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July 1, 2025 • 53 mins

Episode 03 | Jack of All Trades: Increasing Your Value w/ David Ferguson | Dirty Roses Podcast

Get ready to elevate your mindset! Leigh LaRie and Nik B. welcome David Ferguson, Portland's living legend, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and owner of Joe Brown's Carmel Corn! In this inspiring episode, David shares invaluable insights on building multiple successful ventures, from real estate to music publishing, and what it truly means to be a "Jack of All Trades" who has has mastered them all.

Discover his unique journey of increasing personal value, the brutal truths of entrepreneurship, and how he navigates a demanding career while prioritizing self-care and finding balance. David also opens up about his philosophy on relationships, success, and the powerful lessons learned from failures and the Black community in Portland.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

  • [00:00:30] Welcome David Ferguson: The "Popcorn Papi" & Portland's living legend!
  • [00:02:40] Introducing David's empire: Ferguson Consulting & Publishing, Joe Brown's Carmel Corn, North Bar, Ferguson Realty, and Portland Kid Publishing.
  • [00:05:00] Real Estate as the foundation: His 21-year career and how he got started.
  • [00:09:00] What truly qualifies an entrepreneur: Foresight, discomfort, and risk-taking.
  • [00:13:30] Dissolving businesses & navigating the corporate vs. entrepreneur path.
  • [00:15:30] Building a trustworthy team: Vetting people and overlapping business/personal.
  • [00:19:00] Self-care as a mogul: Meditation, exercise, and the joy of chocolate gummy bears.
  • [00:21:00] Passion vs. Profit: Music as a passion, real estate as the financial driver.
  • [00:23:00] Understanding Music Publishing: The 300% ownership concept.
  • [00:27:00] Demanding respect: Overcoming underestimation as a seasoned professional.
  • [00:29:45] Work-Life-Family Balance: Sacrifices made & finding peace in purpose.
  • [00:35:00] Children as legacy & motivation: David's sons and their roles.
  • [00:37:00] Dating & relationships for successful men: Navigating sincerity vs. masked interest.
  • [00:40:00] The ideal partner: Someone who aligns with (or supports) his entrepreneurial lifestyle.
  • [00:46:00] Childhood examples: The power of "what not to do."
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