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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight Keanna Sanders’ entrepreneurial journey from fashion merchandising to founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center, a network of childcare facilities in Maryland. The interview explores her motivations, challenges, and vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education.

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Inspiration & Passion for Children

• Keanna’s love for children began at age 13, helping her grandmother care for infants and toddlers.
• Quote:

“I was always around children… babysitting cousins, neighbors, and helping my grandmother with single moms’ kids.”

2. Education & Certifications

• Studied Fashion Merchandising at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Fashion Institute of Technology.
• Earned childcare certifications (e.g., 45-hour and 90-hour credentials) to qualify as a teacher in Maryland.
• Quote:

“I went and got my certifications in childcare so I could make a little extra money.”

3. Entrepreneurial Drive

• Keanna always knew she wanted to be her own boss, even before understanding what entrepreneurship meant.
• Quote:

“I didn’t want to work a 9 to 5. I wanted to travel and make my own schedule.”

4. Serial Entrepreneurship

• Owned a car dealership called Trendy Motors before launching Sandbridge.
• Used profits from car sales and a bank loan to fund her childcare business.
• Quote:

“I sold my first car and said, ‘I’m going to start a car business.’ That success helped me launch Sandbridge.”

5. Founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center

• The name “Sandbridge” combines her last name (Sanders) with the concept of “bridging the gap” between parents and children.
• Quote:

“Sandbridge means bridging the gap between parents and kids.”

6. Curriculum & Learning Philosophy

• Uses Frog Street Curriculum for infants to age 5.
• Employs certified public school teachers through grants to prepare children for elementary school.
• Quote:

“We want children to be ready for school. We teach through themes, tummy time, reading, and physical activities.”

7. Family Engagement & Community Impact

• Hosts family nights, festivals, and educational field trips.
• Offers financial support, discounts, and free meals to families in need.
• Quote:

“We go above and beyond… sometimes I waive fees or help with scholarship applications.”

8. Franchise Vision & Branding

• Plans to franchise Sandbridge nationally with consistent branding across locations.
• Quote:

“I want every Sandbridge to look the same—like Chick-fil-A or Walgreens.”

9. Overcoming Bias & Embracing Identity

• Initially hid her ownership due to fear of bias but later embraced her identity and impact.
• Quote:

“You didn’t work this hard not to be recognized. People deserve to know who you are.”

10. Faith, Risk-Taking & Advice

• Attributes her success to faith, persistence, and taking risks.
• Quote:

“Out of ten no’s, you’ll get one yes. Be consistent, be persistent, and lean on God.”

📍 Current Status

• Operates six locations in Maryland: three full sites and three before/after care programs.
• Serves nearly 400 children.
• Actively working on franchising the business.

#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 Keanna Sanders.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight Keanna Sanders’ entrepreneurial journey from fashion merchandising to founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center, a network of childcare facilities in Maryland. The interview explores her motivations, challenges, and vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education.

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Inspiration & Passion for Children

• Keanna’s love for children began at age 13, helping her grandmother care for infants and toddlers.
• Quote:

“I was always around children… babysitting cousins, neighbors, and helping my grandmother with single moms’ kids.”

2. Education & Certifications

• Studied Fashion Merchandising at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Fashion Institute of Technology.
• Earned childcare certifications (e.g., 45-hour and 90-hour credentials) to qualify as a teacher in Maryland.
• Quote:

“I went and got my certifications in childcare so I could make a little extra money.”

3. Entrepreneurial Drive

• Keanna always knew she wanted to be her own boss, even before understanding what entrepreneurship meant.
• Quote:

“I didn’t want to work a 9 to 5. I wanted to travel and make my own schedule.”

4. Serial Entrepreneurship

• Owned a car dealership called Trendy Motors before launching Sandbridge.
• Used profits from car sales and a bank loan to fund her childcare business.
• Quote:

“I sold my first car and said, ‘I’m going to start a car business.’ That success helped me launch Sandbridge.”

5. Founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center

• The name “Sandbridge” combines her last name (Sanders) with the concept of “bridging the gap” between parents and children.
• Quote:

“Sandbridge means bridging the gap between parents and kids.”

6. Curriculum & Learning Philosophy

• Uses Frog Street Curriculum for infants to age 5.
• Employs certified public school teachers through grants to prepare children for elementary school.
• Quote:

“We want children to be ready for school. We teach through themes, tummy time, reading, and physical activities.”

7. Family Engagement & Community Impact

• Hosts family nights, festivals, and educational field trips.
• Offers financial support, discounts, and free meals to families in need.
• Quote:

“We go above and beyond… sometimes I waive fees or help with scholarship applications.”

