In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III speaks with C. David Moody Jr., founder of C.D. Moody Construction, one of the largest African-American-owned construction companies in the United States. David shares his journey from being a reluctant entrepreneur to leading a firm that has built more than $3 billion worth of projects, including the Olympic Stadium in Atlanta, Disney World, and the Mercedes Benz facilities.

Throughout the conversation, David reflects on the challenges he faced early in his career, the lessons he learned about financial discipline, and the importance of building strong partnerships. He also discusses the role of innovation and technology in the construction industry, the need for mental health awareness among entrepreneurs, and his passion for giving back to the community through mentorship and education.

This is an inspiring story of resilience, leadership, and the power of dreaming bigger than you ever imagined.

Join host John Hale III for a powerful conversation with Byron L. Boston, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Dynex Capital, Inc, in episode 12 of the C2 Biz Growth podcast. In this illuminating discussion, Byron shares his remarkable journey from a segregated St. Louis to becoming a well-respected business leader with a deep background in U.S. real estate finance, asset management, and fixed-income capital markets.

Byron delves into his philosophy on leadership and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and being "coachable" - a concept he holds so dear that he says, "I want them to call me coach." As a financial professional with extensive experience at institutions like Credit Suisse First Boston, Lehman Brothers, and Freddie Mac, Byron understands the critical responsibility of managing investors' money. He explains how his strategic vision has focused Dynex Capital on generating passive income for shareholders and the importance of fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.

A pioneer in remote work since 2004, Byron highlights the necessity of adapting leadership styles for multiple generations and leveraging technology for a competitive edge. He offers candid reflections on common mistakes CEOs make, stressing the need for ego management, and shares insights on identifying and nurturing talent for long-term success. Beyond his corporate roles, Byron is deeply committed to giving back, serving on influential boards such as the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Salzburg Global Seminar. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a leader who has built two successful public companies and says, "I show up a very happy man."

Tune in to watch or listen to the full episode now!

Join your host John Hale III for an insightful conversation with Ronald Hall, President & CEO of Bridgewater Interiors, LLC. As the head of one of the country's largest Minority Business Enterprise certified firms, employing over 2,200 people across four US facilities, Ron brings a wealth of experience from the automotive interiors manufacturing sector. A West Point graduate, Persian Gulf War veteran, and former corporate lawyer, Ron's unique journey has shaped his approach to leadership and business.

In this episode, Ron shares candidly about his early life and the remarkable growth of Bridgewater Interiors, a company he inherited from his pioneering father. He delves into the complexities of the automotive industry, offering invaluable insights on leadership evolution, the profound impact on community, and the critical importance of nurturing a diverse workforce. The discussion also highlights the strategic significance of supplier diversity in attracting major OEMs and the ongoing challenges of funding growth in a highly competitive market. Ron explores how Bridgewater Interiors is leveraging technology and AI to enhance manufacturing, the power of taking calculated risks for both business expansion and community benefit, and his forward-thinking approach to succession planning for the future of the company.

Tune in to discover the principles driving success at the intersection of industry, community, and leadership.

Join your host John Hale III for an incredibly insightful and compelling conversation with Eric D. Collins, a true force in the worlds of entrepreneurship, investment, and technology. As a serial entrepreneur, seasoned investor, and co-founder of the groundbreaking Impact X Capital Partners, Eric brings a wealth of experience, not to mention being the host of Channel 4's award-winning business show, The Money Maker.

In this episode, Eric dives deep into the mission of Impact X Capital Partners – a UK VC fund that has already championed Europe's second Black unicorn, insurtech innovator Marshmallow, and invested in significant creative projects like the animated series IYANU, set to launch on HBO Max and Cartoon Network. He'll share his unique perspectives on the profound intersection of race and creativity and underscore the critical importance of investing in underserved communities as a powerful catalyst for socio-economic change.

Prepare to gain invaluable insights as Eric unpacks the intricate journey of a venture capitalist, revealing how Impact X champions a "double bottom line" approach, meticulously balancing robust financial returns with tangible social impact. Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the venture capital landscape, the strategic art of taking calculated risks, and why teamwork is the bedrock of all entrepreneurial success. Eric also offers a rare glimpse into the transformative experience of writing his acclaimed book, We Don't Need Permission: How Black Business Can Change Our World, a powerful call to action for investing in diverse talent. Finally, he shares Impact X's ambitious vision for the future, including their strategic global expansion and unwavering commitment to building a lasting legacy of transformative change in the investment space.

Don't miss this episode for a masterclass in impactful growth and visionary leadership.

Join your host John Hale III for an inspiring conversation with nationally recognized leadership and workplace wellness expert, April Lewis, President and CEO of the A. Lewis Academy. In this insightful episode of the C2 Biz Growth Podcast, April unpacks her powerful mantra, "Human first, Employee second," challenging leaders to prioritize well-being as a cornerstone of performance.

Named a "Top 10 Speaker to Follow in 2025" by MSN, April shares the core principles of her proven Workwell System, designed to transform workplace culture in just nine months by focusing on the mind, body, and business of employees. Discover how a holistic approach to employee wellness can combat burnout, foster reconnection, and help teams truly thrive. April also opens up about her courageous leap into entrepreneurship, driven by a profound calling, and discusses the vital role of mindfulness in navigating both workplace challenges and personal struggles.

This episode delves into the shared responsibility of wellbeing between employees and leaders, the importance of community and bold risks in business building, and how thoughtful application of AI can enhance operations. April emphasizes that deepening understanding and focus within your business is often more beneficial than simply scaling rapidly. Tune in for practical tools and powerful insights that leaders can implement right away to create a more vibrant and resilient workplace.

In this insightful eighth episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with Tracye C. Turner, President & Co-Founder of Revelo Software, LLC, and Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Optimal Solutions Group, LLC. Tracye brings 25 years of unparalleled experience in federal government contracting, IT, and small business entrepreneurship.

Discover how Tracye's early exposure to entrepreneurship shaped her remarkable career, leading Optimal Solutions Group to specialize in evidence-based policy decision-making and earn Inc. 500 recognition. You'll hear the compelling story behind the development of Revelo Software, an end-to-end low-code platform built to streamline critical decision-making, particularly in healthcare.

Tracye shares invaluable lessons learned from the challenges of scaling revenue and managing costs, emphasizing the crucial role of building strong bank relationships for funding. She delves into Revelo's funding journey, including navigating venture capital and seed funding. The conversation also explores cutting-edge topics like how generative AI has dramatically increased proposal efficiency for Optimal and the paramount importance of maintaining data security when integrating AI into operations.

This episode is packed with essential advice for C-suite executives, founders, and entrepreneurs, covering everything from ensuring your expertise aligns with proposals to investing in technology for competitive advantage. Tune in to learn how to drive sustainable growth and innovation in the complex world of government contracting and beyond.

In this illuminating seventh episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with the visionary Glenn Noble, founder of Proudly Give and Aspen Hill Partners Ltd. This is a must-listen for C-suite executives, founders, and entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of growth and funding.

Glenn dives deep into how recognition dramatically boosts customer loyalty and referrals, even exploring innovative avenues like gift cards as a new mechanism for engagement. We uncover practical strategies for acquiring capital under $10 million, with a keen focus on non-dilutive financing for established businesses. Glenn demystifies the world of mezzanine loan rates and capital structure, offering crucial insights into leveraging debt for expansion without sacrificing equity.

The conversation doesn't stop at funding; we also explore the critical dynamics of scaling businesses, drawing lessons from success stories of major brands. Plus, get Glenn's take on Fintech 2.0, highlighting the shift towards collaboration over competition as the key to future financial innovation.

Tune in to equip yourself with actionable strategies for smart capital acquisition, fostering unwavering customer loyalty, and sustainable business scaling.

Listen now to transform your approach to growth and funding.

Ready to uncover the strategies behind building a real estate empire from the ground up? Join host John Hale III on C2 Biz Growth for a compelling conversation with Ivan Barratt, Founder & CEO of The BAM Companies. A 25-year real estate veteran, Ivan has transformed a spare bedroom venture into a firm boasting over $1.73 Billion in transaction volume and nearly $500 million in equity raised since 2015.

In this insightful episode, Ivan shares the secrets to BAM's remarkable success, including:

• Cultivating a thriving family culture that blends fun with hard work.
• Nimble investment strategies in emerging Midwest markets to find hidden value.
• Expert advice on maximizing profits in property management and investment.
• His journey from bootstrapping success to acquiring over 9,000 units.
• The critical role of coaching and mentors in achieving entrepreneurial success.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn actionable advice on building a successful company culture, strategic investing, and scaling your business from an industry leader!