products.
• Quote: “Information and communication is key to success.”

4. Social Media & Word of Mouth

• Early growth came from chat forums and word-of-mouth before social media existed.
• Social media is now an additional platform to connect and educate customers.
• Quote: “Way before social media, women were chatting and spreading the word.”

5. Inclusivity & Representation

• Products are for everyone—men, women, children, and all ethnicities.
• Focus on embracing natural beauty and rejecting outdated beauty ideals.
• Quote: “Hair has no color… we’re all looking for solutions.”

6. Salon as R&D Hub

• Their salon served as a testing ground for product development and customer feedback.
• Quote: “We built our business in the salon… it became our R&D and testing ground.”

7. Natural Hair Movement

• Natural hair is no longer a trend—it’s a cultural shift.
• Seen on public figures like Oprah and Michelle Obama.
• Quote: “Natural hair is preferred… it’s how people want to express themselves.”

---

💬 Notable Quotes

• “We started our business in our brownstone at our kitchen table.”
• “We didn’t go to business school—we went to Jessie Mae Branch’s kitchen.”
• “Curly Pudding did everything it said it was going to do.”
• “We realized our work was not finished—we had to educate.”
• “Natural hair is not a trend—it’s here to stay.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

---

📝 Summary of the Interview

Miko Branch shares the inspiring journey of building Miss Jessie’s, a premium hair care brand for curly hair, alongside her late sister Titi Branch. The brand was born at their kitchen table in Brooklyn and named after their paternal grandmother, Jessie Mae Branch. Miko discusses the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in product development, and how Miss Jessie’s became a trusted name in the textured hair care industry. The conversation highlights the brand’s commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their natural hair and the evolving trends in beauty and self-expression.

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase the entrepreneurial journey behind Miss Jessie’s.
• To highlight the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in building a brand.
• To discuss the impact of natural hair acceptance and evolving beauty standards.
• To inspire listeners with a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.

---

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Authentic Beginnings

• Miss Jessie’s was founded in a Brooklyn brownstone at the kitchen table.
• Inspired by their grandmother Jessie Mae Branch, who was the first female CEO they ever saw.
• Quote: “She ran her family from her kitchen table.”

2. Product Innovation

• First product: Curly Pudding—a game-changer for curly hair.
• Products are designed for all textured hair types: wavy, curly, kinky, transitional, and multicultural.
• Quote: “We just try to come up with a solution to be helpful.”

3. Education is Key

• Miss Jessie’s provides detailed information on hair types and how to use products.
• The website includes guides for identifying hair texture and selecting the right products.
• Quote: “Information and communication is key to success.”

4. Social Media & Word of Mouth

• Early growth came from chat forums and word-of-mouth before social media existed.
• Social media is now an additional platform to connect and educate customers.
• Quote: “Way before social media, women were chatting and spreading the word.”

5. Inclusivity & Representation

• Products are for everyone—men, women, children, and all ethnicities.
• Focus on embracing natural beauty and rejecting outdated beauty ideals.
• Quote: “Hair has no color… we’re all looking for solutions.”

6. Salon as R&D Hub

• Their salon served as a testing ground for product development and customer feedback.
• Quote: “We built our business in the salon… it became our R&D and testing ground.”

7. Natural Hair Movement

• Natural hair is no longer a trend—it’s a cultural shift.
• Seen on public figures like Oprah and Michelle Obama.
• Quote: “Natural hair is preferred… it’s how people want to express themselves.”

---

💬 Notable Quotes

• “We started our business in our brownstone at our kitchen table.”
• “We didn’t go to business school—we went to Jessie Mae Branch’s kitchen.”
• “Curly Pudding did everything it said it was going to do.”
• “We realized our work was not finished—we had to educate.”
• “Natural hair is not a trend—it’s here to stay.”

#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 Lamar Tyler.

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Lamar Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey, the growth of his platform Traffic, Sales & Profit (TSP), and to share actionable insights for Black entrepreneurs on building scalable, profitable businesses from side hustles.

---

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Branding with Purpose

• Lamar emphasizes the importance of clear, relatable branding.
• His previous brand, Black and Married with Kids, succeeded because the name instantly resonated with its audience.
• Quote:

“If they can hear the name, they can see it and say, ‘Hey, that’s for me.’”