8. Franchise Vision & Branding

• Plans to franchise Sandbridge nationally with consistent branding across locations.
• Quote:

“I want every Sandbridge to look the same—like Chick-fil-A or Walgreens.”

9. Overcoming Bias & Embracing Identity

• Initially hid her ownership due to fear of bias but later embraced her identity and impact.
• Quote:

“You didn’t work this hard not to be recognized. People deserve to know who you are.”

10. Faith, Risk-Taking & Advice

• Attributes her success to faith, persistence, and taking risks.
• Quote:

“Out of ten no’s, you’ll get one yes. Be consistent, be persistent, and lean on God.”

📍 Current Status

• Operates six locations in Maryland: three full sites and three before/after care programs.
• Serves nearly 400 children.
• Actively working on franchising the business.

#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 Gerron Duhon.

Purpose of the Interview

The conversation aimed to:

• Highlight the importance of financial literacy for young adults.
• Share Jerron Duhon’s personal journey from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Yale University and into holistic financial planning.
• Promote his book “The Purpose of Paper”, which focuses on building generational wealth and breaking harmful financial habits.

Key Takeaways

1. Personal Journey & Identity Shift

   • Jerron used football as a “meal ticket” to escape his hometown, but a concussion ended his athletic career, causing an identity crisis.
   • He pivoted toward financial education and wealth creation, emphasizing long-term planning.

2. Misconceptions About Wealth

   • Many young adults believe wealth comes quickly through gambling, sports betting, or flashy investments.
   • Social media fuels the desire to display wealth rather than build wealth, leading to poor financial decisions.

3. Financial Habits & Framework

   • Jerron introduced his AIMS framework:
     • Awareness: Know your current financial state.
     • Intention: Set clear goals and reverse-engineer steps.
     • Mindset Change: Focus on future self, not old habits.
     • Systems: Automate savings and investments to reduce reliance on willpower.

4. Faith and Finance Connection

   • Principles like self-control, patience, and hope—fruits of the spirit—are essential for financial discipline.
   • “Faith without works is dead” applies to money: belief must be paired with action.

5. Generational Wealth

   • Gerron stresses taking ownership of your financial future rather than leaving the burden to your children.
   • Investing should be strategic and long-term, not like playing the lottery.

6. Practical Advice

   • Start small but consistent (e.g., $150/month).
   • Use modern tools like Robinhood for stock investing.
   • Shift from being a consumer to an owner (invest in companies you use).

Notable Quotes

• “Football was my meal ticket… but I realized I didn’t dream far enough.”
• “We connect our financial decisions to display wealth instead of to build wealth.”
• “Faith without works is dead—just like in finances.”
• “Are you going to be the one that changes your generation, or will you leave that pressure on your children?”
• “Good advice is timeless.”

#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 Gerron Duhon.

Purpose of the Interview

The conversation aimed to:

• Highlight the importance of financial literacy for young adults.
• Share Jerron Duhon’s personal journey from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Yale University and into holistic financial planning.
• Promote his book “The Purpose of Paper”, which focuses on building generational wealth and breaking harmful financial habits.

Key Takeaways

1. Personal Journey & Identity Shift

   • Jerron used football as a “meal ticket” to escape his hometown, but a concussion ended his athletic career, causing an identity crisis.
   • He pivoted toward financial education and wealth creation, emphasizing long-term planning.

2. Misconceptions About Wealth

   • Many young adults believe wealth comes quickly through gambling, sports betting, or flashy investments.
   • Social media fuels the desire to display wealth rather than build wealth, leading to poor financial decisions.

3. Financial Habits & Framework

   • Jerron introduced his AIMS framework:
     • Awareness: Know your current financial state.
     • Intention: Set clear goals and reverse-engineer steps.
     • Mindset Change: Focus on future self, not old habits.
     • Systems: Automate savings and investments to reduce reliance on willpower.

4. Faith and Finance Connection

   • Principles like self-control, patience, and hope—fruits of the spirit—are essential for financial discipline.
   • “Faith without works is dead” applies to money: belief must be paired with action.

5. Generational Wealth

   • Gerron stresses taking ownership of your financial future rather than leaving the burden to your children.
   • Investing should be strategic and long-term, not like playing the lottery.

6. Practical Advice

   • Start small but consistent (e.g., $150/month).
   • Use modern tools like Robinhood for stock investing.
   • Shift from being a consumer to an owner (invest in companies you use).

Notable Quotes

• “Football was my meal ticket… but I realized I didn’t dream far enough.”
• “We connect our financial decisions to display wealth instead of to build wealth.”
• “Faith without works is dead—just like in finances.”
• “Are you going to be the one that changes your generation, or will you leave that pressure on your children?”
• “Good advice is timeless.”

