September 16, 2025 • 49 mins
When your brand explodes, the culture has questions: equity, ownership, and that tired “sellout” label. Melvin joins Rodney and Travis to unpack the difference between selling out and leveling up, the art of partnering without losing your soul, and how strategic capital can accelerate impact—and generational wealth.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's Rodney Williams, co founder of The Wealth Break. Listen.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
I know firsthand that building wealth can feel like everyone's
playing a game you never got the rules for good
information usually locked behind paywalls full of fine print, or
shared in conversations we're never invited to. That's exactly why
we created The Wealth Break. It's way more than a podcast.
(00:24):
It's a whole platform dedicated to making wealth building transparent,
real and accessible to everyone. Want the inside stories, the
secrets successful people actually use, and those exclusive gems you
won't find anywhere else. It's all here. Tap into our
growing community. Soak up those insights and get clear, actionable
(00:46):
strategies you can apply right now.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
No secrets, no gatekeepers, just real talk for real wealth.
Don't let anyone keep you from getting with yours.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Visit the wealthbreak dot com today and start changing the
game for yourself.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Welcome to the Wealth Break.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
This is where we unlock stories of financial success, pushing,
breaking down odds, being yourself, and then doing it in
a way which we hope closes the wealth gap.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
We're back and this is the Wealth Break. I'm Rodney
Williams and I'm Travis Holloway. Today we have.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
An incredible, incredible guest. Thank you Melvin for joining us.
Before we dive in, we're sitting what's the one who's
built a legendary billion dollar beauty brand. Co founder of
my Organics, Melvoln Rodriguez went from kitchen formula to the
billion dollar empire, from going viral and TikTok to national
debates on cultural ownership, to being an incredible husband and
(02:09):
father and being a testament to many.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
This is the wealth break. Welcome Melvioln Fellas, Fellas, thanks
for having me. Man, listen, it's it's a distinct honor
and first and foremost, man, I just want to say,
I'm proud of both of you all. Man, you all
are doing extraordinary things, and I want you all to
know that I see you, we see you, and I
(02:32):
believe the best is you have to come for sure.
Thank you for that. Thank you, thank you.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
It's been a pleasure to have your support, and it's
been a pleasure to see you guys' journey as a family.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Because you don't, you don't let the story must be told.
The story must be told because definitely not untold.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
And I remember when I first hearing that and then
for it to just be continued, to re reinforce.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
It's something that I say to other people when you
are mentioned.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
So that's incredible, Brandon, many reason because I'm like, the
story I gotta.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
Be told, absolutely. And you know what's what's unique about
that as I as I it was given to me
many many years ago during what I'll call one of
our darkest moments and losing our son Milan at birth.
And and at that time it was it was as
(03:21):
you can imagine as a you know, as a dad,
it was just it was just heartbreaking. And so during
my time of meditation and prayer, you know, God literally
spoke it over to me, and when he revealed to
me that he wasn't going to put me and Monique
and our family three anything we couldn't bear and it
was his will and his will shall be done, and
that we were required to let go. And and in
(03:43):
that moment, you know, when God told me this is
that I got a whisper. And I tell people all
the time, sometimes you got to be steeled so that
God can whisper to you. And whisper came and it
stated increase, increased, prosperity, The story must be told and
it's not just about our story, our stories, but it's
(04:07):
His story, which is the greatest story to ever be told.
We're just vessels, and you begin to realize how we're
being used by God for his glory, because He gets
the glory in every single thing, every face, hit of
our lives. And oftentimes we don't keep that in mind
and we don't live according to those principles. And when
(04:30):
it hit me from that moment forward and I actually
got a trademark. Story must be told. The story must
be told because what it does not just for me
and the brand Mael, but it also encourages others to
be open and understanding the requirement of them to tell
their stories. Because guess what in scripture says that once
shall overcome by one testimony. And so when I see
(04:51):
your story, long your story, I see and understand what
you've gone through, and I look at myself and saying, wow, well,
Rodney and Travis, they they've been through this as well,
and it's like they were able to overcome those obstacles.
Why not me? Right? And then it all goes back
to God because God is going to continue to bless us.
(05:14):
So that stuck with me, man like even to this day, man,
I'm always the story must be told and it's huge
man in storytelling.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
Yeah, I mean you branded it well because in my
every time I see you, that's literally what I think about.
And you know, for the audience, you haven't. This faith
isn't new success, right, But from the moment that I met.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
You and Monique, from the beginning, you all have always been,
you know, giving God the glory and you know, the
faith was always you know, a very foundational aspect of
you all and how you.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Were building your business.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
So it's always been very authentic and I appreciate that.
And like Rodney said, it's been amazing to watch the
journey from when we first all met each other to
where you all are now, even where we are now,
and it's it's exciting as who will headed right because
the story isn't over either, right, So listen.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Man, we you know when we see it, we can't
don see it. And the idea when I think about
for example, you know, you think about rich you know,
Richard Lou Dennis and the exposure that all of us
were blessed and fortunate, and what to to obtain is
just being in his presence and seeing how he navigated
(06:27):
things and what he's obviously doing now and the reason
he's able to do to things now was because of
the things he did then to be in this particular position.
But that's exposure for all of us to say, wow,
we I mean we the skalhold the same, like the
struggles the same. So again, now that I see that,
I am that more on fire right to go after
(06:51):
my dreams and desires that I have one hundred percent.
So you know, let's reflect back to.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
That you've built with Mayau and we'll love for the
folks watching in to just talk about the story.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Yeah. So it's interesting and it's always a great feeling
to even talk about the story Mayo, because Mayo was
birthed out of pain, as I mentioned and talked about
briefly at the opening, with our losing our son Milan,
and with that pain, Mayo was born or coming out
of that pain, Maya was born, and it was a
(07:30):
moment back in twenty thirteen, So August ninth, twenty thirteen
was when he was born, and he was born with
severe brain injury and as a result of that locks
of oxygen, you know, he you know, ended up having
to pass on after six months of battling this situation
and obviously my wife, she's heartbreaking. I'm heartbreaking, and for
me as the head of the household, I just honestly
(07:54):
wanted to see Monique smile again. I mean because she
was terrified. I mean, you know, every single day, it
was just it was heartbreaking, and I just wanted her. Listen, Monique,
I got you. I want you to focus on you.
I want you to focus on your dreams and whatever
that is. And I'm here to support and I think
about whatever it was you you desire as a child,
(08:18):
I want you to focus on that. And what that
was for her was just health and science. It was beauty.
I mean she was always into all things beauty, and
so what she would do early on was just literally
while social media was in this early stages, She'll go
on there posting pictures, She'll go on there as more
of a micro beauty influencer. She'll be in the kitchen
(08:39):
mixing things in avocado and what have you. And she's
just educating, educating, educated woman because she understood that most
black women don't understand.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Right, So speak clear, not beauty background, right, professional exactly,
So exactly, you didn't have a beauty background either.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
No no, no do listen, and I had no desire
to tap into beauty here care for me. I was
an engineer by trade and you know, had the hoop
dreams as a kid. So at no point that I
desired to tap into beauty.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Right.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
I fell into it by way of as a husband
supporting my wife. Right. And then I began to love
what I do in beauty, which I had no plans for,
which is which is interesting with how God works, right
and so anyhow, to make a long story short, Monique
began to build a unique loyal following at the micro
(09:31):
stage to where people began to engage with her because
she was a choiced source because she was educated in
helping science. She prior to my ol, she was a
labor and delivery nurse for eight and a half nine years,
so she had that level of educational expertise that allowed
her to speak to an audience to where they would
want to listen and receive. And so anyhow, as she
(09:52):
began to educate educated, at one point there was she
had a lightbulb moment where a custumer goes, Monique, where
can I find your prom We're like we don't have
any product. But it was a light bulb moment that
maybe this was something God was trying to show us.
And so anyhow, got in the lab, get up with
a chemists, and we created one single product, which was
(10:13):
our mint almond oil that we still sell to this day.
It was a simple formula, right, and we got it produced.
We started out with about two thousand bottles. We launched
it May twenty third, twenty fourteen, the website and prior
to that, Monique had built up so much consumer anticipation
leading up to the launch to where day one, literally
every bond that we had was so sold out. And
(10:36):
so from there we began to tap into other skills
as well, and by the time you know, twenty fifteen
came around, we had inquiries from retailers, right, And so
mind you we're all DTC and you know, but we
go from you know, hundreds of thousands that particular year
to now several millions the following year, right. But it
(10:59):
all just started, honestly, just from her tapping into her
desires and wants in life.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
At what point along that journey, and honestly, the entire journey,
we always talk about the point where entrepreneurs find themselves
in just a tough financial position. Right, great product, great company,
Money is on the way, but money isn't necessarily here. Right,
How did you guys go through?
Speaker 1 (11:26):
What was that story? You know, it's similar to most
black entrepreneurs. We have lack of funding, lack of resources,
lack of expertise, but we have a great idea. And
you know, for us, as I mentioned earlier, I was
an engineer. I worked at UPS for just about nineteen
twenty years since high school. She was a label delivery nurse,
(11:48):
and so we had obviously some sorts of funds from
our corporate career, but not enough, and so we did bootstrap,
you know, for many years based on what we had.
But at some point along the journey, the lack of
access to capital that the business needed caught up with us.