---

2. Side Hustle to Main Hustle

• Most Black entrepreneurs start businesses while working full-time jobs.
• Success requires treating the side hustle like a real business from day one.
• Quote:

“There is no perfect time. The time to get started is now.”

---

3. Consistency & Growth

• TSP’s first event in 2016 had only 47 attendees, half of whom came for free.
• Growth came from consistency and listening to the community.
• Quote:

“Sometimes all you need is confirmation.”

---

4. Customer Experience & Branding

• Inspired by Disney’s “unexpected touchpoints,” Lamar expanded branding beyond the event space to include the hotel exterior and even airport baggage claim.
• Quote:

“We brand everything from the lobby to the pool… to make it feel like home.”

---

5. Faith & Execution

• Faith plays a central role in Lamar’s business philosophy.
• He encourages entrepreneurs to act on the opportunities they pray for.
• Quote:

“You pray to get the opportunity, now you want to do all the work too.”

---

6. Scaling vs. Growing

• Growth increases revenue and expenses; scaling increases revenue without proportional expense growth.
• TSP Scale is a new event focused on helping businesses reach this level.
• Quote:

“Scale is where the real money comes in.”

---

7. Lever-Driven Growth System

• Lamar outlines systems for:
  • Proposal processes
  • Upselling
  • Referral systems
  • Creating experiences that justify premium pricing
• Quote:

“If you create an experience around what you do, you can charge two, three, four times more.”

---

8. Platform & Community

• Lamar transitioned from doing all the speaking to empowering others in his community.
• He believes in giving others a platform to grow.
• Quote:

“Too many artists try to hold on too tight… and miss out on the blessing.”

---

🌟 Notable Guests & Surprises at TSP Events

• Surprise appearances by Magic Johnson, Issa Rae, Master P, Jermaine Dupri, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
• Quote:

“If you want to be it, you need to see it.”

---

📍 Event Details

• New Event: TSP Scale
• Location: Atlanta Westin Gwinnett, Gwinnett County, GA
• Website: TSPScale.com

---

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Lamar Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey, the growth of his platform Traffic, Sales & Profit (TSP), and to share actionable insights for Black entrepreneurs on building scalable, profitable businesses from side hustles.

---

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Branding with Purpose

• Lamar emphasizes the importance of clear, relatable branding.
• His previous brand, Black and Married with Kids, succeeded because the name instantly resonated with its audience.
• Quote:

“If they can hear the name, they can see it and say, ‘Hey, that’s for me.’”

---

2. Side Hustle to Main Hustle

• Most Black entrepreneurs start businesses while working full-time jobs.
• Success requires treating the side hustle like a real business from day one.
• Quote:

“There is no perfect time. The time to get started is now.”

---

3. Consistency & Growth

• TSP’s first event in 2016 had only 47 attendees, half of whom came for free.
• Growth came from consistency and listening to the community.
• Quote:

“Sometimes all you need is confirmation.”

---

4. Customer Experience & Branding

• Inspired by Disney’s “unexpected touchpoints,” Lamar expanded branding beyond the event space to include the hotel exterior and even airport baggage claim.
• Quote:

“We brand everything from the lobby to the pool… to make it feel like home.”

---

5. Faith & Execution

• Faith plays a central role in Lamar’s business philosophy.
• He encourages entrepreneurs to act on the opportunities they pray for.
• Quote:

“You pray to get the opportunity, now you want to do all the work too.”

---

6. Scaling vs. Growing

• Growth increases revenue and expenses; scaling increases revenue without proportional expense growth.
• TSP Scale is a new event focused on helping businesses reach this level.
• Quote:

“Scale is where the real money comes in.”

---

7. Lever-Driven Growth System

• Lamar outlines systems for:
  • Proposal processes
  • Upselling
  • Referral systems
  • Creating experiences that justify premium pricing
• Quote:

“If you create an experience around what you do, you can charge two, three, four times more.”

---

8. Platform & Community

• Lamar transitioned from doing all the speaking to empowering others in his community.
• He believes in giving others a platform to grow.
• Quote:

“Too many artists try to hold on too tight… and miss out on the blessing.”

---

🌟 Notable Guests & Surprises at TSP Events

• Surprise appearances by Magic Johnson, Issa Rae, Master P, Jermaine Dupri, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
• Quote:

“If you want to be it, you need to see it.”

