TBG – #47: Book Review | Company of One

Join us as we delve into the thought-provoking concepts presented in Paul Jarvis’ book, “Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business.” In this episode, we discuss how Jarvis challenges the traditional notion that business success is synonymous with growth, as he instead advocates for a model that prioritizes purpose and sustainability. We also explore ideas around being adaptable, aligning business practices with personal values, and the importance of defining success on our terms.

TBG – #46: Movie Review | Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul

Can a company be too big to fail? Join us as we unravel the Netflix’s docuseries, Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul. From skyrocketing success to the exclusive “Decacorn” club to a staggering fall from grace, we plunge into Juul’s history. Its splashy ad campaigns propelled its meteoric rise while controversies of underage usage led to its turbulent end. Experience the highs and lows of innovation, addiction battles, and corporate accountability, revealing a cautionary tales that’s left its mark on modern culture.

TBG – #45: Hip Hop 50 | FUBU

On the heels of #HipHop50, we take a nostalgic journey to comb through the cultural impact of FUBU. In this episode, we highlight how Daymond John, J. Alexander Martin, Keith Perrin, and Carlton Brown created a brand that transcended fashion to become a symbol of representation and empowerment within the hip-hop and entertainment community. Tune in as we discuss this iconic brand and business moves that helped ensure their success and legacy in the industry.

TBG – #44: Movie Review | Muscles & Mayhem – American Gladiators

During its seven year stint, the competition show American Gladiators changed the face of television, creating the path for popular hits like Wipe Out and The Floor is Lava. But the there’s more to the story than tight spandex and obstacle courses. In this episode, we dive into the makings of a show with a great concept, but poor execution. From strung out steroid fights to terrible work conditions, we explore how expensive a great idea can be when you don’t plan for the expected.

TBG – #43: Movie Review | The Pez Outlaw

Box-tops scandals, customs loopholes and black market deals sound like the true-crime story of a sleuthy bootlegger. In reality, it’s a tale of a midwestern man with a knack for reselling collectibles. In this episode, we discuss The Pez Outlaw, a documentary on an eccentric hustler who finds fortune in peddling liscensed Pez dispensers. From international disputes to cutthroat price wars, we review a true story that was anything but sweet.

TBG – #42: Book Review | Beating the Odds

Eddie Brown is the living definition of “slow by steady wins the race.” Rising from poverty to heading a capital management firm worth over $17 billion, Brown’s memoir, Beating the Odds, describes his path of taking calculated risks to achieve his goals. A stark contrast to today’s narrative of sensationalized entreprenuership, we discuss how Brown’s thoughtful approach to building his business is not only admirable, but realistic and repeatable.

TBG – #41: Interview | Abdul Karim Abdullah, Afrofuture

Founder of Afro Future, a cultural gathering uniting the African diaspora in Ghana, Abdullah is on a mission to spread the stories of local Africans beyond the continent. His bootstrapped efforts have landed him as a speaker at SXSW and featured in Forbes Africa. Listen as we discuss his cultural beginnings and the challenges faced when running an international business.
Learn more: https://www.afrofuture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/afrofuture/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/theruler02/?hl=en

TBG – #40: Interview | Mark Testa Returns

Money doesn’t disappear, it moves. In this episode, we reconnect with Mark Testa, owner of Mark Stephen agency, who followed the money and breathed new life into his experiential events company. Listen as he talks about pivoting in real-time, from allowing remote work around the country to embracing new technologies and staying on top of budding trends. The pandemic might have tried to kill events, but if Mark has anything to do with it, they’ll continue to thrive.

TBG – #39: Interview | Harlem Chocolate Factory Pt. 2

What do Oprah, Beyonce, and the CEO of Lowe’s have in common? They all had a hand in saving the Harlem Chocolate Factory. We continue our conversation with Jessica Spaulding, founder of the Harlem Chcocolate Factory, where she discusses the effects of the pandemic on her new store. Overcoming shipping disasters and finanical pitfalls with a positive community response, Spaulding bounces back from depths many small businesses never make it out of. With a firm belief that anyone can be an entrepreneur, Spaulding’s inspiring story exemplifies the goal of building a business that supports the life you desire.

Learn more: https://harlemchocolatefactory.com/

https://www.instagram.com/harlemchocolatefactory/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessofhcf/

TBG – #38: Interview | Harlem Chocolate Factory Pt. 1

Jessica Spaulding, a lifelong hustler and professional chocolatier understands the unexpected should be expected when starting your own business. Owner of the Harlem Chocolate Factory, Spaulding takes us on a journey of rebellion, luck, and overcoming obstacles. From entering business plan competitions to opening up a chocolate shop in the heart of Harlem, she details how she finessed her finances, swayed minds with chocolate bars, and took L’s with grace. 

Learn more: https://harlemchocolatefactory.com/

https://www.instagram.com/harlemchocolatefactory/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessofhcf/