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

Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. Background & Journey

   • Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances.
   • His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship.

2. Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy

   • The term “bootstrap” symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
   • Mercer emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight—it requires grinding, planning, and faith.

3. Importance of a Business Plan

   • A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth.
   • Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning.

4. Cadence Ventures, Inc.

   • A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors.
   • Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral.

5. Government Contracting

   • Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business.
   • He stresses that while it’s complex and paperwork-heavy, it’s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
   • Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech’s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process.

6. Success Requires Sacrifice

   • Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice.
   • His book’s first chapter, “See the Glory, Don’t Know the Story,” encapsulates this message.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won’t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won’t do.” — Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Tim Mercer
• “You can only make as much as the customer that you have.” — Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts
• “See the glory, don’t know the story.” — Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://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 Tim Mercer.

Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. Background & Journey

   • Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances.
   • His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship.

2. Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy

   • The term “bootstrap” symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
   • Mercer emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight—it requires grinding, planning, and faith.

3. Importance of a Business Plan

   • A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth.
   • Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning.

4. Cadence Ventures, Inc.

   • A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors.
   • Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral.

5. Government Contracting

   • Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business.
   • He stresses that while it’s complex and paperwork-heavy, it’s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
   • Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech’s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process.

6. Success Requires Sacrifice

   • Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice.
   • His book’s first chapter, “See the Glory, Don’t Know the Story,” encapsulates this message.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won’t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won’t do.” — Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Tim Mercer
• “You can only make as much as the customer that you have.” — Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts
• “See the glory, don’t know the story.” — Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire

#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 Tim Mercer.

Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

1. Background & Journey

   • Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances.
   • His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship.

2. Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy

   • The term “bootstrap” symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
   • Mercer emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight—it requires grinding, planning, and faith.

3. Importance of a Business Plan

   • A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth.
   • Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning.

4. Cadence Ventures, Inc.

   • A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors.
   • Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral.

5. Government Contracting

   • Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business.
   • He stresses that while it’s complex and paperwork-heavy, it’s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
   • Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech’s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process.

6. Success Requires Sacrifice

   • Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice.
   • His book’s first chapter, “See the Glory, Don’t Know the Story,” encapsulates this message.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won’t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won’t do.” — Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown
• “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Tim Mercer
• “You can only make as much as the customer that you have.” — Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts
• “See the glory, don’t know the story.” — Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

A trailblazer in private aviation and author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You.

✈️ Key Topics Discussed 1. Stephanie Chung’s Career Journey

• Started as a baggage handler.
• Rose to become President of JetSuite and Chief Growth Officer at Wheels Up.
• One of the few African American women to lead in private aviation.

2. Understanding Private Aviation

• Private jets offer flexibility and convenience—you fly on your schedule.
• Access to 5,000+ airports vs. 500 for commercial airlines.
• Used not just by celebrities, but also high-net-worth individuals and for humanitarian missions.

3. Ally Leadership Philosophy

• Today’s workforce includes six generations, diverse ethnicities, genders, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Leadership must evolve to meet people where they are.
• The book emphasizes inclusive leadership beyond race and gender.

4. Leadership Lessons

• Importance of human connection and empathy.
• Knowing your team beyond their job titles—understanding their lives and motivations.
• Listening is as important as speaking.

5. Generational Differences in the Workplace

• Millennials and Gen Z value work-life balance and flexibility.
• Older generations often driven by fear of being replaced or missing opportunities.
• Leaders must bridge these gaps with understanding and adaptability.

6. The Role of Fear

• Fear can hinder growth, especially in older generations.
• Fear of technology, being replaced, or taking time off.
• Good leadership helps alleviate fear and fosters collaboration.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “You don’t have to be a celebrity to fly private. Most people who do, you’ve never heard of.”
• “Ally leadership is not just about race or gender—it’s about everyone.”
• “If it’s a problem with millennials, we raised them. Look in the mirror.”
• “The differentiator isn’t just your product—it’s the human connection.”
• “Decisions are made by people who look left, right, and forward—never behind. Stay in their line of sight.”

#BEST

#SHMS

Support the show: https://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 Stephanie Chung.

A trailblazer in private aviation and author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You.

✈️ Key Topics Discussed 1. Stephanie Chung’s Career Journey

• Started as a baggage handler.
• Rose to become President of JetSuite and Chief Growth Officer at Wheels Up.
• One of the few African American women to lead in private aviation.

2. Understanding Private Aviation

• Private jets offer flexibility and convenience—you fly on your schedule.
• Access to 5,000+ airports vs. 500 for commercial airlines.
• Used not just by celebrities, but also high-net-worth individuals and for humanitarian missions.

3. Ally Leadership Philosophy

• Today’s workforce includes six generations, diverse ethnicities, genders, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Leadership must evolve to meet people where they are.
• The book emphasizes inclusive leadership beyond race and gender.

4. Leadership Lessons

• Importance of human connection and empathy.
• Knowing your team beyond their job titles—understanding their lives and motivations.
• Listening is as important as speaking.

5. Generational Differences in the Workplace

• Millennials and Gen Z value work-life balance and flexibility.
• Older generations often driven by fear of being replaced or missing opportunities.
• Leaders must bridge these gaps with understanding and adaptability.

6. The Role of Fear

• Fear can hinder growth, especially in older generations.
• Fear of technology, being replaced, or taking time off.
• Good leadership helps alleviate fear and fosters collaboration.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “You don’t have to be a celebrity to fly private. Most people who do, you’ve never heard of.”
• “Ally leadership is not just about race or gender—it’s about everyone.”
• “If it’s a problem with millennials, we raised them. Look in the mirror.”
• “The differentiator isn’t just your product—it’s the human connection.”
• “Decisions are made by people who look left, right, and forward—never behind. Stay in their line of sight.”