#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 Gerron Duhon.

Purpose of the Interview

The conversation aimed to:

• Highlight the importance of financial literacy for young adults.
• Share Jerron Duhon’s personal journey from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Yale University and into holistic financial planning.
• Promote his book “The Purpose of Paper”, which focuses on building generational wealth and breaking harmful financial habits.

Key Takeaways

1. Personal Journey & Identity Shift

   • Jerron used football as a “meal ticket” to escape his hometown, but a concussion ended his athletic career, causing an identity crisis.
   • He pivoted toward financial education and wealth creation, emphasizing long-term planning.

2. Misconceptions About Wealth

   • Many young adults believe wealth comes quickly through gambling, sports betting, or flashy investments.
   • Social media fuels the desire to display wealth rather than build wealth, leading to poor financial decisions.

3. Financial Habits & Framework

   • Jerron introduced his AIMS framework:
     • Awareness: Know your current financial state.
     • Intention: Set clear goals and reverse-engineer steps.
     • Mindset Change: Focus on future self, not old habits.
     • Systems: Automate savings and investments to reduce reliance on willpower.

4. Faith and Finance Connection

   • Principles like self-control, patience, and hope—fruits of the spirit—are essential for financial discipline.
   • “Faith without works is dead” applies to money: belief must be paired with action.

5. Generational Wealth

   • Gerron stresses taking ownership of your financial future rather than leaving the burden to your children.
   • Investing should be strategic and long-term, not like playing the lottery.

6. Practical Advice

   • Start small but consistent (e.g., $150/month).
   • Use modern tools like Robinhood for stock investing.
   • Shift from being a consumer to an owner (invest in companies you use).

Notable Quotes

• “Football was my meal ticket… but I realized I didn’t dream far enough.”
• “We connect our financial decisions to display wealth instead of to build wealth.”
• “Faith without works is dead—just like in finances.”
• “Are you going to be the one that changes your generation, or will you leave that pressure on your children?”
• “Good advice is timeless.”

#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 Blayther Sabbat. 

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Showcase Blayther Sabbat’s mission through his nonprofit Pillars of Success, which empowers returning citizens and at-risk youth.
• Discuss strategies for reducing recidivism and creating pathways to success via mentorship, financial literacy, and career development.
• Inspire individuals and communities to take action toward social impact and economic empowerment.

Key Takeaways

1. Background and Motivation

   • First-generation Haitian-American from Washington, D.C.
   • Athletic background (DeMatha Catholic High School football) instilled discipline and leadership.
   • Personal experiences with family and community challenges inspired his commitment to mentorship and reentry programs.

2. Pillars of Success

   • A 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing wraparound services:
     • Mentorship
     • Financial literacy
     • Life and work skills
     • Career development and housing support
   • Focus on empowering returning citizens and at-risk youth to reintegrate successfully into society.

3. Challenges and Misconceptions

   • Common stigma: People assume returning citizens are “bad individuals.”
   • Reality: Many are in survival mode and lack resources, not character.
   • Success requires personal accountability and willingness to change.

4. Impact and Measurement

   • Success is defined as progress, even small steps like consistent routines or positive mindset.
   • Emphasis on action: “The difference between success and failure is taking action.”

5. Affordable Housing Advocacy

   • Sabbat worked at D.C. Housing Authority for 8 years, rising from clerical assistant to certified housing inspector.
   • Purchased property at age 26, faced conflict-of-interest issues, and resigned to pursue real estate and community impact full-time.

6. Career Development and Partnerships

   • Promotes trades (plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, IT) as sustainable career paths.
   • Partnerships with Google for digital literacy tools and scholarships.
   • Collaborates with local universities and organizations for training and job placement.

7. Financial Literacy

   • Learned through personal experience buying property on a $35K salary.
   • Advocates understanding credit, banking, and responsible money management.

8. Call to Action

   • Support through donations, mentorship, volunteering, and spreading awareness.
   • Website: www.pillarsofsuccess202.com

Notable Quotes

• On stigma:
  “People judge returning citizens as bad individuals without knowing their story. Many are just in survival mode.”

• On success:
  “Progress—any form of it—is success. The difference between success and failure is taking action.”

• On leadership:
  “We don’t succeed unless they succeed.”

• On financial literacy:
  “It’s not about how much you make—it’s about what you do with it.”

• On courage:
  “I walk by faith. Fearless. Failure and fear are the same—you learn from mistakes.”

#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 Blayther Sabbat. 

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Showcase Blayther Sabbat’s mission through his nonprofit Pillars of Success, which empowers returning citizens and at-risk youth.
• Discuss strategies for reducing recidivism and creating pathways to success via mentorship, financial literacy, and career development.
• Inspire individuals and communities to take action toward social impact and economic empowerment.