---

📍 Event Details

• New Event: TSP Scale
• Location: Atlanta Westin Gwinnett, Gwinnett County, GA
• Website: TSPScale.com

---

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Lamar Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey, the growth of his platform Traffic, Sales & Profit (TSP), and to share actionable insights for Black entrepreneurs on building scalable, profitable businesses from side hustles.

---

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Branding with Purpose

• Lamar emphasizes the importance of clear, relatable branding.
• His previous brand, Black and Married with Kids, succeeded because the name instantly resonated with its audience.
• Quote:

“If they can hear the name, they can see it and say, ‘Hey, that’s for me.’”

---

2. Side Hustle to Main Hustle

• Most Black entrepreneurs start businesses while working full-time jobs.
• Success requires treating the side hustle like a real business from day one.
• Quote:

“There is no perfect time. The time to get started is now.”

---

3. Consistency & Growth

• TSP’s first event in 2016 had only 47 attendees, half of whom came for free.
• Growth came from consistency and listening to the community.
• Quote:

“Sometimes all you need is confirmation.”

---

4. Customer Experience & Branding

• Inspired by Disney’s “unexpected touchpoints,” Lamar expanded branding beyond the event space to include the hotel exterior and even airport baggage claim.
• Quote:

“We brand everything from the lobby to the pool… to make it feel like home.”

---

5. Faith & Execution

• Faith plays a central role in Lamar’s business philosophy.
• He encourages entrepreneurs to act on the opportunities they pray for.
• Quote:

“You pray to get the opportunity, now you want to do all the work too.”

---

6. Scaling vs. Growing

• Growth increases revenue and expenses; scaling increases revenue without proportional expense growth.
• TSP Scale is a new event focused on helping businesses reach this level.
• Quote:

“Scale is where the real money comes in.”

---

7. Lever-Driven Growth System

• Lamar outlines systems for:
  • Proposal processes
  • Upselling
  • Referral systems
  • Creating experiences that justify premium pricing
• Quote:

“If you create an experience around what you do, you can charge two, three, four times more.”

---

8. Platform & Community

• Lamar transitioned from doing all the speaking to empowering others in his community.
• He believes in giving others a platform to grow.
• Quote:

“Too many artists try to hold on too tight… and miss out on the blessing.”

---

🌟 Notable Guests & Surprises at TSP Events

• Surprise appearances by Magic Johnson, Issa Rae, Master P, Jermaine Dupri, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
• Quote:

“If you want to be it, you need to see it.”

---

📍 Event Details

• New Event: TSP Scale
• Location: Atlanta Westin Gwinnett, Gwinnett County, GA
• Website: TSPScale.com

---

#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 Karla Trotman.

President and CEO of Electro Soft Incorporated, an electronics manufacturing and engineering firm. The discussion focused on breaking barriers for women and minority business owners in manufacturing and closing the racial wealth gap.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Redefining Manufacturing

• Manufacturing isn’t just industrial factories—it includes baking, cabinet-making, and assembling office furniture.
• Trotman’s company specializes in electronics assembly, wiring harnesses, and circuit board manufacturing.

Challenges in Domestic Manufacturing

• U.S. manufacturing has been outsourced overseas, making it difficult to bring production back.
• Policies supporting domestic manufacturing must include workforce training and component production.

Workforce Development & Training

• Many trade schools and apprenticeship programs are growing to meet demand.
• Electro Soft trains employees within 90 days to work in electronics assembly.

Closing the Racial Wealth Gap

• Wealth transfer is hindered by lack of financial planning, such as GoFundMe funerals and unclear property titles.
• Entrepreneurship and business ownership are key to building generational wealth.

Acquiring Businesses as a Path to Wealth

• Minority entrepreneurs should buy existing businesses rather than starting from scratch.
• Many retiring business owners are willing to finance deals, allowing buyers to use business profits to pay off acquisitions.

📘 About Karla Trotman
Karla Trotman is a third-generation entrepreneur who took over her family’s business, Electro Soft Incorporated. She has a background in logistics, purchasing, and e-commerce, with experience at Honeywell, Gap, and IKEA.

She is also the author of Dark, Dirty, Dangerous, a book about manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and wealth-building strategies.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

 

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.