(12:09):
And so there were times to where I could think
year four where we were operating in the red. You know,
you're looking in the banking account, you're negative, but you're
still out, you're still promoting, you're still serving, you're still smiling.
But on the back end, you're like, this is our reality.
But what it taught us was that if God gave
(12:33):
you this vision, and I supported this vision, and the
Bible says, where two or three gathered, this shall be done.
And we're required and able to hold God accountable to
his word, for his word is to be true. We
know that we're going to stand on that by faith.
We don't know how we're gonna get there, we're going
to how we're gonna get it, as read, but by
faith we'll figure this out. So anyhow, we had experienced that,
(12:55):
and so you know, we went out to you know,
going up different bangs and seeking lines of credits and well,
not today, and the business isn't there yet, you know,
well not we get it. Nose, You get in these nose,
You get in these nose and until we founally got
one yes with Key Bank based in Ohio. They extended
(13:15):
us a line of credit. But I tell people this
all the time. The things that you don't know and
you continue to operate on what you don't know, begin
to catch up with you. And so we were utilizing
the line of credit to market the business versus line
of credit typically was you know, earmark for inventory and
(13:36):
and so on and so forth, and then you know,
you pay it down, you know, once you're paid on
and so forth. But for us, it was like we
needed for everything, all things business, inventory, payroll, everything, right,
we needed, you know, all that and so but again
you're you know, you're at a place where you have
to do what you have to do because you're what
I call survival mode. And it ties back to how
(13:57):
most black families live and survival mode. We're not taught
to thrive, and so we're surviving. But that survival mindset
caught up with us to the point where we were
two and a half three million in the red and
so now it's how do we get out of this?
And we're sending it back and now it's I feel
like it's all on me because I'm the man, I'm
(14:19):
the husban, I'm the head of the household to figure
this out in silence. And I had begun to realize
that my suffering and silence was going to not only
hurt me, my wife, my children, but our community and
those that are coming after us. So I had to
make a decision to do with the Bible tells us
you have not because you action not. And I raised
(14:40):
my hand a call Rich told him everything, true story,
and he laughed at me. He said I've been there,
and he said, say less, it was just like that. Wow,
it was just like that. When he came in, they
took a look at where we were injected capital and
the rest was history, right, because then and we were
(15:00):
able to stabilize the business from a cash flow perspective,
the bank was satisfied, and then we were on the
path to growth. We were able to focus on growth.
And the point in articulating that is that oftentimes, as
black people and black men in general, we just like
to figure it out. I'm gonna figure it out. I'm
good the business. I'm gonna figure it out. But it's
(15:22):
like you're not figuring it out, and at some point
it's gonna come to a head to where you about
to go out of business, right, right, even though you're growing, right,
which is the craziest thing, right, Like you're growing, selling,
you're selling, growing ourselves out of business. You're growing yourself
out of business. And so that taught me the blessing
(15:45):
of being vulnerable, because my vulnerability as a black man
became the path to us building this billion dollar business victory. Right.
And so it taught me resilience, It taught me worship,
and it taught me it's okay that you don't know,
but it's not okay to not keep knowing right, And
(16:08):
so then it's like coming out of that, surround yourself
with people in areas that are smarter than you that
you're not because you can't do it all. You know,
that burden that men take on, or the burden and
entrepreneurs take on.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
Like you, you know what I'm saying, Like you feel
like you got to fix it, you feel like and
then you also you feel like you can't tell anyone
about it. I swear that it almost it felt like
it was about to take me out because inside I'm
angry because I'm trying. I'm trying. I'm trying and trying.
It's not working out, and honestly, I don't know when
it happened. Of like you know what, I don't know.
(16:47):
I need help. I'm just gonna I'm just gonna ask
for help and we're gonna I'm not gonna figure it out.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
I'm going to say I don't know how. I don't
have audience, you know, see the significant other who expects
you to have answers.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
I'm going to actually admit I don't know completely yet
and I know that's going to scare everybody. But I remember,
like I started to like open up a bit when
I started to say, I don't know realistically, And it
might not have saved my relationship at the time. I'm
the only one that's not merrit, but it definitely saved
my heart. It saved my mind because I was I
(17:22):
was we was down. Were not bad here not the company?
Speaker 1 (17:27):
Yeah? So yeah, love man.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
So before we get to like the glory days, right,
like exit wealth. A lot of particularly in our communities,
there's oftentimes this notion of I just want to build
it myself. I don't want to give up any ownership.
I don't want to give up any equity. I want
one hundred percent. And there's this notion that I can
just do it myself or I should just do it myself.
(17:52):
And you all booststrapped in the early days, and then
you got to this point where raise your hand, you
ask for help, and then you got an injection of
capital to help you build your business. And I would
love for you to kind of give your experience of
doing it both ways, right, And what did raising money
or investors do for you to exonerate your business that
(18:13):
you think you might not have been able to do otherwise,
because that is the notion of our community.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
Don't give up equally own one hundred percent of it.
And Jim No, and I I understand where that comes
from in terms of the mindset of oppression and limited
minded thinking and not thinking big or dreaming big because
of the environments that many of us grow from, right,
(18:40):
which is a power exposure, because some of us allow
our current situations to determine our tomorrow and what success
looks like for us based on what we see within
our environments. But for us, we started Mael with an
end goal in mind to where we ourselves so that
(19:02):
God could use us for greater scale that would impact
nations and generations to come. And so obviously, starting out,
we understood that we had to have all the skin
in the game, as you think about sweat equity, so
that we can learn the game and then we can
teach the game. But Ible says, to reach one, teach one,
(19:23):
But I can't teach you if I don't know this,
right and so, but we always understood that our knowledge
together as a unit was only going to take us
so far, and that in order for us to scale,
we would need help. And so now when you think
about equity and the notion of black owned business, which
(19:46):
is it's a wonderful tagline, you know, to carry black
on right, but if you think about it and full transparency,
we're the only culture that puts a time idol as
it relates to our culture name business. You don't hear
Caucasian owned business in Filipino. You don't hear that, but
(20:08):
it's us. But I understand where it comes from. But
I also understand in business, you can own one hundred
percent of nothing or one percent of something, right, and
that just business one on one. And so you could
be black owned in the urban community, but you're not growing.
(20:29):
You could create something that you will say you will
pass down for generations to come, but really not be
passing down anything. And so for us, we understood that
we had to reject ourselves, even if it's required to
give up some shares of our company. If understanding the
end goal was that wealth creation that got the abundance
(20:51):
that God was going to bless us with at some
point will fundamentally impact nations and generations to come. And
so for us, it's not about keeping it within the
black community, right We're still black. Nothing's changed about that.
But it's the idea of in order for us to
have and create things we've never had, we have to
(21:14):
take certain risks to do things we've never done, which
is being able to partner with others to help us
realize this dream at scale.
Speaker 3 (21:24):
Right, what's probably bringing you to like a good question
around this whole concept of selling out right, we saw
Rich go through it with shame, moisture, we saw you
all go through it.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
We've seen others go through it.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
And you're talking about kind of rejecting that notion in
the beginning, because the end goal should be to sell, right,
the end goal should be to create wealth and then
be able to leverage that wealth to have an impact
that's much greater than you know you can imagine. And
(22:00):
I've seen those who have gone through this process of
acquisition be demonized by the culture, and as someone who's
now going through that and observed it from others that
we all know, what are your thoughts on that?
Speaker 1 (22:16):
Yeah, you know, first and foremost it is truly heartbreaking, painful,
and all the above you could you could you could
ever imagine. But I understand, I understand the crab in
a barrel mindset. I understand that within our communities oftentimes
(22:39):
when businesses or scale businesses isn't normalized in our communities. Yeah,
it's almost like it's unbelievable, and it's it's almost like
you don't deserve that. I supported you when you were
here at the early stage, growth stage, but now you're
at scale. I can't comprehend because I really don't understand.
(23:02):
Skille don't see scale and you don't deserve that, right,
And it's the mindset to where now you feel like
you're better than me, you're big, but that's not the case.
And so again we understand, and we've always understood what
success persecution was to follow. But we also understood that
(23:26):
in order for us to work to reverse the curse
on our communities, to break those chains, to change the
narrative of the thinking, someone had to take that risk.
Because where there's no risk, there's no story to be told,
no story to be told to generations to come. And
(23:47):
what we always understood was that our children, me and
Mackenzie were counted on us, our communities were counted on us,
and the generations to come. So we said yeah, yes,
we said yes to scale. We said yes to wealth,
not just financially, but wealth in our thinking and our mindset.
(24:11):
And as painful as it is to whereas you feel
like you almost have a silent agreement with the black community,
it's like a silent agreement, and the agreement is that
you can only get this far. May tell you, hey, Travers, Rodnie,
shoot for the stars because the sky is a limit.
(24:34):
And I've never abided to that narrative, because God tells me,
he gives me no limitations. He tells me all things
are possible. So you're telling me the skuy's my limit.
You give me limitations, You're speaking limitations of my life.
So within our communities, we live a life with limitations.
We don't think outside the box. And so the narrative
(24:57):
of you're now apported you mayel was birth within the
black community, and now you sold, you are sellout. No,
it's not selling now. It is scaling up, it is
leveling up. It is doing things that the others have
always done to create wealth, generational wealth, creating generational inheritances
(25:20):
for years to come that will supersed our lifetime. And
we deserve to do that too. We deserve to have
and build in the Hamptons. We deserved whatever that is
you desire in your life. But we've always understood that
the nine to five was it going to get us there.