Key Takeaways

1. Background and Motivation

   • First-generation Haitian-American from Washington, D.C.
   • Athletic background (DeMatha Catholic High School football) instilled discipline and leadership.
   • Personal experiences with family and community challenges inspired his commitment to mentorship and reentry programs.

2. Pillars of Success

   • A 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing wraparound services:
     • Mentorship
     • Financial literacy
     • Life and work skills
     • Career development and housing support
   • Focus on empowering returning citizens and at-risk youth to reintegrate successfully into society.

3. Challenges and Misconceptions

   • Common stigma: People assume returning citizens are “bad individuals.”
   • Reality: Many are in survival mode and lack resources, not character.
   • Success requires personal accountability and willingness to change.

4. Impact and Measurement

   • Success is defined as progress, even small steps like consistent routines or positive mindset.
   • Emphasis on action: “The difference between success and failure is taking action.”

5. Affordable Housing Advocacy

   • Sabbat worked at D.C. Housing Authority for 8 years, rising from clerical assistant to certified housing inspector.
   • Purchased property at age 26, faced conflict-of-interest issues, and resigned to pursue real estate and community impact full-time.

6. Career Development and Partnerships

   • Promotes trades (plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, IT) as sustainable career paths.
   • Partnerships with Google for digital literacy tools and scholarships.
   • Collaborates with local universities and organizations for training and job placement.

7. Financial Literacy

   • Learned through personal experience buying property on a $35K salary.
   • Advocates understanding credit, banking, and responsible money management.

8. Call to Action

   • Support through donations, mentorship, volunteering, and spreading awareness.
   • Website: www.pillarsofsuccess202.com

Notable Quotes

• On stigma:
  “People judge returning citizens as bad individuals without knowing their story. Many are just in survival mode.”

• On success:
  “Progress—any form of it—is success. The difference between success and failure is taking action.”

• On leadership:
  “We don’t succeed unless they succeed.”

• On financial literacy:
  “It’s not about how much you make—it’s about what you do with it.”

• On courage:
  “I walk by faith. Fearless. Failure and fear are the same—you learn from mistakes.”

#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 Blayther Sabbat. 

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Showcase Blayther Sabbat’s mission through his nonprofit Pillars of Success, which empowers returning citizens and at-risk youth.
• Discuss strategies for reducing recidivism and creating pathways to success via mentorship, financial literacy, and career development.
• Inspire individuals and communities to take action toward social impact and economic empowerment.

Key Takeaways

1. Background and Motivation

   • First-generation Haitian-American from Washington, D.C.
   • Athletic background (DeMatha Catholic High School football) instilled discipline and leadership.
   • Personal experiences with family and community challenges inspired his commitment to mentorship and reentry programs.

2. Pillars of Success

   • A 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing wraparound services:
     • Mentorship
     • Financial literacy
     • Life and work skills
     • Career development and housing support
   • Focus on empowering returning citizens and at-risk youth to reintegrate successfully into society.

3. Challenges and Misconceptions

   • Common stigma: People assume returning citizens are “bad individuals.”
   • Reality: Many are in survival mode and lack resources, not character.
   • Success requires personal accountability and willingness to change.

4. Impact and Measurement

   • Success is defined as progress, even small steps like consistent routines or positive mindset.
   • Emphasis on action: “The difference between success and failure is taking action.”

5. Affordable Housing Advocacy

   • Sabbat worked at D.C. Housing Authority for 8 years, rising from clerical assistant to certified housing inspector.
   • Purchased property at age 26, faced conflict-of-interest issues, and resigned to pursue real estate and community impact full-time.

6. Career Development and Partnerships

   • Promotes trades (plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, IT) as sustainable career paths.
   • Partnerships with Google for digital literacy tools and scholarships.
   • Collaborates with local universities and organizations for training and job placement.

7. Financial Literacy

   • Learned through personal experience buying property on a $35K salary.
   • Advocates understanding credit, banking, and responsible money management.

8. Call to Action

   • Support through donations, mentorship, volunteering, and spreading awareness.
   • Website: www.pillarsofsuccess202.com

Notable Quotes

• On stigma:
  “People judge returning citizens as bad individuals without knowing their story. Many are just in survival mode.”

• On success:
  “Progress—any form of it—is success. The difference between success and failure is taking action.”

• On leadership:
  “We don’t succeed unless they succeed.”

• On financial literacy:
  “It’s not about how much you make—it’s about what you do with it.”

• On courage:
  “I walk by faith. Fearless. Failure and fear are the same—you learn from mistakes.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.