The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Robert Fitzpatrick.
A Navy veteran, business consultant, fraternity brother (ΩΨΦ), and now the owner reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue legacy. The conversation dives deeply into Fitzpatrick’s upbringing, his father’s groundbreaking barbecue business in 1950s Texas, his educational and military journey, his corporate career, and his decision to launch Dewey’s Barbecue Market in Skokie, Illinois—honoring his father’s original recipes and values.
The interview blends entrepreneurship, legacy, cultural history, and personal transformation, while highlighting the courage of Fitzpatrick’s father and the humility and faith-driven foundation of his family.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Inspire entrepreneurship and legacy-building
Fitzpatrick’s story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.
2. Highlight resilience, faith, and leadership
His upbringing in a household rooted in Christian humility, strong expectations, and boundary-breaking courage provides a blueprint for character-driven success.
3. Educate listeners on transitioning careers
Fitzpatrick exemplifies pivoting from engineering and corporate consulting to pursuing passion-driven entrepreneurship.
4. Promote Dewey’s Barbecue Market
The interview introduces the Chicago-area community—especially the Skokie region—to his upcoming restaurant built on a 70-year-old Texas barbecue tradition.
Key Takeaways 1. A powerful family legacy rooted in courage
Fitzpatrick’s father, Dewey, opened a barbecue restaurant in 1951—before desegregation—and insisted that Blacks and whites could eat together.
He enforced respect and safety in his establishment, even confronting racist patrons.
2. Education was non-negotiable in the Fitzpatrick household
Robert is the youngest of seven siblings, all college graduates; five hold master’s degrees.
He himself holds an MBA and an MS in Management Information Systems.
3. A bridge between technology and business
Fitzpatrick spent decades in consulting with major firms (EDS, Dell, Arthur Andersen, KPMG) focusing on business process improvement.
His dual MS/MBA made him a translator between tech and finance.
4. Military discipline shaped his personal and professional life
Served in the U.S. Navy from 1986–1990, plus reserve duty (including deployment to Iraq).
Balanced military service with graduate studies and advancing his corporate career.
5. A calling to revive his father’s barbecue
His wife recognized his talent early, telling him for years he should be barbecuing.
A shortage of good Texas barbecue in Virginia pushed him to recreate his father’s recipes.
6. Skokie, Illinois: the ideal launchpad
After moving to the Great Lakes Naval Base area for a federal role, Fitzpatrick began scouting locations.
Skokie offered: active support from city leadership
grants
an ideal building
community enthusiasm

7. Dewey’s Barbecue Market offerings
Meats: brisket, sausage, hot links, smoked boudin (monthly special)
Sides: potato salad (egg/mayo base), pineapple vinegar coleslaw, fried okra, smoked pinto beans
Desserts: apple cobbler, blueberry cobbler, sweet potato pie, possibly fried pies
Bread: sliced “light bread” for dipping—traditional Texas style
Experience: dine-in with 60s–80s “feel-good” music
8. A commitment to doing things the right way
Fitzpatrick refuses to launch unless he can deliver “the best product on the planet.”
Focuses on simplicity, authenticity, and quality.
Notable Quotes About his father and legacy
“He said anybody who wants to eat here can eat here.”
(His father defying segregation laws in the 1950s.)

“I can call an undertaker or an ambulance. Which one do you prefer?”
(Dewey enforcing respect from a belligerent white customer.)

“That was my barbecue.”
(On being raised around his father’s legendary pit.)

About family and humility
“We are firmly rooted in Christ. If you try to get too big, He has a way of humbling you.”

“Seven kids, all with degrees… that’s normal to you. But we know that’s not normal.”
(McDonald highlighting the family’s extraordinary achievement.)

About his calling
“If I didn’t think I was bringing the best product on the planet, I wouldn’t even do it.”

“My wife tasted the barbecue and said, ‘This is what you need to be doing.’”