And it's no shade to that, because what's for you
is for you. But we had a different goal in
(25:41):
mine because we wanted to be in position so that
we could reach one teach want to put others in position. Obviously,
(26:08):
this is.
Speaker 5 (26:08):
A wealth break and for the audience, no matter how
you think, scale and acquisition and growth and what you
do after is the differentiator amongst building wealth.
Speaker 1 (26:20):
I would love to know.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
I remember two stories, and I remember one story being
Enrich's wine cellar, and I remember you were talking some
big stuff and I was like, I said, are you
a billionaire?
Speaker 1 (26:33):
And you said, yeah. I don't think you were a
billionaire yet, But that's not the point. Maybe you were.
Speaker 2 (26:42):
You've always had a mindset of the billion I'm going
to create this billion dollar thing, and you had it
before you got it. But when did you know it
was on the way, Like what was the gap between Like,
all right, I've been talking about it for a while,
it's here.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
Yeah, So I would say, honestly, Rodney, for me, I've
always dreamed. I've even as a little kid, as a child.
You know, Monique and I obviously been knowing each other
since we're twelve thirteen years old, and as teenagers we
would drive around nice neighborhoods and we'll get out the
(27:20):
car and see these beautiful homes and saying, wow, one day,
someday soon we would do those things. We would literally
do those things and really tap into what God has
blessed us with, which is to be able to speak
to things that are not as though they were speaking
to our future. We speak whatever that is we're desiring.
And we've been that way for many, many years. And
(27:43):
so at the time in the cellar, we weren't there,
but we knew we would be there. And we understood
that as long as we continue to fulfill the required
requisites for us to get there, being consistent, serving, sticking
with it's staying with it, and understanding that our persistence
(28:04):
would break down any form of resistance that comes our way,
nothing could stop us from getting there. And so, and
this mindset, it's the power of the mind and so
and so we had that and even even at many
years ago, in richest seller, we will proclaim that and
so What happens is you begin to work towards that, right,
because now that's this goal is here, here's here's the
(28:25):
number one to get to. Right, We're not there yet.
We got work to do. We gotta keep going. We're
still not there yet. Right, What do I got to do?
Speaker 2 (28:32):
Now?
Speaker 1 (28:32):
I got to brainstorm. I gotta figure this out with
my team. We need more, we need we need Okay, Rich,
this is where I'm at. Helped me like it's those
because now this is why it's important to set up
attainable goal, right, even it may feel unattainable, set that
goal and work towards it. And so because I've understood
that if I fail to plan, I'm just failing. I'm
just going through the motion, right, But I'm now working
(28:54):
towards something which oftentimes in business, for a lot of
black entrepreneurs were just in business with no goal in mind.
And so what happens is it stifles us and it
keeps us just honestly running in place versus running forward.
Speaker 2 (29:11):
You know, I see that as a common thread honestly
amongst successful entrepreneurs that actually accomplish it, is that, I mean,
their sailing is way higher than what you can see
and you get proclaimed as like your delusion or you're like, how,
I mean, look at.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
Look at Elon Musk. I mean, look at Elon Must.
I mean to call it delusion, called whatever it is,
but whatever it is that's in his head and how
he's able to see things. Yeah, ten fifteen twenty only
like and almost speaking into existence right, Like you know,
people talk about manifesting, but there's also something about just
(29:48):
like putting them blinders on and even though you think
I'm crazy, I'm gonna show you that I'm not right,
and it's you'll look up three years, five years later,
and now people are using the Internet from side of
lights in remote areas.
Speaker 3 (30:01):
Now people are driving autonomous cars and vehicles. It is
amazing to watch. I do want only because we've said
this name so many times, being rich and Richard ludnnis
who I know that there's been a lot of negative
things said in the news recently, which really pisses me off.
Speaker 1 (30:20):
Quite frankly.
Speaker 3 (30:21):
We talk about what it means to create something for yourself,
but then throw that ladder back down and ensure that
other people can make it to where you're at. I
think he embodies that and realizing that like, I don't
know many black led businesses that are probably worth one
hundred million dollars or more that he hasn't either directly helped,
directly invested in, or has been supportive of. And you know,
(30:44):
to take an essence and then and bring that back
black owned invest in your business, invest in our business,
you have an exit. He has an exit that trickles
down to now you're an investor in us and so
many others like be from Honeypot and the guys from Squad,
Like he's supported all of us. And this narrative that
you know, because of his African lineage and descent, that
(31:08):
there's no relationship with black culture, like we are African
Americans who have directly benefited from his support. And I
just want to make sure that that narrative gets nipped
in the butt because it's insane.
Speaker 1 (31:21):
On the flip side of that, it's like he is
giving you the blueprint, and you're giving us a further
blueprint of what it looks like to continue to be
supportive as we as we go along our journey.
Speaker 3 (31:32):
So one day when our cong are, our day comes
and we have an exit, because that is the goal.
Speaker 1 (31:38):
You know, we're able to continue to pass that torch.
Speaker 3 (31:42):
And I just think that that's so important, being someone
who's gotten, who's seen scrutiny amongst others in this community.
Like can you tell us, like how that how that
feels right? Because it is like the culture can turn
your back.
Speaker 1 (32:01):
Yeah, in the flesh when you think about it, especially
when you operate with the intentions to serve, to truly
wanting to help and wanting to help to see all win, right,
because when one win the ideas, we all win. And
when I see it, it taps into the blessing of
(32:24):
exposure because I can't be what I don't see. And
so now when I'm able to see things like of
a rich Lou Dennis, I'm grateful to God for rich
Lou and what he's done because now it allows me
to see the things that are possible that I did
not think were many years ago. And so when you
work so hard to create things that aren't normalized in
(32:46):
our communities, right, I grew up in a single parent
household my father and watched him struggling, and he grew
up struggling. And it's and that cycle is so common
in our communities, and it's the idea to where we
don't have to continue to struggle as black people financially, physically, emotional.
(33:07):
We don't have to, but we choose to. We choose
to want to create these negative narratives and these negative
bandwagons for me to jump on. And but what are
you doing? Because if here's the thing, if God before me,
what can be against me? So in the flesh it hurts,
but what it did for me, it strengthened me. It
(33:29):
gave me more resilience. It encouraged me to go that
much harder. Because here's what I begin to understand. Those
that came to harm me were only hurting themselves. And
I understand that hurt people, hurt people. I refuse to
allow them to hurt me because if God has blessed me,
has put me in position to help put them in position.
(33:51):
And if they choose to not want to get in
a better position, that is the life that they choose.
But I am encouraged that they're someone that is seeking
to get to a higher place in their lives. And
if I'm able to do what Rich did for us
and all of us, and and we're able to normalize that,
(34:13):
that's wealth, right, that is that is transferable wealth because
what we call it is this cut cut. God has
given us the blessing the ideas to create, to create,
to innovate, right, and then once we understand that we
and we believe in it. I believe I have faith
in what God has given me, the idea to create.
(34:35):
Now it's he said, well, faith with our works is dead.
So now I'm gonna I'm gonna work. I'm gonna unlock
this creativity. I'm gonna lock it. I'm gonna I'm gonna
grow it, blood, sweat, and tears and whatever that is
and alone the way success comes and scrutiny comes. But
I'm gonna remain steadfast and resilience, right because I understand
on the other side of this journey becomes my victory
(34:57):
that will impact nations. And so no, now, once you
accomplish that, whatever those goals are, now what the blessing
to transfer, it becomes transferable cut cut. So now I'm
transferring to Rodney and Travis and many others and so
on and so forth. Because the things that we that's legacy.
That's legacy because when it's all said and done, what
(35:20):
have you really done? Yeah, it's so crazy, because what
you're really what you're really talking about at the end
of the day, is like you just articulated a journey,
and most people stop when it gets at the scrutiny.
They stop when it gets hard, they scott when they
are card delusional that they stop when they stop too soon,
(35:41):
cut them, they cut the sealing off too soon. We
as people have to push through that part. Yeah, we
gotta support each other, hold onto each other.
Speaker 2 (35:51):
But that's the part that I that I see so
many entrepreneurs fall short or get discouraged to push through,
Like this is the moment, this is.
Speaker 1 (36:00):
The moment you was almost waiting for. Yeah, one hundred percent.
Speaker 3 (36:04):
What was that feeling like when that deal got done
and you know, you know, you'll never have to think about.
Speaker 1 (36:12):
It so well, even even prior to like their parking
and gamble. But if I go back a year and
a half prior to that, when we hit the market
post our you know, investment with rich new voices, and
then we scaled and then we had you.
Speaker 3 (36:28):
Know, is it the moment Yeah, yeah, the kitchen of
riches in LA because that deal had just happened.
Speaker 1 (36:35):
Yeah, yes, And I ain't never seen the smile so big.
Speaker 4 (36:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (36:37):
Yeah, So that was yeah, yeah, so you're right, you're right, Yeah,
you're right. And so so that was post that announcement.