#BEST

#SHMS

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 Tiffani Neal. 

Founder of Barlow’s Foods. Here's a detailed summary of the key themes and takeaways from this episode:

🥞 Guest Spotlight: Tiffany Neal, Founder of Barlow’s Foods 🚀 From Corporate Sales to Pancake Mix

• Tiffany transitioned from a corporate sales career to launching a food brand from her home kitchen.
• The idea sparked when friends raved about her homemade pancakes, prompting her to explore turning it into a business.

🧁 The Birth of Barlow’s

• Named after her grandfather, whose photo inspired the brand name.
• Started by testing pancake mix recipes and packaging them in ice cream pint containers for friends and family.
• Positive feedback (except from one friend!) encouraged her to refine the product and move forward.

🛒 Product Line & Expansion 🥞 Barlow’s 3-in-1 Mix

• One mix, three uses: pancakes, waffles, and biscuits.
• Vegan-friendly base—no dairy or animal byproducts.
• Just add milk, egg, and butter (or alternatives) to prepare.

🍯 Syrup Line

• Started with a homemade peach cobbler syrup that won the Flavor of Georgia 2023 Product of the Year.
• Now includes seven syrups, such as:
  • Peach Cobbler (flagship)
  • Strawberry Bourbon
  • Blueberry Lemon
  • Sweet Potato
  • Gingerbread
  • Maple (imported from Canada)
• Seasonal flavors rotate throughout the year.

🏪 Retail Growth & Strategy 🛍️ From Trunk Sales to Store Shelves

• Began selling out of her car and at local farmer’s markets.
• Entered contests to gain exposure—winning Flavor of Georgia led to a deal with Fresh Market.
• Now in 45+ Food Lion stores across Georgia and expanding.

📦 Packaging & Branding

• Designed to be bold and nostalgic, with a red label and illustrated pancake stack.
• Packaging is intentionally clear to help customers easily identify the product.

🧠 Business Insights & Advice 🛠️ Operations & Manufacturing

• Recently expanded to a larger production facility.
• Works with UGA and food scientists to ensure quality and compliance.
• Handles everything from production to in-store demos and staff training.

👥 Team Building

• Focuses on hiring people who are passionate about startups and flexible with evolving processes.
• Emphasizes the importance of documentation and clear expectations.

📈 Keys to Success

• “Do the work.” Tiffany credits her success to hard work, focus, and persistence.
• Believes in setting goals and taking consistent action to achieve them.

🌍 Vision for the Future

• Tiffany aims to make Barlow’s a global pantry staple and a legacy brand that evokes nostalgia and family tradition.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

Support the show: https://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 Tiffani Neal. 

Founder of Barlow’s Foods. Here's a detailed summary of the key themes and takeaways from this episode:

🥞 Guest Spotlight: Tiffany Neal, Founder of Barlow’s Foods 🚀 From Corporate Sales to Pancake Mix

• Tiffany transitioned from a corporate sales career to launching a food brand from her home kitchen.
• The idea sparked when friends raved about her homemade pancakes, prompting her to explore turning it into a business.

🧁 The Birth of Barlow’s

• Named after her grandfather, whose photo inspired the brand name.
• Started by testing pancake mix recipes and packaging them in ice cream pint containers for friends and family.
• Positive feedback (except from one friend!) encouraged her to refine the product and move forward.

🛒 Product Line & Expansion 🥞 Barlow’s 3-in-1 Mix

• One mix, three uses: pancakes, waffles, and biscuits.
• Vegan-friendly base—no dairy or animal byproducts.
• Just add milk, egg, and butter (or alternatives) to prepare.

🍯 Syrup Line

• Started with a homemade peach cobbler syrup that won the Flavor of Georgia 2023 Product of the Year.
• Now includes seven syrups, such as:
  • Peach Cobbler (flagship)
  • Strawberry Bourbon
  • Blueberry Lemon
  • Sweet Potato
  • Gingerbread
  • Maple (imported from Canada)
• Seasonal flavors rotate throughout the year.

🏪 Retail Growth & Strategy 🛍️ From Trunk Sales to Store Shelves

• Began selling out of her car and at local farmer’s markets.
• Entered contests to gain exposure—winning Flavor of Georgia led to a deal with Fresh Market.
• Now in 45+ Food Lion stores across Georgia and expanding.

📦 Packaging & Branding

• Designed to be bold and nostalgic, with a red label and illustrated pancake stack.
• Packaging is intentionally clear to help customers easily identify the product.

🧠 Business Insights & Advice 🛠️ Operations & Manufacturing

• Recently expanded to a larger production facility.
• Works with UGA and food scientists to ensure quality and compliance.
• Handles everything from production to in-store demos and staff training.

👥 Team Building

• Focuses on hiring people who are passionate about startups and flexible with evolving processes.
• Emphasizes the importance of documentation and clear expectations.

📈 Keys to Success

• “Do the work.” Tiffany credits her success to hard work, focus, and persistence.
• Believes in setting goals and taking consistent action to achieve them.

🌍 Vision for the Future

• Tiffany aims to make Barlow’s a global pantry staple and a legacy brand that evokes nostalgia and family tradition.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Friday, August 29th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open - Labor Day | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "Boogie Snitchin" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Labor Day Plans | Roscoe Wallace | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Can I Borrow Your Freezer?" | Strawberry Letter - "My Boss Wants To Whip Me" Parts 1-3 | Social Media Advice | Ready To Love Update From Tommy | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing Remarks

Support the show: https://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.