About launching in Skokie
“They really want me to be there… the economic development team didn’t treat it like just another restaurant.”
Short 3–5 Sentence Summary (For Quick Use)
In his interview with Rushion McDonald, Robert Fitzpatrick shares his journey from Navy veteran and Fortune 500 consultant to entrepreneur reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue. He describes growing up with a courageous father who defied segregation in 1951 by serving Black and white customers together, and a family culture steeped in education, discipline, and humility. Fitzpatrick’s passion for barbecue and encouragement from his wife led him to bring his father’s 70-year-old recipes to Skokie, Illinois through Dewey’s Barbecue Market. The interview emphasizes legacy, faith, courage, and the pursuit of purpose.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
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CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
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Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Booker T. Washington.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To spotlight Booker T. Washington’s innovative work in real estate development—specifically his creation of micro home communities in Atlanta—and to inspire underserved communities to pursue homeownership as a path to wealth, stability, and empowerment.
🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Vision Behind Teche Homes
Teche Homes builds micro home communities (not tiny homes) ranging from 400–1000 sq ft.
Focused on affordable, accessible homeownership in urban areas, especially for Black communities.
Projects aim to revitalize blighted neighborhoods and promote reverse gentrification.
2. Flagship Projects
South Park Cottages: 29 homes on 2.8 acres in College Park, GA. Sold out before construction.
Union Park Cottages: 26 homes + coffee shop in Union City, GA. First mixed-use micro home community in the U.S.
Upcoming: The Park at Brawley in partnership with Killer Mike and Shay Render.
3. Affordability & Impact
Average home price: $180K–$220K.
Average buyer: 40 years old, $80K+ income.
Mortgage: ~$1,800/month—comparable to rent in metro areas.
Emphasis on ownership over renting to build generational wealth.
4. Community Features
Full-size appliances, smart home tech (e.g., palm readers, motion lights).
Shared amenities: gardens, grills, walking paths.
No garages—shared parking to maximize land use.
5. Social Mission
Tackles systemic issues: housing inequality, food deserts, underfunded schools.
Generates tax revenue to support local services (e.g., teachers, police).
Promotes “pride of ownership” and community uplift.
6. National Raffle
$250 entry for a chance to win a fully furnished $250K home.
Proceeds support down payment assistance and homeownership education.
Winner announced Christmas Eve.
💬 Notable Quotes
“You’re not locked out. You’ve just been stifled with a vision of home availability that you don’t know you can get.”
“We call it reverse gentrification.”
“You can’t allow your dreams to just sit inside of you… they’re God dreams.”
“We took a $150K piece of dirt and turned it into $6.3M of real estate value.”
“Faith without works is dead. And we do a lot of non-work in some of these Black communities.”
“You’ve given away $240,000 in rent by age 37. That’s your down payment.”
🔗 Call to Action
Website: techie-homes.com
Instagram: @techiehomes | @mrbookert
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Yahya Muhammad.
Topic: Entrepreneurship, legacy, and community impact through his ice cream business, Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream
Yahya Muhammad shares his journey from tasting unforgettable homemade ice cream as a child to founding one of Chicago’s most beloved ice cream brands. His story is one of perseverance, cultural pride, and community service, rooted in faith and inspired by family and fraternity.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
Highlight Yahya’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Inspire small business owners and creatives to pursue their passions despite obstacles.
Showcase the importance of community engagement and mentorship.
Celebrate Black excellence and cultural legacy through food and service.
🔑 Key Takeaways 🍨 The Origin Story
Inspired by a woman selling homemade ice cream in Avalon Park, Chicago.
Spent six years perfecting his own recipe.
First flavor: Honey Cinnamon Graham Cracker
“I had no idea it would take about six years to learn how to make it.”
🎓 Education & Influence
Holds a Master’s in Sociology from Western Illinois University.
Influenced by teachings of Elijah Muhammad and Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, which instilled discipline and perseverance.
“I learned principles… immutable principles that I’ve been striving to apply.”
🚗 From Trunk to Storefront
Started selling ice cream out of the trunk of his car in 1996.
Grew from renting a room in a beauty salon to multiple storefronts.
Now operates in Bronzeville, a historic Chicago neighborhood.
“I didn’t even have a business license… I just believed.”
🏆 Signature Flavors
Known for nostalgic, Southern-inspired flavors: Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Vanilla
Banana Pudding
Georgia Peach Cobbler
Bourbon Butter Pecan
Southern Black Walnut