And so when we here's the thing, we understood that
many private equity firms did not believe black entrepreneurs could
(37:00):
scale profitable businesses, right, And so being that we were
doing that post our assistance with Richard New Voices, we
made the decision to talk to well over sixty five
private equitive firms. It was tursome, it was gruesome, but
we did it, and we did it unapologetically, and we
(37:23):
did it because we wanted them to see us. And
so because quite frankly, at that time, we did not
need them, right. What we needed was their access, their expertise,
not their money, right, and so and we needed them
to be able to help us to further the scale
of the business. And so we spoke to our sixty
(37:45):
five firms, we narrowed down to the top three and
then we obviously ended up partnering with Berkshire Partners based
out of Boston, and which was a historical nine figure
plus none controlling all second day every deal. And what
does that mean? That means here's a black owned business
that secured a nine figure non controlling which means we
(38:09):
maintained majority ownership at that time, which means and then
the secondary what is that? What secondary is that every
single dollar went to us personally, nothing went to the
business because, as I mentioned, the business did not need capital.
So why would they do that? Because they trusted us,
they believed in the vision, they sawhow we operated. They
(38:30):
were able to trust the financials right moment and morning
tine knew what they were doing. And so for them,
it's how can we go along for the ride because
we see a quick path to exit. And so a
year and a half later post that deal, obviously, and
even prior to that, you talk about the filling. I
(38:51):
called Rich right away and I was in tears. I
can't tell you, man, I was in tears. Man, it
was just it was a it was a proud moment.
And I called him first. I didn't I'm like, I'm
not going to car ridge a car Rich, And we
just rejoiced man for like half hour on the phone
and just just like reflecting and all that we went through.
And he reminded me of when we were in that
(39:14):
tough spot two and a half three million, a hole
and think about if you didn't raise your hand. And
for me, it's like this is what we struggled with,
and so many of us, as black men in particular,
we leave this life with like we leave this life
of so much left behind because we kept doing it
(39:36):
our way, the ego, the pride. You see what I'm saying.
And it's like when I learned to reject myself and
just be vulnerable, be honest, right, And it was a
simple and it's a simple things in its life that
we continue to make so difficult as black men, as entrepreneurs.
So that moment was extremely mad, it was humbling, it
was a proud moment, and we celebrated. And in that moment,
(39:58):
you know the idea to like Monique and I I'll
share what you all. We set our parents down and
it was a proud moment to sure this. They didn't
know what's going on, Like we literally we we brought
them over to the house and we're like, it's an emergency.
You got to get here right away. You got to
get here, man. And I had opened up one of
my fire I think I had a bottle streaming eagle.
(40:19):
It's been sitting there waiting. They had a screaming egle
bottle and I'm like, open it up. I'm like, just
have a glass. My dad and I just had. They
were nerves in the kitchen, like what is going on? Like,
you know, are you guys hearing the divorce? What's going on?
What happened? And my dad he's pacing, he's pacing, he's just,
oh my god. And I told him, I said, I
need you to drink this glass. I said, keep drinking.
(40:39):
He going for it because he nervous then, and I
said that sitting down look at me, I said, you know,
I said, Dad, look at me. And my wife's mamas
are lethal. I need both of you all look at me.
And I said, listen to me. Bible says that your
latter years shall become your greater years, and I'm here
(41:00):
to confirm that financially. And I'm gonna say that financially,
but for the rest of your lives, you have no
financial worries. Financially. I can't speak to every putting inferences
on it because I understand, like, I know you come
from the struggle, and I know you liking with money.
(41:20):
But but I'm gonna be gonna bring grace Stewart's but
here's what we've been blessed with at this stage of
our business and are as a result of that and
arnoring you all, we will bless you for the rest
of your lives financially. That was the greatest feeling that's
I could ever and my dad fell to his knees,
(41:41):
got the praying, speaking and tongue everything. But it was
a powerful moment because my dad Monique's mom it felt
so unbelievable. Even to this day, it's like, son, it's
I had to always Dad, stop saying unbelievable because your
son never thought that way. I don't think that way,
(42:03):
but I understand. It's like coming from the projects, you know,
you this isn't really but how that moment was just
I mean, that moment, man, was everything. That's incredible.
Speaker 3 (42:14):
So now now that you bought the Watchers, you bought
the cars, you bought the homes, what's most important to you?
Speaker 1 (42:21):
Now? You know what's most important, Travis, is the legacy
we create that's geared around wisdom. Because for me, at
this point in my life, I have no interest in
conversation or my doings if it is not geared around
(42:42):
wealth creation. Thereof and so it's it's the idea of
where I know both our children and they're sponges and
they see mommy and daddy, and so for us, it's
the idea of continuing to be great parents and preparing
our children and to be great stewards of wealth when
(43:02):
they are inheriting at some point, but more importantly, that
they could do it their way and on their terms,
and that they don't have to struggle like their parents
or grandparents did. Right. They have that start like many
have had, and the idea to where they will be
able to impact generations to come and you keep that
(43:23):
cycle going. So for us, it's it's it's that and honestly, man,
just continuing to grow our relationship with God, right because
we understand we're still young. I'm forty three and we
have a long life to live, and I just want
to live a life with just you know, great health,
just a sound, clear mind, and the material things you
(43:44):
know are wonderful and great money is great, but money
is a tool, and for us it's wealth and its wisdom, man,
because I've always understood this. You can create and build wealth,
but if that wealth is not tied to purpose, it's
just paper, right, And so for us the idea to
where we're continuing to grow in that space and learning
(44:06):
that space and continue to be students of this life
so that we're great stewards and that's really that awesome.
Speaker 3 (44:14):
Before we get out of here, I wanted to give
you a chance to talk a little bit about the
bus Code, right, So a faith based podcast that you started,
just wanted to give you an opportunity to talk about
where that came from and where.
Speaker 1 (44:25):
People can find it. And in division for the studios
absolutely well. So obviously with the Blessed Code, it was
a seamless integration idea I had coming from beauty and
so when I created Stay Blessed Studios, the idea was
to where I wanted to create a male grooming space
(44:47):
that I felt that was missing in our communities in
terms of affordable luxury and experience in an environment to
where when you come in there, you're proud, you're appreciative,
you're grateful. Then the conversations that I have my barbers
have intentionally with their clients to where it's life, it's
(45:08):
not gossip, it's purposeful, and it's the idea to where
every man that leaves this shop will not leave the
same because when they understand it's founding, the story behind it,
its significance and the investment that has been put in
here for us, the idea that you would do that
for yourself and others. Then also too, I've created to
(45:29):
where I'm allowing black businesses to advertise in our shop.
So I have all these nice monitors throughout the shop.
Even in the restroom has a nice large TV mirror
to where you'll sign up on our site and you
can run ads in the shop. And the idea is
is listen, the Bible says you build it, they shall come,
And so I've created something that they extraordinary in terms
(45:49):
of luxury. You never know who may step foot and
see this offering in Stay Blest Studios. So that's the idea.
And then from there I wanted to add more because
I felt there was a gap within black men because
I was living in that gap in terms of ego
and pride and all the weight, carrying all the weight
(46:10):
on my shoulders as a black man, I you know,
just going back from what we dealt with for our
son and being two going to half three million a
hole and I'm carrying this weight as a black man,
and I'm figuring in all those things, right, it's a
weight that we carry that we don't have to carry.
And I begin to understand that, and I also begin
to realize a black man's vulnerability shall become a path
(46:32):
to his victory. A black man can't heal what he
don't reveal. And so the idea to create a space
to where we're gonna talk about it, We're gonna really
talk about it. And when they see us talk about it, wow,
that show touched them. Wow. Okay, so the Blessed code.
It's a blessing to think this way. And so there's
(46:53):
a cold that many of us don't live up under.
And so by these conversations, you got to de cold
greatness within black men, one conversation at a time and
full transparency. And so the black then the Blessed co
was born.
Speaker 3 (47:08):
Fantastic. I was blessed to be a part of it
season one. I was season one. So thank you for
that great conversation. And where can they find that out?
Speaker 1 (47:16):
So if you go on obviously YouTube, any any streaming
app spotify, you know the podcast of course, I mean
where every words, it's growing organically, It's been well received.
It's been touching many lives. In fact, Mark Barbera here
in Miami, Nelly, and it touched me to my core.
And he stated after he watched the episode with Lanny
(47:38):
Smith that after twenty three years, he picked up the
phone and called his father. Wow, after twenty three years,
and I said, that's why the Blessed cod was born,
because that's impact. That's incredible. And I told Landay that
was like, brother, you have no idea by you being
vulnerable and sharing what you had been through it to
(48:00):
someone else. And I guarantee you it's touch many that
may have me shared it and so you know, and
for me, I'm invested in it and in whatever comes
from it. But for me it's ichologists. How can I
continue to do my part as best I can? Yeah, well,
this has been an incredible conversation. I mean from cut,
(48:20):
it's cut.
Speaker 2 (48:21):
See you U T see you T create understanding, create
unlocked transfer. I say that to say the car to
action is that, yeah, cut create unlock transfer. It's been
an absolute pleasure, Melvine. Thank you so much. Thank you
again and again and again. It's a rap and this
(48:42):
is the wealth break. Thanks for listening.
Speaker 1 (48:49):
Everyone.
Speaker 2 (48:50):
The hosts of The Wealth Break are Me, Rodney Williams,
and Travis Holloway. If you want to stay connected, follow
us at the wealth Break on all plats, and be
sure to visit the wealthbreak dot com for additional resources
to help you on your journey to building wealth. Our
executive producers are Ryan Marx and Malik Soka, with Meredith
(49:12):
Barnes as our supervising producer.
