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

Drawing from his own experiences—including the rise and fall of his Houston-based comedy club—he shares hard-earned lessons about budgeting, hiring, planning, and the realities of entrepreneurship. The episode is both motivational and practical, offering real-world advice for aspiring and current business owners.

🧭 Key Points 🔑 Common Mistakes in Business

• Hiring friends, family, or underqualified people out of convenience or emotional ties.
• Starting a business without a budget or clear plan.
• Entering partnerships without knowing the other person’s work ethic or values.
• Ignoring logistics like parking, taxes, and insurance.

📉 Lessons from Failure

• Rushion’s comedy club was popular but unprofitable due to poor planning and lack of financial oversight.
• He learned that profitability requires structure, not just popularity or passion.

🧠 Mindset & Commitment

• Success requires time, discipline, and consistency.
• Entrepreneurs must be willing to sacrifice, show up early, and stay late.
• You can’t run a business on dreams alone—you need a plan.

🧰 Practical Advice

• Use resources like the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE for free guidance and mentorship.
• Set clear expectations with employees from day one.
• Don’t compromise your business by ignoring red flags during hiring.

💬 Notable Quotes

“You can’t open a business and then try to set the budget. Now you’re playing catch-up.”

“Don’t hire people just because they’re close to you. Hire people because they’re qualified.”

“You can’t run a business on dreams. You need a plan.”

“Do not hire inexperienced employees because they are cheaper.”

“If you don’t have time for your business, your business won’t have time for you.”

“I was making money, but I never saw any of it because I didn’t have a budget.”

“Only you can look in the mirror and make a decision that benefits your future.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

A natural-born entrepreneur and community leader.

🎙️ Guest Background: Michael Woodward

• Grew up in Liberty City, Miami, in a low-income housing project known as the "Poke and Bean" projects.
• Learned early business skills from his grandmother, who was the local "candy lady."
• Served briefly in the military as a way out of poverty.
• Became a teen father and took his son with him to college at Florida A&M University (FAMU).
• Known for his hospitality and work ethic during college—cooked for friends and maintained a welcoming home.

🏠 Entrepreneurial Journey

• Bought his first duplex at age 20, renovated it, and rented it out.
• Built a real estate portfolio while working as an educator.
• Founded Woodward Property Group, a full-service home improvement and property management company.
• Became one of Lowe’s top contractors through a combination of skill, networking, and mentorship.

📚 Educational Impact

• Worked as an assistant principal and educator for 20 years.
• Founded Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc.
• Took students on college tours, especially to HBCUs, to expose them to higher education opportunities.
• Ran STEM programs and mentoring initiatives with a 99.9% college placement rate.

💡 Life Lessons & Advice

• Emphasizes financial literacy: avoid unnecessary spending (e.g., new cars every year).
• Advocates for education as a path to wealth.
• Believes in the village mentality—community support and shared success.
• Encourages young people to choose between college, military, or trade school.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.