“Our goal is to take you right back down memory lane.”
💡 Business Philosophy
Focuses on customer experience over product.
Staff are trained as helpers, not just workers.
Emphasizes service, quality, and pricing — but prioritizes service.
“The food is not the number one thing. The number one thing is the service.”
🌍 Community Impact
Grew up in an underserved area of Chicago.
Hires from the community and mentors youth.
Dedicated the business to his late sister, Shawn Michelle, who inspired his culinary journey.
“I want to be a part of that inspiration… to give the baton to the next generation.”
📈 Expansion Plans
Looking to expand to Atlanta, calling it “the Mecca.”
Envisions taking the brand nationwide while maintaining its cultural and community roots.
“The future of Shawn Michelle’s is to be national.”
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Faith over fear — I believed, I committed, I accepted the challenge.”
“You have to see something different to be something different.”
“I don’t have workers. I have helpers.”
“I want to be a part of that that helps give them a new idea.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tremayne Thompson
Summary of Tremayne Thompson's Interview with Rushion McDonald
Thompson discussed his entrepreneurial journey from concert promotion in Chicago to establishing a thriving venue in Birmingham, Alabama, and later expanding into the Atlanta market. Throughout the conversation, he emphasized faith, service, community engagement, resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of mentorship in business.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview was intended to:
Share the entrepreneurial journey behind The Perfect Note.
Highlight the importance of community-driven business practices.
Discuss how entertainment, food, and culture can create meaningful experiences.
Provide lessons on business ownership, leadership, and perseverance.
Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams while remaining committed to service and excellence.
Key Takeaways 1. Build Around Service, Not Profit
One of Thompson's strongest messages was that his business was never built solely to make money. Instead, it was created to serve people, provide memorable experiences, and create a place where adults could enjoy music, food, and fellowship.
2. Faith Guided the Business Journey
Thompson repeatedly credited faith and spiritual guidance for helping him and his wife navigate challenges, including economic uncertainty, growth decisions, and the pandemic.
3. Start Small and Do the Work
The Perfect Note began with humble roots. Thompson and his wife personally set up tables and chairs, decorated venues, handled operations, and tore everything down after events. Their success came from hands-on commitment and consistency.
4. Adaptability Creates Survival
During COVID-19, when many businesses struggled to remain open, Thompson and his wife pivoted quickly. They transformed their operation into a parking lot food service model, maintaining customer relationships and supporting employees during a difficult time.
5. Community Support Drives Long-Term Success
By serving the community during challenging periods, The Perfect Note earned lasting goodwill. Thompson believes that businesses that genuinely support people often receive that support back many times over.
6. Mentorship Is Essential
Thompson advised aspiring entrepreneurs to seek guidance from people who have already navigated the challenges of business ownership. Learning from experienced mentors can help avoid costly mistakes and accelerate growth.
7. Create Experiences, Not Transactions
The Perfect Note's success comes from providing more than food or music. It offers an environment where people connect, celebrate, build relationships, and create lasting memories.
8. Continuous Learning Matters
Before entering the restaurant business, Thompson intentionally worked at Waffle House to learn kitchen operations and food preparation. He stressed the importance of understanding every aspect of a business before investing in it.
Notable Quotes
"Our purpose is to be able to have grown folks something for them to continue to still do."
A reflection of The Perfect Note's mission to provide a quality entertainment experience for mature audiences.
"It wasn't motivated by making money. It was motivated by serving."
Perhaps the most powerful statement in the interview, highlighting the philosophy behind the business.
"When we knew how to serve, the money came."
A lesson that sustainable success often follows value creation and community impact.
"When this is over, how you've reached out to the community, they're going to reach back out to you."
His description of how community support helped the business survive and thrive after the pandemic.
"Always get a mentor, somebody who has been in it."
Advice to entrepreneurs about seeking guidance before and during business ownership.
"Information is free. I don't own it."
A statement reflecting his belief in sharing knowledge and helping others succeed.
"Go all in or go home."
His summary of the commitment required to build a successful business.
Bottom Line
Tremayne Thompson's interview is a powerful story of entrepreneurship, faith, perseverance, and community leadership. His journey demonstrates that long-term business success is built on service, relationships, adaptability, and a willingness to do whatever work is necessary to achieve a vision. Through The Perfect Note, Thompson and his wife have created more than a venue—they have built a cultural gathering place that brings people together through food, music, and meaningful experiences.
#STRAW #BEST #SHMS
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tracy Hudson.
A celebrity skincare expert:
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Educate listeners on proper skincare routines.
Debunk common skincare myths.
Highlight the importance of tailored skincare products.
Showcase Tracy Hudson’s expertise and influence in the skincare industry.
🧴 Key Takeaways 1. Skincare Myths Debunked
Myth: Warm water opens pores and cold water closes them. Truth: Pores are not muscles and do not open or close. Warm water is good for cleansing, but cold rinses are optional and not pore-closing.
Quote: “Pores are not muscles. They don’t open and close.”

2. Tailored Skincare Is Essential
Over-the-counter products are often ineffective due to lack of regulation and personalization.
Medical-grade products are more effective and not necessarily more expensive. Quote: “FDA does not regulate over-the-counter skincare products.”

3. Facials Have Real Benefits
Facials improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and have anti-aging effects.
Results vary based on the type of facial and consistency of care. Quote: “Facials are not just feel-good treatments—they’re anti-aging and deeply cleansing.”

4. Skincare for All Skin Types
Tracy works with clients with facial hair and customizes treatments accordingly. Quote: “Come in with your face the way you normally wear it.”

5. Natural Products: Use with Caution
Aloe vera and sea moss can be beneficial but may not deliver strong results for issues like hyperpigmentation. Quote: “Natural products are great, but they often fall short in delivering tangible changes.”

6. Holistic Wellness Approach
Tracy emphasizes self-care, fitness, and nutrition as part of skincare and overall wellness. Quote: “When you look good, you do good, you feel good.”

🌟 Notable Moments
Rushion McDonald humorously realizes he’s been misinformed about skincare for decades.
The interview ends with Rushion committing to better skincare and embracing terms like “exfoliation.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.