Speaker 1 (49:15):
Catch you next time on the Wealth Break
It's Rodney Williams, co founder of The Wealth Break. Listen.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
I know firsthand that building wealth can feel like everyone's
playing a game you never got the rules for good
information usually locked behind paywalls full of fine print, or
shared in conversations we're never invited to. That's exactly why
we created The Wealth Break. It's way more than a podcast.
(00:24):
It's a whole platform dedicated to making wealth building transparent,
real and accessible to everyone. Want the inside stories, the
secrets successful people actually use, and those exclusive gems you
won't find anywhere else. It's all here. Tap into our
growing community. Soak up those insights and get clear, actionable
(00:46):
strategies you can apply right now.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
No secrets, no gatekeepers, just real talk for real wealth.
Don't let anyone keep you from getting with yours.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Visit the wealthbreak dot com today and start changing the
game for yourself.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Welcome to the Wealth Break.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
This is where we unlock stories of financial success, pushing,
breaking down odds, being yourself, and then doing it in
a way which we hope closes the wealth gap.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
We're back and this is the Wealth Break. I'm Rodney
Williams and I'm Travis Holloway. Today we have.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
An incredible, incredible guest. Thank you Melvin for joining us.
Before we dive in, we're sitting what's the one who's
built a legendary billion dollar beauty brand. Co founder of
my Organics, Melvoln Rodriguez went from kitchen formula to the
billion dollar empire, from going viral and TikTok to national
debates on cultural ownership, to being an incredible husband and
(02:09):
father and being a testament to many.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
This is the wealth break. Welcome Melvioln Fellas, Fellas, thanks
for having me. Man, listen, it's it's a distinct honor
and first and foremost, man, I just want to say,
I'm proud of both of you all. Man, you all
are doing extraordinary things, and I want you all to
know that I see you, we see you, and I
(02:32):
believe the best is you have to come for sure.
Thank you for that. Thank you, thank you.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
It's been a pleasure to have your support, and it's
been a pleasure to see you guys' journey as a family.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Because you don't, you don't let the story must be told.
The story must be told because definitely not untold.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
And I remember when I first hearing that and then
for it to just be continued, to re reinforce.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
It's something that I say to other people when you
are mentioned.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
So that's incredible, Brandon, many reason because I'm like, the
story I gotta.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
Be told, absolutely. And you know what's what's unique about
that as I as I it was given to me
many many years ago during what I'll call one of
our darkest moments and losing our son Milan at birth.
And and at that time it was it was as
(03:21):
you can imagine as a you know, as a dad,
it was just it was just heartbreaking. And so during
my time of meditation and prayer, you know, God literally
spoke it over to me, and when he revealed to
me that he wasn't going to put me and Monique
and our family three anything we couldn't bear and it
was his will and his will shall be done, and
that we were required to let go. And and in
(03:43):
that moment, you know, when God told me this is
that I got a whisper. And I tell people all
the time, sometimes you got to be steeled so that
God can whisper to you. And whisper came and it
stated increase, increased, prosperity, The story must be told and
it's not just about our story, our stories, but it's
(04:07):
His story, which is the greatest story to ever be told.
We're just vessels, and you begin to realize how we're
being used by God for his glory, because He gets
the glory in every single thing, every face, hit of
our lives. And oftentimes we don't keep that in mind
and we don't live according to those principles. And when
(04:30):
it hit me from that moment forward and I actually
got a trademark. Story must be told. The story must
be told because what it does not just for me
and the brand Mael, but it also encourages others to
be open and understanding the requirement of them to tell
their stories. Because guess what in scripture says that once
shall overcome by one testimony. And so when I see
(04:51):
your story, long your story, I see and understand what
you've gone through, and I look at myself and saying, wow, well,
Rodney and Travis, they they've been through this as well,
and it's like they were able to overcome those obstacles.
Why not me? Right? And then it all goes back
to God because God is going to continue to bless us.
(05:14):
So that stuck with me, man like even to this day, man,
I'm always the story must be told and it's huge
man in storytelling.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
Yeah, I mean you branded it well because in my
every time I see you, that's literally what I think about.
And you know, for the audience, you haven't. This faith
isn't new success, right, But from the moment that I met.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
You and Monique, from the beginning, you all have always been,
you know, giving God the glory and you know, the
faith was always you know, a very foundational aspect of
you all and how you.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Were building your business.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
So it's always been very authentic and I appreciate that.
And like Rodney said, it's been amazing to watch the
journey from when we first all met each other to
where you all are now, even where we are now,
and it's it's exciting as who will headed right because
the story isn't over either, right, So listen.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Man, we you know when we see it, we can't
don see it. And the idea when I think about
for example, you know, you think about rich you know,
Richard Lou Dennis and the exposure that all of us
were blessed and fortunate, and what to to obtain is
just being in his presence and seeing how he navigated
(06:27):
things and what he's obviously doing now and the reason
he's able to do to things now was because of
the things he did then to be in this particular position.
But that's exposure for all of us to say, wow,
we I mean we the skalhold the same, like the
struggles the same. So again, now that I see that,
I am that more on fire right to go after
(06:51):
my dreams and desires that I have one hundred percent.
So you know, let's reflect back to.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
That you've built with Mayau and we'll love for the
folks watching in to just talk about the story.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Yeah. So it's interesting and it's always a great feeling
to even talk about the story Mayo, because Mayo was
birthed out of pain, as I mentioned and talked about
briefly at the opening, with our losing our son Milan,
and with that pain, Mayo was born or coming out
of that pain, Maya was born, and it was a
(07:30):
moment back in twenty thirteen, So August ninth, twenty thirteen
was when he was born, and he was born with
severe brain injury and as a result of that locks
of oxygen, you know, he you know, ended up having
to pass on after six months of battling this situation
and obviously my wife, she's heartbreaking. I'm heartbreaking, and for
me as the head of the household, I just honestly
(07:54):
wanted to see Monique smile again. I mean because she
was terrified. I mean, you know, every single day, it
was just it was heartbreaking, and I just wanted her. Listen, Monique,
I got you. I want you to focus on you.
I want you to focus on your dreams and whatever
that is. And I'm here to support and I think
about whatever it was you you desire as a child,
(08:18):
I want you to focus on that. And what that
was for her was just health and science. It was beauty.
I mean she was always into all things beauty, and
so what she would do early on was just literally
while social media was in this early stages, She'll go
on there posting pictures, She'll go on there as more
of a micro beauty influencer. She'll be in the kitchen
(08:39):
mixing things in avocado and what have you. And she's
just educating, educating, educated woman because she understood that most
black women don't understand.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Right, So speak clear, not beauty background, right, professional exactly,
So exactly, you didn't have a beauty background either.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
No no, no do listen, and I had no desire
to tap into beauty here care for me. I was
an engineer by trade and you know, had the hoop
dreams as a kid. So at no point that I
desired to tap into beauty.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Right.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
I fell into it by way of as a husband
supporting my wife. Right. And then I began to love
what I do in beauty, which I had no plans for,
which is which is interesting with how God works, right
and so anyhow, to make a long story short, Monique
began to build a unique loyal following at the micro
(09:31):
stage to where people began to engage with her because
she was a choiced source because she was educated in
helping science. She prior to my ol, she was a
labor and delivery nurse for eight and a half nine years,
so she had that level of educational expertise that allowed
her to speak to an audience to where they would
want to listen and receive. And so anyhow, as she
(09:52):
began to educate educated, at one point there was she
had a lightbulb moment where a custumer goes, Monique, where
can I find your prom We're like we don't have
any product. But it was a light bulb moment that
maybe this was something God was trying to show us.
And so anyhow, got in the lab, get up with
a chemists, and we created one single product, which was
(10:13):
our mint almond oil that we still sell to this day.
It was a simple formula, right, and we got it produced.
We started out with about two thousand bottles. We launched
it May twenty third, twenty fourteen, the website and prior
to that, Monique had built up so much consumer anticipation
leading up to the launch to where day one, literally
every bond that we had was so sold out. And
(10:36):
so from there we began to tap into other skills
as well, and by the time you know, twenty fifteen
came around, we had inquiries from retailers, right, And so
mind you we're all DTC and you know, but we
go from you know, hundreds of thousands that particular year
to now several millions the following year, right. But it
(10:59):
all just started, honestly, just from her tapping into her
desires and wants in life.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
At what point along that journey, and honestly, the entire journey,
we always talk about the point where entrepreneurs find themselves
in just a tough financial position. Right, great product, great company,
Money is on the way, but money isn't necessarily here. Right,
How did you guys go through?
Speaker 1 (11:26):
What was that story? You know, it's similar to most
black entrepreneurs. We have lack of funding, lack of resources,
lack of expertise, but we have a great idea. And
you know, for us, as I mentioned earlier, I was
an engineer. I worked at UPS for just about nineteen
twenty years since high school. She was a label delivery nurse,
(11:48):
and so we had obviously some sorts of funds from
our corporate career, but not enough, and so we did bootstrap,
you know, for many years based on what we had.
But at some point along the journey, the lack of
access to capital that the business needed caught up with us.
(12:09):
And so there were times to where I could think
year four where we were operating in the red. You know,
you're looking in the banking account, you're negative, but you're
still out, you're still promoting, you're still serving, you're still smiling.
But on the back end, you're like, this is our reality.
But what it taught us was that if God gave
(12:33):
you this vision, and I supported this vision, and the
Bible says, where two or three gathered, this shall be done.
And we're required and able to hold God accountable to
his word, for his word is to be true. We
know that we're going to stand on that by faith.
We don't know how we're gonna get there, we're going
to how we're gonna get it, as read, but by
faith we'll figure this out. So anyhow, we had experienced that,
(12:55):
and so you know, we went out to you know,
going up different bangs and seeking lines of credits and well,
not today, and the business isn't there yet, you know,
well not we get it. Nose, You get in these nose,
You get in these nose and until we founally got
one yes with Key Bank based in Ohio. They extended
(13:15):
us a line of credit. But I tell people this
all the time. The things that you don't know and
you continue to operate on what you don't know, begin
to catch up with you. And so we were utilizing
the line of credit to market the business versus line
of credit typically was you know, earmark for inventory and
(13:36):
and so on and so forth, and then you know,
you pay it down, you know, once you're paid on
and so forth. But for us, it was like we
needed for everything, all things business, inventory, payroll, everything, right,
we needed, you know, all that and so but again
you're you know, you're at a place where you have
to do what you have to do because you're what
I call survival mode. And it ties back to how
(13:57):
most black families live and survival mode. We're not taught
to thrive, and so we're surviving. But that survival mindset
caught up with us to the point where we were
two and a half three million in the red and
so now it's how do we get out of this?
And we're sending it back and now it's I feel
like it's all on me because I'm the man, I'm
(14:19):
the husban, I'm the head of the household to figure
this out in silence. And I had begun to realize
that my suffering and silence was going to not only
hurt me, my wife, my children, but our community and
those that are coming after us. So I had to
make a decision to do with the Bible tells us
you have not because you action not. And I raised
(14:40):
my hand a call Rich told him everything, true story,
and he laughed at me. He said I've been there,
and he said, say less, it was just like that. Wow,
it was just like that. When he came in, they
took a look at where we were injected capital and
the rest was history, right, because then and we were
(15:00):
able to stabilize the business from a cash flow perspective,
the bank was satisfied, and then we were on the
path to growth. We were able to focus on growth.
And the point in articulating that is that oftentimes, as
black people and black men in general, we just like
to figure it out. I'm gonna figure it out. I'm
good the business. I'm gonna figure it out. But it's
(15:22):
like you're not figuring it out, and at some point
it's gonna come to a head to where you about
to go out of business, right, right, even though you're growing, right,
which is the craziest thing, right, Like you're growing, selling,
you're selling, growing ourselves out of business. You're growing yourself
out of business. And so that taught me the blessing
(15:45):
of being vulnerable, because my vulnerability as a black man
became the path to us building this billion dollar business victory. Right.
And so it taught me resilience, It taught me worship,
and it taught me it's okay that you don't know,
but it's not okay to not keep knowing right, And
(16:08):
so then it's like coming out of that, surround yourself
with people in areas that are smarter than you that
you're not because you can't do it all. You know,
that burden that men take on, or the burden and
entrepreneurs take on.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
Like you, you know what I'm saying, Like you feel
like you got to fix it, you feel like and
then you also you feel like you can't tell anyone
about it. I swear that it almost it felt like
it was about to take me out because inside I'm
angry because I'm trying. I'm trying. I'm trying and trying.
It's not working out, and honestly, I don't know when
it happened. Of like you know what, I don't know.
(16:47):
I need help. I'm just gonna I'm just gonna ask
for help and we're gonna I'm not gonna figure it out.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
I'm going to say I don't know how. I don't
have audience, you know, see the significant other who expects
you to have answers.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
I'm going to actually admit I don't know completely yet
and I know that's going to scare everybody. But I remember,
like I started to like open up a bit when
I started to say, I don't know realistically, And it
might not have saved my relationship at the time. I'm
the only one that's not merrit, but it definitely saved
my heart. It saved my mind because I was I
(17:22):
was we was down. Were not bad here not the company?
Speaker 1 (17:27):
Yeah? So yeah, love man.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
So before we get to like the glory days, right,
like exit wealth. A lot of particularly in our communities,
there's oftentimes this notion of I just want to build
it myself. I don't want to give up any ownership.
I don't want to give up any equity. I want
one hundred percent. And there's this notion that I can
just do it myself or I should just do it myself.
(17:52):
And you all booststrapped in the early days, and then
you got to this point where raise your hand, you
ask for help, and then you got an injection of
capital to help you build your business. And I would
love for you to kind of give your experience of
doing it both ways, right, And what did raising money
or investors do for you to exonerate your business that
(18:13):
you think you might not have been able to do otherwise,
because that is the notion of our community.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
Don't give up equally own one hundred percent of it.
And Jim No, and I I understand where that comes
from in terms of the mindset of oppression and limited
minded thinking and not thinking big or dreaming big because
of the environments that many of us grow from, right,
(18:40):
which is a power exposure, because some of us allow
our current situations to determine our tomorrow and what success
looks like for us based on what we see within
our environments. But for us, we started Mael with an
end goal in mind to where we ourselves so that
(19:02):
God could use us for greater scale that would impact
nations and generations to come. And so obviously, starting out,
we understood that we had to have all the skin
in the game, as you think about sweat equity, so
that we can learn the game and then we can
teach the game. But Ible says, to reach one, teach one,
(19:23):
But I can't teach you if I don't know this,
right and so, but we always understood that our knowledge
together as a unit was only going to take us
so far, and that in order for us to scale,
we would need help. And so now when you think
about equity and the notion of black owned business, which
(19:46):
is it's a wonderful tagline, you know, to carry black
on right, but if you think about it and full transparency,
we're the only culture that puts a time idol as
it relates to our culture name business. You don't hear
Caucasian owned business in Filipino. You don't hear that, but
(20:08):
it's us. But I understand where it comes from. But
I also understand in business, you can own one hundred
percent of nothing or one percent of something, right, and
that just business one on one. And so you could
be black owned in the urban community, but you're not growing.
(20:29):
You could create something that you will say you will
pass down for generations to come, but really not be
passing down anything. And so for us, we understood that
we had to reject ourselves, even if it's required to
give up some shares of our company. If understanding the
end goal was that wealth creation that got the abundance
(20:51):
that God was going to bless us with at some
point will fundamentally impact nations and generations to come. And
so for us, it's not about keeping it within the
black community, right We're still black. Nothing's changed about that.
But it's the idea of in order for us to
have and create things we've never had, we have to
(21:14):
take certain risks to do things we've never done, which
is being able to partner with others to help us
realize this dream at scale.
Speaker 3 (21:24):
Right, what's probably bringing you to like a good question
around this whole concept of selling out right, we saw
Rich go through it with shame, moisture, we saw you
all go through it.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
We've seen others go through it.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
And you're talking about kind of rejecting that notion in
the beginning, because the end goal should be to sell, right,
the end goal should be to create wealth and then
be able to leverage that wealth to have an impact
that's much greater than you know you can imagine. And
(22:00):
I've seen those who have gone through this process of
acquisition be demonized by the culture, and as someone who's
now going through that and observed it from others that
we all know, what are your thoughts on that?
Speaker 1 (22:16):
Yeah, you know, first and foremost it is truly heartbreaking, painful,
and all the above you could you could you could
ever imagine. But I understand, I understand the crab in
a barrel mindset. I understand that within our communities oftentimes
(22:39):
when businesses or scale businesses isn't normalized in our communities. Yeah,
it's almost like it's unbelievable, and it's it's almost like
you don't deserve that. I supported you when you were
here at the early stage, growth stage, but now you're
at scale. I can't comprehend because I really don't understand.
(23:02):
Skille don't see scale and you don't deserve that, right,
And it's the mindset to where now you feel like
you're better than me, you're big, but that's not the case.
And so again we understand, and we've always understood what
success persecution was to follow. But we also understood that
(23:26):
in order for us to work to reverse the curse
on our communities, to break those chains, to change the
narrative of the thinking, someone had to take that risk.
Because where there's no risk, there's no story to be told,
no story to be told to generations to come. And
(23:47):
what we always understood was that our children, me and
Mackenzie were counted on us, our communities were counted on us,
and the generations to come. So we said yeah, yes,
we said yes to scale. We said yes to wealth,
not just financially, but wealth in our thinking and our mindset.
(24:11):
And as painful as it is to whereas you feel
like you almost have a silent agreement with the black community,
it's like a silent agreement, and the agreement is that
you can only get this far. May tell you, hey, Travers, Rodnie,
shoot for the stars because the sky is a limit.
(24:34):
And I've never abided to that narrative, because God tells me,
he gives me no limitations. He tells me all things
are possible. So you're telling me the skuy's my limit.
You give me limitations, You're speaking limitations of my life.
So within our communities, we live a life with limitations.
We don't think outside the box. And so the narrative
(24:57):
of you're now apported you mayel was birth within the
black community, and now you sold, you are sellout. No,
it's not selling now. It is scaling up, it is
leveling up. It is doing things that the others have
always done to create wealth, generational wealth, creating generational inheritances
(25:20):
for years to come that will supersed our lifetime. And
we deserve to do that too. We deserve to have
and build in the Hamptons. We deserved whatever that is
you desire in your life. But we've always understood that
the nine to five was it going to get us there.
And it's no shade to that, because what's for you
is for you. But we had a different goal in
(25:41):
mine because we wanted to be in position so that
we could reach one teach want to put others in position. Obviously,
(26:08):
this is.
Speaker 5 (26:08):
A wealth break and for the audience, no matter how
you think, scale and acquisition and growth and what you
do after is the differentiator amongst building wealth.
Speaker 1 (26:20):
I would love to know.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
I remember two stories, and I remember one story being
Enrich's wine cellar, and I remember you were talking some
big stuff and I was like, I said, are you
a billionaire?
Speaker 1 (26:33):
And you said, yeah. I don't think you were a
billionaire yet, But that's not the point. Maybe you were.
Speaker 2 (26:42):
You've always had a mindset of the billion I'm going
to create this billion dollar thing, and you had it
before you got it. But when did you know it
was on the way, Like what was the gap between Like,
all right, I've been talking about it for a while,
it's here.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
Yeah, So I would say, honestly, Rodney, for me, I've
always dreamed. I've even as a little kid, as a child.
You know, Monique and I obviously been knowing each other
since we're twelve thirteen years old, and as teenagers we
would drive around nice neighborhoods and we'll get out the
(27:20):
car and see these beautiful homes and saying, wow, one day,
someday soon we would do those things. We would literally
do those things and really tap into what God has
blessed us with, which is to be able to speak
to things that are not as though they were speaking
to our future. We speak whatever that is we're desiring.
And we've been that way for many, many years. And
(27:43):
so at the time in the cellar, we weren't there,
but we knew we would be there. And we understood
that as long as we continue to fulfill the required
requisites for us to get there, being consistent, serving, sticking
with it's staying with it, and understanding that our persistence
(28:04):
would break down any form of resistance that comes our way,
nothing could stop us from getting there. And so, and
this mindset, it's the power of the mind and so
and so we had that and even even at many
years ago, in richest seller, we will proclaim that and
so What happens is you begin to work towards that, right,
because now that's this goal is here, here's here's the
(28:25):
number one to get to. Right, We're not there yet.
We got work to do. We gotta keep going. We're
still not there yet. Right, What do I got to do?
Speaker 2 (28:32):
Now?
Speaker 1 (28:32):
I got to brainstorm. I gotta figure this out with
my team. We need more, we need we need Okay, Rich,
this is where I'm at. Helped me like it's those
because now this is why it's important to set up
attainable goal, right, even it may feel unattainable, set that
goal and work towards it. And so because I've understood
that if I fail to plan, I'm just failing. I'm
just going through the motion, right, But I'm now working
(28:54):
towards something which oftentimes in business, for a lot of
black entrepreneurs were just in business with no goal in mind.
And so what happens is it stifles us and it
keeps us just honestly running in place versus running forward.
Speaker 2 (29:11):
You know, I see that as a common thread honestly
amongst successful entrepreneurs that actually accomplish it, is that, I mean,
their sailing is way higher than what you can see
and you get proclaimed as like your delusion or you're like, how,
I mean, look at.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
Look at Elon Musk. I mean, look at Elon Must.
I mean to call it delusion, called whatever it is,
but whatever it is that's in his head and how
he's able to see things. Yeah, ten fifteen twenty only
like and almost speaking into existence right, Like you know,
people talk about manifesting, but there's also something about just
(29:48):
like putting them blinders on and even though you think
I'm crazy, I'm gonna show you that I'm not right,
and it's you'll look up three years, five years later,
and now people are using the Internet from side of
lights in remote areas.
Speaker 3 (30:01):
Now people are driving autonomous cars and vehicles. It is
amazing to watch. I do want only because we've said
this name so many times, being rich and Richard ludnnis
who I know that there's been a lot of negative
things said in the news recently, which really pisses me off.
Speaker 1 (30:20):
Quite frankly.
Speaker 3 (30:21):
We talk about what it means to create something for yourself,
but then throw that ladder back down and ensure that
other people can make it to where you're at. I
think he embodies that and realizing that like, I don't
know many black led businesses that are probably worth one
hundred million dollars or more that he hasn't either directly helped,
directly invested in, or has been supportive of. And you know,
(30:44):
to take an essence and then and bring that back
black owned invest in your business, invest in our business,
you have an exit. He has an exit that trickles
down to now you're an investor in us and so
many others like be from Honeypot and the guys from Squad,
Like he's supported all of us. And this narrative that
you know, because of his African lineage and descent, that
(31:08):
there's no relationship with black culture, like we are African
Americans who have directly benefited from his support. And I
just want to make sure that that narrative gets nipped
in the butt because it's insane.
Speaker 1 (31:21):
On the flip side of that, it's like he is
giving you the blueprint, and you're giving us a further
blueprint of what it looks like to continue to be
supportive as we as we go along our journey.
Speaker 3 (31:32):
So one day when our cong are, our day comes
and we have an exit, because that is the goal.
Speaker 1 (31:38):
You know, we're able to continue to pass that torch.
Speaker 3 (31:42):
And I just think that that's so important, being someone
who's gotten, who's seen scrutiny amongst others in this community.
Like can you tell us, like how that how that
feels right? Because it is like the culture can turn
your back.
Speaker 1 (32:01):
Yeah, in the flesh when you think about it, especially
when you operate with the intentions to serve, to truly
wanting to help and wanting to help to see all win, right,
because when one win the ideas, we all win. And
when I see it, it taps into the blessing of
(32:24):
exposure because I can't be what I don't see. And
so now when I'm able to see things like of
a rich Lou Dennis, I'm grateful to God for rich
Lou and what he's done because now it allows me
to see the things that are possible that I did
not think were many years ago. And so when you
work so hard to create things that aren't normalized in
(32:46):
our communities, right, I grew up in a single parent
household my father and watched him struggling, and he grew
up struggling. And it's and that cycle is so common
in our communities, and it's the idea to where we
don't have to continue to struggle as black people financially, physically, emotional.
(33:07):
We don't have to, but we choose to. We choose
to want to create these negative narratives and these negative
bandwagons for me to jump on. And but what are
you doing? Because if here's the thing, if God before me,
what can be against me? So in the flesh it hurts,
but what it did for me, it strengthened me. It
(33:29):
gave me more resilience. It encouraged me to go that
much harder. Because here's what I begin to understand. Those
that came to harm me were only hurting themselves. And
I understand that hurt people, hurt people. I refuse to
allow them to hurt me because if God has blessed me,
has put me in position to help put them in position.
(33:51):
And if they choose to not want to get in
a better position, that is the life that they choose.
But I am encouraged that they're someone that is seeking
to get to a higher place in their lives. And
if I'm able to do what Rich did for us
and all of us, and and we're able to normalize that,
(34:13):
that's wealth, right, that is that is transferable wealth because
what we call it is this cut cut. God has
given us the blessing the ideas to create, to create,
to innovate, right, and then once we understand that we
and we believe in it. I believe I have faith
in what God has given me, the idea to create.
(34:35):
Now it's he said, well, faith with our works is dead.
So now I'm gonna I'm gonna work. I'm gonna unlock
this creativity. I'm gonna lock it. I'm gonna I'm gonna
grow it, blood, sweat, and tears and whatever that is
and alone the way success comes and scrutiny comes. But
I'm gonna remain steadfast and resilience, right because I understand
on the other side of this journey becomes my victory
(34:57):
that will impact nations. And so no, now, once you
accomplish that, whatever those goals are, now what the blessing
to transfer, it becomes transferable cut cut. So now I'm
transferring to Rodney and Travis and many others and so
on and so forth. Because the things that we that's legacy.
That's legacy because when it's all said and done, what
(35:20):
have you really done? Yeah, it's so crazy, because what
you're really what you're really talking about at the end
of the day, is like you just articulated a journey,
and most people stop when it gets at the scrutiny.
They stop when it gets hard, they scott when they
are card delusional that they stop when they stop too soon,
(35:41):
cut them, they cut the sealing off too soon. We
as people have to push through that part. Yeah, we
gotta support each other, hold onto each other.
Speaker 2 (35:51):
But that's the part that I that I see so
many entrepreneurs fall short or get discouraged to push through,
Like this is the moment, this is.
Speaker 1 (36:00):
The moment you was almost waiting for. Yeah, one hundred percent.
Speaker 3 (36:04):
What was that feeling like when that deal got done
and you know, you know, you'll never have to think about.
Speaker 1 (36:12):
It so well, even even prior to like their parking
and gamble. But if I go back a year and
a half prior to that, when we hit the market
post our you know, investment with rich new voices, and
then we scaled and then we had you.
Speaker 3 (36:28):
Know, is it the moment Yeah, yeah, the kitchen of
riches in LA because that deal had just happened.
Speaker 1 (36:35):
Yeah, yes, And I ain't never seen the smile so big.
Speaker 4 (36:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (36:37):
Yeah, So that was yeah, yeah, so you're right, you're right, Yeah,
you're right. And so so that was post that announcement.
And so when we here's the thing, we understood that
many private equity firms did not believe black entrepreneurs could
(37:00):
scale profitable businesses, right, And so being that we were
doing that post our assistance with Richard New Voices, we
made the decision to talk to well over sixty five
private equitive firms. It was tursome, it was gruesome, but
we did it, and we did it unapologetically, and we
(37:23):
did it because we wanted them to see us. And
so because quite frankly, at that time, we did not
need them, right. What we needed was their access, their expertise,
not their money, right, and so and we needed them
to be able to help us to further the scale
of the business. And so we spoke to our sixty
(37:45):
five firms, we narrowed down to the top three and
then we obviously ended up partnering with Berkshire Partners based
out of Boston, and which was a historical nine figure
plus none controlling all second day every deal. And what
does that mean? That means here's a black owned business
that secured a nine figure non controlling which means we
(38:09):
maintained majority ownership at that time, which means and then
the secondary what is that? What secondary is that every
single dollar went to us personally, nothing went to the
business because, as I mentioned, the business did not need capital.
So why would they do that? Because they trusted us,
they believed in the vision, they sawhow we operated. They
(38:30):
were able to trust the financials right moment and morning
tine knew what they were doing. And so for them,
it's how can we go along for the ride because
we see a quick path to exit. And so a
year and a half later post that deal, obviously, and
even prior to that, you talk about the filling. I
(38:51):
called Rich right away and I was in tears. I
can't tell you, man, I was in tears. Man, it
was just it was a it was a proud moment.
And I called him first. I didn't I'm like, I'm
not going to car ridge a car Rich, And we
just rejoiced man for like half hour on the phone
and just just like reflecting and all that we went through.
And he reminded me of when we were in that
(39:14):
tough spot two and a half three million, a hole
and think about if you didn't raise your hand. And
for me, it's like this is what we struggled with,
and so many of us, as black men in particular,
we leave this life with like we leave this life
of so much left behind because we kept doing it
(39:36):
our way, the ego, the pride. You see what I'm saying.
And it's like when I learned to reject myself and
just be vulnerable, be honest, right, And it was a
simple and it's a simple things in its life that
we continue to make so difficult as black men, as entrepreneurs.
So that moment was extremely mad, it was humbling, it
was a proud moment, and we celebrated. And in that moment,
(39:58):
you know the idea to like Monique and I I'll
share what you all. We set our parents down and
it was a proud moment to sure this. They didn't
know what's going on, Like we literally we we brought
them over to the house and we're like, it's an emergency.
You got to get here right away. You got to
get here, man. And I had opened up one of
my fire I think I had a bottle streaming eagle.
(40:19):
It's been sitting there waiting. They had a screaming egle
bottle and I'm like, open it up. I'm like, just
have a glass. My dad and I just had. They
were nerves in the kitchen, like what is going on? Like,
you know, are you guys hearing the divorce? What's going on?
What happened? And my dad he's pacing, he's pacing, he's just,
oh my god. And I told him, I said, I
need you to drink this glass. I said, keep drinking.
(40:39):
He going for it because he nervous then, and I
said that sitting down look at me, I said, you know,
I said, Dad, look at me. And my wife's mamas
are lethal. I need both of you all look at me.
And I said, listen to me. Bible says that your
latter years shall become your greater years, and I'm here
(41:00):
to confirm that financially. And I'm gonna say that financially,
but for the rest of your lives, you have no
financial worries. Financially. I can't speak to every putting inferences
on it because I understand, like, I know you come
from the struggle, and I know you liking with money.
(41:20):
But but I'm gonna be gonna bring grace Stewart's but
here's what we've been blessed with at this stage of
our business and are as a result of that and
arnoring you all, we will bless you for the rest
of your lives financially. That was the greatest feeling that's
I could ever and my dad fell to his knees,
(41:41):
got the praying, speaking and tongue everything. But it was
a powerful moment because my dad Monique's mom it felt
so unbelievable. Even to this day, it's like, son, it's
I had to always Dad, stop saying unbelievable because your
son never thought that way. I don't think that way,
(42:03):
but I understand. It's like coming from the projects, you know,
you this isn't really but how that moment was just
I mean, that moment, man, was everything. That's incredible.
Speaker 3 (42:14):
So now now that you bought the Watchers, you bought
the cars, you bought the homes, what's most important to you?
Speaker 1 (42:21):
Now? You know what's most important, Travis, is the legacy
we create that's geared around wisdom. Because for me, at
this point in my life, I have no interest in
conversation or my doings if it is not geared around
(42:42):
wealth creation. Thereof and so it's it's the idea of
where I know both our children and they're sponges and
they see mommy and daddy, and so for us, it's
the idea of continuing to be great parents and preparing
our children and to be great stewards of wealth when
(43:02):
they are inheriting at some point, but more importantly, that
they could do it their way and on their terms,
and that they don't have to struggle like their parents
or grandparents did. Right. They have that start like many
have had, and the idea to where they will be
able to impact generations to come and you keep that
(43:23):
cycle going. So for us, it's it's it's that and honestly, man,
just continuing to grow our relationship with God, right because
we understand we're still young. I'm forty three and we
have a long life to live, and I just want
to live a life with just you know, great health,
just a sound, clear mind, and the material things you
(43:44):
know are wonderful and great money is great, but money
is a tool, and for us it's wealth and its wisdom, man,
because I've always understood this. You can create and build wealth,
but if that wealth is not tied to purpose, it's
just paper, right, And so for us the idea to
where we're continuing to grow in that space and learning
(44:06):
that space and continue to be students of this life
so that we're great stewards and that's really that awesome.
Speaker 3 (44:14):
Before we get out of here, I wanted to give
you a chance to talk a little bit about the
bus Code, right, So a faith based podcast that you started,
just wanted to give you an opportunity to talk about
where that came from and where.
Speaker 1 (44:25):
People can find it. And in division for the studios
absolutely well. So obviously with the Blessed Code, it was
a seamless integration idea I had coming from beauty and
so when I created Stay Blessed Studios, the idea was
to where I wanted to create a male grooming space
(44:47):
that I felt that was missing in our communities in
terms of affordable luxury and experience in an environment to
where when you come in there, you're proud, you're appreciative,
you're grateful. Then the conversations that I have my barbers
have intentionally with their clients to where it's life, it's
(45:08):
not gossip, it's purposeful, and it's the idea to where
every man that leaves this shop will not leave the
same because when they understand it's founding, the story behind it,
its significance and the investment that has been put in
here for us, the idea that you would do that
for yourself and others. Then also too, I've created to
(45:29):
where I'm allowing black businesses to advertise in our shop.
So I have all these nice monitors throughout the shop.
Even in the restroom has a nice large TV mirror
to where you'll sign up on our site and you
can run ads in the shop. And the idea is
is listen, the Bible says you build it, they shall come,
And so I've created something that they extraordinary in terms
(45:49):
of luxury. You never know who may step foot and
see this offering in Stay Blest Studios. So that's the idea.
And then from there I wanted to add more because
I felt there was a gap within black men because
I was living in that gap in terms of ego
and pride and all the weight, carrying all the weight
(46:10):
on my shoulders as a black man, I you know,
just going back from what we dealt with for our
son and being two going to half three million a
hole and I'm carrying this weight as a black man,
and I'm figuring in all those things, right, it's a
weight that we carry that we don't have to carry.
And I begin to understand that, and I also begin
to realize a black man's vulnerability shall become a path
(46:32):
to his victory. A black man can't heal what he
don't reveal. And so the idea to create a space
to where we're gonna talk about it, We're gonna really
talk about it. And when they see us talk about it, wow,
that show touched them. Wow. Okay, so the Blessed code.
It's a blessing to think this way. And so there's
(46:53):
a cold that many of us don't live up under.
And so by these conversations, you got to de cold
greatness within black men, one conversation at a time and
full transparency. And so the black then the Blessed co
was born.
Speaker 3 (47:08):
Fantastic. I was blessed to be a part of it
season one. I was season one. So thank you for
that great conversation. And where can they find that out?
Speaker 1 (47:16):
So if you go on obviously YouTube, any any streaming
app spotify, you know the podcast of course, I mean
where every words, it's growing organically, It's been well received.
It's been touching many lives. In fact, Mark Barbera here
in Miami, Nelly, and it touched me to my core.
And he stated after he watched the episode with Lanny
(47:38):
Smith that after twenty three years, he picked up the
phone and called his father. Wow, after twenty three years,
and I said, that's why the Blessed cod was born,
because that's impact. That's incredible. And I told Landay that
was like, brother, you have no idea by you being
vulnerable and sharing what you had been through it to
(48:00):
someone else. And I guarantee you it's touch many that
may have me shared it and so you know, and
for me, I'm invested in it and in whatever comes
from it. But for me it's ichologists. How can I
continue to do my part as best I can? Yeah, well,
this has been an incredible conversation. I mean from cut,
(48:20):
it's cut.
Speaker 2 (48:21):
See you U T see you T create understanding, create
unlocked transfer. I say that to say the car to
action is that, yeah, cut create unlock transfer. It's been
an absolute pleasure, Melvine. Thank you so much. Thank you
again and again and again. It's a rap and this
(48:42):
is the wealth break. Thanks for listening.
Speaker 1 (48:49):
Everyone.
Speaker 2 (48:50):
The hosts of The Wealth Break are Me, Rodney Williams,
and Travis Holloway. If you want to stay connected, follow
us at the wealth Break on all plats, and be
sure to visit the wealthbreak dot com for additional resources
to help you on your journey to building wealth. Our
executive producers are Ryan Marx and Malik Soka, with Meredith
(49:12):
Barnes as our supervising producer.
Speaker 1 (49:15):
Catch you next time on the Wealth Break
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